Dreamy getaway

Guest: Wynne G. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/10/12

We thoroughly enjoyed staying at Palatalik. The home was larger and with even more architectural appeal than we expected, clean and full of bright light. The large kitchen with knock-out views of the lake and two volcanoes was perfect for us to spend much of our time cooking, eating and gazing out at the view. We enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor showers in the home, and found it so easy to walk along the low trail toward Santa Cruz or the high trail toward Jaibalito straight from the property. Typically when we travel, we are out and about exploring the nearby natural and cultural treats. There are plenty of these types of things to do from Palatalik, but we found the place so relaxing that we stayed in the house on a few occasions just reading a book or identifying the colorful birds that sang to us most of the day. (Thank you for including a bird guide on the bookshelf!) Thanks to the owners for creating a little slice of paradise!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Perfect for a peaceful get-away

Guest: Marcia (Guatemala City)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

We were looking for a peaceful get-away and this house is perfect. We loved waking up every morning to views of the volcano and the house had all the amenities we could use. We went out to lunch every day (the reviews included in the information booklet were very helpful) and stayed in for dinner. It was a perfect combination. Pablo was wonderful and the neighbors are very nice. Be aware that the water level of the lake has risen significantly in the last few months so the path to Santa Cruz is more of an obstacle course than a leisurely walk. Since we live in Guatemala City we plan to come back as often as we can!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children.

Quiet, great views, easy access, walking distance to several restaurants

Guest: The Marcks (Harvard, MA US)
Date of Stay: 11/26/11 Review Submitted: 12/13/11

A perfect location. A 10-minute boat ride from Pana (for provisions, services, tons of restaurants), yet away from any noise (no roads nearby). Very close to several excellent restaurants: Isla Verde for wonderful food and drinks, Casa Del Mundo and Volcano Lodge for dinners, and Ven Aca for cocktails and gourmet lunches. Beautiful boat ride to other towns, or take the "camino" (path) behind the house that the locals to walk between villages. The house is wonderfully equipped with everything you'll need to transform the bounty purchased from the local indigenous markets into fantastic fruit smoothies and meals. Or have Rosalia charm you while she makes wonderful meals for you. We arrived to see her smiling face preparing two fantastic meals (with tons left over for three more days) for less than US$10/person. Can't beat it. House is extremely comfortable and equipped to high standards. A washing machine and drier complements the luxury. Sit out on one of three patios, or watch the life of the lake pass from the dock. Fantastic master bedroom with en-suite bath and showers. Second and third sleeping areas share a nice bath with a fun (and private) outdoor shower. We stayed twice and hope to return again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Thanks, Debra

Guest: Ian T. (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

Hi Debra Just wanted to thank you personally for allowing us to rent your fabulous home Casa Palatalik. We had a great time and your home was more than pictures could convey. Lake Atitlan trully has to be one of the world's most beautiful spots. Armand, Pablo and Juana were very helpful and attended to all our needs plus! Thanks again for some great memories,

Recommended for:

House in Paradice

Guest: Ian T. (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

We recently had the priveledge of renting Casa Palatalik for a vacation at Lake Atitlan. Wow! The home exceded our expectations from the moment we stepped off the launcha. Flowers and plants of every color greet you as you walk up to the house and Pablo will even carry your bags up. The house was more beutiful than pictures can convey and immaculately kept. The owner made the rental very easy and the onsite rep took care of anything we needed. With three terraces and volcano and lake views from almost every room I would highly recommend this home to anyone. Don't miss breakfast at Casa de Mundo a 20 minute walk along a path that keeps opening on to spectalular vistas.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

The Herwing Family

Guest: Karin H. (Donna, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

We rented this house for my in laws so we were 9 adults and 2 children. It was nice to have the whole family sitting together and enjoy the walk to Jaibalito. The house was very equipped with all you can need to cook, games, great atmosphere to read, and relax. The whole family loved our stayed at Palatalik and if we can we would go back. Thanks

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children.

Guest: Laurie, KY (-)
Date of Stay: 03/24/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

"We had a fantastic trip to Guatemala! We loved Palatalik and Lake Atitlan and had many many fun adventures."

Recommended for:

Guest: Lorrie, PA (-)
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

"We had a fabulous time. The house is just such a convenient location. Zip lining was great but I can honestly say I was NEVER so terrified in my entire life. What a thrill! Many thanks for a great time."

Recommended for:

Guest: Kelly, LA (-)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

Thank you SO much with ALL of your help.  We had the best time and just LOVED Lake Atitlan and Palatalik.  Santos hauled us around many places and was very kind and most helpful.  Pablo was great too.  We met Lee over at the Kayak rentals and he showed and told us so much we wouldn't have found on our own.  As far as the house, we had 6 people and never came close to running out of anything we needed...utensils and other amenities we plenitful.  I even got to watch North by Northwest for the first time and loved it!  Thanks again for everything and if I ever get the priveledge of visiting Lake Atitlan again, I hope it's at Palatalik.

Recommended for:

3 generations, ages 5 to 69

Guest: Stewart (Bend, Oregon- US)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 08/21/10

We left our hearts at Paltalik in February of 2010. For the family, any ages, seeking peace, serenity, vistas, culture, health, adventure and friendly people, Lake Atitlan is perfect. The trip from Central Oregon is long and tiresome. Our journey was nearly 24 hours from door to door! The return on investment is absolutely worth it. A few things to know: 1- The lanchas are inexpensive... about 15q per person. Only once did someone try to get more. The reality of it is: 15q is about 2.00 per person to take a water taxi from Panajachel to the house. So what if you pay 3.00. In the US, this would cost 10.00. 2- Every person we met was sincerely kind and helpful. Tip well, their wages are low and tipping goes a long way. Whats a good tip? You decide, but with prices as low as they are there, we were tipping twice what we would in the US. 3- No one ever felt any sort of danger while at the house or near Santa Cruz. Its a good idea to stay in groups though... especially in Panajachel. Once cant be too safe. 4-absolutely got to Chichicastenango for market days. Its a walk back in time. 5- the vendors will lie to you about items that are ancient.... even while they remove the stickers from the bottom of figurines that say "hecho en Mexico" (made in Mexico). 6- Yes, we all got ill. Wash your veggies in distilled water. Wash your hands. Dont take ice in your drinks. All the basics you have heard apply. 7- see number 6 and DONT let it impact your decision. You frequent restaurants in developed nations employing teenagers with worse hygiene than at Atitlan. This trip has countless, priceless memories for our family. This is not a hotel vacation that could be in any-town-Mexico with a pool and lots of squeaky clean, inauthentic humans tending to your every whim. These are real people, in the most magical place in the Americas. Paltalik is beautiful, fully appointed with everything a family could possibly need and the comforts a hedonist would require. The beds are comfortable, the colors are vibrant, the kitchen is well supplied with the tools a chef expects. Swimming from the dock at sunrise or sunset is essential. The water is still in the morning, a bit choppy afternoon but always warm and embracing. We will return to Paltalik soon, not to collect our hearts, but leave our souls at Lago Atitlan. Salud

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.