Hotels in Lake Atitlan Villages

In Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo

In addition to the places listed here, Terraza Choi (tel. 502/5847-4852; www.terrazachoi.com) is a new pretty bed-and-breakfast, with three cozy rooms located on the lakeshore in a converted home.

On the Northwest Shore of Lake Atitlan

In addition to the places listed here, I like the eclectic, artistic touches at the Hotel Aaculaax (tel. 502/5287-0521; www.aaculaax.com) in San Marcos. In Santa Cruz, backpackers and adventure travelers tend to congregate and stay at La Iguana Perdida (tel. 502/5706-4771; www.laiguanaperdida.com), located just above the town's main dock.

Most folks eat all their meals at their hotels, but if you do venture out, there are a couple of good options in each of the towns. In San Marcos, I recommend the pizzas, pastas, and vegetarian fare at Il Giardino, or the mixed menu, pool tables, and twice-weekly movies offered up at Blind Lemon's.

In Jabalito, the new Club Ven Aca (tel. 502/5051-4520; www.clubvenaca.com) is a hip spot with a creative and varied international menu, a pool and Jacuzzi open to day-trippers, and occasional nighttime DJs, bands, and raves.