Eco-Travel around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
18 December 2007 01:10 AM
By Kat Vaughan
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lined by twelve villages around the shores of this gorgeous lake. Although the national language is Spanish, three Mayan dialects are spoken amongst the indigenous: Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel, & Quiche. One never tires of the magnificent views and scenery, although the poverty is staggering.
When you go to Lake Atitlan , I highly recommend staying and/or visiting the following unforgettable hotels on the shores of the Lake:
Casa Del Mundo - A must-stay hotel in Jaibalito
Hotel Atitlan - A beautiful hotel in Panajachel
Hotel Aaculaax - An eco-friendly hotel in San Marcos La Laguna
Villa Sumaya - A gorgeous hotel in Santa Cruz
Posada De Santiago - A lovely hotel and restaurant in Santiago Atitlan
The area around the Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's playground: kayaking, diving, volcano climbing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more. Jovenes Mayas organizes and leads eco-tours around the Lake. They can be found in the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna. I highly recommend using their services because they are knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy. Also, for you non-Spanish speaking folks, the guides are tri-lingual (Mayan dialect, Spanish and English)!
If you want to go horseback riding or climb the San Pedro Volcano, simply take a boat from Pana to San Pedro La Laguna, across the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. You can inquire where to set up such adventures right when you get off the dock. Stay at Hotel Sak'Ari and dine at Tin-Tin, a great restaurant owned and run by Gary, a Canadian guy.
If you want a guided horseback ride above the clouds, contact the folks at Posada De Santiago, make a reservation for a night or two and another one for a horseback riding adventure.
You can rent kayaks at Casa Del Mundo (where you can also stay for a night) or in numerous villages around the Lake. Trust me, you don't need a reservation but you will want to go kayaking in the early morning before the wind starts or around dusk, when there is little wind.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Pana or San Pedro La Laguna. Again, forget the reservations, there will be enough bikes for you. Just go and ask where the bike rental stores can be found.
Please remember: NEVER go hiking or volcano climbing alone. There are numerous stories of robbers along hiking trails. A local guide will be of great benefit and security as you step into the wild beauty of Guatemala.
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular around the Lake, though the afternoon will bring a wind across the Lake. The best time to travel to Guatemala is between October and May, otherwise you'll hit the rainy season. While in Pana, make sure to dine at the Sunset Cafe where you will enjoy great sunset views of the Lake and volcanoes, listen to great music and eat delicious food.
Check out Atitlan Resource for more information.
Happy Traveling!
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lined by twelve villages around the shores of this gorgeous lake. Although the national language is Spanish, three Mayan dialects are spoken amongst the indigenous: Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel, & Quiche. One never tires of the magnificent views and scenery, although the poverty is staggering.
When you go to Lake Atitlan , I highly recommend staying and/or visiting the following unforgettable hotels on the shores of the Lake:
Casa Del Mundo - A must-stay hotel in Jaibalito
Hotel Atitlan - A beautiful hotel in Panajachel
Hotel Aaculaax - An eco-friendly hotel in San Marcos La Laguna
Villa Sumaya - A gorgeous hotel in Santa Cruz
Posada De Santiago - A lovely hotel and restaurant in Santiago Atitlan
The area around the Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's playground: kayaking, diving, volcano climbing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more. Jovenes Mayas organizes and leads eco-tours around the Lake. They can be found in the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna. I highly recommend using their services because they are knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy. Also, for you non-Spanish speaking folks, the guides are tri-lingual (Mayan dialect, Spanish and English)!
If you want to go horseback riding or climb the San Pedro Volcano, simply take a boat from Pana to San Pedro La Laguna, across the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. You can inquire where to set up such adventures right when you get off the dock. Stay at Hotel Sak'Ari and dine at Tin-Tin, a great restaurant owned and run by Gary, a Canadian guy.
If you want a guided horseback ride above the clouds, contact the folks at Posada De Santiago, make a reservation for a night or two and another one for a horseback riding adventure.
You can rent kayaks at Casa Del Mundo (where you can also stay for a night) or in numerous villages around the Lake. Trust me, you don't need a reservation but you will want to go kayaking in the early morning before the wind starts or around dusk, when there is little wind.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Pana or San Pedro La Laguna. Again, forget the reservations, there will be enough bikes for you. Just go and ask where the bike rental stores can be found.
