San Juan La Laguna, Gautamala

Today, I headed to San Juan La Laguna from my home base in San Marcos.

The primary means of transportation between the villages on Lake Atitlan is by water taxi. Used by both locals and tourists, these boats are available every 15 minutes or so, and the fare is inexpensive.

Upon stepping off the boat, you’ll get a preview of the colorful, vibrant town ahead. Umbrella Street is an excellent starting point for your exploration, lined with many shops and restaurants.

San Juan La Laguna is known as an artisanal village, and features many gorgeously painted murals. This mural is that of a former mayor.

The townspeople keep the village freshly painted and it is bright and cheerful. It’s impossible to feel unhappy in San Juan La Laguna.

Lovely art galleries showcasing locally sourced paintings, line the streets.

I could sit here for days…maybe I will!

Art is everywhere, adorning the interior walls of restaurants and various other buildings.

San Juan La Laguna is also known for its beautifully crafted textiles. This shop is owned and managed by a coop of forty-five women. Indigenous women have found financial independence and empowerment through their business ventures.

After seeing a demonstration of the textile-making process, I gained a deep, newfound respect for the craftsmanship involved!

Textile-making process

The cotton yarn is first hand-spun by Mayan girls and women, who then use natural plant dyes extracted from roots, berries, and flowers to create colorful skeins of yarn. Interestingly, the blue dye creates a different shade if the plant is harvested during the full moon.

Traditional backstrap looms are used to weave beautiful textiles, with a table runner taking up to two months, and ten hours a day to complete.

Find a reasonably priced hostel or hotel, and spend more than just a day in San Juan La Laguna - you won’t be disappointed!