Casa de Juan

This amazing lakeside home has a spectacular view of the lake and the volcanoes. It is situated just two minutes from the village dock, with beautiful gardens and landscaping. Casa de Juan is a large two bedroom bungalow located directly on the lake and is a two minute walk from the village dock. It is in the small village of Jaibalito, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan noted as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. The house has its own dock and it is located on the edge of town. It is gated. The setting is quiet with shaded grounds which include coffee plants, a large avocado tree, flowering plants and spectacular views of three inactive volcanoes. The lake is very active during daytime with local fisherman in handmade boats and commercial boats which provide the only way in and out of the village other than hiking. There is a relaxing front porch and upon entering the bungalow, there is an open space living room, kitchen and dining room area. The kitchen is modern and well equipped with all appliances and cooking necessities. The decor of the living area includes pass and present day works by local artisans and provides comfortable seating. There are two spacious bedrooms with private baths. The master bedroom has a king size bed and sitting area. It also exits to a large side porch. The other bedroom has two double size beds, a private bathroom and a sitting area. There is an additional half bath located in the hall leading to the bedrooms. There is a third porch at the rear of the house which has a laundry sink in which to do hand laundry. Laundry and cleaning services are also available at a modest cost. The windows and doors are all screened. Wi-Fi, TV and DVD player are provided. Any problems can be handled as soon as they present themselves by notifying the owner or the local care taker. There is a private dock for swimming and sunbathing. Hosts may or may not be on the property at the time of your visit, but there is a caretaker who lives in Jaibalito. The residents of Jaibalito are mainly Mayan with a population of 800-900 people. There is a small friendly community of foreigners who reside there year around. It is one of the smallest communities on Lake Atitlán. Residents speak Kakchiqel with some Spanish. The women still dress in traditional Guatemalan traje. Jaibalito is only accessible by "lancha" (water taxi), with no roads leading in or out of the village. So there are no cars in the village, just one tuk-tuk (auto-ricksaw). There are two restaurants and few small markets. The lake is the deepest in Central America, and is cool but wonderful for swimming. Kayaks are available for rent in the neighboring village of Santa Cruz, a 30-minute hike over the mountain east of Jaibalito, or a short boat ride. Getting to Jaibalito: At the Panajachel dock, ask for a "publico" lancha to Jaibalito. When you arrive at the Jaibalito dock, simply turn left and walk along the lake shore and wooden walkway to the second house. There is a purple gate with a "Casa de Juan" sign. There is a scale for lancha prices. Locals pay the least, foreign residents pay a little more, and tourists pay the most. Approximate lancha prices: Panajachel to Jaibalito: Q10-20 Jaibalito to Santa Cruz: Q10-15 Jaibalito to San Marcos: Q10-20 Jaibalito to San Juan: Q20-25 Jaibalito to San Pedro: Q20-25 All of the water fixtures have hot and cold running water. PLEASE DO NOT DRINK WATER FROM THE TAP. Drinking water is provided in 5 gallon bottles which can be replaced at Hans with home delivery. Complimentary locally grown and roasted coffee is provided. CLEANUP AFTER YOUR STAY: We ask that guests do their dishes following their stay.