Encapsulated by lush jungle mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake villages — Lago de Atitlan must be one of the worlds most beautiful and captivating natural landscapes in the world. Giant waterfalls, pour off clifftops in the distance, clouds roll over the tops of mountains as sun-rays shine through sparkling and reflecting on the water. (Click here for photos)

Panajachel is the most touristic of the towns along the lake, which means you also have to most options and competition when it comes to hotels and restaurants. The main Calle Santander is lively and packed with local indigenous vendors selling handmade clothing, jewlry, bags and just about everything in between — including great varieties of local wool products. It’s also the best access point along the lake — with two roads out of town and plenty of traffic. You can hop in a colectivo or back of a pick-up truck to get up the mountain and grab a bus to wherever you’re headed.

GETTING // GOING

Huehuetenango – Panajachel

Panajachel – Antigua

SLEEPING

Mario’s Rooms

Hotel Vinas del Lago

Hotel Sueno Real

Hotel Utzrajil

Marvelus Backpackers Hostel

EATING

Las Gaviotas

Street meat

Tuscani

PIE! (or PAY!)

OUR STORY

Another drive another white-knuckled, knee-buckler

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