Santa Clara la Laguna
The road that takes you to Quetzaltenango has a turn that takes you there. The view from the lake (still from the road) is amazing. You can find nice food and places to stay and relax in Santa Clara, but mostly in San Pedro la Laguna.
It is a small and beautiful city. The lake is still far away but is a nice stop on your way to San Pedro la Laguna.
You can have a nice view from the Lake Atitlan just at the entrance of Chuiraxamolo, which is just beside te road down to Santa Clara.
What can you expect at Santa Clara?
Chuiraxamolo is among the most famous places. It is a hill with nice view and natural environment where you can camp and enjoy the biggest canopy in Guatemala.Nice and tasty food at the market with more than neat prices. The local taste is great.
One of the most famous places is Cańaberal, it is small but worth visiting. You can find ATMs there, bank and bike stores, yes, internet too.
The road still goes to San Pedro and the Lake shore. Some wild turns descend to the village where you can enjoy a variety of hotels, restaurants and places to visit.
The Cristalino or “Maya Face” is among the first ones to see. It is a small mountain that has the appearance of a human face seen from far a way.
The lake Shore is beautiful. You have two choices to get there. The first one is the main shore that receives the boats coming from other villages. The other is more quiet and peaceful. Both have different restaurants to enjoy.
If you decide to go beyond Santa Clara and reach San Pedro, consider climbing the volcano of the same name * San Pedro * which is among the most visited and safe places around.
A road goes up to the main offices where you can hire a guide and security. The police group ascent the volcano reall (really) often. The view from the top is amazing. Is not an easy trek but is worth doing it. Take in count it is cold up there if you want to stay the night at the top. The office has a parking place. They charge for the entrance to maintain the security. Enjoy.
How to get to Santa Clara la Laguna
Take the road to Quetzaltenango, the Panamericana road which also takes you to Chichicastenango and Solola.After the turn to Solola-Panajachel (a very visible turn to your left), stay on the main road until the next turn to the left on a curve, this means, skip the road down to Solola (Panajachel) and drive a bit more.
There take the second turn to your left following the road to Santa Clara. You can take the buses from Guatemala City or drive.
Remember, Santa Clara is the first town, a quiet and peaceful town. Near Santa Clara, driving a little more down to the lake you will reach San Pedro la Laguna.
From Guatemala City is about 4 hours to get to San Pedro and 3 and a half to Santa Clara.
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At just 5 minutes walking from Panajachel, this sanctuary of butterflies welcome you into their home: a natural paradise where you can enjoy the funny swings of monkeys playful pisotes and musical birds. Also, home of a tasteful fresh coffee you can enjoy right there. Hotels, restaurants and general accommodations are available at just minutes from San Buenaventura in Panajachel, the most touristic place in the region round Lake Atitlan.
The most beautiful lake in the world. Located in Guatemala at 2 hours and a half from Guatemala City. Blue and clear waters with blue sky, peace all around.