In these days of vacation, I am preparing to visit the most fascinating and attractive places in Guatemala. I have received many recommendations about the places that I should know during my stay in this beautiful country and I have decided to include in my travel plan, Lake Atitlán and its surroundings.
I have consulted with my travel agent and the Internet and I have found in most references, that a town located on the shores of the lake, called Panajachel, is positioned as the place for excellence to start this fascinating adventure.
The references I have consulted, informed me that Panajachel is a small municipality that belongs to the Department of Sololá, this unique town is popularly known by the name of “Pana” and is recognized for its wide range of tourist industry and nightlife. Likewise, I have found out that to get to this place, I must travel to the western highlands of the country, using a rental car or my own, or public buses. Starting from Guatemala City, I will be traveling approximately 150 kilometers along the Inter-American Highway (CA-1).
I have arranged to go out at noon and during most of the trip, from the outskirts of the capital city to Pana, I have enjoyed a pleasant temperate climate and I am delighted in contemplating the extensive, lush and green landscapes. Just before arriving in Pana, I have been able to appreciate from one of the several viewpoints located along the road, the incomparable beauty of Lake Atitlán.
After about three hours of driving, I have reached Panajachel. I had an excellent experience selecting my place to stay, as both Pana and the towns around the lake offer a wide variety of comfortable accommodations, ranging from modest hostels to unique hotels and splendid rental houses. Many of these magnificent enclosures have a privileged view of Lake Atitlán.
I have stayed in a beautiful hotel located at the lake front and while I am getting ready to enjoy its facilities, it is time to get prepared for an early start and take a tour around Lake Atitlán and enjoy a wonderful day, and many more that await me during my stay.
I have woken up very early and my day dawned, enjoying a relaxing and refreshing breeze coming from the lake and contemplating from the hotel garden, an incomparable and impressive landscape made up of the radiant shades of blue of the deep water, exquisitely combined with the clear and majestic indigo of the sky. This sober amalgam and its tonalities are harmoniously reflected on 'The Three Giant Volcanoes' and the majestic hills that are located around the lake.
More beautiful, impossible!
After contemplating this invaluable natural and unique jewel in the world, I am about to enter this beautiful aquifer of volcanic origin.
I have rented a local boat to cruise these deep and placid waters. During these tours, I will have the unique experience of visiting and knowing some of the more than ten picturesque and traditional towns that are strategically located on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
During these days, I have visited some of the little towns around this magnificent lake and have learned about their ancestral traditions and culture. In addition, I have had the opportunity to enjoy its unique attractive destinations. Each one, with its awn beauty and splendor going from impressive landscapes, nature reserves, handicrafts, textiles and paintings, to high and rugged mountains:
• San Antonio Palopó: The architecture of its colonial church is very attractive; the rooftops of restaurants and hotels offer a different perspective of the lake. In addition, the color its regional textiles are unique in conjunction with the local fine ceramics.
• San Juan La Laguna: It is a very quiet place, the offer of accommodation in the houses of this community encourages the exchange of traditions and learning about the Tz’utujil way of life and culture.
• San Lucas Tolimán: You can visit organic orchards and admire from a closer view the mighty Tolimán and Atitlán volcanoes.
• San Marcos La Laguna: It is a place where nature and forest merge. It is characterized by its tranquility and its holistic vacation for relaxing, doing yoga and meditation.
• San Pedro La Laguna: With an atmosphere conducive to celebrating. Its nightlife and festive atmosphere are excellent.
• Santa Catarina Palopó: Very picturesque and colorful town in its constructions that at the same time offers stunning textiles.
• San Pablo La Laguna: The crystalline waters on its shores of the lake, the elegance of its catholic church, are enjoyed by many visitors.
• Santa Clara La Laguna: Ideal for practicing water sports and hiking. The view of the lake from the Mirador (lookout) del Rostro Maya is breathtaking.
• Santa Cruz La Laguna: Where landscapes, amazing views and nature reserves wait for you. In addition, you will find in this quiet town and unique crafts.
• Santiago Atitlán: It is a very colorful and active town that stands out for the spectacular paintings, made by local artists and the devotion to Maximón (Rijlaj Mam).
There are many more towns to visit, but I haven't had time to visit them all. I must take more days than planned, it is worth visiting all these villages around the lake, as they offer the visitor a large number of activities of all kinds, from gentle walks, to kayak activities on the shores of the lake and extreme climbs, surrounded by a spectacular natural environment.
These days have been simply, Wonderful!! ... The visit to Lake Atitlán and the tour of its surroundings deserved all my attention. Above all, because I had the opportunity to end each of these days, contemplating and admiring the beautiful, unrepeatable and colorful sunset, between clouds, volcanoes and water.
More beautiful impossible!
