San Juan La Laguna, Indigenous settlement on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
San Juan La Laguna sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlán, ringed by three volcanoes and connected to other lakeside towns by boat transport. Houses cluster together, extending from the waterfront up into the hillside above.
The Tz'utujil Maya people established themselves in this region long before the 16th century arrived. They kept their cultural identity through Spanish colonization and maintained it into modern times.
Women here work in textile cooperatives, creating woven goods with natural dyes made from local plants, fruits, and vegetables that grow in the region. You can see this craft practiced openly in workshops scattered throughout the settlement.
Public boats depart from Panajachel and run regularly between sunrise and sunset to reach this settlement. Wear comfortable shoes, as paths climb from the waterfront and the ground can be uneven.
Land ownership here is restricted to indigenous residents, a rule that keeps the community rooted in local traditions. This approach is uncommon and helps the settlement stay true to itself.
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