How does one spend a good weekend in Guatemala?
Perhaps the best way to spend a weekend is to hop on the chicken bus for a nearby town. This past weekend, I went to Panajachel, on Lago Atitlan, with some friends from Xela.
The chicken bus costs 25 Quetzales for a trip from Xela to Panajachel -- about $3 US for the 2 hour journey. A chicken bus is a retrofitted school bus, complete with those lovely padded seats that you might remember from elementary school. Here is the view of Lago Atitlan from the front row of the chicken bus as we are making the descent into Panajachel.
Lago Atitlan is a fascinating geographic wonder because it is extremely deep -- at nearly 300 meters. The lake is the result of volcanic activity hundreds of thousands of years ago. Surrounded by multiple volcanoes, this lake is surely one of Guatemala's most scenic locales. and a marvel of tectonic activity.
We really enjoyed our time in Panajachel...especially the breathtaking lake views and delicious comida. Any visitors to Pana (as it is frequently referred to) must visit Guajimbo's Uruguayan Grill for the delicious pollos a las brasas (amongst other things!).
Speaking of tectonic activity, another possibility only a short 30 minutes from Xela in the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas. As you can tell, I enjoyed this steamy wonder with my teacher, Mariela, and her daughter, Ana Lucia. (And as you may also notice, I am "tall" by Guatemalan standards.) What a marvelous way to spend a Friday afternoon!
Thanks for posting this, Cheryl! We want to go to Atitlan in August...haven't been there yet. I didn't know about the hot springs...love those places! Can your teacher recommend an ecolodge on the lake with a beautiful view?
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