Vulcano Lodge- Jaibalito Guatemala- Lake Atitlan - May 2006
Don't miss staying at this beautiful hotel in Jaibalito on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. This hotel is a little piece of paradise with beautiful gardens filled with flowering tropical plants, banana trees and Humming Birds. They even grow and produce their own fabulous coffee on the property. This family run hotel is Norweigan owned . There are 17 rooms that are very clean and have hot water. The customer service is excellent - the hospitality is fantastic- they make you feel at home. The food is superb- the hosts are wonderful cooks and attentively cater to special dietary requirements. For a personal touch away from home come and check out this wonderful property. I can't wait to return.

We recently spent 4 nights at the Volcano Lodge in Jaibilito, Guatemala - a little village on the shores of Lake Atitilan. We had reservations for 3 nites but as soon as we saw it we knew we would extend one more night to maximize our time at this lovely lodge.
The owners, Terje and Monica have built and devloped this lovely 5 room lodge to be a retreat for people as well as a base from which to explore the Lake Atitlan region.
The rooms are large, comfortable and nicely furnished with regional artwork - comfy beds and pillows and nice hot showers. Meals are available and all food is freshly made and fantastic! The best part of the day, after hiking or taking a boat to Santiago, is dinnertime, when Terje makes a 5 course family style meal for all the guests ($10 pp). Great fun sharing stories about travels and life with the other adveturers at the lodge.
We have travelled to Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico and throughout the US and stayed in luxury accommodations as well as very primitive. Volcano Lodge is a place where Terje and Monica have thought of everything to make peole relaxed and comfortable while traveling in a 3rd world country. In addition they contribute a great deal to the community via employment and supporting the school and village people
The lodge is set apart from the village, although a short walk will take you through the paths trhu Jaibilito where you can watch the life of a Guatamalan village. The faces of the children are unforgettable.
We highly reccomend a short or long stay at Volcano Lodge and you'll be back ..so will we!

After running around in busy and touristy Panajachel looking for a beautiful place where we could just be in the nature, we heard about Volcano Lodge in Jaibalito. Jaibalito has no road and no cars. The air is fresh. When we arrived there, we were in awe about the newly built rock gardens following the entrance path and then discovering the buildings. We decided right away to spend the rest of our vacation in Jaibalito. Everything was so clean, our room was spacious and cosy, decorated with beautiful fabrics and original clothings from the region. We realized also it was almost the only Inn that was not enclosed with barb wire. What a nice feeling... The owners must fit well with the population of the village and yes, the do. They work to improve things for everybody. We had a very nice surprise later in the evening... we were invited for supper with the other guests for an incredible meal cooked (with love) by the owner. Every night since we were waiting to discover and enjoy that evening meal. The best we had in that country.
We highly recomend staying there if you go by Lake Atitlan.

Chris and Marie-Christine

You don't want to miss this place if you go to Lago Atitlan. I went there with my parents in late February, we stayed for 2 nights. The lodge is great and the rooms are pretty nice with comfortable beds. We stayed in the suite with 2 bedrooms, which covered the entire 2nd floor of the building we were in. (The only one of its kind at the lodge) I was specially impressed with the fantastic view of the lake, and the large seating area with 3 hammocks outside our room. The food at the restaurant is prepared by Terje, the owner/host, and its truly incredible. It exceeded any expectations we had. (Thanks again Terje for the fantastic Norwegian meatballs in brown sauce :) )The hosts, Terje and Monica, made the experience at the lodge even more special and give that personal touch to the property that is so hard to find anywhere. They will give you advise on what do to do and where to go(or by all means just stay at the lodge and relax like we did) Thanks for everything guys, we wish you and the kids and ofcourse Bodil (their dog) the very best. We hope to see you at the lodge sometime in the future.