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Hotel Atitlan

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Designed along the lines of a colonial-style hacienda, Hotel Atitlan was the first major hotel to open on the shores of Guatemala’s iconic highland lake. Its original appeal still shines through more than half a century later.

At dawn and dusk, when the dramatic skies above Lake Atitlan are reflected in the glassy sheen of its waters, the incomparable setting of Hotel Atitlan is beyond words. Whether you’re relaxing on your own balcony or terrace, by the infinity pool or amidst the glorious sub-tropical gardens, you are just a stone’s throw from some of the finest views of the lake’s three volcanoes. Whilst it is no longer luxurious by today’s standards, this well-established hotel brims with typically understated Guatemalan charm, reflected throughout in its 60 or so guest rooms, general décor and service. The bar and well-regarded restaurant are a delight to come back to after a day out exploring the lakeshore towns and markets. Meanwhile, the buzzing little resort of Panajachel – the lake’s original backpacker hangout – is just a short cab ride away if you fancy a change of scene.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlights?: Chiminos lodge and trip to Aguateca. Guide and tour of Tikal.

    SE, London Jun 2018
  • Highlights: Our day on Lake Atitlan...We thought Guatemala was a fabulous country and to be honest we probably wouldn't have visited without JLA's help

    GU, Dorchester Feb 2016
  • We loved all of it for different reasons, what made the trip exceptional though was the ease of travelling facilitated by the local representatives.

    GW, Chinnor Jun 2013
  • Highlight?: Visiting some of the villages around Antigua and meeting several local people either in their homes or at their place of work.

    AW, London Mar 2017
  • The deteriorating condition of Lake Atitlan is of concern. Tourists are contributing to the pollution but the loss of future tourism due to its state will be negative to the…

    AA Apr 2026
  • The drive to Rancho Margot round Lake Arenal, staying there, seeing humming birds feeding from flowers a metre from our bungalow veranda, kayaking in the shadow of the amazing volcano.

    JH, London Dec 2016
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Our Expert's Opinion

Rosie profile
Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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