Visit Lake Atitlan while Studying Abroad in Guatemala
Lake Atitlan, a volcanic lake located in the western highlands of Guatemala, is a growing tourist location and a beautiful attraction to anybody visiting Guatemala. Surrounding Lake Atitlan are several towns and villages that have strong ties to ancient Mayan culture. For those studying Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala, it is well worth the trip to take an excursion to Lake Atitlan.
Three dormant volcanoes surround the lake: Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman. These volcanoes form a spectacular backdrop to the lake, described by many as the most beautiful in the world. There are many villages on the shores of Lake Atitlan, each with its own distinct Guatemalan atmosphere.
Panajachel, a town located on the northern coast of Lake Atitlan, was an old hippie hangout and is now a bustling tourist town with many inexpensive places to stay, restaurants, and bars. Mayan girls sell high-quality handmade goods, such as textiles, paintings, and jewelry.
Offering travelers a welcome respite from the touristy hustle and bustle of Panajachel is San Pedro la Laguna, located near the San Pedro volcano. Peaceful, with spectacular scenery, San Pedro has many activities to keep visitors busy. Horses and bicycles can be rented for tours of the local scenery; thermal baths to soak in are located here, as well as a weaving school that teaches traditional Mayan weaving methods.
Santiago Atitlan is perhaps best known for its shrine to Maximon, the evil saint of Guatemala. Located on the south side of the lake and surrounded by all three volcanoes, Santiago is one of the most traditional Mayan villages on the lake, being the center of the Tz’utujil-speaking Maya people. More industrious than San Pedro but much less so than Panajachel, Santiago offers many weaving shops and art galleries. This village is also the site of an elaborate Easter celebration, in which Maximon is paraded into the central plaza to meet a figure of Christ. The celebrations during Easter in Santiago are not to be missed, with an interesting culture clash between the traditionalists and the Catholics.
Said to be the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlan is a stunning attraction in Guatemala. From the touristy bustle of Panajachel to the smaller indigenous villages sprinkled around the lake, much culture can be soaked up in this spectacular setting.
By: AmeriSpan Staff
Share:
Digg | Del.icio.us
|
|
