Lake Atitlan

The teens were not thrilled with the early start today. Wake up was a few minutes after six and breakfast promptly at 6:30 am. By 7:00 we were on the bus headed out to Lake Atitlan.

The entire group and the Paso y Paso teens.

After nearly three hours of driving we arrived at a beautiful hotel on the lake. The teens make use of the restrooms and then we headed to the dock via the stunning gardens.

The boat ride across the lake took abut 40-45 minutes. The water was incredibly still, except where disturbed by the handful of boats.

The hotel offered helicopter tours. Though we couldn't take a ride,
we enjoyed the photo opportunity.

We then arrived in a small town where we walked up the main street, past many artisan stalls, and through the town square. Near the square was the old cathedral, St. James the Apostle, built in 1547. We went in to see the beautiful structure and the many statues of familiar saints dressed in the now familiar traditional clothes of Guatemalans.

Our lunch spot.

One of the volcanoes around Lake Atitlan.

From there we headed to lunch where we enjoyed garlic fish and typical fare of the area. Andres then led us to a wonderful shop full of paintings. A few teens began practicing their bartering skills as they purchased a few items. We then wandered past the remaining artisan stalls on our way back to the docks.

The cathedral was built in the 15th century and played a role in the lengthy civil war.

Our group and some local children received a demonstration of a traditional headwear.

The return trip across the lake was much choppier. Those sitting in the back got a bit damp from the spray.

The main street.

Enjoying the ride home.

We had a few minutes to explore the gardens or get a cold drink at the hotel before the long ride home. Now the teens are relaxing, as usual, by playing Bananagrams.