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| What Lake Atitlan is like for active adults |
The towns around Lake Atitlan represent an interesting merge of cultures. The lake is the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala. Communities of hippies settled in during the 60s. And yet, some of these towns remain among the most traditional in all of the country. Men still wear traditional clothing, and many do not speak Spanish, instead relying on more ancient, pre-Columbus language.
The setting itself is jaw dropping. Three jungle covered volcanoes jut into the sky, barricading in the startlingly blue lake. Several towns are scattered around the lake. Four are home to significant ex-pat populations. Panajachel (Pana) has the most tourists and access to everyday needs. Across the lake are Santiago, San Pedro and San Marcus. Santiago is the largest, with a more local feel. Both San Pedro and San Marcus attract many foreigners with their small town feel and yoga studios.
The area offers much for active adults. The more touristy towns rent kayaks, bikes and horses, and offer guided hikes up the volcanoes. Swimming is also possible. The area has several language schools, a few national parks and plenty of markets and galleries to explore. In the towns, you can find restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, markets, bars and book exchanges.
Everyday cost of living is quite low here and throughout Guatemala. The area still struggles with extreme poverty. The government has improved, but that's not saying much. Recent landslides near Santiago destroyed an entire town. Many foreign volunteers live in this area, helping with various development projects. You can't find everything you need here, but nearby Antigua and Guatemala City offer most everything else. |
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| Where to Live & Real Estate Values |
| Homes in the area generally fall into two categories: for gringos and shacks. Prices aren’t cheap in the first category, but you can expect to receive great value for your money. Many properties ring the shores of the lake and include elaborate gardens (your own mango, lime, coffee trees, etc). |
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| What is special about this retirement community |
| The towns around the lake offer a unique mixture of Guatemalan tradition and a significant foreign community. It is rare to find a place that has such a strong traditional culture with yoga centers and a granola lady. It also is set in one of the most stunning areas of Central America. Aldous Huxley called it "the most beautiful lake in the world." |
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
| Panajachel has become overbuilt, and it might be off putting for some to see so many foreigners in the streets. Safety is definitely an issue here. Most foreign property owners employ a full time gardener/guard to keep an eye out for trouble. Walking in certain areas at night and hiking alone are unsafe. This is the third world, and setting up any sort of technology requires patience. |
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| What kinds of people like retiring here |
| The lake area has a reputation as the hippy capital of Central America. Those who fall under this category, or who get along with people from this category would enjoy retiring here. |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| The local economy is driven by agriculture, coffee, artisanal crafts and tourism. |
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| Climate and Physical Environment |
| This area is at 5100 feet above sea level, so it never gets too hot here. The area does have a wet and dry season. The rainy season, between May and October, means sun in the morning, with afternoon showers. |
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| Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
| There are several excellent restaurants in the larger towns, and a few nightlife spots in San Pedro and Pana. Throughout the year, the more traditional towns have impressive indigenous festivals. Santiago, Pana and San Pedro also all have numerous galleries and weaving stalls selling indigenous art. |
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| Crime |
| As a resort community Lake Atitlan is one of the safest places in Guatemala. |
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| Medical facilities |
| Santiago has a small hospital, primarily staffed by foreign doctors and volunteer western medical students. Larger hospitals are found in Guatemala City. |
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| Transportation |
| Guatemala is extremely well serviced by chicken buses, Pullman buses and tourist vans, all of which go wherever you would like to go. All are remarkably inexpensive, although none are entirely safe. Panajachel is 1.5 hours away from Antigua, and 2.5 hours away from Guatemala City. The major towns around the lake are connected by inexpensive lanchas (motorboats). |
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What people are saying about Lake Atitlan | | No Comments |
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Facts about LAKE ATITLAN
- State: GUATEMALA
- Environment: Rural,Mountain,Lake,
- City Population: 25,001-50,000
- Median age of Population: 0-24
- Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
- Avg July Temperature:
- Median HH Income: 0-20,000
- Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
- Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
- Cost of Living Index: <80 (Very low)
- Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
- State Sales Tax: Yes
- State Income Tax: Yes
- Name of the Guide:
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Vote on the Ratings for Lake Atitlan |
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1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
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5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
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6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
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8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
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