On Saturday morning I caught a shuttle or minibus to Panajachel on the banks of lake Atitlan.
It was a journey of at least 3 hours winding up and down through the mountains. Panajachel is a big town on the shores of the lake. The main street leading down to the lake is lined with market stalls and restaurants. If I thought that people were eager to sell their wares in Cancun, they were even more eager here. It was difficult to look at the tempting and colourful wares without being implored to buy something. And in addition there were many mobile vendors just as eager to make a sale. Alot of the schoolkids try to supplement the family income by selling wares on the weekend. Sadly Guatemala has been hard hit by the downturn in the economy and life is more difficult in the rural areas.
Nonthe less, local people are welcoming and appreciative of tourists visiting the area. I stayed at a beautiful hotel, "Los jardines del lago" overlooking the lake. it was set a few blocks away from the main street and was peaceful. They have a beautiful garden overlooking the lake. When I arrived I was grateful to sit in the shade of the large avocado tree waiting for my room. It was so lovely there, I could have sat in the garden all weeekend. But there were other things to see and do and so little time! I set off looking for lunch and met pedro, a local guide. Capitan pedro and his 1st mate took me on " Betty" for a boat trip to santa catalina. This is a small village on the lake. here the local women make beautiful textiles for table cloths, scarves , belts and more. I had a very satisfying lunch -lots of fresh vegetables, lots of avocado, rice and a tastey spiney fish. I enjoyed the view overlooking the lake. By this time the clouds had veiled the volcanoes and i would have to wait for morning to see them. The lake was being stirred up by wind. After lunch Pedro took me for a tour of the village: pretty white church, a small school and several shops selling local wares.
On Sunday I woke reasonable early and enjoyed the clear view of the volcanoes. At this time of the morning the lake is placid. After a good breakfast I went off to meet pedro to go kayaking/ canoeing. By 10 a.m the sun was beating down but it felt cool on the water. I enjoyed paddling along the shore and admiring the villas and hotels as well as the volcanoes on the far side of the lake. An hour of paddling was sufficient for me and my wrists still feel a little tired!
If you go to panachel, look out for pedro near the post office or the street leading to the lake. he can speak some English and is keen to learn more. On the shore you can rent your kayak from Julio.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g292008-Panajachel_Lake_Atitlan_Western_Highlands-Vacations.html
It was a journey of at least 3 hours winding up and down through the mountains. Panajachel is a big town on the shores of the lake. The main street leading down to the lake is lined with market stalls and restaurants. If I thought that people were eager to sell their wares in Cancun, they were even more eager here. It was difficult to look at the tempting and colourful wares without being implored to buy something. And in addition there were many mobile vendors just as eager to make a sale. Alot of the schoolkids try to supplement the family income by selling wares on the weekend. Sadly Guatemala has been hard hit by the downturn in the economy and life is more difficult in the rural areas.
Nonthe less, local people are welcoming and appreciative of tourists visiting the area. I stayed at a beautiful hotel, "Los jardines del lago" overlooking the lake. it was set a few blocks away from the main street and was peaceful. They have a beautiful garden overlooking the lake. When I arrived I was grateful to sit in the shade of the large avocado tree waiting for my room. It was so lovely there, I could have sat in the garden all weeekend. But there were other things to see and do and so little time! I set off looking for lunch and met pedro, a local guide. Capitan pedro and his 1st mate took me on " Betty" for a boat trip to santa catalina. This is a small village on the lake. here the local women make beautiful textiles for table cloths, scarves , belts and more. I had a very satisfying lunch -lots of fresh vegetables, lots of avocado, rice and a tastey spiney fish. I enjoyed the view overlooking the lake. By this time the clouds had veiled the volcanoes and i would have to wait for morning to see them. The lake was being stirred up by wind. After lunch Pedro took me for a tour of the village: pretty white church, a small school and several shops selling local wares.
On Sunday I woke reasonable early and enjoyed the clear view of the volcanoes. At this time of the morning the lake is placid. After a good breakfast I went off to meet pedro to go kayaking/ canoeing. By 10 a.m the sun was beating down but it felt cool on the water. I enjoyed paddling along the shore and admiring the villas and hotels as well as the volcanoes on the far side of the lake. An hour of paddling was sufficient for me and my wrists still feel a little tired!
If you go to panachel, look out for pedro near the post office or the street leading to the lake. he can speak some English and is keen to learn more. On the shore you can rent your kayak from Julio.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g292008-Panajachel_Lake_Atitlan_Western_Highlands-Vacations.html
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