Glorious Guatemala, Part 3: Lake Atitlan; San Juan La Laguna

 Here at last is the grand finale to my Guatemalan excursion!

On my second day at Lake Atitlan, I took the ferry--a 30 minute, very bumpy ride-- across the lake to the furthest end, where one finds the very charming, lakeside pueblo of San Juan La Laguna. Here, I spent the day touring the most interesting attractions: galleries, various "fabricas" (factories) and the lookout point, boasting a magnificent view of the lake and surrounding volcanic mountains. Since the photos tell the story, I won't say anymore about it...enjoy the visual tour!

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First series: I went a little "loco" taking pics of the lake, mountains, docks and pueblos alongside the lake. Some shots were taken from the boat, and some on land, including the vista point in San Juan. 

The day could not have been more perfect: crystal clear, gorgeous blue skies and puffy clouds. I had a devil of a time trying to narrow my picks down, so I probably went a little overboard! (Thankfully not literally, but on that crazily lurching ferry boat, it would not have been impossible to be bounced right out of it!)  So...please forgive me for the abundance of scenes you see below....and I hope you enjoy the indulgence!

With all of the ups and downs, it was hard to hold my phone steady... but thankfully I managed to get some pretty good shots of these magnificent mountains!

Although most of the volcanoes in this area are inactive, a few ARE still alive and well, dribbling--or spewing!-- fire and lava. There is an overnight hike to one of them, where the hiker tourists can camp out--and gawk--at a safe distance. This is definitely on my bucket list for the next time I make it down here! 

Second series: the climb to the vista point, led by my wonderful guide, Edvin. The steps leading up to the lookout were most intriguing; artistically painted to tell a story of the Mayan people who once lived in this region. (Some still do; sadly, like everywhere, they have mostly lost their traditional way of life.)  My guide explained a few of the stories and the symbolism, but I no longer recall what he told me... a shame, to be sure!  

Looking back toward the town as we began our not-too-strenuous ascent. 

A little kiosk, selling refreshments for the hikers...mind you, it was a pretty tame hike, taking only about 20 min. to get to the top! 

My friendly, funny guide, Edvin, posing on the steps.

Magnificent view from the top!

The lovely walkway--and last segment--leading up to the summit. 

Looking back from whence we came!

Yes, we were happy hikers, grateful for the reward of this vista bonita! 

Third series: visiting an organic bee farm with miniature Guatemalan, non-stinging honey bees. The honey was divine! My favorite was the cardamon honey. Also, some honey-sesame candies. I loved handling the bees also... this truly was the highlight of my visit to the pueblo... (well...this, and the upcoming chocolate factory!)   

Not sure, but think this "queen bee" is a character from some animated movie?!

I was so pleased that my micro lens captured this little creature so clearly! This is the worker bee, just emerging from his hive. Probably wondering, "Who the heck are these people, and why are they disturbing my work day?!"

That first hive you saw-- man made--was emulating the natural hive that you see here. What amazing architects these bees are! 

Another species of bee; another type of hive construction. Truly amazing!

I am gently handling these little critters as they emerge from a hive... what an incredible privilege! 

Like so many artesenal farms and factories, this bee farm has been maintained by many generations of the same family. This lovely mural pays tribute to a couple of these generations. 

Ah Muzen Cab: Mayan god of the bees and honey! Every proper bee farm must have his presence, surely!

I sampled every variety and would have loved to cart off an armload...unfortunately, since I was traveling with just a carry-on bag, I could only get by with a tiny, two-ounce jar of my favorite: cardamon honey!

Fourth series: artesenal fabrica of fabulous fabrics! From the cotton trees (yes, trees!) to the dyeing, yarn making, weaving and embroidering of clothing and other items, this process was arduous and amazing. The final products were quite pricey, so I only purchased one small, square piece of woven cloth. I really enjoyed witnessing the whole process, though, with much admiration. It is no wonder at all that these amazing Guatemalan textiles are so famous worldwide. 

I had always thought that cotton grew on bushy shrubs, close to the ground. Well...not in Guatemala! It grows on tall trees, drooping downward, as you see here. Further more, there are three varieties of trees--all sporting different colors of cotton-- growing here at this factory.

Here, you can see the harvested cotton: white, tan and brown. 

The harvested cotton tufts are thinned and spun into yarn. 

The yarn is then dipped into the all-natural dyes (mostly plant derivatives... some from insect blood and so forth.)

The dyed yarn is then woven into a piece of fabric. Quite a laborious process, overall! 

Fifth series: oooohhhh, so delectable--- the chocolate factory!

To the left: a cacao bean tree. Back wall: explanations about where the beans are grown and how they are harvested. On the floor: Display of the stages of turning the beans into chocolate. 

On the left: the harvested pods; on the right, the cacao beans, removed from the pods. 

I was given the opportunity to hand-mash the beans into powder...the process still used at this chocolate factory! The work-- really tough, not particularly fun...however, the smell wafting up to my nostrils was truly divine! No wonder the Mayans considered chocolate food for the gods!

 Sixth series: around town-- murals, churches and art galleries...lunch!

Hungry traveler that I was, this dish of mini enchiladas was as divine as the chocolate I bought! (And ate--with restraint--after my lunch!) 

Edvin walked me through the town square after lunch, where I was delighted by the plethora of wall sculptures and murals. 

As always, every town center has its church. This one--situated against the backdrop of mountains and blue sky--was truly picturesque. 

Quite a colorful basketball court was also in the center of town. I was happy to see boys playing here and getting a good amount of exercise!

Mural depicting indigenous farmers of San Juan. 

Not sure what this one represented, but the Guatemalans are proud of their Mayan heritage and its famous pyramids (same as in Mexico, by the way.) 

Mayan medicine man--not at all sure what he was doing in this mural, but how striking, yes?!

Edvin explained that this mural presents all of the personages important to the town, past and present. 

A new mural, obviously.... the important people, a la Covid! 

"Quadate en casa" : "stay at home"! 

The galleries: amazing artists living, working and selling their wares in the town!

Seventh and final series: Last views of the lake and a positively magnificent sunset! Hungrily soaking in these scenes before departing from this magical place... 

It may have been a bumpy ferry ride back, as always, but this little tyke was happy as a clam! Maybe he found the wild ride fun...  I know I did!!!

Back to my base--the town of Panajachel. Docked and still wobbly... yet wowed--as ever--by the dramatic scenes out over the lake.

Sadly, I had to head back to Antigua... but was gifted with amazing views of the sunset over the lake as I looked back behind me. My driver was kind enough to stop a couple times so I could capture these last shots. 

Leaving the lake behind,  our route went along a number of unpaved back roads. Here, my driver and I watched--in amazement--as a motorcyclist plowed courageously on through this river in the middle of the road. Miraculously, he stayed upright and no mishaps occurred! 

Enjoying the last of the setting sun... and my second to last night in the wondrous country of Guatemala.  I shall certainly return!!!