Lake Atitlán

I think that this was my favourite place that we visited in Guatemala. A stunningly beautiful deep blue lake ringed with volcanoes.

I did some volunteer work during summer (just for a week). I went to San Pedro La Laguna and It was awesome!!.

There’s no place like this place. Beautiful land. Beautiful people. And, the water is soooo dark blue. They say the U.S. military tried to measure it many times but still could not find it’s depth. By ferry boat – one side to the other – it’s an hour trip. Half hour by speed boat. But, who cares when there’s landscape like this on every side.

Lake Atitlan is just wonderful - how can a lake surrounded by volcano’s not be? It was charming, refreshing and very relaxing. We stayed at La Casa Del Mundo - i highly recommend it.

But do NOT try to make a day trip from Antigua – plan on spending the night. Also, watch out for roads that were washed out in the mudslides!

Go in the off-season and rent a boat for cheap.

see it….

Got to go

See my entry on Guatemala (Long). Lake Atitlan is gorgeous. Unfortunately about 20 years ago they built some High rise Hotels beside it but it is still a great natural beauty. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with small towns each named after a diferent disciple from the Bible it is worth a boat trip around the lake – at least to Santiago Atitlan which is the largest of the towns bordering the shores. The water is a little cold and very deep but the most amazing crystalline blue! Each town has it’s own native dress which all hand woven in brilliant colors. Panajachel is a great little town with several discoteques that are quite nice. The Hotel Cacique was very nice with wood burning fireplaces and fresh flowers – calla lillies in the room – reasonably priced and with lovely gardens and pool. There is a nice little beach beside the lake and many do swim. The international and “hippy” flavor of the tourists is interesting. Always look to where the French are staying for the best deals! LOL Don’t let the Germans aloofness bother you and make a few friends – the idyllic atmosphere here is euphoric.