Guatemala - Lake Atitlan - Joseph and Farideh Ross arrived at lake Atitlan, and they had a wonderful time. Lake Atitlan is one of the planet's magic destinations. Atitlan is visually stunning because of the combination of handsome Mayan people wearing colorful hand-woven clothing, Mayan fishermen paddling hand-carved cayucos across the still Atitlan waters, superb tropical flowers, greenery, birds and insects - all with the majestic backdrop of Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro Volcanoes where ever you turn your gaze.
Panajachel is the tourist gateway to Lake Atitlan. From Panajachel you catch local ferries to explore Mayan villages around the lake. Panajachel is bustling with tourist amenities: hotels, restaurants and travel agencies, shops and more shops. You need presents for friends and family? The choice is endless, woodcarvings, textiles, jewelry, clothing, napkins, table settings, scars, hats, bags, sandals and of course T-shirts.
At Hotel Regis, you can eat superb local dishes: Pepian, Jocon, Cak-Ik, Subanik, Pulique. And where else are you going to find Tilapia Cardamom freshly caught from Lake Atitlan to enjoy with a chilled Chilean Chardonnay.
Lake Atitlan is often referred to as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is truly a Garden of Eden with lush rain forests and a rainbow of tropical flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies and birds on every shore. For unparalleled views of Atitlan and Toliman Volcanoes, and to experience a rejuvenating retreat in a masterfully landscaped garden setting overlooking Lake Atitlan, there is no better choice than eco or boutique hotels near San Antonio Palopo.
Enjoy the ever changing lake vista from the comfort of your room or villa, or from your lakeside veranda, or descend through the superbly landscaped gardens and watch the San Antonio Palopo village life and Mayan fishermen while sitting at water's edge.
Santiago Atitlan is a legend among seasoned travelers. Nestled in thriving rain forest at the foot of volcanoes, Santiago Atitlan has been considered by travelers over the years as the most scenic of all Mayan villages. It is busy and full of native Mayans with beautiful traditional dress. The Mayans in Santiago Atitlan are Sutuhiles and speak sutuhil. In front of Santiago you can see the majestic volcano San Pedro and the fishermen paddling by in cayucos across the lake to tend to their fields or to do fishing.
There is special coffee produced at the shores of Lake Atitlan, it has a strong and flowery taste. There are ducks in the "tull" and birds and squirrels in the trees. Some reforestation efforts are underway to replant the many trees that have been cut. The hope is to reforest huge expansions of land at the steep volcanoes slopes.
Photo: http://www.goals.com/majesticworld
