Every September, communities across Guatemala celebrate Independence Day with parades, music and the tradition of carrying the Independence Torch. This year, Vanessa from Kayak Guatemala joined a community trip from Santa Cruz La Laguna to Santa Rosa, returning home with the torch and plenty of memories.
Celebrating Guatemala's Independence Day
Every year, the mayor of Santa Cruz La Laguna takes a group of people to a different place in Guatemala to celebrate Independence Day on September 15.
When they return to Santa Cruz, they bring an Antorcha, or Independence Torch, with them. It's a beautiful Guatemalan tradition that symbolises freedom and independence.
This year, Vanessa, a member of the Kayak Guatemala team, joined the trip to Santa Rosa.
Here's her story, in her own words.
Our Journey From Santa Cruz La Laguna to Santa Rosa
My trip was to Santa Rosa, in southeastern Guatemala. We left my hometown, Santa Cruz La Laguna, at 1:00 a.m. and took a chicken bus from Panajachel to Santa Rosa.
The journey took approximately six hours, with several stops in different towns along the way.
The trip was tiring, but it was also a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Traveling by chicken bus allowed us to see different parts of Guatemala and experience the journey alongside local people.
Exploring Laguna del Pino in Santa Rosa
Our first destination was Laguna del Pino. We stayed at a recreational park called Lara's, located near the lagoon.
Laguna del Pino is a relatively small lake located between the municipalities of Barberena and Santa Cruz Naranjo, near the village of El Cerinal. It covers approximately 0.7 square kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of about 18 meters.
During our visit, we went swimming and enjoyed a boat ride that accommodated approximately ten people.
The surroundings were peaceful and surrounded by nature, making it a perfect place to relax and spend time with friends.
Discovering Laguna de Ayarza, Guatemala's Beautiful Crater Lake
After visiting Laguna del Pino, we traveled approximately one and a half hours to another beautiful destination: Laguna de Ayarza, also known as Lago Azul de Ayarza, in Santa Rosa.
Laguna de Ayarza is surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural landscapes.
According to geological explanations, the lagoon was formed thousands of years ago by a massive volcanic eruption that created a large crater, or caldera. It is estimated to be around 20,000 years old, and its depth exceeds 230 meters according to commonly cited geological information.
Its impressive depth has inspired many fascinating stories and legends among local residents.
The landscape reminded me of Lake Atitlán in some ways because of the mountains surrounding the water, although Laguna de Ayarza has its own unique beauty and atmosphere.
We stayed in a small house located right on the shore of the lagoon. The area was very peaceful, and there were cows and open fields nearby, which made the experience feel even more connected to nature.
To visit some of the neighboring communities, transportation by boat is necessary. Each village is approximately 20 minutes away by boat, depending on the destination. There are also some small restaurants and hotels in the area.
It is a beautiful place to relax, disconnect from everyday life, and enjoy the simplicity of nature. There is very little noise or traffic, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for peace and tranquility.
More Than Just a Trip: Discovering Our Own Country
The purpose of our trip during Independence Day was not only to travel and visit new places, but also to spend time together, learn more about Guatemala, and discover the different cultures and landscapes within our own country.
Some people slept during the long chicken bus journey, while others stayed in a small hotel where six people shared each room.
Although the accommodations were simple, the experience was full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
One Last Stop at Los Aposentos National Park
Afterward, we traveled through Chimaltenango and stopped at Los Aposentos National Park, a beautiful recreational area surrounded by nature.
The park offers several activities, including ziplining, restaurants, kayaking, boat rides, and hanging bridges.
We enjoyed spending time there before continuing our journey back to Santa Cruz La Laguna.
Bringing the Independence Torch Home to Santa Cruz La Laguna
That evening, we participated in one of Guatemala's most meaningful Independence Day traditions: carrying the Independence Torch.
The flame symbolizes freedom, unity among the Central American countries, and the memory of the riders who traveled throughout the region on horseback in 1821 to spread the news of independence.
Because of this historical connection, carrying the torch has become an important tradition in Guatemala every September.
When we arrived in Santa Cruz, we ran from the road carrying the torch and eventually gathered at the local sports court.
There, we formed a spiral, or "caracol," to symbolize the new viewpoint being developed in Santa Cruz.
One of our companions presented the torch to the mayor and shared some of the experiences and places we had explored during our journey.
It was a meaningful way to conclude our trip.
We returned home tired but happy, carrying not only the memories of the places we visited, but also a greater appreciation for Guatemala, its people, its natural beauty, and the importance of exploring our own country.
What This Independence Day Journey Meant to Me
This trip reminded me that Guatemala has so much more to offer beyond the destinations we already know.
Every region has its own landscapes, traditions, communities, and stories waiting to be discovered.
Love Exploring Lakes? Discover Lake Atitlán With Us
Vanessa's journey took her to two beautiful lakes in Santa Rosa, but there's plenty to discover closer to home, too.
At Kayak Guatemala, we help visitors experience Lake Atitlán from a different perspective, whether that's paddling along the shoreline, exploring hidden corners of the lake or combining kayaking with a hike through the surrounding landscapes.
If you're inspired by Vanessa's adventures, take a look at our Lake Atitlán kayaking tours and start planning your own.
Story by Vanessa, Kayak Guatemala.
