Lago Atitlán, the Chichicastenango market and Antigua

Hey Guys!
After the beautiful Semuc Champey, we were treated to another gem of Guatemala- Lago Atitlán. In a Mayan language, Atitlán means 'at the water/ where the rainbow gets its colour.' How beautiful is that?  It's the deepest lake in Central America, and is fantastically surrounded by volcanoes on most sides.

For this reason, we climbed up the San Pedro Volcano the next morning to be above it all and appreciate the view. We were definitely above the lake, the mountains, the people and the noise.......but not the clouds, unfortunately. However, we snuck a few good views in here and there on the way up.
And there was also this random swing we could have a gander on

As you can see from the top, there were a few clouds, but when it did peek through the view was spectacular.

Early morning fishermen going out on Lago Atitlan
San Pedro Volcano


We had planned on staying in the area for a few days, but there was a market the next day in Chichicastenango, and we wanted to check it out. It was halfway to our next destination (Antigua), so we decided to just make a day of stopping there and continuing on. I am really glad we got to see this market in full swing. It runs on Thursdays and Sundays, where indigenous people (Mayans) descend from the surrounding hills to sell pretty much everything. The result is a crazy winding labyrinth of plastic tarp alleys filled with vibrant textiles, masks, sacks of rice, incense, chickens, hardware supplies, the list goes on!

Iglesia Santo Tomas- a very interesting place indeed. Although technically a Catholic church, there were people burning incense and carrying out rather Mayan rituals on the front steps (along with a cacophony of flower sellers, beggars, hawkers, etc.) Even inside the church, there were large stone blocks on the ground in the aisles, and people were lighting candles and sprinkling flower petals on them in specific arrangements. Much more Mayan than Catholic. The fusion of the two religions was very interesting to see.

We also went to a shrine out in the country, and were introduced to more than our fair share of Mayan beliefs out there. Out of respect for the locals performing these rituals, we have chosen not to go into all the details here out on the big bad internet. However, if you run into us down the line, ask us about the Pascual Abaj shrine and we promise to tell you our version of the events. 

After Chichi, we bussed into Antigua, one of my favourite cities in Central America. Technically Antigua is Jared's turn, but I know he is just going to launch into Acatenango and probably won't want to talk about the architecture in Antigua. Just a hunch.

Antigua was founded in 1542 by the Spanish and built in the Spanish Baroque style. Although practically leveled by an earthquake in 1773, it was rebuilt, only this time much squatter and stouter. There are still many ruins scattered around the city, which I found quite beautiful in the afternoon sun. 

 Those fantastic volcano views come at a cost

 As you can see, the rebuit buildings are all single storey

 The arch of Santa Catalina

 Iglesia la Merced

A church left in ruins, but still strikingly beautiful with the tree growing out of it. As a North American, I never get tired of seeing old stuff- ancient ruins, buildings, etc. I know there is a lot of ancient history on my continent, but it was built primarily with wood, and now you really need your imagination to bring it to life. Seeing the stone in person is always a treat for me.

Until Next Time!