Museo Lacustre in Panajachel

Nine significant Maya archeological sites are scattered around Lake Atitlan. These and others remain undeveloped, so you will find no organized tours to any of them.

Ruins of t he most visible, a fortress city called Chiutunamit, can sometimes be seen on the boat ride into Santiago.

Maya Artifacts on Display

Many of the artifacts found at these sites are on display at the Museo Lacustre, situated in a five-room building on the grounds of the Posada de Don Rodrigo, near the lake on Santander Avenue.

The first two exhibitions focus on the history of the lake, both anthropologically and geologically. Each village or town is covered, from the arrival of the ancestors of the three Maya tribes at the lake up through present-day times. All the displays are explained in English and Spanish.

The Birth of Lake Atitlan

A scale model of the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the lake presents a 3-D, topological view of the area. The theory of the lake’s geological formation is presented.

Other rooms are lined with over 100 ceramic pieces. These range from jugs and bowls used in day to day life, to ceremonial incense burners four feet tall and embellished with mysterious images. One of the most unusual pieces is a stone yoke that was used in the sacred ball game in San Pedro.

Each piece is attributed to the village in which it was discovered. If you live at the lake, you will immediately feel a connection with the Maya of the past.

If you live here and want to know more about your home, Museo Lacustre is a good start. Tourists with an interest in the ancient Maya will also find it intriguing.

Museo Lacustre is on Santander Avenue, just before Sunset Cafe. It is open seven days a week from 8 AM-6 PM. Admission: Q35; Q20 for students.