Location: Atitlan, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America (San Marcos La Laguna, 2.5 hrs from Guat City Airport)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 8-9)
Here is a place you may have dreamed about, but you thought it could not exist: On the shores of the deepest lake in the America's, Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala, ringed by volcanoes and some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see: A lovely private, romantic, lakefront house surrounded by fantasy gardens.
Situated just a five minute walk from the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna, a famed healing and meditation center, (with great and affordable yoga, massage, and one-on-one Spanish instruction), the house sits on an acre of extraordinarily landscape-architewct-designed gardens and hillside, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Atitlan, ringed by spectacular volcanoes.
You will arrive, by boat, at a private dock, greeted by an enormously knowledgeable English speaking property manager, who will stock the kitchen with locally grown coffee, fruit, and fresh tortillas.
Relax in the wood-fired sauna, then dive into some of the bluest and most swimmable waters you will ever experience.
The house sleeps six comfortably, with cathedral-ceiling master suite featuring fireplace and balcony and opening onto a private terrace with outdoor fireplace, oversized tub, hammock, outdoor and indoor shower, and 180 degree water views.
(Please note: listing describes 1.5 baths but property actually has 2.5 baths.)
Downstairs, a guest suite with its own bathroom and terrace. Both bedrooms feature queen-sized beds with top quality mattres and glass doors opening to the lake.
Cathedral ceiling living room includes a fireplace and futon couch that can fold out for additional sleeping. There is also a sleeping loft on the third floor, with window seat overlooking the lake. All new appliances in the fully-equipped kitchen (including dishwasher), opening to indoor and outdoor dining spaces, lakefront terrace and bar.
Every room of the house boasts spectacular views. Also on the property: a thatch roof ranchero overlooking the lake, with daybed and night lighting, and a custom-built wood fired pizza oven in the garden. (Cook great pizza yourself, or our property manager can arrage to hire a local Italian cook , a vegetarian chef, or a cooperative of local women to come and make dinner for your family. Arrangements can also be made for child care, private hiking guide, spanish lessons and private boat to other villages. Property manager can also advise on massage, yoga classes, and other activities.)
Decorated with original indigenous paintings, locally made crafts and Guatemalan textiles and furnishings, the house is a great place for an extended family get together. But it is also an ideal romantic hideaway or honeymoon destination—and a great place for a writer or artist to focus on a project. Wireless internet provided.
An acre of gardens include several patios, fruit trees and gorgeous plantings, two waterfalls, lakeside ranchero for sunset drinks and watching the sunset. Gardener and once a week housekeeper included in rental, along with friendly and informative English speaking local property manager in town to orient guests and provide assistance with advice on great hikes and guides, trip ideas, local cooks who will deliver meals, and child care as needed. Property manager will also arrange private transportation to the house from the airport (or Antigua).
The property also features a charming second two level treehouse with its own kitchen, composting toilet and shower, and terrace overlooking hte lake, higher up on the acre-large lot, which can also be included in the rental at an added price for extended families or larger groups.
The house is an easy walk to the village, where you can find any of five or six varieties of great massage, yoga lessons, and great little affordable restaurants.
For more details, check out a recent article from the New York Times Travel section, written by the house's owner. This home was also featured , with photo slide show, in the New York Times Escapes column, March 28, 2008. Note that photographs shown on this site do not yet show new construction (including new guest wing, new master bath, tub and loft space) but will be available soon.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Sauna
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Wood-Fired Lakefront Sauna, Private Dock, two person kayak, outdoor wood fired pizza oven, wireless internet, detached guesthouse/treehouse and ranchero with daybed, waterfalls, gardens, fruit trees
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Mayan Ruins, Visiting Local Artisan Markets, Spanish Lessons, Yoga and Massage, bike rentals, horsebackriding, local women will cater pizza night on great outdoor pizza oven (or cook it yourself)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
1-4 guests ................. $ 1100/week.
4-7 guests ................. $1400/week
8-10 guests ................. $2000/week. (includes treehouse guesthouse)
Treehouse alone $500 per week.
Easter (Semana Santa) Christmas & New Years Week .. $ 2500/week.
(includes use of treehouse guest house)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is my favorite place on earth.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Swimming, health treatments, swimming, gardens, fresh fruits and vegetables, swimming, saunas, markets, swimming....
Property Photos
- Arrive by boat to the private dock - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- Garden view to the lake - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- Bedroom balcony - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Home Rental
- Wake to the sun over Volcan San Pedro
- living room , overlooking the lake
- Beautiful gardens, waterfall, hammocks and swings, privacy and vistas
- Come with friends or extended family. Here's the treehouse guesthouse
- Jump in the lake. Then take a wood fired sauna.
Guest Comments (5)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #101621
There have been 20861 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2006.
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - July 02, 2009
Positive Rating
Molly Neuman , Brooklyn, NY
Positive Rating
It's been several weeks since I left Lake Atitlan, and there is still not a day that I don't think about it with longing. My husband and I stayed in Joyce's treehouse, and eventually, her home, in late January and early February and it was a trip that will stay with us the rest of our lives. It gave us a time to breathe, and remember things long forgotten in the course of our busy lives - the feel of gentle breezes off a lake, the sound of the birds at sunrise, the simple joy of eating fresh food while sitting in the sun with friends. We experienced new things as well. We were struck by the sheer physical beauty of the Mayan people, with their dark eyes and wide smiles and gracious ways. In our visits to their villages, we learned a little about their rich and glorious culture. We ate fresh tortillas and bought fresh crabs from the fisherman, Mr. Domingo, off Joyce's dock. We napped in hammocks and swam in cool blue water. Visit Shangrila. It is not to be missed.-- Lori Brasier and Mike Bencsik, Waterford, Michigan