Travel Tuesday- Santiago De Atitlan, Guatemala

I have never hiked with Pitbulls before. But, when you travel alone to one of the kidnapping capitals of the world (so my guides say) protection isn't a bad thing. This is a shot from a two- hour hike I took with two guides packing heat (and Pitbulls) while staying in Santiago De Atitlan. SDA is a colorful little village on the southern bay of breathtaking Lake Atitlan and home of the Tzutujil Mayans- the last people to give in to the Spanish Conquistadores. What does that tell you? These are a proud people who keep their traditions and are willing to share.

I stayed at the Posada de Santiago - a rustic but adorable Bed & Breakfast with cottages etched out of volcanic stone. The hotel put me in touch with local guides (American Expats Jim & Nancy) who took me both on foot and horseback (the Pitbulls loved to motivate the horses to keep moving) along hiking trails where we witnessed magnificent sunsets falling behind the volcanoes.  I arrived in Antigua first. Then took a bus to Panajachel and a water taxi to Santiago De Atitlan from there. I recommend visiting all three. When in Antigua you MUST  hike the active Pacaya volcano- safety permitting. Here are some more pictures from my travels.