San Juan la Laguna

One day, we thought we'd see the village just west of San Marcos. Our hostess, Lily, suggested that we take the lancha to San Juan, and either walk the three miles, or catch a tuk tuk back. The lake is whipped up a little today, the wind is pretty brisk, and the lancha will not go into the lagoon for San Juan's pier. So, we get off the boat in San Pedro, and hire a tuk tuc to take us to San Juan.



This is the view down the hill to the pier in San Pedro. See the sign in English?  There are a few businesses right at the pier that cater to English speaking tourists, as usual!  The city pier is under water, and everyone hops out on a small boardwalk a little west, and climbs over a low wall around the back of a restaurant to get to the steps up to  the street.












If you tilt your head to the left, and look at the mountain across the lake, you'll notice Indian Nose Mountain. I hear the sunrise walks to the top are spectacular, but they leave at 3am. Next trip, maybe....

The tuk tuk driver had to pay a 10 Q fee to enter the tiny village of San Juan, about a mile over the next ridge, which he told me he has to pay once a day, if he goes over there. Anyway for the village to make money, I guess.

The village is known for several things: it's very clean (it was!); very quiet (it was); nice murals scattered through the village (check); and two artists cooperatives. We walked for a while, enjoying the murals, and then hired a tuk tuk driver, Wilfredo, to take us to the cooperatives. He spoke no English, but he and I chatted the entire afternoon, and he was a great 'tour guide'.  He spoke very clearly, and helped me with corrections and vocabulary. 








We would have never found this weavers cooperative, it was down a side street, with no sign, and then down an alley, behind a house!
I just deleted the pic, and will have to post it separately...my technical skills are lacking.