Guatemalas spectacular Western Highlands run from Antigua to the Mexican border. Pines blanket misty hillsides, rivers cascade through sliver-thin ravines, volcanoes rumble overhead. Catch market day or witness offerings to drinking, smoking St. Maximon, in Chichicastenango. See traditional life in the Ixil Triangle. Clamber the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Mayan dialects and ceremonies are still part of everyday life for the majority of Guatemalas indigenous population, living where their ancestors trod.
Things to do in Western Highlands
5 based on 483 reviews
Jenna's River bed and breakfast is located on a slope 1.5 km from Panajachel, this location presents our guests with the most spectacular views of the lake and it's volcanoes. Quiet seclusion with the convenience of being a 5 minute ride to Panajachel. The accommodation at Jenna's is made up of 8 luxurious Yurts with solid walls nestled into the hillside. Each Yurt has en-suite bathrooms with bath tubs and showers featuring large picture windows facing the lake. You can relax in your bath tub or Jacuzzi enjoying sunrises and sunsets over the Volcanoes. It's all about the fabulous views. Aldous Huxley compared Lake Atitlan to Lake Como, he said Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes of the world. Jenna's also has a world class restaurant, Mayan sauna, hot tub and spa where you can enjoy massages and other spa services. Relax at the pool. Our Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place to have a cocktail and enjoy the sunset before dinner on the premises or heading into town.
We stayed at Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast in March 2022, and were pleasantly surprised. After raving reviews and gorgeous photos, we thought we knew what to expect…. but the experience was much better than we could have ever hoped for. This b&b has many gorgeous amenities including shared outdoor space, lake access, a sauna, a pool, a restaurant/ bar, and much more. It also has parking, wifi, and clean, filtered water (which is extremely important) My boyfriend and I stayed in the Quetzal Yurt with plenty of space for us and our things. It was homey, and comfortable. The bathroom had a toilet, sink, bathtub with a view, and spacious walk-in shower. Our friends stayed in the Caiman Yurt and it was huge, the 5 of us spent lots of time just hanging out in their room because of how large it was. I love how surrounded by nature we were, as the yurts are surrounded by trees, flowers, rocks, mountains, cacti, and the lake. This location was extremely calm and casual, taking on the “island time” aesthetic. Unfortunately, the view was cloudier than usual due to a recent volcanic eruption, however it was still a very stunning sight. We had large, private balcony overlooking Lake Atítlan, the Volcano, and mountains. We also had a couch, table with chairs, grill, sink, mini refrigerator, coffee pot, and toaster oven outside on the balcony for our convenience. The food at their restaurant was incredibly tasty! I am vegetarian and feared I wouldn’t have many options, however I had numerous vegan and vegetarian-friendly food options to choose from ? I chose the Vegetarian Lasagna, which was made with crepe instead of pasta and was honestly the best lasagna I have ever tasted. We sat outside in the lounge/ dining area and played jenga while eating. We also socialized with other people staying at the b&b! Jenna is such a kind hearted individual, she is so excited to get to know her guests. She visited us and spoke with us personally, answering any questions we had as well as asking us about ourselves. She speaks 5 languages and did what she could to make us feel comfortable and relaxed. Jenna was always there and looking forward to speaking with her guests. The entire team made our experience incredibly pleasurable, they spoke with us and answered questions. They also gave us great recommendations for things to do in the nearby town and offered to call us a car or tuk tuk ? Jenna’s River Bed and Breakfast was a STAPLE and HIGHLIGHT of our vacation and it would be our honor to stay with Jenna again. We felt like we had the resort experience! Stay here, you won’t regret it!
4.5 based on 811 reviews
Guatemala's most magical hotel - Lonely Planet. 19 Rooms built upon a Jaibalito cliffside pleasantly house travelers from all over the world.
This was a superbly beautiful hotel and an ideal location to explore Lake Atitlan. We absolutely loved waking up every morning and sitting on our patio taking in the view, venturing out to explore other villages via the public boats, and hiking. The food was fine - not incredible, but good enough, but we ate several meals at the restaurant anyway, enjoying the many patios with the unending views and the warm breeze. For us, this was great since we weren't there for the food anyway. The service was friendly and warm and responsive. Highly recommend!
4 based on 1023 reviews
Nominated by Travel + Leisure; "World's Best Awards 2011".This charming hacienda-style hotel is a formerworking coffee farm situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan, with a picture perfect view of volcanoes San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlan. Highlighting numerous unique Guatemalan traditions with its colorful and vibrant interior, each room is individually decorated with hand-woven fabrics and carpets, handcrafted furniture, paintings and tile floors. All rooms have private balconies and breathtaking views of the lake. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlook the entire lake and the hotel's magnificent wedding, tropical and rose gardens. The Botanical Gardens of Hotel Atitlan are a true garden lover's paradise. Bird-watching is a popular pastime within its botanical gardens. Enjoy a cocktail or a refreshing tea from the selection of tea infusions by the fire in the hotel's bar, and dine in an elegant setting where you will savor regional and international cuisine. You can't miss this beautiful Hotel!!!
