On the Shores of Atitlán
We were looking to celebrate my partner’s 50th birthday. Lake Atitlán blew our minds. It is one of the most beautiful places we've seen.
A serene birthday by Lake Atitlán…
We were looking forward to celebrating my partner’s 50th birthday on this trip. We enjoy sipping cocktails in the sun by the pool or on the beach, and exploring new cities, cuisine, and shopping. We were looking for a new destination that would allow us to see a new place, with time to relax, as well as easy side excursions to things like volcanos, or zip lining. The Hotel Atitlán, the garden, and its setting was absolutely fantastic, and exactly what we were looking for. It's one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen. We were right along the shores of Lake Atitlán and the room was spacious and comfortable. Staff was very nice, especially Juan Carlos at the bar.
The local communities were incredible…
We booked a boat tour that took us to the surrounding villages by Lake Atitlan. It was a great experience to see the local sights and communities. Their handicrafts were amazing, especially the textiles and patterns.
Lovely nights in Antigua…
We stayed in Antigua for three nights to fully enjoy the charming town's vibes and the surrounding destinations. The hike up to Pacaya Volcano was steep but the view was extremely rewarding.
Places you'll stay
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is often a traveler’s first glimpse of Guatemala. As your plane descends over the capital, you witness the largest city in Central America unfold—a sprawling, colorful metropolis that spreads into a valley ringed by forested mountains and volcanoes. It’s a big and powerful place that is home to around four million people.
Lake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Antigua
The charming city of La Antigua is situated in a lush highland valley and surrounded by the cones of three volcanoes. As its name implies (Antigua means old in Spanish), this is a historic city. It was the former capital of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. Following this disaster, the capital was moved to its current site at Guatemala City, but the ruins (and some of the people) of Antigua stayed put. These days, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations.
Escuintla
The bustling and sweltering city of Escuintla is located at the junction of the two main coastal roads from Guatemala City. It will interest travelers mainly as a place to eat or refuel while heading to or from the Pacific coast.
Moments to look forward to
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is heralded as one of the most mystical and memorable lakes on the planet. It is also the deepest lake in Central America. You can get experience the lake by kayaking or swimming at the beaches on the lakeshore. See the lake from above by hiking the San Pedro Volcano or by reaching the summit known locally as Indian’s Nose.
Pacaya Volcano
The Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. Rising to a height of 8,373-feet (2,552-m), the Pacaya Volcano makes for a convenient day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua. The volcano was granted national park status in 2001.
Lake Atitlán Villages Half-Day Tour
Filadelfia Coffee Tour
Antigua Walking Tour Half Day
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Hotel Recommendation #3
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Seamless Connections
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
