Lake Atitlan - some towns on the lake

We went with the familia Rico to be tourists in the villages around Lake Atitlan.  We went to San Juan de La Laguna, San Pablo, and Santiago Atitlan.  We had to choose between going with a public boat (Q5 each leg of the trip, crowded to the point of possible lack of safety, along with waiting til the next boat leaves) versus paying Q115 (less than $15 each for 5 people) to have a private boat all day with a driver that waits for us at the dock.  We chose the private and it was SO worth it!

We loved it!  The day started with the lake being very smooth - and in the afternoon, it got increasingly choppy, to the point of possibly up to 2' waves.  There were definitely whitecaps!

Following are some photos:

Carlos Rico

Lake Atitlan has been rising over the last few years.  All around you can see trees and buildings under water, but this was a great photo showing a dock/restaurant that is now permanently under a foot or two of water.

A dock under water

Spinning thread

A device to take thread and roll it into a ball

Backstrap loom

Working with thread/yarn

Another device to put thread/yarn into a ball

A dock

A "tuk" - note the phrase on top, "Jehová es Mi Pastor"
(Jehovah is my Shepherd).  The people are eager to use
God's personal name Jehovah.  (Psalm 83:18)

Bill and Nancy on a dock

Gorgeous hibiscus

There were canoes like this all over the lake.  I can't imagine
how long it takes to canoe from one place to another, since by
motorboat it took 45 minutes to get across the lake! 

The lake was very smooth in the morning, but in the
afternoon the wind whips up some waves.  It was VERY
choppy! 

Bill

The Ricos (Carlos and Rossi) with us

Bill with the Ricos - Carlos, Carlos and Rossi

We had a GREAT time going across the lake. We went to San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlan.  Of the three, I think I liked Santiago Atitlan the most - but it was a pleasure.