Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlán) is a large closed basin lake of volcanic origin in the Guatemalan Western Highlands. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and is only about 1.5 hours bus ride from Sta Cruz del Quiche! While Atitlán is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America, its bottom has not been completely sounded. Estimates of its maximum depth range up to 340 meters. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes, on its southern flank. Most notable are Atitlán at 11,598 feet (left) and San Pedro at 9,900 feet(right).
Many villages of the Maya people, mainly Tz'utujil and Kaqchikel, surround the lake shores. These very traditional communities blend with the tourism and ex-pat culture that mainly has evolved in Panajachel, but also spread over to San Pedro La Laguna and San Marcos La Laguna - San Pedro being our main feature of this post.
Although, San Pedro is known as the hippie/druggie community along Atitlán, that doesn't deter from its charm one bit. San Pedro is the cheapest and chillest community along Lake Atitlán, and part of our motivation for visiting. It is possible to find accommodations for under $3 a person, per night. Not to mention, the food selection is amazing, with tons of drink specials and vegetarian food at every eatery. These factors all played into our decision to meet with 4 other friends in San Pedro to celebrate Toby's birthday a few weeks back. We had such amazing weather, food, card playing, relaxation, and scenery that we are returning this weekend once again. I doubt this will be our last visit either....
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