Dec 1st - Panajachel to Antigua

Sunrise at Lake Atitlan, with one of the volcanoes that make the most magnificent backdrop to the lake

Today was the shortest drive of the tour, only 83 kms. This allowed us time to see the truly wonderful Lake Atitlan. Opposite the hotel stand three dormant volcanoes, Atitlan, the highest at over 3,750 metres, San Pedro and Tomalpin. With the deep blue water of the lake the whole setting is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

Volcan San Pedro

The highest of the volcanoes at Lake Atitlan, Volcan Atitlan, 3,537 metres

The hotel has fantastic gardens with a huge collection of roses from all over the world. Flowers abound and the gardens are a mass of colour. Everyone agreed this was a very special place.

The beautiful gardens of Hotel Atitlan

With such a short drive to Antigua, which used to be the capital of Guatemala until a devastating earthquake hit in the 18th century and it was moved to Guatemala City about 70 kms north, we could enjoy a late start. A short drive brought us to a view point high above the lake. After about 20 minutes of taking photos and video we drove on minor roads to Antigua. Again the scenery we encountered was really impressive with deep valleys and steep mountain passes.

We arrived in Antigua around 1 pm after having the car washed at a garage where we filled up with diesel. The price of fuel in Guatemala is very cheap at about half the price in the UK and each time I fill up the tank I appreciate how less I have to pay here.

One of the beautiful old colonial buidlings in the centre of Antigua

This evening we have an event being hosted by the Guatamalan tourist board at our hotel. It will give us a chance to thank the Guatamalans for their hospitality during our all too brief stay in their beautiful country.