Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Cycling, Hiking & Kayaking
Lago de Atitlán is a cycling and hiking wonderland, spreading across hill and dale. But
before setting out for any hike or ride, make enquiries about safety with Proatur (
Click
town cost around Q350, including boat transport, taxi to the trailhead, entry fees and
guide. Kayaks are available for rent (Q25 per hour) from the pier at the foot of Calle del
Rancho Grande.
Roger's Tours
( 7762-6060;
www.rogerstours.com
; Calle Santan der)
This outfit rents quality mountain bikes for
Q30/120 per hour/day and leads a variety of cycling tours (Q440 per person including hel-
met, guide and lunch). One tour travels by boat from Panajachel to the village of Tzununá,
then proceeds by bike west via dirt trail to San Marcos La Laguna and paved road to San
Pedro La Laguna, finally returning to Pana by boat. Another tour hits the villages on the
lake's east side.
CYCLING
Paragliding
'Too much of a good thing' is how Aldous Huxley described Lago de Atitlán in his 1934
travel work
Beyond the Mexique Bay
. That applies well to the experience of soaring over
the Lago de Atitlán with parachute-like wings, enjoying a falcon's view of the lake's rip-
pling expanse and the villages that tumble down from green hills to its shores. The lake
has become a center for paragliding enthusiasts and several operators provide tandem
flights, with passengers seated in a canvas chair attached to the flyer's harness so they're
free to take photos or simply gaze in amazement at the panorama below.
Realworld Paragliding
GLIDING
( 5634-5699;
realworldparagliding.jimdo.com
; Calle Santander, Centro Comercial San Rafael)
This is the
most reliable outfit around. Christian is a patient, personable English-speaking guide
who's made more than 500 tandem flights. If wind conditions are right, you'll take off
from above Santa Catarina Palopó and land at Panajachel. The charge is Q700 for the