This is a magnificent place. Right by the water of beautiful Lake Atitlan, and in front of the amazing volcanoes. The restaurant overlooks the lake and the volcanoes. The gardens are a treat. You have plenty of areas to enjoy tropical flowers and manicured trees. All the decoration is handcrafted by the locals. The food and service is excellent. Truly a paradise. We try to go every year.
4 based on 885 reviews
Welcome to Porta Hotel Del Lago, your Panajachel “home away from home.” Porta Hotel Del Lago aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Given the close proximity to Casa Cakchiquel (0.3 mi), guests of Porta Hotel Del Lago can easily experience one of Panajachel's most popular landmarks. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, and you can stay connected during your stay as Porta Hotel Del Lago offers guests free internet access. The hotel features a 24 hour front desk, room service, and a concierge. Plus, Porta Hotel Del Lago offers a pool and a lounge, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. While in Panajachel, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Porta Hotel Del Lago, including Deli Jasmin (0.2 mi), Café Loco (0.4 mi), and Circus Bar (0.6 mi). Panajachel is also home to La Galeria, a popular art gallery that is not too far from Porta Hotel Del Lago. Porta Hotel Del Lago puts the best of Panajachel at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Super impressed with the staff and the service, food really great , It was a really good and satisfactory stay. The hotel has a beautiful view to the lake. Excellent location. anything you need at any time.24/7
4.5 based on 566 reviews
On the idyllic and less-visited north shore of Lake Atitlan, Santa Cruz is an indigenous Kaqchikel village with around two thousand local inhabitants. This quiet village has long been a favorite destination for those in the know who want to get away from it all, and La Iguana Perdida is proud to have been active in the community here since we opened the doors in 1996. We’ve been an “eco-hotel” since before the term became popular, converted to solar in the last few years, and we’ve always been active in the environmental movement on Atitlan. The choice of lodging at the Iguana runs the gamut, from the original wood construction consisting of spacious dormitories, private rooms with shared bath and a rustic cabana, to the more modern side of the hotel where our luxury rooms include private bath, balcony and lake views. Shared bathroom facilities are scattered around the spacious property tucked behind the bouganvillas and banana trees. Our restaurant serves delicious breakfasts and lunches from 8am until 3pm daily and family-style feasts every night at 7pm often followed by activities like open-mic and trivia. All meals are prepared by the lovely local Mayan staff, and vegetarian, gluten free and other dietary restrictions are always available upon request. The climate (warm in the sun and cool in the shade) is perfect for whatever level of activity you’re seeking, even if it’s lounging in a hammock with a good book all day. Located right on the waterfront, La Iguana Perdida is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty and serenity that Lake Atitlan has to offer. Start the day with a yoga class on the patio overlooking the lake with the volcanos framed in the distance, then go for a kayak or follow shaded trails and paths along the shoreline for a dip in the magical waters of Atitlan. After a day of hiking or kayaking, fire up our traditional Mayan sauna or treat yourself to a massage with one of our experienced practitioners. There’s no reason to be bored even on a rainy day with our pool table, dartboard, book exchange and TV room at your disposal, and if you’d like to immerse yourself more in the local community we can organise backstrap weaving classes in a local home or one-on-one Spanish classes. We even have wifi now! If water sports is your bag, we are home to ATI Divers, the only scuba operation on Lake Atitlan since 1996. Enjoy a fun dive or take the four-day PADI Open Water Course and become a certified diver. Atitlan is a collapsed volcanic caldera with massive volcanic rock formations, fish, crabs and even volcanic hot-spots you can plunge your hands into. One of the few spots in the world where you can get the high-altitude specialty certification without freezing! We’re open to travellers of all ages, and with over twenty years in business we hope we can find a way to make your visit to Lake Atilan a memorable one.
Pretty hostel in Santa Cruz Laguna, immersed in vegetation and with beautiful lake and volcano views! We spent 5 nights, and totally recommend the place. The staff and team of volunteers are simply great, all lovely and happy people who make your stay happy and help you with any logistics and questions you might have. The private room with bathroom is spacious, beautiful decor, clean and quiet. We loved the common areas, with hammocks, plenty of chairs to sunbathe and a pool table. The restaurant/cafe was also our favourite, as we had dinner with the other guests there every night at 7 pm (family dinner, a set menu that changes every evening and varies from pasta, pizza, tasty soups and BBQ on Saturdays). Really nice way to get to know other travellers, the staff and the owners, lovely people who like to talk and share their stories with everyone.
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Lush is ideally located on a hillside on the shores of spectacular Lake Atitlán in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. The hotel has 10 unique rooms and suites, each one individually designed, with one-of-a-kind art works and locally made furniture. All of the rooms boast of incredible views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes, a private terrace or balcony, offering guests a harmonious balance with the surrounding nature.
