Lost in Paradise – A weekend getaway in Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
After a three-hour bus ride from Guatemala City in Panajachel I reached hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán, a quiet retreat along the shore of lake Atitlán. The organic gardens and forest of the hotel was a welcome change from everything. When walking towards the reception, I was treated to songs of beautiful birds and even saw macaws in a nearby tree. I was already in love with this hotel, I was in love with the peace, the nature, the view, and the pollution free air devoid of blaring horns of vehicles I had to get used to in Guatemala.
This post will tell you everything about hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán and why you should overnight at this perfect oasis when visiting Panajachel, Guatemala.

Location of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán grounds are set right on the edge of Lake Atitlan, just outside Panajachel, making it peaceful, without the sounds of traffic. Panajachel (also called Pana) is a small town on the North shore of Lake Atitlán and is one of the major tourism areas in Guatemala. The hotel is a 20 minutes walk into town on a busy street or a Q10 p.p. tuk-tuk ride (Q15 in the night p.p.) if you are feeling lazy. The helpful staff of the reception can reserve a tuk-tuk for you. Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán is tranquil away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Panajachel.

Rooms of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán has uniquely designed houses which are fully furnished and equipped to lodge up to six guests comfortably. The hotel also offers suites for two to four, and single and double rooms. I was spending the weekend in a suite for two. The suite was more like an apartment, having a spacious bedroom with patio looking out to gardens, a nice bathroom with free toiletries, and a living room with convertible sofa for two, a fireplace and television, a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, and large outdoor patio with a grill upstairs. Due to the shape and structure of the apartment, there was a nice cool temperature inside.
Good to know;
– Wi-fi is only available in the common areas of the resort
– The hotel’s water system has been improved and you can now drink the tap water


Facilities of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
The garden of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán is incredibly beautiful and truly feels like an oasis. There are plenty of beautiful flowers, plants and a beautiful pool with sun loungers and chairs.
There is also a bar and restaurant, Mayan sauna (temazcal), jacuzzi, kayaks, and areas to rest and relax at the private sand beach. At the front desk, you can easily reserve these facilities for free. Kayaking was really convenient, since the hotel is located in a sort of bay and there are almost no waves in the early morning. The staff is really kind and will carry the kayak into the water for you. Great service! The gear and equipment was of good quality.

I can also recommend the Mayan sauna and jacuzzi. They are both perfect to completely relax and unwind! Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful view from the jacuzzi!

Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán can also arrange boat services, so you can visit the Mayan towns around the lake (with a guide if you like). In the Mayan towns, you can learn about the backstrap weaving, traditional fishing, kayak to thermal springs, visit local crafts workshops, or take a coffee tour. Across the hotel, you can find the Reserva Natural Atitlan (nature park). This park is well worth a visit with its monkeys, ziplines and hikes in the jungle.

Food of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán’s restaurant has inside and outside seating and offers a varied menu for adults and children. While I sat outside and ate my breakfast, I enjoyed one of the most beautiful lake views I have ever seen. It was absolutely stunning. The breakfast was delicious and good value for money.

The bar serves soft drinks, juices, and a variety of national and international liquors. Room service as well as service to pool, beach and lounging areas is available during restaurant and bar operating hours. I believe the restaurant doesn’t serve dinner. We had a pizza place (Circus Bar) deliver, which was perfect. You can also go dine out at the neighbor’s restaurant of hotel lake Atitlan or go for a bite into town.

Prices of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán is a good place for travelers with a customary to large budget. The hotel offers fixed daily rates, but also special prices for extended stays and frequently offers seasonal specials. Room rates differ between 450 Q (around € 51,00) and 1500 Q (around € 170,00) per room, per night. You can book via Booking.com or Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán’s website. You will get great value for money and a wonderful experience in this beautiful oasis! The food and drinks in the restaurant and bar are also priced affordable and convenient.

Overview of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
This overview provides a summary of my stay at Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán. The different aspects are ranked with stars. One star is very bad and five stars is very good.
Location: ***** (4)
Room size: ***** (5)
Room attributes: **** (5)
Bathroom: ***** (4)
Breakfast: ***** (5)
Facilities: ***** (5)
Price – quality: ***** (5)

Address and contact details of Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlan,
Finca San Buenaventura,
Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala.
+(502) 77622559 / in**@sa**********************.com
Website: https://sanbuenaventuradeatitlan.com/
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Summary of my stay at Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
By the end of my Guatemala trip, I was so glad that I decided to include Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán in my Guatemala travel itinerary. It left me memories to cherish for a long time to come! The gardens are impeccable and beautiful, the rooms/apartments are spacious, clean, and charming, the food is delicious, the pool and complimentary services are great, and the staff is warm, friendly, and very helpful. I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to travelers who are looking for a beautiful and peaceful place around lake Atitlán to unwind. You will get great value for money and a wonderful experience! If you want to know more details about my stay, please leave a comment.
NOTE: This post is sponsored, but contains my personal and honest experience!
Author: Daphne
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10 Comments
Sally E
This really does look like paradise! The fact that it’s by the lake makes it that much better! I’ve been wanting to visit Guatemala for awhile so I’ll be sure to include this place on my list.
Girlswanderlust
Hi Sally, thanks for your nice comment. The hotel indeed is a little paradise! Hope you can visit Guatemala and hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán soon! <3
Medha Verma
It looks like a great hotel! I like that they can arrange for boat tours to the Mayan towns, that’s something I’d like to have when staying in a hotel, the convenience. I love the view from their garden as well – so cool that they’re right by the lake! The Mayan sauna and Jacuzzi look like the perfect way to relax!
Girlswanderlust
Hi Mehda, yes this hotel is defenitely convenient and a great place to relax! Can really recommend it! =)
Jessica
You pretty much had me sold when I saw it was on a lake 🙂 But the character and details certainly add to the charm. I would give anything to have that view at breakfast…or anytime! It really looks like paradise. If you put me in that pool, I may just never come out! 😛
Girlswanderlust
Glad to hear you like this hotel Jessica! I hope you have the chance to visit one day! =)
Kimberly Conner
WOW, what a gorgeous hotel! This place is now on my bucket list. The grounds and the rooms look quaint and lovely. I think I’d like to take a boat ride across to nearby Mayan towns, that sounds pretty incredible.
Girlswanderlust
The hotel indeed is amazing Kimberly! I hope you can experience it yourself one day! If you are planning to visit the nearby Mayan Towns, I can definitely recommend you to visit San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán! =)
Danni Lawson
Wow, the suite is so spacious! I would be straight in that Jacuzzi and relaxing in those gardens for sure. Getting food and drink served to the pool also sounds like a total dream!
Girlswanderlust
It totally is a dream place!! =)