2025 Guatemala

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Getting to Guatemala

In June of 2025, we made a visit to Lake Atitlan, located in Guatemala. We made this trip during a 10 day break in schedule at the Roca Blanca Spanish School. We had 3 goals here: (1) Explore the Guatemalan Culture, (2) Meet with a lady in San Pedro Laguna who is doing some good missionary work, and (3) Talk with as many Guatemalans as we can.

About Lake Atitlan

Even though the lake is at 5,000+ foot elevation, the water temperature stays at 70 degrees all year long. The lake is surrounded by 3 very large volcanos, which means that the landscape is too steep to build a road along the lake's edge. So, even though the lake is only about 12 miles across, to drive only halfway around would take you 2.5 hours because the route goes "around" all of the volcanos. To make travel easier, they have a system of boat taxis. 

Here is a graphic that shows simply what the region is like, and where things are located. During our stay here, our accommodations were locate in Panajachel (nickname: Pana). This town was closest to the main road getting into the region from Guatemala City, And it is the hub for the boat taxies. In addition to exploring Pana, we also explored the little towns located along the side of the lake, ultimately, making it all the way across to San Pedro. What I love about this graphic, is that it also shows you where the boat taxis go.

Taking the Boat Taxis

Here is the ramp to where you catch the Boat Taxi (La Lancha). Although it is hidden a bit by a tree branch, you can see the docks on the right side.

Here we are on a boat taxi, going across the lake. These boats are long and skinny, with benches that seat 3-6 people across. It is interesting to note that these boats play music. Now, I had expected to hear Guatemalan Music, but no! Instead, they always play American Oldies & Classic Rock. I don't think most of them understand the words of the songs, but they like it.

Here is the boat taxi as it makes an approach to San Pedro, on the other side of the lake. Take notice of the construction styles and how close everything is to each other.

Mission Clinic in San Pedro

Here is the wonderful lady we went to meet in San Pedro. Her name is Luz, and she came here from Florida many years ago to work in Medical Clinic and has stayed here ever since. What a light she has been.

Here is the entrance to the Medical Clinic on the left. The big sign is actually the side of a Christian School building. The Clinic is called "Frutos De Fe" (Fruits of Faith).

Here we see the Medical Clinic. This pic was taken from that entrance gate, seen in pic above.  

Construction Techniques

This pic shows some public art with a neat sculpture of a hummingbird in San Pedro (on Lake Atitlan); however, the real reason this pic is included, is because I wanted you to look around the city. Notice the narrow store fronts. Notice the construction of that big building, especially what is going on on the roof. This is typical of how construction is done in this region. Also notice, the crazy electrical pole... this is also typical.

Exploring Pana

Here is look around Pana (Panajachel), and the crazy steep road to get down to the town from the main highway on top of those mountains.

Here is a tour of a real Market, with freshly picked fruits and veggies. Notice how nice the locals are dressed. This is how they dress everywhere we went.

Guatemalan Cooking Class

To explore more of Guatemalan Culture and Cuisines, we took a cooking class on Guatemalan Dishes. We did all of the chopping, blending, and cooking... under strict guidance of our local Guatemalan Chef. Here is Rebecca showing off the finished product: Pepian, Corn Tortillas, Tamalitos, and Rellenitos. Once we were done, we were taken to the rooftop terrace, the food was "plated" by the chef, and we were served the dishes with first class service. :)

Here is how things started in the Cooking Class, with most of the ingredients prepped and ready to go. Although, they did save some chopping for us to do.  

Here is Rebecca being very careful to follow Chef's instructions. :)  

Here is the view from the rooftop terrace, on top of the cooking school building.

Guatemalan Transportation

MOTO TAXI - - We already talked about the boat taxis for getting around on water, but we need to talk about the "wheeled" transportation that is used to get around on land. Here is a look at what it is like to ride in a Moto Taxi. These three-wheeled contraptions have one bench seat behind the driver, that seat 2-3 people. Just hang on. :)

CHICKEN BUS - - Here is a look at the experience of riding a "Chicken Bus". It is called this because all of locals use them for travelling between towns. They will then carry with them, all of the items that they bought in that other town. This includes: groceries, and very often, live chickens. These busses are retired school busses from America. Here in Guatemala they are given a new life. They have amazing paint jobs, chrome accessories, flashing lights, & loud music. There is no bus schedule. Rather, you just stand on the highway road on the side of the direction you wish to go. Then, within 5-15 minutes, along comes a Chicken Bus. Just get on, give some money to the collector, and enjoy the ride. The ride includes fast speeds on the steep, twisty, and narrow mountain roads; with big trucks passing within inches of the bus. When one chicken bus passes another, they always give a loud honk of the horn. What a unique experience.  

Here is a description of what is going on with these busses.  

Here is what it looks like inside a Chicken Bus.

Here is a close up of the exteriors of a Chicken Bus with a special paint job & chrome.

Guatemalan Nature

Here is an amazing looking flower. It is called an "Indian Clock Vine" (aka "Lady's Slipper" or "Brick and Butter Vine").

Here is an odd looking plant. This is a "Costa Rican Bamboo Palm" (also "Chamaedorea"), with its bright orange stalks that bear fruit.

Here is a look around the Swinging Bridges trail at a National Park near Pana.

2025 Guatemala

THANKS FOR TAKING THIS JOURNEY WITH US!
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