Places of Interest - Guatemala

"Panajachel" (Atitlan lake):

The village of “Panajachel” is located on the banks of Lake “Atitlán”, at an altitude of 1597 meters. This place is the busiest and largest town on the lake. It also has the best facilities in terms of transport, accommodation and booking of tours and other activitiesal. Most people earn their living in the tourism industry. In the main street, Calle Santander, dozens of (souvenir) shops, restaurants, hotels and travel agencies can be found. But Panajachel has also beautiful views of the shore over the many volcanoes around the lake. Besides the international tourists, the place is also popular with local people, especially at weekends.

"San Pedro de Laguna" (Atitlan lake):

Located at the foot of the "San Pedro" volcano (3020 meters), "San Pedro de Laguna" is one of the most visited villages along the lake. Reason is besides its beauty the many activities that can be developed here and the cheap accommodation. You can take Spanish lessons, learn how to paint or drumming, but also it’s possible to climb the volcano, make many hikes in the area or relax in a hammock and/or in a cafe. You also have many plateaus where coffee beans are drying and coffee is traded along the road in large traditional bags and old-fashioned scales. There is also an interesting museum: "Museo Tz'unun Ya" where information about the region is and also a real Mayan altar. Boats go to "Santiago Atitlan", "Panajachel" and "San Marcos La Laguna". On the shores of the lake, indigenous women can often be found in beautiful colored clothes that are doing their laundry.

"San Juan La Laguna" (Lake Atitlan)

Two kilometers east of "San Pedro" lies the more quiet village of "San Juan" which has escaped the great appeal of commerce (till now). The local "Tz'utujil" Indians live here by making and selling traditional goods such as painting ropes and paintings. You can make an interesting tour through the village with a local guide and visit two weavers. He will also take you to an art gallery where paintings have been made by local inhabitants. Finally, wall paintings are everywhere on local buildings. You can also join a local fisherman to learn more about authentic fishing methods. He can also explain to you how the reed on the shore is used for the wicker mats that are present everywhere. Here, too, you can take Spanish lessons; there is also the possibility to lie on the beach ("Las Cristalinas") and relax. Because no boats come here you will or have to walk or have to hitchhik for a minibus or jeep to the next village.

"San Marcos La Laguna" (Atitlan lake):

It is said that "San Marcos La Laguna" is the most beautiful village on the shores of the "Atitlan" lake. This village is "reserved" for spiritualism; meditation, massages, reiki and yoga are the most important activities here. Important are the "Las Piramides Meditation Center" and the "San Marcos Holistic Center". But you can also enjoy the beautiful clear water here and dive from the rocks, paragliding, making hikes or to different volcanoes or just walking in the banana- or coffee plantations. You can return from this village by boat through several small villages back to Panajachel but also to San Pedro La Laguna.

Chichicastenango:

Surrounded by valleys with mountains on either side, Chichi, as the “locals” call it, can feel like an island in the sea. Chichicastengo is a city with a dual agenda; the one is that of the Catholics and on the other side the great crowd of natives (Indians) living here. The biggest attraction of the village is the local market which is organized twice a week (Thursday and Sunday). Thousands of Mayans and many tourists visit the largest market in Central America to buy flowers, souvenirs or any of the other special items. Once the people from the region came here in the evening, cooked their meals in the square and then went to sleep under their clothes to be on the market early the next day to offer their merchandise. Those days are unfortunately over. On the stairs and in the 400-year-old St. Thomas Church, the merchants spread their wares, incense and sacrifice “Los Magos” food to the Maya god of the earth. Inside are usually a sea of pine leaves and various types of sacrifices such as corn, flowers, bottles of liquor in leaves and burning candles. 

Other attractions:

Museo "Lacustre Atitlan" and "Reserva National Atitlan" (both Panajachel). "Iximche" is an archaeological site about 50 km north of the lake.