We’ve been living in Paxanax, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for over a month now, and it’s time to share our impressions. We’ve been quite busy with our projects and other work, so we haven’t had much time to write about our experience here.
Our lakefront casita is by far the most amazing place we’ve ever stayed. The beauty and tranquility of the lake are beyond words. Every morning around 8 o’clock, we wake up to the sight of the magnificent San Pedro volcano through our floor-to-ceiling window. A cool breeze flows into the room, creating an ideal temperature.
We start our day by brushing our teeth and making a pot of rich Guatemalan coffee, which we enjoy on our upper-level terrace. We chat about our plans for the day before spending a couple of hours working on our laptops. Unlike the typical office setting, our “office” overlooks the stunning lake and volcano, making it hard to stay focused on our screens.
Our days here are a mix of work, walking, wakeboarding, drinking wine, and enjoying aged cheese. To see more about our daily life, check out the video linked below.
Lake Atitlan is one of the most visually stunning places we’ve ever seen. The southern shore is dominated by three imposing volcanoes, their ancient forms adding to the dramatic landscape. The lake’s surface can vary from mirror-like calm to choppy waves, depending on the winds.
The surrounding rainforest, though browner than usual as we approach the end of the dry season, is still lush and vibrant. Tropical flowers bloom along our favorite docks and walkways, while colorful birds sing melodiously.
The climate here is quite pleasant due to the elevation of 1,562 meters, providing a spring-like atmosphere year-round. While there are heavier rains in May, September, and October, the lake is beautiful and visitable throughout the year.
Although we adore our casita, we love to explore the area. One of our favorite spots is Isla Verde, an eco-friendly hotel with hammocks, a wholesome restaurant, and funky cabins offering gorgeous views. This is one of the best places to relax in Santa Cruz.
We’ve detailed our apartment in the linked video, but in short, it’s perfect. Bright rooms, lovely views of the lake and volcanoes, a comfy bed, reliable Wi-Fi, and two large decks for enjoying sunsets with wine make it an ideal home for digital nomads.
Surprisingly, Guatemala is more expensive than we anticipated, especially around the lake and in Antigua. While travelers had told us it was cheap like Thailand or India, the cost of living here is closer to Turkey or China. We spend around $1,250 USD per month, which includes eating well and drinking wine. If we were traveling full-time, we’d probably spend about $2,000 USD per month for both of us.
Despite this, Lake Atitlan offers great value. Our apartment costs $550 per month ($600 in high season), groceries are around $518 per month, and we spend about $127 per month on alcohol. We’ll share more about the cost of living here in future articles.
For me, Lake Atitlan is the most satisfying place I’ve ever lived, though Dariece is equally torn between here and Grenada. Each day, seeing the fishermen, hearing the birds, and gazing at the San Pedro Volcano makes me feel at home, even after just two months. Lake Atitlan is indeed a perfect spot for those seeking nature and serenity.
There’s a comfortable balance of tourists and expats, offering sufficient amenities without compromising the lake’s character. A short walk into a village or a boat ride reminds us that we’re in authentic Guatemala. I’d say Lake Atitlan is as perfect as it gets.
Although we’re loving our time here, we might leave two weeks earlier than planned. There’s a Caribbean destination we’ve been eager to visit, and we feel now is the time to go. We’re currently arranging flights and partnerships, so stay tuned for more updates!