Lago Atitlan

Time has been flying by, so this is a bit of a back entry, but Lago Atitlan is a beautiful place and deserves an entry. Taking a week off to study on our own was a good idea, though a little difficult to stay focused when you’re in a beautiful place like we were (one day in Panahajel and more in San Pedro). But luckily with hostels that had a rooftop with table and chairs we could away to try to get in our four hours a day of studying, while also taking in the beauty. The lake is surrounded by a handful of small villages tucked deep into the mountains and volcanoes surrounding it. The main mode of transportation is boats running between pueblos. For the most part within the villages there are only a few real streets, and endless tiny labyrinths of paths connecting everything. The people are friendly and at least in San Pedro there is a thriving backpacker scene where we met a lot of really great people, including some old friends from past cities. San Pedro also proved to have the best “bang for the buck” as we stayed most of the time for a measly $40Q or $5US total for the both of us, a much needed break after an expensive language school. Though that certainly included no frills- a tiny room for two and fortunately and unfortunately, we do not have photos of the bathrooms which left a lot to be desired, and that’s putting it mildly! But the courtyard was filled with fruit trees and hammocks, and good conversation with people from all over- thankfully mostly native Spanish speakers so we could practice.

Besides the studies, we hiked “Indio’s Nose” which was beautiful, affording a great view of the lake and many of the surrounding pueblos. One morning was spent on kayaks and in the clear waters. Another day we hiked to San Marcos, a pueblo not far as the crow flies, but unfortunately we haven’t figured out how to walk on water so it took a few hours but was a lovely hike. While there, we were able to meet with the head of the organization Pura Vida (check out their site!), which we may be partnering with in the future on a project for The GROW Initiative. The main focus is recycling, particularly plastic bottles and food bags, turning them into construction material for new houses and schools.

When we finally took off from the lake the day was filled with excitement as is usually the case taking public transportation. On an incredibly steep hill, 4,000 feet above the city there was a loud thump and the feeling in all of our stomachs told us that was not a good sign. Luckily it wasn’t the breaks but the drive shaft (is that what you call that thing? Ask a mechanic) under the bus- the thick metal had just snapped. No moving from there so we sat on the side of the road for the next bus our way. At least as usual there was good company to be had, including someone who lives in Xela that gave us some inside scoop info before we arrived. More on Xela and our great Spanish school next, stay tuned!