Lake Atitilan

Several buses took us to Lake Atitlan, an idyllic lake in the highlands of Guatemala.

The lake is an old volcanic crater and has no river exits. There are some roads that climb the 90 degree sides of the crater, but several of the villages and hotels are only accessible by boats. Our hotel was one of them.

the bus dropped us at the quay and we were whipped across the lake to the hotel.

It was called.

And was perched about 100 steps up the side of the volcano wall!

Our bedroom was another 100 steps up. It is chilly here in the mountains and a fireplace was all ready for us!

and a hammock on the terrace - very nice to lie and read!

The view was spectacular!

It was impossible to go out to a restaurant in the evenings so the hotel put all the tables together and we ate as one huge family. We had two very jolly evenings.

We spent a whole day village hopping on the boats.

Passing local fisherman.

and some magnificent houses.

On the opposite side of the lake was a large town.

Where I braved the local hairdresser and had my hair cut!
The dog was a bit shy!

But the church was fascinating, again a mixture of Christian/Mayan beliefs

It is very old.

Although it was a Monday it was very busy with people praying.

The Saints were dressed in local robes.

I felt this donkey was very worthy of his load.

Lent was celebrated here too.

In a side chapel the women had brought flowers.

The door to the cloisters must have been the original one.
Right down to the wheels!

Outside we were reminded how hard life is.

In the village was a model of the lake.

We caught the taxi boat to the next village,which was very different.
Small winding alleyways.

A huge Catholic church.

With a very impressive altar.

And an equally impressive Baptist church.

We made our way back to the hotel to pack our bags for a few days tough travelling.