Lake Amatitlán
Lake Amatitlán, lake, south-central Guatemala, in the central highlands at 4,085 feet (1,248 metres) above sea level. The volcanic lake, 130 feet (40 metres) deep, is 7 miles (11 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide and has an area of about 6 square miles (15 square km). It is fed by the Villalobos River and drained by the Michatoya River. A popular tourist area, the lake and the town of Amatitlán, at the head of the Michatoya, lie just 16 miles (25 km) south-southwest of Guatemala City. Pacaya Volcano, which has been erupting continuously since 1965, is situated south of the lake.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Lake Amatitlán
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
26 February 2018
Access Date:
November 14, 2026