North Carolina State University

2008 Summer Ethnographic Field School

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

May 16, 2008 - July 7, 2008

THE RESEARCH SITE

Lake Atitlán is one of the most majestic and scenic spots in all of Latin America.  Ringed by dormant volcanoes and about a mile in elevation, Lake Atitlán was formed out of an ancient volcanic basin.  Dotting the shores of the Lake are about a dozen small villages inhabited by the contemporary descendants of the ancient Maya. Panajachel (pop. 9000) is the largest town and will be the headquarters for the program. The view of the lake from Panajachel is magnificent, and its attractive sunsets and views daily lure many tourists, which in turn has transformed the town into a tourist Mecca with small hotels, delightful restaurants and plentiful souvenir stores. Yet, the town and the other communities in the region have retained much of their traditional Mayan heritage. Each student is free to choose any topic for his or her independent ethnographic research project, but environmental and tourism issues inevitably will play at least some minor role in nearly all potential topics. Guatemala has the second largest indigenous population in Mexico and Central America. There are approximately 23 different languages spoken here, most of them Mayan. Despite conquests and civil wars, the Mayan have survived for nearly two millennia.  Lake Atitlán is one of the best places in the country to learn about this amazingly durable and vibrant culture.

In the photo below Volcán San Pedro is in the distance and the provincial capital of Sololá in the foreground. The picture was taken from the grounds of the new Universidad del Valle del Altiplano  The colors of the view around the lake change from hour to hour.  It is no wonder that so many people from all over the world have visited.

There are about twelve communities that rise along the banks of the lake. Here is one of those communities, San Antonio Palopo.  It is located about , 7 km. from Panajachel. 

The Tz'utujil are one of two groups of Mayan speakers along the lake's shores. Kaqchiquel is the other major language and is spoken in most of the communities around Panajachel. Here are some Tz'utujil shoppers seeking supplies for the coming week in the Tuesday market of Santiago Atitlan.

The view from Panajachel, where the program's headquarters will be located, is spectacular as you can see from this photo from the Sunset Grill at the swimming area of the town.

Panajachel also has several Spanish language schools such as this one in the photo to the right. The cost of the language training is quite accessible and could be a worthwhile option either before or after the program.