I booked only a day tour to Atitlán (it was a 14 hour tour). Many sirens a night or so there but I didn’t. It would be nice to stay there longer, but I actually liked Antigua better.
Along the lake are 4 little towns varying in size but touristy.
Penjachel
We arrived first by van in this town and spent an hour talking amongst ourselves. I practiced my Spanish with two couples from Costa Rica
The other towns are across the lake so we hopped on a side boat and set of for the first town.
San Juan la Laguna
This town is very picturesque and had a nice vibe. We started with a chocolate tour. Instead of joining the guide with the one in English, I stayed with the Spanish group. I also bought some chocolate for cocoa and a bar with chilis in it.
Then we walked to the top of the hill for a weaving demonstration.
I loved the bright colors and how calm the town is.
San Pedro
The next town was a little more active and less colorful.
Santiago Atitlán
This is the biggest of the towns. Very bustling and not quaint or colorful. We stopped for lunch and I was not inspired by the menu so just ordered chips and guacamole. Another woman on the trip, Paula, was on the Pacaya vulcan trip and we walked around together. We were glad that they decided not to keep everyone together but let us explore on our own. We headed out to find good ceviche.
We walked around a little longer to find the church.
After the speed boat ride back it was time for the long van ride back. I think I still made the right choice to spend more time in Antigua and then spend time in Flores.
Penchatel looks like my kind of place to visit! Color. Chocolate, and crafts demo!
Especially the first village. Lots of handicrafts. The concept of spinning and weaving are similar but their use of tools and what the looms look like are so different around the world. Also the colors and patterns used are interesting as well.