Lake Atitlan, the communities of Panajachel and San Juan

We arrived at Lake Atitlan by a series of local buses on December 5. Found our rather smelly and dreary hotel in Panajachel (which will remain unnamed- a warning to fellow travelers, never travel with a seven year old travel guide-- obviously this place had seen better days). The next day we were to visit the library in San Juan La Laguna, across the lake, and to celebrate John's birthday. (photo: Church both old and new, in San Pedro).



Panajachel is a tourist town along the lake, a base for exploring the many surrounding communities. Lake Atitlan is gorgeous and easily traveled by the many public boat taxis.






Photo: Lakeside in Panajachel.

We had a great time exploring the area, enjoying the wet and wonderful ride across the lake at top speed, and found a great taqueria by our hotel to celebrate John's birthday. While other tourists were eating Indian or Mexican fare on the main street, we were eating tacos, three for $1.25.

Feliz Navidad Rudolph!