Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the lagoon lookout is another lookout towards Santa María and Santiaguito Volcanoes;
both have covered observation platforms. From the lookout, a trail of stairs descends to the
lakeshoreandthegorgeouslagoon,whichiscaressedbywispsofcloudjustbarelyglancing
the waters' surface. You'll soon realize why it's considered sacred by modern-day Mayans
andacentralelementoftheircreationmyths.Anannualeventincludes40continuousdays
of prayers for rain and healing, ending on May 3. During the last few days culminating on
this date, the lagoon is essentially off-limits to outsiders so as to allow the ceremonies to
proceed undisturbed. Bathing in the lagoon's waters is strictly off-limits at all times and,
as always, you should be careful to respect the native culture by not photographing any
ceremonies that might be in progress throughout the year. You'll find the locals extremely
friendlyandwillingtoansweryourquestionsifyouputforththeefforttoinquireamicably.
As always, a smile goes a long way.
San Andrés Xecul
A road branches off to the west from a crossroads between Salcajá and the Pan American
Highway junction at Cuatro Caminos leading to San Andrés Xecul, home to a stunning
Technicolor dream of a church festooned with vines, saints, and assorted other characters.
It's easily one of Guatemala's most photographed churches, and certainly one of its most
bizarre. It's certainly worth a look.
