Lined with three extinct volcanic peaks on its north side, the lake area offers scenic vistas from nearly every point. There are 11 villages settled around the perimeter of the lake, and a visit to these prompts an eye-opening occasion to witness natural wonders and traditional people living and working as they have for centuries. On the downtown streets, there are also local street vendors selling souvenirs such as handcrafts and T-shirts, which are a good buy. A festival in honor of the town's patron saint, San Francisco de Asis, takes place the first seven days of each October, and is marked by traditional parades and dances, along with fireworks. There are also decks located high among the whispering treetops, where visitors can keep an eye out for the exotic birds of Guatemala, including the quetzal, the national bird.
Most visitors choose to hike to the beach or follow a trail that leads to a graceful waterfall.
Back near the park entrance are an herb garden and a coffee grove. Watch especially for the bright, blue morphos and the golden orange monarchs. Children will be intrigued by educational exhibits tracing the life cycle of butterflies, from eggs and caterpillars to cocoons to, finally, adult butterflies. The townspeople may seem remote to you, even if you're fluent in Spanish, as many of them speak Mayan languages and have only slight familiarity with the country's official language. A visit to this region is not complete without stopping by some of these secluded villages.