Tips for San Marcos Lake Life in Rainy Season

As high season has come to an end, this is the perfect time to settle into San Marcos la laguna on the the shores of beautiful Lago Atitlan. May and June are, with any luck, the time to get some rain showers to sprinkle the earth and turn the vegetation into all shades of lush and tropical green. Do not worry, you are still in the land of eternal spring so the days are still bright and showers often offer a few hours to snuggle up and relax in the afternoons. 
There are still a lot of activities to get involved in and it is a great time to take a course, write that book you are working on, and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.
Different season attract different types of travelers and rainy season is, in my opinion, is where you meet more authentic, down to earth, kind, curious people who are trying to get out of the matrix and live a more fulfilling life.
Here are some tips to make your experience and the town’s experience a little more pleasurable for everyone.

1) While it is best to make reservations in high season, rainy season is a great time to get discounts on accommodation if you plan to stay a few months. Prices can vary greatly depending on location and style so it is best to look at a few places to see what best suits your needs. There is a San Marcos la laguna community page on facebook which often has posts on available places to stay this time of the year.  Ati Hostel and Venga Atitlanare popular places to stay as they are on the lake.

2)  Your money has power. Support established businesses and people who are here year-round that give back to the community.  

3)  San Marcos is termed the “spiritual community” around the lake. 
There are many opportunities to learn, to participate in activities, training and events here. Use your judgement and intuition to find the right people for you. When in doubt, ask around for recommendations and see who has been operating successful businesses for years. These are the ones who have enough satisfied clients to stick around.

4) Sexual Therapies are illegal in Guatemala. If you are being offered these services, be aware that there is a fine line between therapy and abuse. No means NO in both English and Spanish.  Be careful with self-proclaimed shamans and plant medicine gurus. 

5) While pretty much any conversation can be had in San Marcos, it is best not to have them on the 1.5-meter-wide Hippie Highway (main path). It is the main path and people use it to get to where they need it to go. Culturally, it is rude to walk between people so please move to the side or go sit somewhere to talk.

6) There are generally three price tiers in these parts, tourists, residents, and locals. Tuk Tuks and boat prices are regulated and posted at some of the docks. If you can’t afford the extra Q5 to get to San Pedro, DON’T GO. Just because you have been here before or for a week does not make you a resident. If you can get away with paying less, fabulous, be grateful, but quite frankly it is embarrassing to hear and see people arguing over 80 cents. Some places, like Pana, treat everyone equally when it comes to pricing. Here, it is not always the case. Try to get informed of how much tuk tuks and transport costs are so at least you can find another driver if someone is totally trying to rip you off.

7)  Same goes for produce, if you are being charged unfairly, don’t buy with those vendors. They must make trips to surrounding markets themselves to bring goods here. The extra few q that you may save will be spent on your transportation costs. Again, you have free will, so feel free to use it.

8) The Quetzal is the currency in Guatemala. Dollars are becoming harder and harder to change. Banrural only accept pristine $50 and $100 notes. Any rips, marks or stains will not be accepted. Dollars are almost impossible to change in the city so if you need to change them, Pana and San Pedro are your best options. Il Giardino and a few other places may change smaller bills in town at a lower rate of exchange.

9) There is an ATM in town. At times people have reported issues with it so if you are going to use it make sure you can see your account online to double check security. If there is a problem, call the bank immediately and report it.
Xoom is getting to be more popular for money transfers but only works with USA accounts. Wise is a bank-to-bank transfer service that some people seem to use.
Bitcoin is now accepted by some vendors, hotels and other businesses. The Emporium has a Bitcoin ATM.

10) Most crime that happens here is avoidable. You do not need your ATM card, passport or hundreds of Q with you while you are swimming, hiking or at any big event. Leave your valuables at home, locked safely away if possible. You are in a third world country and have a lot more than most that live here. So if you want to leave your phone or computer on your bed with your door unlocked while you leave the room, go ahead, but, do not be surprised when it is gone by the time you get back.

11) If a crime happens, please report it to the police. They are located behind the school which is behind the stage in the Central Park. In one of the “files” on the San Marcos Atitlan community fb page there is a list of emergency numbers if you are in need of assistance.

12)  Follow your intuition. If a situation feels wrong or uncomfortable you do not have to be polite, get out of it.  Your boundaries are yours, no explanation needed. Ask for help and watch out for each other.

13) Get dressed in the morning and stay dressed while in public places. You are a visitor in an Indigenous community where girls were not even allowed to wear shorts to play sports 10 years ago. When you see the majority of Indigenous women walking around in booty shorts and in their bras and the majority of men walking around shirtless or in Speedos, by all means, feel free to do the same.
We are not on an island, this is not a beach town, so unless you are physically at the lake just, please put some clothes on. 

14)  While San Marcos attracts people who may be more holistic and chemical free when using personal hygiene products, everyone appreciates it if you smell clean or do not smell at all. There are  many shops that sell natural products here and there is a lake to bathe in so really, there are no excuses.

15)  If you are choosing to engage in recreational, hard core or medicinal drug use, please be advised that it is not legal here. Police say they have a right to search anyone, at any time, just because you are in an area where marijuana use is prevalent. There is absolutely no judgement here, just giving you a heads up that you want to keep it out of public places to minimise your chances of having a run in with police. You may be here short term but long-term businesses will be held accountable for your choices if you get caught in their premises.

16) It is incredibly sad when we must call your parents or your embassy to come and get you after a bad trip or plant medicine experience. So, please, make responsible, discerning choices with those who are well trained, experienced and have incredible respect for the plants they are using. Advertising of plant medicine ceremonies are not allowed on public community pages as the admins and town can't insure the safety, quality or professionalism of these offering. Again, be wise, trust your intuition and please make good choices.

17)  A smile goes a long way in these parts. Especially if you do not speak Spanish (which by the way is also the second language for the Indigenous people who live here.) Communicate by smiling and at least make an attempt to learn a few words. An effort is always appreciated.
If you choose not to speak Spanish, just so you know, talking louder and yelling at people in another language does not help them to understand. I am willing to bet that you have had more opportunities to learn a second language than the people here. For most, English is their third.

18) If you fall in love with a four-legged fury friend while here, they are yours for life. If you are not planning to take them with you when you leave then please do not adopt them, feed them, give them love and then abandon them. It is unfair to the animals and to the restaurants they will later frequent for food scraps, and the long-term residents to care for them once you have deserted them. If you want to help care for street dogs, there are sterilization clinics and a dog rescue project in Tzununa who would be happy to accept donations and help.

19) Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Aware and enjoy your stay

San Marcos has so much to offer. So explore, get involved, have conversations, ask questions and most of all be the change you want to see in the world.
​Your experience is up to you, so open your heart, expand your mind and connect. Wishing everyone a safe, fun filled, inspirational journey.