Panajachel and Lake Atitlan
This week a group of students from the University of Whitworth near Spokane, WA started their study abroad program at CX where they will be staying for three weeks. We were spoiled for a month and a half with few students but now the school is a bit crowded.
They joined us over the weekend for a trip to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, rumored to be the most gorgeous lake in Guatemala.
We got the first class bus treatment to Panajachel and our first stop was at a women’s weaving cooperative called “Grupo Mujeres Artesanas Analizadoras”. There we learned a lot about their history, the items they make, and how the women stick together to make it a sucess. We also got to see a weaving demonstration.
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We then stopped at our hotel in Panajachel, “The Grand Hotel”, which had decent rooms and a nice pool view.
Since we left early none of us had much breakfast so we walked through the Pana markets and found a 3 Tacos for 10Q restaurant ($1.25), eat your heart out Taco Bell. Tangent: Speaking of Taco Bell, I saw this stand on our walk called “Super Tacos Bell”. Unfortunately they did not have enchiritos or a gordita supreme.
We continued to walk through the market and saw stores with beautifully woven blankets and clothes. The more I shopped, the more tempted I was to buy. But then I think “In my life at home, how many times am I actually going to wear a woven pancho, other than at my monthly Clint Eastwood ‘The Good, The Bad, The Ugly’ support group.”
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Sunday morning we woke up to a beautiful clear day and we trekked down to Lake Atitlan. I don’t think there is any doubt in my mind that this is the most beautiful place I’ve seen here. We had some amazing views.
For part of the day we took a boat over the lake to visit a small town near by called Santiago. It was a busy market day and people were everywhere.
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Panajachel seems like a pretty touristy vacation spot. Walking down the street I heard more English than Spanish. All in all a wonderful trip with breathtaking views.
3 Responses to “Panajachel and Lake Atitlan”
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January 27th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Not too shabby!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Looks kind of like the lake at Indiana Beach. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your thoughts. Keep it up! Adios
February 18th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Panajachel is beautiful!