San Marcos is a small town located on Lake Atitlán. It is a beautiful lake with several volcanoes within view. San Marcos has a significant indigenous population of Mayan decent, who connect with travelers through the sale of their crafts and textiles. Though it is just one of the numerous towns in the Guatemalan Highlands, San Marcos stands out with its unique focus on spirituality. It attracts a variety of travelers seeking to relax on the lake, receive a diverse range of holistic therapies, and take a series of distinctive courses.
Lake Atitlan
Many of the activities and courses are connected to specific hotels. One of the most popular spots is Las Pirámides de Ka. Las Pirámides has inexpensive rooms (approximately $15) and an array of fascinating courses. The grounds are filled with vegetation and pyramid-shaped buildings where guests sleep. Unlike at a traditional hotel, guests of Las Pirámides are expected to be involved in the programs, as a stay there is considered a full spiritual experience. The courses include The Mystical Kaballah, Lucid Dreaming, and an Introduction to Metaphysics. Every guest is expected to participate in the morning’s Hatha Yoga session though non-guests are also allowed to attend for a small fee. San Marcos also offers classes in Reiki, reflexology, and massage therapy.
If that feels a bit too New Age, travelers can also have a great time simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the lakeside community. A favorite pastime of the locals is taking a dip in the waters of Atitlán while gazing at the volcanoes in the distance. It is also possible to go horseback riding, kayaking, or scuba diving in the area. Travelers planning an extended stay can take advantage of personalized Spanish lessons.
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photo © young shanahan
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions, comments or inquiries regarding article or photograph submissions.