Please remember: NEVER go hiking or volcano climbing alone. There are numerous stories of robbers along hiking trails. A local guide will be of great benefit and security as you step into the wild beauty of Guatemala.
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular around the Lake, though the afternoon will bring a wind across the Lake. The best time to travel to Guatemala is between October and May, otherwise you'll hit the rainy season. While in Pana, make sure to dine at the Sunset Cafe where you will enjoy great sunset views of the Lake and volcanoes, listen to great music and eat delicious food.
Check out Atitlan Resource for more information.
Happy Traveling!
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Maya Life: Tortillas and Joy
18 November 2007 11:38 PM
By Kat Vaughan
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Rebuilding Guatemala after Hurricane Stan
28 October 2007 09:12 PM
By Kat Vaughan
During my last trip to Guatemala, I took a tour of the refugee camp just above Santiago Atitlan. The Mayans now living there were left homeless after Hurricane Stan (Oct 2005) washed their village, Panabaj, under a several feet of mud. The damage was monumental and catastrophic. Thousands of loved ones were buried alive in the middle of the night as the soil on the nearby volcano gave way and quickly covered the town of Panabaj. People lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
The Mennonite Central Committee gave $45,000 to build cement block homes for the displaced. When I took a tour of the region, I was informed that the government had ruled the land uninhabitable because it was "too near the foot of the volcano and susceptible to another mudslide". So the refugees continue to live in aluminum sided spaces with dirt floors until another area of land is designated safe. The refugee camp is a difficult sight to see because it is unsanitary, degrading and depressing. In response to their plight, USAID and other agencies are stepping in to provide the Mayans with food, clothing and blankets. In addition, various cooperatives, including a few we work with, have helped to rebuild homes and lives.
Globally Minded jewelry is handcrafted by some of the very women who lost everything in the Hurricane, providing food, clothing and resources for entire families. Our producer groups work in clean and pleasant facilities, learn new skills, and make money with their craft. Every purchase of Globally Minded handcrafts, supports those struggling in poverty, many the victims of a dreadful hurricane. We are thankful to make a difference.
During my last trip to Guatemala, I took a tour of the refugee camp just above Santiago Atitlan. The Mayans now living there were left homeless after Hurricane Stan (Oct 2005) washed their village, Panabaj, under a several feet of mud. The damage was monumental and catastrophic. Thousands of loved ones were buried alive in the middle of the night as the soil on the nearby volcano gave way and quickly covered the town of Panabaj. People lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
The Mennonite Central Committee gave $45,000 to build cement block homes for the displaced. When I took a tour of the region, I was informed that the government had ruled the land uninhabitable because it was "too near the foot of the volcano and susceptible to another mudslide". So the refugees continue to live in aluminum sided spaces with dirt floors until another area of land is designated safe. The refugee camp is a difficult sight to see because it is unsanitary, degrading and depressing. In response to their plight, USAID and other agencies are stepping in to provide the Mayans with food, clothing and blankets. In addition, various cooperatives, including a few we work with, have helped to rebuild homes and lives.
Globally Minded jewelry is handcrafted by some of the very women who lost everything in the Hurricane, providing food, clothing and resources for entire families. Our producer groups work in clean and pleasant facilities, learn new skills, and make money with their craft. Every purchase of Globally Minded handcrafts, supports those struggling in poverty, many the victims of a dreadful hurricane. We are thankful to make a difference.
Books about Guatemala and the Maya
17 July 2007 10:52 PM
By Kat Vaughan
Ready to dig in and learn more about Guatemala? We highly recommend the following books:
Ready to dig in and learn more about Guatemala? We highly recommend the following books:
- Silence on the Mountain
- Searching for Everado
- Blindfold's Eyes: My Journey From Torture To Truth
- I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala
- Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala
- To Save Her Life: Disappearance, Deliverance, and the United States in Guatemala
- Guatemala: Blood In The Cornfields
- A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya
- The Ancient Maya
- Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition Of The Mayan Book Of The Dawn Of Life And The Glories Of Gods and Kings
- The Code of Kings: The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs
