Lake Amatitlán, Volcanic crater lake near Guatemala City, Guatemala
Lake Amatitlán is a volcanic crater lake near Guatemala City with two distinct basins connected by a narrow channel, stretching about 11 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. The lake sits at about 1,186 meters elevation in the region's highland setting.
The lake formed from volcanic activity in Guatemala's central highlands, creating a caldera that gradually filled with water over geological time. This volcanic origin continues to influence the landscape and surrounding communities today.
The name comes from the Pipil language, where 'amatl' means letter and 'titlan' means mail, reflecting indigenous heritage in the region. This linguistic connection shows how the original inhabitants' words remain embedded in the place name today.
The lake is surrounded by four municipalities and serves water supply, irrigation, and industrial needs while supporting fishing communities around it. Visitors can access the shoreline from various points, though conditions vary depending on location and season.
The lake contains natural phenomena such as sulfurous hot springs and periodic geysers due to ongoing volcanic activity in the surrounding area. These geothermal features make it a notable example of active volcanic processes in the region.
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