how can I

Explore?

 
“The most magnificent spectacle we ever saw”
— John L Stephens, nineteenth-century travel writer, Incidents Of Travel In Central America

For centuries, Lake Atitlan has drawn comparisons to Lake Constance and other spectacular world-famous lakes, and travelers come from around the world to savor sunrises and sunsets ringed by volcanoes. Our classroom terrace looks from Panajachel across the lake to Volcan San Pedro.

Regular commuter boats connect Panajachel to the other lake villages, each of which has a distinct culture and specialty. Many of our students enjoy a circle boat tour, a night at La Casa Del Mundo, or brunch at Hotel Jardines Del Lago.

Sunrise on Lake Atitlan, from the gardens of Hotel Jardines Del Lago in Panajachel

Sunrise on Lake Atitlan, from the gardens of Hotel Jardines Del Lago in Panajachel

 

I'm interested in nature.

The nature preserve in Panajachel features a walking trail through the forest, monkeys and waterfalls, a zipline adventure, and a butterfly sanctuary. It's a popular experience for our students.

 

The Panajachel butterfly preserve cares for dozens of varieties of rare butterflies.

The Panajachel butterfly preserve cares for dozens of varieties of rare butterflies.

The bird of paradise flower is one the favorites in our school gardens.

The bird of paradise flower is one the favorites in our school gardens.

The children's zipline at the butterfly preserve in Panajachel is easy, but the extreme option is faster and higher.

The children's zipline at the butterfly preserve in Panajachel is easy, but the extreme option is faster and higher.

Calla lilies grow wild in wet areas, and are brought to the market by children.

Calla lilies grow wild in wet areas, and are brought to the market by children.

 

I'm interested in history.

The Panajachel area offers thousands of years of history, with the Kakchiquel and Tzutujil peoples and their subsequent interactions with the Spanish by the 1500s.  The submerged village of Samabaj is off the shores of Santiago Atitlan, and is a popular scuba diving location.

Father Stanley Rother's support for the local people, and his assassination during the war years, has been a difficult but inspiring story for many visitors. You can visit the Catholic church in Santiago Atitlan where he served, dating back to 1541, and learn more.

 

The Catholic church in Santiago Atitlan dates to 1541.

The Catholic church in Santiago Atitlan dates to 1541.

 

I'm interested in hiking.

We organize regular hikes to a number of locations around the lake, often with an unbelievable view at the destination: the San Pedro Volcano, Indian's Nose in San Pedro, Buena Vista, Tierra Linda, Godinez to San Antonio Palopo, the Mayan Cave in San Jorge, and others of interest. On our weekly activities calendar, you're welcome to join any of those. We can let you know about the degree of difficulty, time involved, and recommended footwear.

 

Hiking to the Buena Vista viewpoint with Carlos

Hiking to the Buena Vista viewpoint with Carlos

 

I'm interested in ziplines.

The longest zipline in Central America is nearby, looking over Lake Atitlan. We organize student tours, and it is quite the experience.  There is also a smaller zipline experience in Panajachel, through the forest, with multiple lines.

 

 

I'm interested in coffee.

This is Guatemala, land of coffee. Crossroads Cafe is the local specialty shop, #1 on Trip Advisor, has been featured in Korean and Japanese coffee-aficionado magazines, and trains baristas from around the world. It's a few steps from Spanish School Jabel Tinamit, and your teacher would be happy to take you there for class.  We can organize coffee-farm tours in San Pedro or Antigua as well.

 

 

I'm interested in cooking and eating.

Then let's eat! Guatemalan cuisine integrates local fruits, vegetables, and flavors, and we offer regular cooking (and eating) classes on our terrace. You'll learn a lot of Spanish while cooking and eating tortillas, chiles rellenos, chuchitos, and other local favorites.

 

Cooking class with Candelaria on our terrace.

Cooking class with Candelaria on our terrace.

 

I'm interested in weaving.

You can visit a home and practice weaving, just like Evelyn shows us here:

 

 

I'm interested in helping some children.

Great! We are too. We have a scholarship program, a children's tutorial, nutrition and learning center projects, English classes, computer classes, and much more where we could use your help.