Flying soul tour: April 2014

view to the Atitlan lake

What can I say about Guatemala? Poor, dirty, polluted, dangerous country but with its special beauty. I was there 2 days. One day I spent in capital and 2nd day I went to see volcano Atitlan.

National Palace

I came to downtown to the main square called "Constitutional square" it s a big and beautiful place, a lot of pegeons and harmless beggars sitting in the park which is from the left side of National Palace. I start my excursion from National Palace but could not come inside because that day came Otto Perez Molina - the presidents of Guatemala (it was 2014). It was so strange because in other countries you might be not able to come so close to the building where the president is, too many people will be protecting that place. I came to the entrance and some guy barely looked like security told me that the president is inside and I can come tomorrow. So National Palace I can show you just façade.

Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced

I went to see Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana. It's in the same area. Inside it looks very simple, seems like cathedral from suburb but not the main. No magnificent decoration like in Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, which is few blocks from main square.

Compare to Metropolitan Cathedral the cathedral Parish of Our Lady of Mercy is rich with its interior decoration.

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced

You have to see this Cathedral inside. I felt inspiration when I came there. Even bought one icon for my friend.

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced

Guatemala city

As you can see there are not to many people on the streets.

But... you have to see Volcano Atitlan!

Atitlan Lake

Next day started form the early morning meeting with driver and guide. I went to see Atitlan Lake by car. It took us around 3 hours to reach there. On the way we had several stops: to eat breakfast, to take pictures from the high areas. Untouched nature keeps you look on the endless fields and forests, rivers and lakes. The water of Atitlan is very pure, reaching 99% levels of the central parts of the lake. It is the deepest lake in Central America and is located in a volcanic caldera called "The Chocoyos" which is approximate 84.000 years ago was formed by a tremendous volcanic eruption.

Driver took us to the small town called Panajachel, it has main walking street Santander where you can buy cheap handmade sings such as: shoes, bags, shirts. From peer we took boat and went to other small village called San Juan La Laguna. It s not a long trip but very exciting!! Once you will have opportunity take it!

San Juan La LAguna

Future threads

This village is also touristic place, it has interesting paintings on the walls, people are wearing their national dress and can show you how to how to paint a thread and to weave bedcovers. I took pictures with locals, people here are very kind so don't be afraid to speak with them. There is no danger in small touristic cities.

Atitlan Lake

After a long day when we came back to Panajachel I ask guide to show me restaurant with good national food. Actually in such small touristic cities every restaurant will cook nice food for you, so don't hesitate to chose any. In the restaurant I was relaxed and was thinking about all the sightseeings, I will keep this warm memories for a long time.