Travel Blogs – Automation v2

Author: Cacinda Maloney

Fun Things to Do at Lake AtitlánExperiencing Guatemala’s natural gem of Lake Atitlán is an absolute must when visiting the country. Home to Central America’s deepest lake, massive volcanos rise from the lake’s edges making for some stunning natural views. This juxtaposition and the rich Mayan culture of its surrounding communities make Lake Atitlán a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists alike. However, there is no one destination to visit when it comes to Lake Atitlán. There are numerous small villages that dot the lake’s shores, each more stunning than the last. Everytown in fact has more or less a typical demographic of traveler that attracts them to their town. In this article, we will cover the main towns, their draws, and some fun things to do in each of them. sBefore getting into all the great places to visit at Lake Atitlán, let me tell you a little history and some useful logistical information. Lake Atitlán is deep in the heart of Mayan country with more than 95 percent of the lake’s population belonging to one of the more than 20 Mayan ethnic groups recognized in Guatemala. Residents mainly come from the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikelpeople groups and as such several cultural aspects are still quite prevalent. This includes traditional dress, art, language, and religion. Also prevalent is the love of cacao and chocolate products in general with several artisanal shops located around the lake. Traditional dress is still worn by a large majority of residents and you will often hear Mayan languages being spoken amongst the locals. Some useful things to know in Tz’utujil for example are saqari which means shello and tio’x (pronounced tee-o-sh) which means thank you. To see Lake Atitlán is to experience and appreciate the ancient culture that has been ingrained in the region since long before the Spanish arrived. As for transportation, here is a helpful guide on how you will get around while in the area. Much like the rest of Guatemala, tuk-tuks (or auto rickshaws) can be found everywhere. These are very convenient services if you wish to travel to the next town over and do not want to walk along the main highway. Each tuk-tuk can typically hold 2 to 3 people and will cost you around 10 Quetzals (~1 USD) per ride. However, in most cases, it is actually faster to head downtown to your local dock and travel by lanchas or boat taxis if you are trying to reach other towns. These boats serve as the main form of transportation for both locals and visitors and are one of the most unique transport systems on the planet. Short distances will once again cost you about 10 Quetzals though a ride from one end of the lake to the other may come with a higher price. Consult a local prior to paying your driver as they will almost certainly try to charge you more than what the ride is worth so just be aware.PanajachelPanajachel, known affectionately as Pana by the locals, is the main town and the hub of trade around the lake with its many markets and artisanal workshops. The town hosts the greatest number of hostels and boutique hotels (even hosting Che Guevara at one point) and is famous for its massive market days. On its main street, Calle Santander, tourists can be seen perusing through the many colorful shops or taking a break at the numerous bars and restaurants that

Oct 14, 2023

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by

Cacinda Maloney

in Blog, Travel

Written by Cacinda Maloney @ PointsandTravel.com line the street. Panajachel is also home to one of the oldest art galleries in Central America,known as La Galeria which covers themes such as the search for love and the complexity of life.Most intercity buses to Lake Atitlán end their journey he…