Lake Atitlan: Even better than the photos

this has been a recurring theme of this trip. everything is exceeding our expectations.

the marine life, water colour, and adorable island vibes in Caye Caulker were even more paradise-esque than i imagined.

the majestic jungle surrounding Zephyr Lodge was even more magical than i imagined. that sunrise, the way the clouds hover over the valley… ahhh.

the tubing day at Zephyr: expected a decent day of tubing, ended up having an absolute blast.

arriving in Lake Atitlan, a place i have been creeping on instagram for a few months — of course — more stunning in person.

i think it’s the height of the mountains that surround the lake. combined with the lush greenery of the jungle. combined with volcanoes from every viewpoint. and don’t even get me started on the sunrises AHHHH i love the world. grateful my body clock keeps thinking i’m still volcano trekking and wakes me up at 4:30/5 so i can watch the sky turn from black to orange to blue every morning.

then you have Free Cerveza, a glamping hostel that i was so lucky to do an instagram takeover for while i was at the lake. way more magical than i imagined. it has the BEST vibes. actually i’m sitting here writing this on their bean bag chair right now, and i keep having to pause to sing and dance because THE MUSIC IS ALWAYS SO FREAKING ON POINT.

so the lake is surrounded by incredible villas and resorts (i get George Clooney Lake Como vibes, don’t ask me why) but also is scattered with little towns. San Pedro is the main one, and definitely the most touristy — actually probably the most touristy place i’ve seen in Guatemala. i heard their falafel place is good. we got a couple of bracelets and anklets.

also San Marcos is just across from San Pedro, and it’s this yoga, zen, chill, organic vegan food town. oh my god we walked up to Eagles Nest, a yoga retreat centre… IT WAS INSANE. I NEED TO COME TO A YOGA RETREAT HERE LIKE MY SOUL NEEDS IT. a yoga retreat was actually my main goal in coming to Atitlan for #wanderlustandwifi but you know what there’s just been so much going on and we need to move onto our next destination and we are pretty freaking blissed out anyway. plus there is free yoga every second morning at Free Cerveza so i am muy contenta!!!!

also in San Marcos, Circles is a cute place for brunch! San Marcos is major Ubud vibes but like more rugged. we keep thinking that Guatemala is a more off the beaten path version of Bali in general, it’s so beautiful and diverse and jungle-y.

you also have to try chocolate and coffee in San Marcos, or at least Guatemala in general. it’s the birthplace of chocolate!

Free Cerveza is in Santa Cruz, a teeny town (is it even a town) that you reach from the ferry boat, which is like 15-20Qs from the main port Panahachel and 20 Qs from San Pedro, and 15 Qs from San Marco. you just stand on the dock and wave the ferry down lol.

this “hostel” is so cute, the staff is awesome, it’s right on the lake, the tents are so cozy and roomy. the property is stunning. every day from 5-7 there are FREE CERVEZAS (or for me, 4 mixed drinks lol) and then a family dinner at 7!!!! it’s a 3 course meal and the food is INSANE!!!! GET THE BROWNIES!!! (sorry, i’ll stop shouting now).

i think it’s a genius business model because everyone gets wasted, then eats a big dinner, then sobers up and is in bed by 9 lol.

if you don’t want to stay in the hostel, La Iguana Perdida is right next door and it’s gorg. i definitely recommend staying in a secluded accom spot like these, it’s so quiet and peaceful, and you can just ferry into the towns for the day.

if you are reading this and have any questions please holla!! i would recommend Lake Atitlan to ANYBODY!!! <3