Atitlan: The Return

In Panachel, the sun was shining and the lancha (ferry boat) operators were charging tourists the same as locals. Our lancha took us to the general dock for Santa Cruz La Laguna and then was even kind enough to drop us off at the private dock of our intended hotel.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Charming and orderly: our German-run hotel"][/caption]

I have to nod to Brenda on this one for taste in scenery. The place was lush. Unfortunately, it wasn't open on account of the sawdust and noise from their ongoing construction. We ambled down the path along the lake until we saw another sign, 'Arco de Noe' (Noah's Arc). Upon checking the place out, we discovered it was a comely little eco-nest amid impeccable native landscaping. We decided to spend the night there and soon found ourselves dining by candlelight with a pair of cosmopolitan English 20-somethings and a non-couple from Belgium.

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In the morning we bid farewell to our fine hostel-mates and stringent German hosts. After a hike to a nearby village on the austere hillside along the lake, our next stop was Enlaceland.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Mom likes coffee (Standing next to a coffee plant)"][/caption]