Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
August 19 - September 17 [2022] Panajachel
September 17 - October 15 [2022] San Pedro Laguna
Lake Atitlan lies a couple hours northwest of Antigua 1140 meters above sea level. It's the remnant of an ancient super explosion that formed a caldera which ultimately filled with water. The lake is surrounded by a dozen villages rooted in Maya culture, flanked by three volcanoes on its southern shores and cradled by lush forests that showcase hundreds of species from a variety of climate profiles. And as you would expect from its genesis, the lake is very deep at its center. Some have called this lake the most beautiful in the world including Aldous Huxley who wrote:
"Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlán is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing."
I couldn't agree more.
Lake Atitlan was another one of my travel detours that took on a life of its own. But like every great adventure, plans change and change often. Initially, I booked a month in Panajachel, the largest village and transportation hub frequented by expats, tourists and locals. There is a lot of creative energy in this town so you can find plenty of entertainment from a variety of old school artists including music (primarily acoustic), traditional dancing, theatre, poetry and even puppeteering.
Panajachel is also the central source of water taxi's offering easy transportation to other villages around the lake. And each village is unique in its own way. If you're looking for hippie, head over to San Marcos. Interested in learning about coffee and chocolate production, try San Juan. Are you of the age and in the mood for a backpacker party scene, San Pedro's your destination. All the villages are rich in Mayan culture featuring beautifully hand crafted goods from organic sources and a way of life that's rooted in family and respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
After a month in Panahajchel, I decided to spend some more time on the other side of the lake in quieter location. Fortunately, I discovered a small cabin on a steep, heavily forested site between San Juan and San Pedro. This was a spectacular piece of property, sensitively developed by a Canadian from Vancouver. There is really no way to describe the natural beauty of this location so I won't. But you can view a short video of my typical morning experience to trigger your imagination (see the last square in the photo grid below).
I ended up spending an entire month commuting with nature, exploring the neighboring villages and developing new art for my gallery (see link in the menu bar). Unfortunately, my Visa was on the verge of expiration so I had no choice but to move on - for now. To be sure, Lake Aititlan hasn't seen the last of me!
