SANTA CATARINA PALOPO, Guatemala — The man grinned a wide smile at me and simply asked, “Pana?”
He was referring to Panajachel, one of several towns and villages surrounding Guatemala’s magnificent Lake Atitlan. Panajachel is the lake’s economic hub and jumping-off point for many tourists visiting the area. It’s located about 2 miles from Santa Catarina Palopo, the village I was in as I encountered the man.
He, like many others, was waiting for a flete, a pickup truck that transports villagers to and from Panajachel several times each day.
I smiled and responded in Spanish that I preferred to walk.
During a six-week stay in Guatemala, I traversed the path between the main town and the tiny village numerous times. During my walks, I was able to take in spectacular views of the lake and watch as the sun slipped behind volcanoes. Joining me along the way were other fitness enthusiasts; young lovers holding hands and stopping to kiss at various lookout points; and men and women walking home after a day of work chopping trees in the verdant countryside or selling handmade crafts to tourists in Panajachel.
