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Becoming Numb to Absolute Beauty?

San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaLake Atitlan is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, however, I don’t feel impressed as most people. Maybe it’s because Guatemala and Mexico have already shown me so many beautiful sights that I’m just adding this one to the list. There are lush green mountains that [...]

San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, however, I don’t feel impressed as most people. Maybe it’s because Guatemala and Mexico have already shown me so many beautiful sights that I’m just adding this one to the list. There are lush green mountains that reach up into the clouds and drop directly into a massive lake. Two months ago I would have come here and my jaw would have dropped instead I just sit back and take it in. Each day I still feel blessed to have the time and resources in my life to see such sights. There are so many less fortunate individuals who cannot have the same experience and I only need to look down into the street to see them selling bread or juice.


I’m not sure if I’ll leave San Pedro tomorrow or the day after and move to Panajachel on the other side of the lake. San Pedro is a relatively small town but the main area for tourists is comprised of 3 main streets which I just refer to as “Gringo Lane.” Expats have basically taken over the main street on the lakefront and have established bars, restaurants and cafes.

Talking with some locals (In Spanish! W00t!) and some expats I’ve gathered that there is a tension that has been building between the two groups for a while. The locals feel that the Expats and tourists that have colonized the lakefront are destroying their town. To ease tensions there is a greater police presence and late night parties and use of illicit substances has calmed down. Oddly enough I haven’t seen one officer since I’ve been here but the locals insist that their presence is felt.

To me, all seems well and good. I laze around in the afternoon and take a walk on the paths outside of town or kayak in the lake before reading on the rocks. By evening I’ll grab some coffee in a cafe and grab some dinner before heading to The Allegre Pub to watch a movie on the terrace and have a liter of beer. Maybe I’m just being naive but I’m here to just relax and don’t feel like getting involved in the late night party scene right now.

Filed under: Cubicle Ditcher, Guatemala

About the Author:

Sam Langley left a comfortable and profitable job with an insurance company in the USA to travel the world. He has been going for years, and has not stopped yet. Keep up with his travels on his blog at Cubicle Ditcher. has written 147 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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  • Trevor Warman June 12, 2021, 7:25 pm

    I am here in 2021…. i feel the same… what is all the hype about the towns on Lake Atitlan?

    Tours to the Indian nose needed, Volcano San Pedro is off limits… even the tour companies arnt going.. due to bandidos.. wifi is crap..

    Sure the view is beautiful but Lake Toba in Sumatra has far more WOW factor… plus the food there is half the price and 6x more tasty.

    Xela rocks…..even had super fast wifi… i hope Antigua, and Rio Dulce rock more than here

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