The Lake Atitlan Resource Guide reveals the history and culture of the lake, the Maya and the area's geology.

Lake Atitlan Reference Guide

Ann Comtois

Every travel guide reminds us that Aldous Huxley called Lake Atitlan “...the most beautiful lake in the world.” But only The Lake Atitlan Reference Guide, written by Richard Morgan, reveals such intriguing facts as these:

  • The Maya legend of Xocomil describes “a shiny crystal palace in the depths” of Lake Atitlan.
  • Underground fissures and seep holes let water from the lake enter two rivers that lead to the Pacific.
  • The Catholic church in Santiago houses a statue of the corn god Yum-Kax and a Quetzal reading a book.
  • Maximon, the Maya god, embodies aspects of the ancient god, Mam, Saint Simon, the conquistador Pedro Alvarado, Judas Escariot and Jesus.
  • The site of San Pedro was discovered by the spirits of 20 Tz'utujil virgin maidens who leapt into the crater of San Pedro Volcano to escape the Conquistadors.

A Thorough Guide to Lake Atitlan

atitlan history culture bookIn this well-written “eco-cultural guidebook,” Morgan provides a summary of the lake’s physical aspects and its cultural history, as well as the contemporary political and socioeconomic life of its inhabitants.

Beginning with theories of Atitlan’s formation to present day, this work is designed for those of us who wish to become more intimately acquainted with the lake. Its charts, maps, illustrations, color photographs and other materials make it easily accessible to all.

Morgan’s section on coffee will satisfy Starbucks-starved tourists and point them to where a better (and certainly cheaper) cup of coffee can be found. We discover that Betty Adams’ coffee plantation near San Marcos is in fact a Starbucks supplier.

This in-depth travel guide will not tell you where to drink or eat, but it will point the more serious student of the lake to its less obvious enticements.

The Reference Guide and its companion work, Fables and Other Mayan Tales of Atitlan, are both entertaining and informative. Posada de los Encuentros and Bus Stop Bookstore in Panajachel offer discounts if you buy both books.

For more information, see Richard Morgan's Web sites about Educational Adventure at Lake Atitlan and Posada los Encuentros, both in Panajachel.

 
Lake Atitlan, the Most Laid-back Lake in the World