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SANTIAGO
ATITLAN HISTORY AND INFORMATION
Santiago Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan is the
largest and most traditional of the villages around the lake. It is known
for its fine crafts and one of the Tzutujil saints known as Maximón
( the indigenes calle him "hermano Simon"). This saint wears a hat and smokes a cigar and is carried through
the streets of town during Holy Week right alongside the traditional
Catholic saints. There is also a Maximón in Zunil (Quetzaltenago) and
San Andres Itzapa near Antigua. A daily market is held in this village.
The conquistator Pedro de
Alvarado arrived in Santiago Atitlán in 1524, because of its proximity to
the Tzutujil kingdom, which was located across the bay on the hill at the
base of the San Pedro volcano.
 View
of Atitlán lake. (By Majatza)
The large white church in town
dates back to the colonial period, when Santiago was an important center
for trading and missionary work.
HOW
TO GET HERE: From Panajachel
the boat departs at the end of the Calle
Santander, on the beach, just ask, everybody knows how to get there. It
takes 1hour and fare is about two dollars. It is always better to leave in the
morning so you can spend more time there. Also, the lake gets a little windy in the
afternoons.
HOTELS
Hotels from $0 to $15
for a doubles: Tzutuhil
-- good comfortable rooms with a view of the
lake. Pension Rosita -- they also serve daily meals, and they
are located right behind
the market.
Hotels from $15 to $30
for a double: Posada
Santiaguito, outside of town 1.5 miles on the road to San Pedro.
It is a beautiful place; recommended.
Also recommended is the Hotel
Bambu, outside of town with a wonderful view of the lake.
It has a good
restaurant and comfortable rooms.
RESTAURANTS: Boatwatch Cafe (Budget)
near the beach with a nice terrace, right on the lake. Restaurante Santa
Rita (Budget) -- delicious! Posada de Santiago
outside of town offers one of the best meals in the village.
Dinners go for around $10; recommended.
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