Day Trip to San Marcos
Tall reeds wave a greeting at the San Marcos dock, where a five-minute stroll along the lake leads to the public beach. It's a 10-minute boat ride from San Pedro, and also close enough for a day trip from Santa Cruz and Panajachel.
Shaded by overhanging tree limbs, the beach curves gently around to the rocks, where you can jump off a towering boulder into the water. Stairs lead up from the beach to a path that goes left to Bungalows Aaculaax and Moonfish, an open air restaurant with good views and prices.
If you like hiking, continue up the hillside path to the "Sacred Area," which offers a secluded and lofty view of the lake. Like the beach, it is a good place for a picnic or box lunch.
Near the peak is a big medicine wheel made of stones. It appears that wood, not incense, was most recently burned there, so it is apparently not a genuine Maya ceremonial site.
The Sacred Area is also fine for a picnic; if you don't bring food, you can get something to go from Moonfish or Aaculaax.
Into the Heart of San Marcos
Returning from this side of San Marcos, the path leads into the main part of town. Walking through fragrant stands of pine and cedar is like entering an enchanted forest. At times I almost expected to see flying monkeys overhead.
Banana trees, flowers, lush vegetation, loads of lizards and butterflies?this part of the lake feels more tropical than the San Pedro/Santiago side. A pleasant breeze and the sound of the surf lapping at the rocks add to the magical experience.
Several trails connect the main "streets" of the lower part of San Marcos. Until you hit el centro at the top, the streets are too narrow for anything but bikes.
Fewer locals ride motorcycles than in Pana or San Pedro, and little music is heard from bars and restaurants. It is far more quiet and peaceful here, so tranquil that just strolling through San Marcos qualifies as meditating.