During the civil war, Santiago became the first village in the country to succeed in expelling the army, following a notorious massacre of 13 villagers on December 2, 1990. The site of this massacre, where troops were encamped, is now the small Parque de Paz, about 1km south of the Parque Central along the road toward San Pedro La Laguna.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apóstol

0.74 MILES

The formidable parish church was built by the Franciscans in the mid-16th century. A memorial plaque just inside the entrance on your right commemorates…

2. Parque Central

0.76 MILES

Here you’ll find a stone monument that commemorates Concepción Ramírez, the woman on the back of the 25 centavo coin, and a basin that contains a relief…

4. Museo Tz'unun 'Ya

5.33 MILES

This museum focuses on the history of the Tz'utujil people and geology of the region, with a film on the formation of the lake and an interesting gallery…

5. Cerro Tzankujil

6.69 MILES

This nature reserve is on a sacred hill west of San Marcos village. Well-maintained pebbly trails lead to swimming areas with shelters by the bank and a…

6. Museo Lacustre Atitlán

9 MILES

Inside the Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo, this museum has displays on the history of the Atitlán region and the volcanic eruptions that created its…

7. La Galería

9.21 MILES

Overflowing with art by Guatemalan painters and sculptors, this gallery functions as both an exhibit space and cultural center, hosting lectures, films…

8. Casa Cakchiquel

9.23 MILES

Pana's cultural center started life as one of the first hotels on the lake, built by a Swedish countess in 1948. Now it holds a radio station, Japanese…