The top 10 reasons to visit the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

If you're in Guatemala, visiting Lake Atitlán is a MUST. Here are the top 10 reasons you must visit this little known gem that Ernest Hemingway coined 'the most beautiful lake in the world.' 

EATS

Cecap // Santa Cruz // (Phenomenal view and fantastic food, featuring local authentic Guatemalan dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available. If you take a tuk tuk to the top of the hill, be sure to agree on the price with the driver at the bottom. It should cost 5Q up the hill, but if you don't confirm this is for both people, then when you get out they will tell you it is 5Q per person. Not a big deal, but good tip to know.)

The Fifth Dimension // San Pedro // (Incredible view and super vegan and veggie friendly spot, run by Europeans, diverse menu; I ordered the vegan masala pizza and Al ordered the veggie burrito, the pizza was out of this world!) 

SLEEPS

La Fortuna // La Fortuna // (Airbnb, top rated sustainable bungalows on Trip Advisor; tell the boat drivers you want to get off at La Fortuna stop when you arrive, this is a private hotel/Airbnb only, so you have to be a guest to explore; it's owned and built by Kate and Steve, tell them and our favorite staff member Jen that we said hello!) 

SHOPS

Bolso Bags // San Pedro // Beautiful handmade leather goods ethically made in Guate with 20% of profits invested in local social and environmental projects 

La Voz De Los Tz'utujiles // San Juan // Weaving co-operative with THE most beautiful fabrics by the yard that I've seen in all of Guatemala, made with 100% natural organic dyes. Take the boat to San Juan, get off the boat, walk a short distance, it's one of the first shops on the left in a turquoise building 

TRANSPORTATION

NELSON (our friend is amazing and can take you just about anywhere - to/from the airport, to the Lake, etc. tell him we sent you)

Boats (the Lake has a boat system, each boat should cost no more than Q5-Q20/person, be sure to tell the driver where you're getting off and agree to a price before hopping in; shouldn't cost more when you have your luggage with you)