The home is large, beautiful and close to town. I have a family of six and we all could enjoy privacy. The pool/hot tub were well used and enjoyed. Aaron (local coordinator) was terrific in organizing our travel from Antigua. He coordinated the van and timed the boat ride to San Marcos with precision. We used his service for our departure as well. The private dock at the house makes it easy when loading/unloading luggage. The two gentlemen (Antonio/Edgar) who alternate looking after the property were not intrusive and were very helpful for advice and serving as a translator. Guatemala is loud. There are nearby barking dogs and the home is along a road which is a busy path for vehicles. Restaurant Fe was excellent and we also had a good dinner at the Blind Lemon. If you are going to stay in San Marcos I would highly recommend this home.

The house with spectacular with amazing views of the Volcano sunrise and sunset where fabulous they grounds were well taken care of The pool and hot tub where refreshing can't wait to go back. The grounds keeper made our stay seamless!

This villa is absolutely fabulous, as were the guardians on premises who made everything easy and enjoyable for us during our 5-night stay. The views were astonishing, the villa and furnishings gorgeous, the kayaks, pool and hot tub a treat, the proximity to San Marcos perfect for daily outings, and the staff professional and friendly. While we had visits to make in Panajachel and Santa Lucia on several days, it was no problem to travel across the lake to do so and that experience added considerably to our trip. As others have mentioned, life in Guatemala is not quiet. That applies to this location as well. With that in mind, and earplugs if you need them, we highly recommend this extraordinary destination.

Let me start out with setting expectations. This isn't a traditional 5-star house rental. It's in the middle of a very poor part of Guatemala. There will be things that will likely happen during your visit whether it is insect invasion, things breaking down or not working the way they are supposed to. If you want to avoid those issues, then go to a very developed country with lots of infrastructure and pay a whole lot more to avoid those inconveniences. The only true downside to its location is that it is backed up against the road so you here the morning traffic beginning generally before 6am. There are also a lot of roosters and barking dogs that will wake you up - but this is what you deal with anywhere on Lake Atitlan. I recommend a sleep mask and a good set of ear plugs. But go to sleep early, wake early and it's no big deal.  Casa Xelaju has one of the most spectacular views which you will be staring at from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep. We alternated between true R & R days at the house with sampling the towns and activities around the lake. And we used most/all of the features of the house. If you have kids, they will love it. They'll kayak at least once or twice a day, do the same with fishing. The patio above the pool was used for breakfast and lunch. The pool is for afternoon lounging. Take a spa in the evening and sit around the fire next to it. During the day our family would lose each other at times on the property as the grounds are so big as is the house. Lots of places to rest, read and sleep. The house is well stocked to cook and eat while staying there. The staff on the property is top notch and will help you with anything. Edgar is fantastic. Lastly, its less than a 10-minute walk into San Marcos, which is more of a village than a town. But you can pick up basic supplies and there are a few restaurants and coffee shops. Or you have the public water taxi dock to go to any of the other larger towns on the lake. And let me come back to the view one last time. It possibly has the best view anywhere on the lake and one that rivals any view around the world.

This property, "'Pasajcap," is the perfect spot to plant yourself for a relaxing getaway at Lake Atitlan. Three high points: (1) The house is equipped with everything you could need for a comfortable vacation. The house itself was so well suited for our group of two couples and two singles, with each room well appointed, super comfortable beds and quality linens/towels, and best of all, spacious bathrooms in each room. No one felt like they got the "lesser" room. We were all happy. We cooked our own meals in the well-stocked kitchen, enjoying fresh limes from the tree in the garden, and we ate at Tul y Sol restaurant twice in San Marcos, used the hot tub, pool, and kayaks too; (2) having visited the Lake before, I can say this was a great location primarily because it offers seclusion yet is just a 5-minute walk away from the village of San Marcos La Laguna. You can easily explore several lakeside towns via Tuk-Tuk (just watch out for driver Luis who will try to over-charge you. Set your price before you get in and stick to your guns upon arrival, NO per-person charge!). (3) Central location: We took the boat to La Casa del Mundo where we had smoothies before taking a short hike over to Santa Cruz, stopping at Isla Verde for beverages. Watch out there at Casa del Mundo, too, where they tried to overcharge us. Nice 25 minute hike with great views. Another day we took the tuk-tuk to the municipal park Volcan San Pedro to hike the very difficult trail to the summit (almost 10,000 ft). This is a great hike for real hikers. Not a casual walk, believe me. No switchbacks but instead lots of steps and steep inclines. Worth it if you are a hiker. Pack two liters of H2O and food (your body will call for it). Don't miss stopping in San Juan (we did this after the hike, when we were too tired, so I recommend you set aside a different day for this town) and enjoyed the demonstration offered at one of the local shops (spinning cotton, dying it with natural colors, etc). We also discovered the coffee cooperative "La Voz" and enjoyed a cup there while my fellow travelers bought lots of burlap coffee bags for decorating needs at home.

We arrived at the house later in the evening by van transfer. Upon arrival we were greeted by our wonderful grounds keeper Esteban. He took care of all of our luggage and hiked it up all the way up to our bedrooms. Quickly were were settled in this overwhelmingly big and beautiful house and had ourselves a cozy fire and hot tub. The next morning was something else!! The view of the Volcano's at sun rise from your bed was out of this world! We spent most of our mornings sunbathing by the heated pool and enjoying the sun and view! By the afternoon we would spend our days touring around to different villages around the lake. Our friends used the great Kayaks and I brought my SUP board from home. The lake was a blast to swim in and an easy paddle to the 25' clliff jump. This house has easy access to San Marcos (5 min walk) and San Pablo (30min walk). Tuk Tuk's are always around offering you a ride into town. We all felt extremely safe everywhere we went. Do not look any further and book this place!! We will be back! Thank you for sharing your home with us it was a dream!