The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

The village of San Juan La Laguna is located on the southern shore of Lake Atitlan.  San Juan’s population is primarily Tz’utujil Maya and because tourism isn’t developed as much here as in other villages around the lake it provides for a more authentic Mayan culture experience.

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

San Juan is known for its art, coffee and medicinal plant gardens, and its weavers who use natural dyes to make textiles. San Juan is a wonderful village to visit.  You can easily get there from Panajachel by taking the public lancha from the main pier located one block from Calle Santander.

Lake Atitlan | Textiles Workshop

Just ask for the San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz boats and they will give you directions and let you know which boat to get on.  The cost is Q25. After arriving in San Juan at the boat docks you climb a steep hill that has unique textile, painting, and art stalls on either side of the street.

Most of these products are produced by cooperatives of women from the village. The art here is very unique and unlike what you find in other villages around the lake.  You also see many murals painted on the side of buildings throughout San Juan that are an expression of their culture.

The weaving in San Juan La Laguna is also different than the weavings, fabrics, and yarns found throughout Guatemala. In San Juan, the weavers use natural dyeing techniques that have been passed down through the generation.  Their natural dyeing techniques include using pepper, achiote, coconut shells, tree bark, and many other natural products.  The colors turn out in softer hues.

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

In the women’s weaving cooperative that I visited they demonstrated the process from raw cotton, spinning the thread, dying it with natural dyes, and then weaving.  If you want to purchase truly handmade products of the finest quality San Juan is the place.

Tucked off the beaten path is a wonderful organic coffee cooperative by the name of La Voz Coffee Cooperative.  This is a full production coffee Cooperative with the coffee finca nestled into the hillside of San Juan and the surrounding volcano.  For those interested in coffee production this is a wonderful introduction to all the work that goes into your morning cup of coffee.

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

For tours visit, http://growyourowncure.org/lake-atitlan-coffee-tour/.Beside SanJuan La Laguna is the famous mountain formation called Indian Nose for its resemblance to a Mayan Indian.  From the summit of Indian Nose, you can view some of the most spectacular sunrises around the lake.

The hike to the summit of Indian Nose takes a few hours and the views offer travelers a different view of Lake Atitlan few ever see. For more information on tours to Indian Nose visit http://growyourowncure.org/lake-atitlan-indian-nose-tour-san-juan-village/.After a hike up Indian Nose food is in order.

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

You will want to plan ahead and make reservations (reservations are required) at El Artesano Wine and Cheese Restaurant.  It is an exceptional Italian café and in my opinion one of the best restaurants around the lake.  The restaurant is set in a beautiful garden, the food, and the presentation is amazing, the service is outstanding, and the prices are very reasonable.  Don’t miss their cheese platter it is a feast for your taste buds.

The Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan

Reservation can be made by calling 502-4555-4773.    If you want to stay overnight in SanJuan there are not a lot of options.  Two hotels that I suggest are Uxlabil Eco Hotel and Eco-Hotel Mayachik.  Uxlabil Eco Hotel has 14 rooms and 2 bungalows.

Its reception area and restaurant were inspired by the local Catholic Church that is over 200 years old.  This unique hotel has carved stone on the outside, white walls inside, and round windows that according to them symbolize their respect with which you will be treated as well as the significance they attribute to the rite of eating with awareness.  Eco-Hotel Mayachik offers pet-friendly accommodation.

They also have a terrace and views of the mountains, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.  Certain units include a seating area for your convenience.  A terrace or patios are featured in certain rooms. The rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. The village of San Juan La Laguna provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience indigenous life.  It is a safe village and the locals are kind and friendly.