Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Notable architectural examples include baroque La Merced church. It’s an integral part of the city’s famous Semana Santa, a holy week with parades and rituals, that take over the entire town for an entire 10 hour day. We did not know this before we arrived, on the day just before the Procession for Semana Santa took place. A matter of incredibly fortunate timing for us, with sights and sounds that we shall never forget! We were able however to take hundreds of pictures and videos.
Breathtaking views, narrow cobblestoned streets, lined by boutique hotels and restaurants, churches and seemingly historical buildings everywhere, with a kaleidoscope of colors, and the charming but peaceful hustle and bustle of the thousands of international visitors, we felt as if the entire town was ‘one open air museum’! This was truly a highlight of our visit to Guatemala!
Lake Atitlan
We were super happy that we decided at the last minute, to visit Lake Atitlán. Our shuttle left our hostel in Antigua at 6.30 AM, on a very clear, but very brisk cold morning. And happy too, were we, that we packed a few articles of warm clothing, including wooly hats, hoodies and scarves.
The Bus ride is a continual climb of over 2.5 hours until we reached the largest city on the lake, the busy town of Panajachel, where vendors sell traditional textiles and more. It is a popular gateway to the lake.
Lake Atitlán is a body of water in a massive volcanic crater in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands. Located Department of Sololá, Lake Atitlan is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Guatemala, and was nominated as one of the 7 wonders of the world. It is considered to be the most beautiful lake in the world, and also as one of the most unique places to visit. The lake has an area of 130 km2 and the color of its waters varies from deep blue to green. The lake formed as a result of a volcanic eruption and is 1500 meters above sea level, with a length of 18 kilometers and a depth of up to 341 meters, making it the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is ringed by steep, verdant hills, it’s known for its Mayan villages, where people still mostly speak their native language, and volcanoes with striking pointed cones.
After a healthy local breakfast, we traveled by small boat to 3 villages that are mostly accessible by boat. A photographers feast awaited us almost every step of the way, as we were able to visit the villages of San Juan , San Pedro, and Atitlan. We were greeted everywhere, by warm and happy smiles, and learned a lot of history in our short one day visit. We definitely hope to return add spend more time in this magical land.