I am a Canadian living in a village on the shores of Lake Atitlan these last 20 years. This lake grabbed me with its beauty, with its three volcanoes overlooking it and the continuous changes of light and colour. For the Mayans, it is a holy place to which they come to do ceremonial events. To the local economy, the tourism brings a livelihood from which they have become dependent. Unfortunately the entire life around Lake Atitlan has become endangered as the phosphorus pollution and the lack of government funds is endangering the very life of the lake and consequently its people. Georgia O'keefe said of lake Atitlan that it was 'too much'. She was overwhelmed by its beauty and could not paint here! From here she went to New Mexico. Aldous Huxley described it also as the most beautiful lake in the world.

It is curious that maybe because of its size and maybe because of the overpowering presence of the volcanoes, one is left with the overwhelming feeling that it is a very special place which needs to be firmly placed not on the tentative list of heritage sites, but one which the world should look on as important enough for its attention.