Thanksgiving at Lake Atitlán | Guatemala Tours & Travel Services

A Warm Welcome to Thanksgiving at Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán’s communities, San Juan La Laguna, Panajachel, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, among others—are accustomed to welcoming travelers, including those wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving in an authentic yet festive way. Although Thanksgiving isn’t an official holiday in Guatemala, many restaurants, boutique hotels, and local hosts around the lake have embraced it, creating unique celebrations for international visitors and expats.

The holiday atmosphere around the lake includes a blend of local ingredients and traditional dishes, often with touches of Guatemalan flair like fresh herbs, local vegetables, and unique seasonings that make Thanksgiving dinner memorable. Some restaurants even organize special Thanksgiving menus, blending Guatemalan flavors with classic North American staples.

My Thanksgiving Message to loved ones.

A loved one once told me “You are a fighter” that I am. For many of my loved ones, we remain separated. Be thankful we are alive and together we will make it through these times. I will celebrate with a Turkey feast, only holding my thoughts for all on this day.

All my love James.

Thanksgiving in Guatemala, particularly around the stunning Lake Atitlán, is a unique experience where traditional North American festivities meet rich local flavors and Mayan traditions. Here’s a guide to celebrating Thanksgiving with a Guatemalan twist at Lake Atitlán, including the foods and customs that make this holiday a beautiful fusion of cultures.

Thanksgiving Meals with Guatemalan Ingredients

For those seeking a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a few classic ingredients are locally sourced or adapted with Guatemalan counterparts:

Turkey (Pavo) – While turkey isn’t commonly part of Guatemalan cuisine, it’s available around Thanksgiving time at some restaurants and can be special-ordered in certain areas around the lake. It’s often served with local herbs such as cilantro, yerba buena (mint), and recado, a traditional Guatemalan sauce made with roasted tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Corn-Based Side Dishes – Corn is a staple in Guatemalan food, with dishes like tamales, tostadas, and tortillas. Incorporating corn into your Thanksgiving meal is easy with tamales—Guatemalan tamales are typically larger and use a rich, flavorful masa, often seasoned with local herbs.

Guatemalan Sweet Potatoes (Camote) – Local camote adds a vibrant taste to the Thanksgiving table, often prepared with a sweet glaze of panela (unrefined cane sugar) and spices.

Black Beans and Rice – A perfect Guatemalan side dish to include is rice and black beans, seasoned with garlic, onions, and sometimes tomato. This dish provides a delicious, hearty complement to turkey or roasted meats.

Chiltepe Salsa and Guacamole – Adding chiltepe, a small, spicy pepper native to Guatemala, to salsas gives a zesty, smoky flavor that elevates the meal. Guatemalan avocados are creamy and flavorful, ideal for fresh guacamole.

Local Salads – Popular around the lake is ensalada de remolacha (beet salad), which is a fresh mix of local beets, carrots, and potatoes, and is often served chilled. This salad complements heavier Thanksgiving dishes and offers a healthy, refreshing twist.

Festive Desserts: Guatemalan Sweets

Guatemalan Thanksgiving desserts are a treat, often featuring ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, and fruits.

Mayan Chocolate – Lake Atitlán is known for high-quality cacao, making rich chocolate an ideal Thanksgiving dessert. Some cafes serve chocolate caliente (hot chocolate) with cinnamon and cardamom, offering a cozy drink after a Thanksgiving meal.

Guatemalan Torrejas – These are similar to French toast but are soaked in a sweet, spiced syrup made with cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes rum. Torrejas are traditionally enjoyed during holidays, and their warm, comforting flavors make them a perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Rellenitos de Plátano – These sweet plantain balls are filled with black beans and chocolate and then fried. They offer a unique, delicious treat that perfectly marries local flavors with a dessert-like sweetness.

Thanksgiving Events Around Lake Atitlán

Many hotels and restaurants around Lake Atitlán host Thanksgiving dinners with varying degrees of formality. Some examples include:

Casa Palopó: Near Santa Catarina Palopó, Casa Palopó is known for its fine dining and gorgeous lake views. They typically offer a Thanksgiving menu that combines traditional and local flavors, complete with wine pairings.

La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz La Laguna: This casual, community-oriented lodge often celebrates Thanksgiving with communal meals, making it a great spot for solo travelers or those who want to share the holiday with a friendly crowd.

La Voz Coffee Cooperative in San Juan La Laguna: Some travelers choose to spend part of the day learning about local coffee production, which fits well with the Thanksgiving spirit of gratitude and appreciation for local communities.

Giving Thanks, Lake Atitlán Style

A Thanksgiving around Lake Atitlán goes beyond the meal itself. The lake’s beauty, the warmth of its people, and the deep Mayan traditions of gratitude and respect for nature make the day truly meaningful. Some travelers even participate in local volunteering opportunities or cultural experiences, giving back to the community as part of their Thanksgiving celebrations.

For those who wish to share a bit of Mayan culture, several local guides offer gratitude ceremonies that involve traditional blessings, shared reflections, and expressions of thanks. These ceremonies, often performed by Mayan spiritual leaders, are a powerful addition to a Thanksgiving celebration, allowing participants to connect with the lake’s energy and surrounding communities on a deeper level.

Practical Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving at Lake Atitlán

Book Early: Thanksgiving can be a popular time for travelers around Lake Atitlán, so reserving tables or accommodations well in advance is recommended.

Check for Local Thanksgiving Events: Some spots may only offer Thanksgiving meals by reservation, so it’s good to check their social media or website.

Explore Local Markets: If you’re cooking your own meal, San Juan La Laguna’s and Panajachel’s markets are filled with fresh ingredients, including unique spices, vegetables, and cacao.

Thanksgiving at Lake Atitlán offers the warmth of tradition mixed with the flavors of Guatemala, creating a holiday that’s both heartwarming and unforgettable.