Fuentes Georginas to Panajachel (Lago de Atitlan), 67 miles

After a very enjoyable morning soak in the hot springs all by ourselves, we were packed and on the road again. Our destination today was the Lake of Atitlan, a beautiful body of water surrounded by three volcanoes. The main town on the lake is Panajachel, nicknamed Gringo-tenango, as its packed with whities. I can see why, its more beautiful than lake tahoe and there is really nice weather year round.

The roads and traffic in Guatemalan cities are terrible. We were happy to get out of Quetzaltenango and its suburbs once and for all. The open road in the Guatemalan highlands on the other hand can’t be beat for motorcycling and scenery.

We got into town, immediately found cheap lodging ($10) and a great restaurant. We had nachos and burritos that were better than any we had in mexico and the view of the lake was priceless. Neither of us were feeling very well after lunch. Headachy and dizzy (probably cloroquine), we went back to our room for some R&R. Hard to relax when the $10 room reeks and is full of mosquitoes! Hey, we have to rough it sometimes…

After a short nap, we woke up to no power. The street was dark and quiet, with a bit of a dangerous feeling to it. We took a short walk to an Italian restaurant that was open remarkably and had a delicious meal by candle-light. Before the meal was over, power was back on and so we walked a bit before heading back to the stink-hole.

Power went out again, some kids were screaming bloody murder (thin walls) and some dude was on the roof scrapping the ceiling at 6am. Neither of us slept well. The lightening striking around the lake was the highlight of an uneventful evening. For us, one day here was enough… Tomorrow, Antigua!

Finally...warmth

Yay! That's great!

Good motorcycling here

The Guaemalan roadside beverage service

Our first glimps of the lake

Hi Mom

Iglesia

Good food and great view (Sunset Cafe)

Wish you were here!