Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, lies 80 miles west of Guatemala City in the midst of the San Buenaventura Nature Preserve. Found in a predominantly Mayan region of the country, the lake is surrounded by small villages and has been considered a sacred place by locals for thousands of years. Once dependent on farming, the area around Lake Atitlan now relies mainly on tourism and many hotels and inns have opened nearby.
Located on Santa Cruz island in Lake Atitlan, Isla Verde Hotel is an all-cabin eco-hotel accessible only by boat. Constructed using recycled materials, the hotel adheres to an ecologically friendly philosophy, using only rain water and solar power to heat and power its facilities. The hotel restaurant prepares seasonal, locally grown Guatemalan dishes and offers terrace seating with a view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Each of the hotel's nine cabin accommodations feature views of the lake, single or double beds and private bathrooms, as well as a mix of modern and traditional Guatemalan furnishings.
Isla Verde Hotel
Jaibalito
Santa Cruz La Laguna 2507
Guatemala
011-502-5359-8328
islaverdeatitlan.com
Posada los Encuentros, located 10 minutes from downtown Panajachel, is a five-room lodge close to Lake Atitlan. Tours and excursions to the nearby lake and Mayan villages are offered through the inn, as well as consultations with traditional Mayan healers and artisans. Featuring a lounge, naturally thermal pool, a wood-burning sauna and bar, the inn also offers a fitness room, medicinal herb garden and five guest rooms. Rooms include modern and traditional furnishings, cable television and wireless Internet, as well as a full breakfast. Standard rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments are available, each with a private bathroom. A five-day vacation package is offered online, which includes tour outings, daily breakfast and guide fees.
Posada Los Encuentros
Callejon Chotzar 0-41
B. Jucanya, Panajachel
Solala
Guatemala
011-502-7762-1603
losencuentros.com
Overlooking Lake Atitlan, Tzan Poc Resort is a boutique hotel located in Santa Catarina Palopo, 93 miles from Panajachel. Built with a mix of Mediterranean and Latin American architecture, the hotel features abundant artwork, modern and traditional furnishings and numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, salon, sauna and a solarium for rainy days. Standard and deluxe rooms are available, as well as villas. Each accommodation features laundry service, a terrace, private bathroom and a daily breakfast served in the common area or en-suite. Wireless Internet service is available in public areas of the inn. Smoking is not permitted in rooms or villas.
Tzam Poc Resort
Via Rural Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina Palopo
Solola 07010
Guatemala
011-502-7762-2680
atitlanresort.com
