Lake Atitlan – Weather and area conditions.
How is the weather in Lake Atitlan?
Guatemala is “the land of eternal spring” in all the guide books. Located close to the tropic of cancer, we don’t have winter, just a rainy season. Not monsoon but more like tempered rain. Sun in the morning and rain at the end of the afternoon. Rainy season starts at the end of May through October, and for the rest of the year there is no rain. Staying around Lake Atitlan at (5,000 ft) means you won’t need a heating system nor air conditioning. Night can be chilly so we add an extra blanket. Bring some long pants and a sweater for the cooler evenings. Otherwise the temperatures due to the altitude vary between – 21oC (69Fh) -28oC (82Fh) year round-. An ideal location if you want to escape from winter.
When is the rainy season?
The rainy season starts sometime between the last week of April and May through October. You have some rain in the afternoons, and we prefer to call it the brain season. Few people in the lake, low prices, think about it
Is it safe for my kids to explore around the area?
Yes, it is safe. But it can be so easy to get lost in the mountains or next villages, if your kids like to explore we suggest you to pick one of our cultural or adventure tours, and spend some family time in Lake Atitlan.
Are there animals around that we have to be aware of?
There are many insects, spiders, scorpions and beetles, but the lake ecosystem is healthy. Don’t worry though… The spiders don’t bite (except the blag widow, even the big “scary” flat ones (the good news is that they love to eat mosquitoes). The scorpions can sting but they prefer to hide, although their sting is like a bee sting. For the sting you can take a teaspoon of sugar, that is the local belief. If you tend to have an allergic reaction apply ice and immediately take benadryl. The effect is not lasting, we recommend that you check your bed, shake out all bags and shoes before using them. Throw any scorpions outside. Over the wall, you can catch them by putting a glass over them and slipping paper underneath. Black widow spiders, which do have a nasty bite, live in this region but are rarely seen. Black widow spiders, which do have a nasty bite, live in this region but are rarely seen.
Is the water safe to drink?
Some of our vacation houses all have top-of-the-line carbon-activated water filtering systems that purify all of the water that is used, so you can shower and drink directly from the faucets with no worries. For the other ones the water tap is chlorine and filtered and for drinking there is bottled water provided. When you are out and about, you should take care to only drink bottled or filtered water. Restaurants almost always only serve filtered water, but you can always double check by asking (Es agua purificada? ). When you are out and about, you should take care to only drink bottled or filtered water. Restaurants almost always only serve filtered water, but you can always double check if you like.
Payments and Reservations
How can I make the payment? Can I use my credit or debit card?
Local Renters: If you are in Guatemala, you have two options: a. Bank Deposit: You can make a deposit in our account from “Banco Industrial” Name: Atitlan Sunset Lodge. Account: 017-006105-1 (Q) b. PayPal Money Request If you want to paid us through your credit or debit card, we can send you a money request from PayPal, for this transaction you don’t need to be a PayPal user and a 5.4% + $ 0.30 fee will be added. This fee is not from Atitlan Sunset Lodge, is from PayPal. Foreign Renters: outside the country. If you want to paid us through your credit or debit card, we can send you a money request from PayPal, for this transaction you don’t need to be a PayPal user and a 5.4% + $ 0.30 fee will be added. This fee is not from Atitlan Sunset Lodge, is from PayPal.
How can I make the payment? Can I use my credit or debit card?
At most two days after your departure after checking that everything in the house is ok.
How do I know that I have confirmed the house?
After you paid your rent (at least) our Rental expert will send you a confirmation email. In this email you will find what is the rest of the due, your staying period, and some important information for your arriving.
Transportations
How do I get to the house?
Depending on the house you are renting we will send you a manual explaining how to get there.
How do I get from the airport?
We strongly suggest taking a private shuttle from the airport to Panajachel, some drivers are suggesting to go through San Pedro la Laguna, but, be aware, that road is longer and almost all the time the renters lose the boat to get to Santa Cruz La Laguna. It is easier to get to Panajachel and from there to Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa and San Marcos La Laguna.
Are private boats safe for my children?
Yes they are. The private boats have life jackets for each passenger and go at your rhythm. The captains have been working with us for a long time and they know the lake.
Is there a boat available for us at any time, or in case of an emergency?
Some of our houses have boats that you can rent, in case of emergency check with the guardian of the house , if there is one where you are staying if not call us at 51042812 or 51042485, boats at night are more expensive than during working day hours.
House Staff
Who is waiting for me at the house?
The watchman is the person in charge to meet you and introduce the house. We will provide you with his number and name prior to your arrival.
Does the house have a housekeeper?
Only the luxury houses have a housekeeper, if you want to hire a housekeeper during your stay please contact us. We can arrange you with a babysitter as well.
Does the house have a watchman?
Some of the houses have a watcham that lives near the house; most of them come during the day.
Does the house have a cook?
No, this service is not included in the rent. If you would like to have a cook during your stay, please notify us.
Who is the house manager?
The Property Management of the house is done by Aittlan Solutions. A 15 years old company with ample experience with this matter.
How can I contact the house manager?
Atitlan Solutions office is located in CC. San Rafael on Santander street, Panajachel, the office number is: 502-77620959 from M-F 0800 -1300 / 1400 – 1700 and S 0900- 1300. In case of Emergency contact Armand at 54936161
House Accessibilities
Is the house accessible by car?
Most of the houses located on the North and East shores are accessible by car. The villages of Jaibalito and Santa Cruz La Laguna are only accessible by boat.
Can I buy groceries nearby the house?
You can find some basic groceries, but we strongly recommend buying all your groceries in Panajachel. If you want, we can buy the groceries for you, ask our rental expert team for a pre-staff list.
Are there any restaurants near the house?
Almost of the restaurants are located in the main villages, or close to them, they are many restaurants not near the house, but, not that far
What activities can I do near the house?
In some houses you can use the kayak. Or you can rent one of our boats and take a ride around the lake. You can also go for a hike and visit the closer village, depending on where you are staying, some villages offer you more activities than others.
Are there any banks near the house?
The only villages that offers ATMs and Banks, are: Panajachel, San Pedro la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, Santiago Atitlan and San Lucas Toliman.
Does the house have bedclothes?
Yes it does, the house is equipped with sheets, bedspreads, covers, etc.
Does the house have internet?
The Luxury houses have internet and the cost is included in the rent. If you want internet in your house, write to us and we will send you a budget for the installation and the payment
Does the house have cable or satellite TV?
Some of the houses do, please ask before your arrival. If you plan to stay for 6 months or more and you need TV we can arrange it for you for extra cost.
Emergency cases
Who can I call in an emergency?
You can call these numbers : 4031-3096. Katherine or 5104.2812 Armand
Is there any hospital near the house?
The national hospital is located in Sololá, to get there you go through Panajachel. And there is a small hospital in Santiago Atitlan.