Lago de Atitlan

Lago de Atitlan is claimed to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Well, after seeing it with my own two eyes, I would probably agree ! It is surrounded by volcanoes, steep hillsides, and traditional Mayan villages. It´s about three hours from Guatemala City and is a bit of a tourist stop.

I spent four days in the village of San Pedro La Laguna, as I have a friend who has often spent his winter months living here!  I spent many of my days relaxing, people watching, walking around, and taking a boat to visit other villages across the lake. Each village along the lake has a different vibe-feeling-and character, so that was very interesting.

i visited a traditional weaving, womens cooperative textile shop

I randomly joined a Facebook group in hopes to meet other travelers in the area and the next day I got a message from an old friend, Sarah. Sarah had told me she was now teaching young students in a nearby town and invited me to hike Volcan San Pedro with her and her friends. Sarah and I met in 2011 when I had placed an ad through Craigslist to find a road trip partner to share the ride and gas money from Alaska back to the states!! I have not seen her since 2011 and have not kept in touch, until this past Saturday! Wow! Small world !

It was a five mile hike and it was hot, sweaty, and very steep to the top of the volcano. Over 9,000 ft elevation but by then we were in the clouds and caught views of other nearby volcanoes (including Volcan Fuego which is currently active and was spewing smoke!). My calf muscles hurt for five days after this hike, but was well worth it !