Walking from San Pedro to San Marcos

Saturday I walked from San Pedro around the northern shore of the lake to San Carlos.  First stop, 2km away, was the town of San Juan which has an intense rivalry with San Pedro. They have some cooperatives that specialize in dying fabrics with natural pigments.

Statue at the entrance to San Juan; an identical one stands at the other end of town

Lone casa below Indian Nose

Leaving town I walked past this casa which I thought was really cool at the base of Indian Nose which I hope to hike tomorrow.

View from the Road

From there, roughly 3-4 km apart were the towns of San Pablo and San Marcos  San Pablo was originally down by the lake, but after an earthquake destroyed it, the Maya residents rebuilt up the hill.

Approaching San Pablo La Laguna

It was a bit of a climb but worth it as they had a market in progress and were getting ready for an upcoming fiesta. An old man was hangng from a rope at the top of the church applying fresh paint…very brave.

San Pedro Gets Ready for a Fiesta

Every town in the highlands of Guatemala has its unique textile tradition.  If knowledgeable, you can tell which pueblo folks are from by the colors and patterns of their clothing.  Her a local woman sports the traditional dress of San Pablo.

Traditional indigenous Maya dress of San Pedro La Laguna

After downing a liter of water it was time to continue to San Marcos.  San Marcos is the New Age center of Guatemala.  It is a tiny town but you can get a massage, receive crystal healing or perhaps meditate under a pyramid.  After my three hour hike around the lake I chose lunch and a beer while I contemplated all the beauty I had seen during my ambulations.

Main Street, San Marcos

San Marcos Business Directory

Finally a walk down to the boat dock to wait for the 20 minute boat taxi ride back to San Pedro.  As you can see, the lake has risen considerably in the last rainy season.  Total walking time, three hours.  Cost:  Beer-$1.  Lunch-$1.25.  Boat taxi-$1.25.  Value, off the chart!

Boat dock, San Marcos