Lago Atitlan Trek - Day 3

Up early again. This time to climb for half an hour to the mirador (viewpoint) for breakfast. What we saw took our breath away. Lake Atitlan, surrounded by misty-blue volcanoes, shimmering in the dawnbreak. It might just be the biggest lake I have ever seen, and definitely the most beautiful.

We enjoyed cornflakes and coffee at the mirador, and then packed our bags for our knee-quaking descent to the lakeside. About 2 hours later, we were on the beach and running into the cool clear waters of the lake. Swimming in that water was one of the most wonderful things ever. It was blue and clear, and sandy on the bottom - amazing. Then T and I did our Astanga yoga sequence on the beach, another quick dip, and then it was time for our taxi-boat to collect us and take us to San Pedro.

Lago Atitlan is surrounded by villages on its shores, and each one has a different feel. San Pedro is the party place, where you can find drugs and bars aplenty. It felt quite strange being in such a gringo-ey place. We had an amazing lunch in a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the water, where we watched local women washing their clothes in the lake, and people in boats going about their business.

After lunch we said goodbye to our guides, and hopped in a boat to the village of San Marcos, just across the lake from San Pedro. This place has a totally different feel, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a magical place to honeymoon or something like that. All the places to stay are totally beautiful, with amazing gardens and small, wooden or stone cabins. There are exotic trees and flowers everywhere. Even better, this is the place to come if you're into yoga, meditation, and alternative therapies. Not much in the way of partying or drugs here, just the most peaceful atmosphere ever. I was really sad that we had only one night to spend there.