| Day 2, Feb.5th, 2004 Lake Atitlan |
| I had arranged a shuttle to get me to Panajachel , so I had to be ready for 7 a.m. I was certainly going to miss my morning coffee...but no fear Fernando opened just for me at 6:45...gotta love it! There was a family from Scotland on my shuttle, so we spent the ride chatting and watching the scenery. The ride to Panajachel reminded me of Nepal, the endless switchbacks, the terraced fields and the small, smiling faces. The Scottish family were heading directly over to San Pedro by launch, so I got dropped off on Calle Santander- the main drag. Panajachel is a tourist hub- shops, pizza, internet etc. kind of tacky, but a great place to base myself to explore the lake and surrounding area. I found a nice little Hospedaje ( family run guest house) down a little alley off the top of Calle Santander. Hospedaje Montufar ( no website)was to be my home for the next 4 days, for Q30 per night! |
| This is the courtyard of the Montufar. The place was very clean and very quiet. My room was basic, but a comfy bed and lots of hot water in the communal bath...so a great spot all in all. |
| I basically spent the rest of the day admiring the lakeside views and eating. Panajachel has a wealth of great eateries. Some of my favorites: nameless place- next door to El Patio, complele grilled fish and all the trimmings Q20 - also GREAT Calzone Upstairs from Pana Rock -more great meals for similar prices. The Pana Rock has a great happy hour with drinks 2 for one and nightly live entertainment...fun. |
| My first view of Lake Atitlan |
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