Traveling by Car? Check out Gas Prices for Best Deal
Filed in: Economy
By Kat Vaughan
While Exxon, Shell, and Chevron are exploiting us as they earn multibillions of dollars in revenue, we feel the pain at the gas pump, dining out and/or shopping. In other words, we are the victims of corporate greed, once again. Nonetheless, to help you get the best deal at the pump, here are some helpful sites:
Happy trails! Rather, happy driving!
While Exxon, Shell, and Chevron are exploiting us as they earn multibillions of dollars in revenue, we feel the pain at the gas pump, dining out and/or shopping. In other words, we are the victims of corporate greed, once again. Nonetheless, to help you get the best deal at the pump, here are some helpful sites:
Happy trails! Rather, happy driving!
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Eco-Travel around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Filed in: Guatemala
By Kat Vaughan

Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lined by twelve villages around the shores of this gorgeous lake. Although the national language is Spanish, three Mayan dialects are spoken amongst the indigenous: Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel, & Quiche. One never tires of the magnificent views and scenery, although the poverty is staggering.
When you go to Lake Atitlan , I highly recommend staying and/or visiting the following unforgettable hotels on the shores of the Lake:
Casa Del Mundo - A must-stay hotel in Jaibalito
Hotel Atitlan - A beautiful hotel in Panajachel
Hotel Aaculaax - An eco-friendly hotel in San Marcos La Laguna
Villa Sumaya - A gorgeous hotel in Santa Cruz
Posada De Santiago - A lovely hotel and restaurant in Santiago Atitlan
The area around the Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's playground: kayaking, diving, volcano climbing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more. Jovenes Mayas organizes and leads eco-tours around the Lake. They can be found in the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna. I highly recommend using their services because they are knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy. Also, for you non-Spanish speaking folks, the guides are tri-lingual (Mayan dialect, Spanish and English)!
If you want to go horseback riding or climb the San Pedro Volcano, simply take a boat from Pana to San Pedro La Laguna, across the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. You can inquire where to set up such adventures right when you get off the dock. Stay at Hotel Sak'Ari and dine at Tin-Tin, a great restaurant owned and run by Gary, a Canadian guy.
If you want a guided horseback ride above the clouds, contact the folks at Posada De Santiago, make a reservation for a night or two and another one for a horseback riding adventure.
You can rent kayaks at Casa Del Mundo (where you can also stay for a night) or in numerous villages around the Lake. Trust me, you don't need a reservation but you will want to go kayaking in the early morning before the wind starts or around dusk, when there is little wind.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Pana or San Pedro La Laguna. Again, forget the reservations, there will be enough bikes for you. Just go and ask where the bike rental stores can be found.
Please remember: NEVER go hiking or volcano climbing alone. There are numerous stories of robbers along hiking trails. A local guide will be of great benefit and security as you step into the wild beauty of Guatemala.
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular around the Lake, though the afternoon will bring a wind across the Lake. The best time to travel to Guatemala is between October and May, otherwise you'll hit the rainy season. While in Pana, make sure to dine at the Sunset Cafe where you will enjoy great sunset views of the Lake and volcanoes, listen to great music and eat delicious food.
Check out Atitlan Resource for more information.
Happy Traveling!

Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lined by twelve villages around the shores of this gorgeous lake. Although the national language is Spanish, three Mayan dialects are spoken amongst the indigenous: Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel, & Quiche. One never tires of the magnificent views and scenery, although the poverty is staggering.
When you go to Lake Atitlan , I highly recommend staying and/or visiting the following unforgettable hotels on the shores of the Lake:
Casa Del Mundo - A must-stay hotel in Jaibalito
Hotel Atitlan - A beautiful hotel in Panajachel
Hotel Aaculaax - An eco-friendly hotel in San Marcos La Laguna
Villa Sumaya - A gorgeous hotel in Santa Cruz
Posada De Santiago - A lovely hotel and restaurant in Santiago Atitlan
The area around the Lake is an outdoor enthusiast's playground: kayaking, diving, volcano climbing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and more. Jovenes Mayas organizes and leads eco-tours around the Lake. They can be found in the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna. I highly recommend using their services because they are knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy. Also, for you non-Spanish speaking folks, the guides are tri-lingual (Mayan dialect, Spanish and English)!
If you want to go horseback riding or climb the San Pedro Volcano, simply take a boat from Pana to San Pedro La Laguna, across the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. You can inquire where to set up such adventures right when you get off the dock. Stay at Hotel Sak'Ari and dine at Tin-Tin, a great restaurant owned and run by Gary, a Canadian guy.
If you want a guided horseback ride above the clouds, contact the folks at Posada De Santiago, make a reservation for a night or two and another one for a horseback riding adventure.
You can rent kayaks at Casa Del Mundo (where you can also stay for a night) or in numerous villages around the Lake. Trust me, you don't need a reservation but you will want to go kayaking in the early morning before the wind starts or around dusk, when there is little wind.
Mountain bikes can be rented in Pana or San Pedro La Laguna. Again, forget the reservations, there will be enough bikes for you. Just go and ask where the bike rental stores can be found.
Please remember: NEVER go hiking or volcano climbing alone. There are numerous stories of robbers along hiking trails. A local guide will be of great benefit and security as you step into the wild beauty of Guatemala.
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular around the Lake, though the afternoon will bring a wind across the Lake. The best time to travel to Guatemala is between October and May, otherwise you'll hit the rainy season. While in Pana, make sure to dine at the Sunset Cafe where you will enjoy great sunset views of the Lake and volcanoes, listen to great music and eat delicious food.
Check out Atitlan Resource for more information.
Happy Traveling!



