. Perched on a point 150 feet above the water, this charming casita enjoys a nearly 180 degree view of the lake. The three acre property it's located on is covered with lush vegetation and has numerous areas to sit back and relax, watch the boats pass by and the sun rise AND set. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Lake Atitlan from a truly spectacular vantage point. This Casita is a 860 sq. ft (80 sq. m) 2-bedroom house with a full kitchen and ample patio space from which to enjoy the impressive view. Constructed with adobe walls, the house stays cool during the day and comfortable at night. If you do get a chill, light a fire in the fireplace while you gaze at the stars and the villages across the lake. This is a place for lovers of nature and those seeking a peaceful respite from the noise and commotion of the bigger towns. * Note, the property is only accessible by boat to our private dock or by footpath from the neighboring villages of Santa Cruz and Jaibalito--each a 15 min walk away. The Casita is located on a large property which has another house (a two-apartment duplex), which is also rented on Airbnb. All guests have access to the the property dock, which is great for sunbathing, swimming or catching one of the public taxi boats which pass by every 15 minutes. All guests also have access to the shared pathways and gardens on the property. This Casita has a separate entrance and private patio and garden. As there are multiple rental units on the property, we ask all of our guests to be respectful of each other and keep noise down after 9pm. This is a tranquil property NOT a party location. The property is located on the mountainside along the footpath between the charming Mayan villages of Santa Cruz la Laguna and Jaibalito (15-20 min walk to either) -- the only two towns on the lake without car access. Visitors who discover this part of the lake at the end of their trip often lament they didn't discover it sooner. This is the quintessential lake-living experience for those who want to get off the beaten path and away from the tourist traps of Panajachel, San Marcos and San Pedro (not to mention the firecrackers and loud music), and immerse themselves in tranquil highland Guatemalan life -- while still being just a 20 minute taxi-boat ride away from "the action." Jaibalito remains a very indigenous town, where the local language, Kaqchikel, is spoken before Spanish. There is a small, eclectic expat community in the town which is centered around the Posada Jaibalito--a must-visit spot for cheap, good food and interesting conversation. Santa Cruz's charm lies in the paved walkways winding through lovely homes and a long walkable waterfront. Rent a kayak or paddle board or even go scuba diving. Be sure to go up to the village to take in the incredible view (and a meal or drink) from CECAP, which is run by a US-based non-profit that does great work in the community. A public boat ("lancha") passes by our dock every 15 minutes going in two directions: east toward Panajachel (20 minutes) and west toward San Marcos (15 minutes) and San Pedro/San Juan (30 minutes). Private boats are also available. The other mode of local transport is hiking. Beyond the adjacent villages of Jaibalito and Santa Cruz, Tzununa is a spectacular 1.5 hour walk away, while San Marcos will take you about 2 hours. More adventurous hikes up the surrounding mountains are also possible (and absolutely beautiful). There is a friendly dog on the property and a cat who likes the company of people. As the Casita is very open, she can access the patio easily. Pests: The lake is in a rural, tropical area, which means bugs and insects are a part of life here. This area has a ubiquitous flat spider which will be found in every house despite the best efforts of any cleaning team. It is absolutely harmless. Rural Guatemala is also home to a non-lethal scorpion. Occasionally, you may find one in the house. We recommend using shoes when walking around at night/in the dark. As there are multiple units on the property, we ask all of our guests to be respectful of each other and keep noise down after 9pm. This is a tranquil property NOT a party location.