Lake Atitlan

Have gone twice in 2 years

Rating: 100%

Don't go just for sightseeing, though the sights are beautiful. The only way to experience Lake Atitlan is to visit the small villages around the lake and try to blend into the culture and experience the people. I have gone on mission and hurricane relief efforts and my biggest fear is that the number of Europeans and Americans moving or visiting there will actually ruin the ambiance of the area. Though the people are largely poor by our standards and lacking "modern conveniences", I envy their simple lifestyle that stresses family and spiritual activities aside from being hard working. Though the weather and geography is gorgeous, the people are the real assets of this area. There are hurricane, earthquake, and criminal activity that pose hazards to those who are not careful.