Antigua and Atitlan

I 2nd Sak'cari in San Pedro - you might want to consider one of the apartments there. I have some friends staying there now and am impressed with the space and organization of it.

Thank you very much. Might just look into that.

Panajachel is a great base to visit other villages by boat like Santiago, Santa Cruz and Jaibalito... From Pana you can also take a pick-up truck to Santa Catarina Palopo (a traditional village with great views and weaving, the Maya women wear blue blouses). There is the nature reserve in Pana with hanging bridges, waterfalls, butterflies, a few monkeys and coatis. On Tuesdays and Fridays you can go to Solola from Pana (a short bus ride away) for the very colourful market (and take a look at the cemetery as well). Pana itself is touristy but does have the original village as well with a church and a few markets. And Pana has great shopping as the Maya people from the surrounding villages come there to sell their handicrafts. Pana has an amazing view of the lake with the 3 volcanoes and has amazing sunsets. We have enjoyed staying at Sueno Real (Calle Ramos). Take a room on the third floor as they have partial lake view and there is a nice patio. Also a rooftop terrace with great views of the lake. Perfect for the sunset.

Jaibalito and Santa Cruz are isolated traditional villages. A few hotels but not many restaurants or amenities. Great views. The walk between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito is great. If you want to walk on to San Marcos that may be better with a guide, just ask your hotel. Look at La Casa del Mundo in Jaibalito.

San Pedro is touristy by the lake but you can also walk up the hill to the village and the church. San Juan is close. You can visit Santiago by boat. You can climb volcano San Pedro or Indian Nose. The views from San Pedro are nice but I prefer the views from Pana, Santa Cruz/Jaibalito, Santa Catarina Palopo.

Santiago is large and traditional. Women wear blouses with birds and flowers, some men still wear long striped shorts. The market is great, you should not miss a visit to Maximon, there is the church with the saints, a weaving museum...

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond with so many different options. We plan on spending at least a week on the lake do your info is very valuable.
Thank you
Gerry

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