Santa Cruz La Laguna before the storm
Santa Cruz La Laguna is a traditional Mayan village located on the steep mountainside of the lake, roughly 325 vertical feet above the lake's surface (population: approximately 3,100). The village has the unique characteristic of being accessible only by boat or footpath. A single, winding road connects the dock to the village. There is a very rough road connecting Santa Cruz to Sololá which is used to transport heavy goods, concrete blocks, furniture, and a few vehicles.
The village has no roads, telephone system, or commercial center, although a common gathering place in the village is the sports court, used for basketball and soccer by the children of the village. Electricity is intermittent and expensive, and is therefore not installed in many households.
