Hotel Aaculaax
San Marcos La Laguna
San Marcos is a village of 2200 inhabitants divided into three neighborhoods or barrios. Most of the indigenous population lives on the two hills on either side of the valley. Their native language is Kakchikel (a Mayan dialect), but many of them speak Spanish as well. The first foreigners settled here at the end of the 1980s and now an international community lives in and around San Marcos, practicing various trades from spiritual guru to midwife. San Marcos is very popular among musicians and artists. It is also well known for a variety of healing and massage courses and treatments. There is a rich interchange between the local and international communities that has helped to build this small town.
Currently, there are numerous shops between the town center (around the church) and the lake: 15 hotels, 14 restaurants, 3 Internet cafés, laundry service, a bakery at Aaculaax, a natural clinic, a holistic center, the Pyramids meditation center and numerous stores that sell fresh, local produce. If you stay longer, there are numerous creative, educational and spiritual courses you may embark on. If you are interested in volunteering in the community, there are plenty of opportunities as well.
There are numerous activities to enjoy in San Marcos and around the lake: hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, diving, snorkeling, day trips to neighboring markets and natural attractions, as well as spiritual, massage and art courses. Swimming still remains our favorite pastime. Both the rocks and the beach are fantastic places to take in the splendor of the lake. For those interested in learning Spanish, we often organize individual language courses with experienced teachers for our guests.
