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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: So much to choose from! But the highlight was Tikal, where my daughter finally got to see the Chewing-Gum Tree, spider and howler monkeys, toucans, leaf-cutter ants, even a…

    CL, Cambridge Mar 2016
  • The trip to Guatemala far exceeded any expectation we had, we were constantly saying, "Oh my God, how fantastic is this!" With the exception of Cobán which has very little…

    DA, Waterloo Jun 2014
  • Tour of Tikal was much appreciated.  Guide was knowledgeable and it would have been difficult to learn as much on our own

    NW, Wells Apr 2011
  • Highlight: It is difficult to pick one thing. We loved the feel of Antigua and will consider going back there to spend more time. We also loved travelling through the…

    DE, Wilmslow Feb 2016
  • 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 May 2026
  • We knew nothing about Guatemala and Belize before our trip and had not visited Central America.  We relied on JLA understanding our interests and the resulting recommendations proved very successful.

    NW, Wells Apr 2011
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Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

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