La Casa Del Mundo
The charming little hotel, nestled on a mountain cliff in Lake Atitlán, is run by the owners, Bill (originating from the US) and Rosy (from Guatemala). They met and married in Alaska, where their two sons, Sebastián and Benjamín, were born.
Their dream was to build their own house in Guatemala. However, they realized that they had to open up their place to visitors to make a living. So construction started in 1988 in one of the most magical parts of Guatemala, the rocky shore of Lake Atitlán. Using primarily local materials, they built a welcoming place for the family and visitors from around the world.
Finally, La Casa del Mundo Hotel opened in 1997. Bill, Rosy, and their children lived there for several years, enjoying the company of their guests while providing warm hospitality and adding creative touches to the interiors.
Today, Rosy and Bill commute to La Casa del Mundo and continue to enjoy running and working at the hotel.
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a majestic panorama of the lake and the volcanoes. Some say that the attractiveness of Lake Atitlán is only comparable to Lake Como, but with additional immense volcanoes.
The guesthouse's sumptuous meals are prepared from the best local ingredients hand-selected at the Panajachel's indigenous market and then transported by boat.
You can try local specialties at the café, like freshly-made fruit smoothies (batido), the famous breakfast burrito, fruit salads, or an avocado sandwich. The dinner at Casa Del Mundo is a communal activity, sharing food and stories of travels.
The hotel's cozy guest rooms were built one by one on the cliffside, some 100-250 feet (30 - 76 meters) high above the lake over the past 20 years.
All 17 rooms have scenic views and are fitted with comfortable beds, colorful Guatemalan tipico fabrics, fresh flowers, and traditional Mayan decorations.
The cozy corners with a chair and windows from all sides are a perfect place to catch up on some work.
Some beds directly face the lake, causing a major dilemma of staying in bed all day and observing clouds passing above the beautiful waters of Atitlán and the Guatemalan Highlands or going on a discovery trip.
Brick walls encompass the wood-framed and uniquely-shaped windows.
Some rooms have private balconies where you can sip on a hot tea while gazing at the beauty of the Guatemalan Highlands of Volcán San Pedro.
Is there a better spot to sip on a morning coffee?
The charm of Hotel La Casa del Mundo is thanks to the dedicated work of the family who lives and works here, making this extraordinary place even better. The hotel's unique location and architecture are a great starting point, but the family keeps the premises and the surrounding greenery in top-notch condition to welcome guests.
La Casa del Mundo is aimed at travelers who seek tranquility and quiet life. Lounge in one of the many hammocks or simply float in the water.
Nightlights and beautifully manicured greenery dot the pathways.
Hotel La Casa del Mundo has countless balconies where you can sip on your favorite chilled drink and read Lonely Planet's guide on where to continue your Guatemalan trip.
They also have a magical hot tub, where sunset moments will be forever remembered.
The unique hot tub can fit a bunch of people if you squeeze in a little bit.
How about a picturesque swim around the underwater balconies on the shores of the lake?
You can also take kayaks and discover more of the deepest lake in Central America, hike in the surrounding mountains, or even climb a volcano.
If you are keen to explore the cultural side of Guatemala, a small untouched indigenous village, El Jaibalito, is a 15-minute boat ride away. It's the most remote settlement of Lake Atitlán, and it offers unspoiled tranquility. As well as cliff jumps for you adrenaline-seekers!
The volcanic peaks of the Guatemalan Highlands are a magical sight to behold.