We booked one of the most expensive rooms for 2 nights. Upon arriving back to our room after dinner we were greeted by multiple large banana spiders and scorpions in our room. Crawling on our luggage and bedding. We were distraught and terrified. At this point we were unable to get a reservation at another local hotel, the front desk staff assured us that we would get a full refund upon checking out the next day. The next morning the staff informed us that we will NOT be refunded after being lied to the night prior. We were forced to pay for an additional night when we originally were told otherwise. Horrible customer service. In addition- the wifi is extremely spotty for anyone that has to work, it will not suffice. Construction of a new building next door begins at 8 AM so don’t expect to sleep in. DO NOT overlook negative reviews. We were naive. I STRONGLY advise not booking. Can sleep in the woods with bugs for free.
4 based on 349 reviews
Hotel Regis Panajachel is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Panajachel, offering a romantic environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Close to Casa Cakchiquel (0.1 mi), a popular Panajachel landmark, Hotel Regis Panajachel is a great destination for tourists. During your stay, take advantage of some of the amenities offered, including a concierge, and you can go online as Hotel Regis Panajachel offers guests free internet access. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a hot tub and a lounge, located on site. For travelers arriving by car, free parking is available. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the cafes, including Café Loco, Deli Jasmin, and Crossroads Cafe, all of which are a short distance from Hotel Regis Panajachel. There is no shortage of things to do in the area, and there are several great attractions that are within walking distance of Hotel Regis Panajachel, including Hotel Atitlan Gardens (0.6 mi), Church of St Francis (0.4 mi), and La Galeria (0.2 mi). Enjoy your stay in Panajachel!
We found Guatemala to be more friendly, cheaper, more interesting and way, way safer than the other Central American countries that we've toured, especially Mexico. We felt safe walking anywhere, excluding Guatemala City, including night. People are smiling and unusually kind, both to us and to each other. We did the standard Antigua, Tikal, Atitlan route. The latter was the most interesting, especially when we took an extra day to go to the villages the tourists don't normally visit. And though all guides and drivers were fine, Pedro in Atitlan was the best. Special thanks to Eduardo at kimkim. He had to plan our trip 3 times (twice delayed due to Covid restrictions.) I ask lots of questions and requested many particular changes to the itinerary. He always responded quickly. During the trip he was very attentive, coming to our hotel to review things and always available on the phone. The only two issues we encountered occurred on Sunday nights and he was available and on top of it even then. In Flores near Tikal, recommend staying at a hotel on the island, not the other side of the bridge and definitely not the El Patio hotel (we were moved upon request.) The 5 star hotels in Antigua, Camino Real and the Casa Santa Domingo (the latter built around museums and not to be missed) were fantastic. Every hotel, including the $50/nite Regis in Panajachel, included great breakfasts. Tourism is still down 50% or more in Guatemala so take this opportunity to visit.
4 based on 213 reviews
This Hotel in lake Atitlan is located 5 minutes away from Panajachel, on the shoreline of lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and surrounded by 3 impressive volcanoes (San Pedro, Tolimán & Atitlán) and 12 Maya-Cackchiquel and Maya-Tzutuhil villages, whose people after centuries, still maintain their traditions, costumes & beliefs. The 40 rooms at Villa Santa Catarina are arranged in 2 buildings of 2 floors each, surrounded by beautiful gardens and magnificent views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding mountains.
Amazing kind staff and a very clean hotel. Stayed in room #50 on the 2nd floor overlooking the 2 pools with 2 double beds, a bit small room but normal size for Central America and the hotel grounds are beautiful. Very quiet area.
4 based on 285 reviews
Offering a beautiful setting on Atitlan Lake, recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago has attractive rooms. Set in gardens, it features a restaurant and a terrace with lake views.
Overall the experience has been very disappointing. The location of the hotel is good. The room I stayed in was clean for the most part, but outdated. Only one working outlet out of five in the room. No hairdryer, no phone to call the front desk and request one. The staff is not very friendly, I am sorry to say that. The worst part was the restaurant. Very unsanitary, dirty water glasses and coffee cups, unclean silverware. The food was terrible, not fresh, with a very high chance of getting food poisoning. I decided to go off the property for every meal to be safe.
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Welcome to Casa Palopó. Perched above spectacular Lake Atitlan with a view of three volcanoes and located in the Guatemalan Highlands, Casa Palopó offers two distinct brands of romantic relaxation for the sophisticated traveler. Choose from the charming and colorful accommodations in the main building, which feature seven spacious rooms decorated with contemporary and indigenous artwork or a more modern outtake in the private villa located above the main building with a private pool, jacuzzi, living room and kitchen. In the main building relax in front of the fireplace in our hotel living room or enjoy a gourmet meal in 6.8 Palopo restaurant, with elegantly set tables in an intimate cluster. On the glassed terrace, additional tables spread along the wide veranda, 6.8 Palopó is the place to catch an uninterrupted view of spectacular sunsets.
Hands down one of the best stays! The property is beautiful and each room has its own design. There is also a 3br villa located at the top of the property, it has a pool and spectacular views. We absolutely loved our room, the Catarina Suite, we stayed four nights, it was very spacious with a huge terrace overlooking the lake and volcanoes. The hotel staff was very attentive and friendly, food is delicious and the drinks are awesome. The front desk arranged our trips to visit the other towns on the lake. This is a place I will never forget and cant wait to be back to. Perhaps the best in the lake.
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