Lago de Atitlán Warnings Or Dangers

  At the Church at Santa Catarina Palopó
by gdilieto
 
  • At the Church at Santa Catarina Palopó
      At the Church at Santa Catarina Palopó
    by gdilieto
  •   Warnings Or Dangers
    by easterntrekker
  •   Warnings Or Dangers
    by acemj
  • Diving on the lake
      Diving on the lake
    by VinTolucci
 

Most Recent Warnings Or Dangers in Lago de Atitlán

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Warning: Be Prepared to Deal With Poverty
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gdilieto 222 reviews
At the Church at Santa Catarina Palop��

Guatemala is among the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. A large percentage of the population consists in native Mayan people who often live in remote and impoverished villages. Many Guatemalans of working age don’t have jobs, especially in indigenous Mayan communities which populate this part of the country. Those communities often depend on subsistence farming and on the sale of small quantities of cash crops such as corn or beans for their meager incomes. Although tourism is growing and the economy is fairly stable, Guatemala still faces many social and economic problems. In visiting the Maya communities of Lake Atitlán be prepared to deal with poverty and be respectful of the lifestyle and the conditions of those communities.

Updated Feb 25, 2009

Related to:
 Eco-Tourism
 Arts and Culture

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Watch your teeth
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

easterntrekker 1949 reviews

I don'y know what it is about Panachel but they make terrible nachos . They are hard as rocks . i think they are basically tortillas that they try to adapt by deep frying. They smell great but be warned if you value your teeth and in my case expensive crowns!!

Written Apr 2, 2007

Related to:
 Singles
 Backpacking
 Budget Travel

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A few things to keep in mind . . .
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acemj 4857 reviews

When we were here during the spring, there was noticeable smoke hanging in the air due to agricultural burning that goes on throughout the country during this time of year.

If you are going to do some hiking around the lake or up to one of the volcanoes, be very careful as banditos have been known to rob tourists. It's a good idea to always go in groups.

If you're crossing the lake by boat, try to avoid the later parts of the day when the Xocomil, winds from the southeast, cause the water to become extremely choppy.

Updated Jul 22, 2005

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Drugs
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DrugstoreCowgirl 6 reviews

As soon as we got off the boat we took from Panajachel some guys ran up to us trying to sell us drugs. We said no a few times before they would leave us alone.

Written Jun 2, 2008

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YES!! DON'T DROWN!
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RAZOR-REN 70 reviews

NAH, IF YOU RIDING IN THE BOATS THEN IS BEST TO USE A LIFE JACKET IF YOU CAN'T SWIM IN CASE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS.

Written Jan 22, 2006

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Watch out for the rocks
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VinTolucci 124 reviews
Diving on the lake

If you're going to go diving in the lake, you'd better be careful there are many rocks beneath the water.

Updated Aug 13, 2004

Related to:
 Road Trip
 Water Sports
 Beaches

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Top 3 Hotels in Lago de Atitlán

Lomas de Tzununa

 3 Reviews and 125 Opinions  Lomas de Tzununa' is a very special place. It is a beautiful, tranquil, and perfectly situated lodge... 

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La Casa del Mundo Hotel

 1 Review and 161 Opinions  La Casa Del Mundo is a beautiful family run Inn perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Atitlan just... 

 Hotels in Lago de Atitlán

Casa Palopo Hotel

 2 Reviews and 81 Opinions  The service was the best of all the places we have stayed. Friendly, helpful, no question too silly.... 

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 If you're going to go diving in the lake, you'd better be careful there are many rocks beneath the water. 

 

Questions and Answers

dan382 profile photo

Q:  Hi, Arriving in GT latter this wk. Any recommended travel companies or methods to get from Guatemala City aiport to Lago De... 

Chenbaaxal profile photo

A: There is a shuttle that you can arrange as long as you don't arrive after 8:30 PM. $10.  

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Top Lago de Atitlán Writers

1

Lake Atitlan

easterntrekker profile photo

 When we first saw the lake as we drove into Panajachel, we couldn't get our cameras out fast enough. The lake is surrounded by three dormant volcanoes and could be the most beautiful lake we've ever... 

2

Surrounded by Vulcanoes

filipdebont profile photo

  This was our first stop place during our trip through Guatemala. What a marvelous spot to visit. We stayed in Panajachel. We had a hotel just near the border of the Lake. We had a splendid view...... 

3

Lake of the Mayans, Gringos Welcome.

acemj profile photo

 I can't really figure out why Lake Atitlán is not more well-known throughout the world. I mean, I knew all about Lake Como before I ever set foot in Italy. I learned about the legend of Nessie and... 

4

Beautiful And Serene

VinTolucci profile photo

 With out a doubt this was the highlight of my trip. The placid blue lake is a paradise. The gentle waters are always just right for swimming. Although certain parts are a little bit dirty, I ventured... 

5

Lago de Atitlan

darthmilmo profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Lago de Atitlán. I'd love to share with you the 12 tips I've written, the 29 photos uploaded, and 1 travelogue I've created. 

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