Lake Atitlán
A magical environment
The magical lake of Atitlán is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in the world! The lake is formed by the flooded crater of a dead volcano, which in turn, is surrounded by three other volcanoes overgrown by subtropical cloud forest. The English writer Aldous Huxlex aptly described the setting; “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.” We cannot agree more.
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Staying at Laguna lodge
You will find this lovely place on the lakeside. All 7 suites and the villa overlook the lake and are tastefully decorated with traditional Guatemalan elements. The Laguna lodge includes an excellent spa and the accommodation is surrounded by a nature reserve with unique flora and fauna.
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The market of Chichicastenango
This market, held on Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the largest traditional markets in Central America. Your guide will take you on a voyage of discovery of this immense and extensive market. You will visit the fruit and vegetable 'department', but also the parts of the market where the beautiful Mayan fabrics are sold.
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The Maximón cultus
This local idol looks like a farmer in western clothing with a bowler hat and a cigar in his mouth. In most parts of Guatemala this figure is despised, but at the lake of Atitlán, he is worshipped. Together with your guide, you will go in search of Maximón and get acquainted with the accompanying rituals in which he is honoured with liqueur and tobacco products. This whole scene with candles is a very special experience.
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Staying at Casa Palopo
This small five-star hotel is located on the outskirts of the town of Santiago and overlooks the lake. The accommodation is connected to Relais & Chateaux, so from a culinary point of view, you will be pampered here.
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View the magical lake from the other side
The surroundings of Atitlán are not only rich in culture, but also have great nature. You can hike, cycle in the area and take a kayak on the lake to see the beauty from the other side.
A visit to the lake of Atitlán
The lake owes its name to the Mayan word 'atitlan' which means 'the place where the rainbow gets its colours'. The lake has a circumference of about 20 kilometres and is surrounded by the volcanoes Atitlán, Toliman and San Pedro. At the lake there are 14 large and smaller Mayan villages. Almost all village names are derived from an apostle. A visit to one or more of these villages is worthwhile. It gives you a glimpse into the contemporary Maya culture; the Maya are known for their friendliness and the high quality of their handcrafted products. Many inhabitants of these villages still wear traditional costumes.
Santiago Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan is one of the villages on Lake Atitlan. The textiles you can buy here are of high quality, but this is not the main reason why you should visit this village. In this village, be sure to become acquainted with the special religious phenomenon, Maximón. Maximón is a saint, dressed in the shape of a doll with hat, sunglasses and cigar. Maximón lives in the house of a member of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross, the main indigenous community of Santiago Atitlán, for one year at a time. During this year, visitors from all over the country are welcomed here. Believers, looking for favours and advice, visit Maximón and give him money, liqueurs and cigars as gifts.
Chichicastenango
Highly recommended! Every Sunday and Thursday in Chichicastenango, about an hour's drive from Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful indigenous markets in Central America. The market of Chichicastenango is also called the market of 'Chichi'. Typical for this town are the mud houses finished with white stucco. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the city exchanges its serene tranquillity here on Sundays and Thursdays for a somewhat chaotic atmosphere. An enormous diversity of scents, different indigenous dialects, lively sounds and above all a lot of beautiful craftsmanship is the crowning glory of these days. Perhaps you will take some of the colourful Mayan fabrics with beautiful floral motifs, ceremonial masks, leather goods and/or jewellery home as a souvenir?
Did you know that there is an annual marathon here? This marathon is run in a spectacular setting, on the shores of the lake and on the cliffs of Atitlan.
Travel through Guatemala?
Would you like to make a trip through Guatemala yourself and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.