Santiago Atitlan, Saint Maximon.

Last Sunday my host family was nice enough to take me to Lake Atitlan which is a famous tourist spot here in Guatemala. The lake was formed thousands of years ago and is about 10 miles wide and sits on the base of three massive volcanoes. Pananajachel is one of the major towns that hosts tourists. It is also called Gringotenango (land of gringos), because of its reputation from the 60's were many hippies were known for backpacking through the town.






One of the most interesting towns to visit in the Lake is Santiago Atitlan. It is a small Mayan town were the locals still speak their native Kaqchikel toungue. What makes the town so interesting is that in Santiago you can visit the famous Saint Maximon (Mashimon). Maximon is the Mayan underworld saint that brings forth virility and fertility. He is the saint of the gamblers and the drunkards and when visiting don maximon make sure to bring cigarettes, cigars or liquor as offerings for he has exquisite tastes.
Santiago Atitlan

Man Praying to Saint Maximon