I’m Laura Londono and welcome to my review of La Fortuna de Atitlan. Medellin, Colombia is my home – the city of eternal spring. I’m 28 years young and since I was a child, my grandfather inspired me to travel.
He used to give us grandkids some money at the end of every year just so that we could go on holiday. When I was 23, I lived in Australia for a year and a half which was amazing. I learnt English there and ended up falling in love with traveling. The travel culture in Aussie is massive and many people there work just so they can save up money to travel.
In fact, my biggest dream became to travel to all 194 countries. I wanted to get to know all of them – even the most dangerous or apparently “boring” ones. I’m addicted to tasting new flavors, seeing new landscapes, hearing new languages and having new adventures full of adrenaline. I love the unknown and think discovery is key to having a fulfilled life.
Three Years Living in Guatemala
I decided to visit Guatemala for a work opportunity. My desire for traveling and the chance to make some money while doing it was just too good to pass up. Initially, it was going to just be three months in Guatemala – but I have been here for three years now! I fell in love with the country. It’s small but cozy and the locals show real warmth and make you feel so welcome.
I like the diversity of the landscapes in Guatemala: the active volcanoes, the most beautiful lake in the world (Lake Atitlan), the exotic beaches, crystal clear rivers, Mayan temples and pyramids like Tikal, and the incredible and interesting Mayan culture. Plus the people are super friendly which is nice.
Falling in Love with La Fortuna de Atitlan
La Fortuna de Atitlan was a hotel I found through beautiful and attractive pictures on Instagram. And I also realized that this place was ranked on TripAdvisor as one of the best small boutique hotels in the world. So immediately La Fortuna de Atitlan came onto my radar and it was added straight to the top of my bucket list for traveling in Guatemala and Atitlan.
I stayed in the Deluxe Suite #5, which is the only one of its type. I loved every detail of the room and the hotel. It’s so big and comfortable. The room has two levels and a very small pool with lake and volcano views. It also has a wide and open bathroom with nice decorations and a bathtub.
This double bedroom is located on the second floor and it has a balcony with an epic view. The hotel offers room service with delicious food and they give you a bottle of wine and nuts to enjoy in the lodge for free. The atmosphere is so romantic. A perfect place to share with your partner.
Best Things To Do at La Fortuna de Atitlan
The hotel grounds are small and secluded. It’s one of the only places in the little municipality of Santa Cruz La Laguna, but it has some activities to participate in so you don’t get bored during your stay. I recommend staying at least three nights and participating in stand-up paddleboarding in the afternoon and enjoying the incredible volcano views.
Guests can also enjoy the jacuzzi in the common area of the hotel, go hiking in the hill nearby (which has even better views) and do some exercise in the company of the dogs that live at the hotel. You can also just chill on the little platform that borders the lake – there are hammocks there and it’s the perfect spot to appreciate the landscape with a glass of wine.
Then there is the boat ride you can do, visiting other small towns that skirt the lake. My recommendations are San Pedro La Laguna (to get a party and hippy vibe), San Marcos La Laguna (to do yoga and jump from the deck into the lake – adrenaline kick!), and Panajachel because it’s the main town and you can buy typical souvenirs and do additional activities.
My Best Memories from La Fortuna de Atitlan
I have many wonderful memories from my stay at La Fortuna de Atitlan but ones that truly stand out are the moments I spent watching the sunset. I would admire the insane landscape (lake + the volcano) and the sky would turn completely pink. Everything was so dreamy and peaceful that I felt incredibly fortunate to be in La Fortuna at that precise moment.
And the other best memory I have is when I woke up late one night, went out of my room and I saw the Milky Way under a perfectly dark sky. The sky was totally clear. Instantly, I felt the urge to say thanks to the universe for such a beautiful and intimate moment. This place really is spiritual.
Need to Know Before you Go
I recommend staying at the Deluxe Suite #5 like I did. It’s an extraordinary room but it does get booked up quickly as it’s the only one of its kind (almost always booked out). This small boutique hotel is more suited for adults only rather than families with young children. To me it would be the ultimate getaway accommodation for a couple looking for a romantic trip.
