Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
less with a larger group. The guide, Richard Morgan, is a scholar of Maya history and cul-
ture and longtime lake resident. Hiking tours and volcano climbs are also offered.
Festivals & Events
The
festival of San Francisco de Asís
, October 4, is celebrated with massive drinking and fire-
works in Panajachel. On September 14, the day before
Independence Day
, torch-bearing ath-
letes run in marathons throughout the country, but the tradition is celebrated with special
fervor in Panajachel, where it all started in 1957. Early that morning schoolchildren from
different villages arrive in buses to visit the lake; around noon, each group of kids gets a
torch and runs back home. The main event, though, is the marathon from Guatemala City
to Panajachel. The runners arrive in Pana's main square around midnight, heralded by
cheering crowds, marimbas and fireworks displays.
Sleeping
Budget travelers will rejoice at the profusion of family-run
hospedajes
(guesthouses).
They're simple - perhaps two rough beds, a small table and a light bulb in a bare room -
but cheap. The pricier ones offer generous discounts for longer stays.
Midrange lodgings are busiest on weekends. From Sunday to Thursday you may get a
discount, likewise if you're planning on staying for longer than four days. Many establish-
ments raise rates during July, August, Semana Santa and the Christmas-New Year holi-
days.
Hotel Larry's Place $
( 7762-0767; Calle 14 de Febrero; s/d Q100/150; )
Set back from the road behind a wall of ve-
getation, Larry's Place offers good-sized, cool rooms in a sylvan setting. Furnishings are
tasteful, ceilings high and the balconies welcome. No TV or internet, but who needs 'em
anyway?
HOTEL
Mario's Rooms $
HOTEL
(
7762-2370;
www.mariosrooms.com.gt
; Calle Santander; s/d incl breakfast Q100/160, without bathroom Q60/120;
)
Among the best in the budget category, Mario's scrupulously maintained rooms are
