Santa Cruz La Laguna is a small town nestled on the northern shore of the renowned Lake Atitlán. Its beautifully arranged shorelines, century-old church, and distinctive architecture embody the charm of this picturesque municipality. Its inhabitants are direct descendants of the ancient Kaq'chikel Maya. Their cultural heritage, their dialect, and their traditional crafts remain vibrant in this peaceful locale.

History

Long before colonization, the location of Santa Cruz La Laguna was the territory of the Kaq'chikel Maya. Legend tells that they lived in a large village called Chu'we Tinamit. Having settled in the region during the early centuries of our era, they were in constant conflict with the Tzu'tujil people without ever achieving complete victory.

During the 16th century, they allied with Spanish conquistadors to win the war against their longtime enemies. Following victory, however, the conquistadors demanded a substantial tax that the Maya could not pay. The colonists subsequently subjected them to slavery.

A few years later, the Spanish Crown launched an ambitious program to gather indigenous peoples scattered throughout the colony. Those who spoke the same language were grouped together in the same village, a "Doctrina," within a given region. Many Catholic priests had learned Maya dialects, so the Spanish called upon them to aid in this effort.

Thus Santa Cruz La Laguna was born. The Maya received Spanish education and were evangelized by priests. The town grew over the centuries, under colonial rule, until the nation's independence was proclaimed. During the 19th century, the municipality was devastated by a major landslide, then rebuilt at a higher elevation.

Santa Cruz La Laguna Today

After crossing Lake Atitlán, visiting the towns of Panajachel and San Pedro, discovering Santa Cruz La Laguna comes as a genuine surprise. Here, wooden walkways line the lake's shores. A short stroll along them evokes an odd sensation—somewhere between wonder and amazement. To the right, lush vegetation, rocks, and a few dwellings perched at higher elevations come into view. To the left, the expanse of the lake and the mountains surrounding it stretch out before you.

Following a small paved path, you arrive at what appears to be a narrow corridor bordered by stone walls and homes. Red tuk-tuks parked near the road can take two passengers at a time on a tour of the town. Walking through its narrow streets, you get the impression that each house has been "clipped" to the mountainside by a child eager to create a world apart. Each one differs in size and architecture. Its streets are narrow and paved with stone.

As you climb higher, you discover the town's main plaza, where a century-old church stands. Featuring a colonial-style façade, it is among the oldest chapels in the entire country. Further on, certain spots like Tzantzisotz or Tzansuj offer magnificent views of the town's surroundings. From these vantage points, you can contemplate from afar the volcanoes of Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro.

The locals speak an unusual language—a curious blend of Spanish and what they call Kaq'chikel, a dialect inherited from their Maya ancestors. They weave and sell multicolored cotton tunics, duffel-style bags, and beautiful woven baskets.

During a stroll, you learn that several villages are also part of Santa Cruz La Laguna. Among them, Tzununá has architecture similar to that of Santa Cruz. Admired from the boat, the shores of Jaibalito are magnificent. And Chuitzanchaj sits nearly at the summit of a mountain. One particular location in this hamlet offers a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings.

Climate

The town of Santa Cruz La Laguna enjoys a fairly mild climate. Temperatures typically range between 10°C in the morning and 25°C in the afternoon. Rainfall is less frequent between December and March.

To reach Santa Cruz La Laguna, simply take a boat from the dock in Panajachel. The crossing takes about fifteen minutes and costs around 25 Quetzals per person.

Red tuk-tuks circulate throughout town constantly. To get around or explore the region, simply flag one down. Journey costs range from 10 to 20 Quetzals, depending on the distance traveled.