Leaving Antigua, we climbed and descended steep mountains to arrive at Lake Atitlán. We had four days here and were ambitious in visiting many of the towns that lie on the steep hills and valleys of volcanoes Tolimán, Atitlán & San Pedro.
So we hired a launcha on the first day to visit two of the biggest towns across the lake.
Santiago is the largest city/town of over 45,000 people and was bustling on market day.
This would be the day where most people drove into town ~ often in the back of pick-up trucks ~ to buy their household goods, clothes and food. Bundles of wares are wrapped in baskets or bags and carried on women's heads.
Each town wears a distinctive style of clothing and we noticed that the huipiles (blouses) for women in Santiago were striped with intricate embroidery on the neckline.
Men wore hats and striped shorts and many of the noticably more wealthy men had embroidery on their shorts' cuffs.
Santiago had lovely, colorful quilts on display. Much needed in the colder climates of the mountains.
We were advised by the launcha driver to walk up the hill first and make purchases on the way down for better negotiating power.
You are expected to bargain and this can be an acquired skill for us Westerners. The ability to walk-away (or feign to) is key.
This strategy worked for a new set of hats for Sue & Jeannie!
Typical Santiago scenery:
For sale in the market
Bundling goods
Peaches
Dining in Santiago:
Pollo frito coming up!
Santiago Locals:
Ladies shopping
The young and the old