Description
A trip to Lake Atitlan would not be complete without a stop at La Casa Del Mundo. This is the ultimate OTR destination - charming, comfortable and welcoming without breaking the budget. La Casa is the creation of Bill and Rosy Fogarty who met and married in Alaska. Rosy, being Guatemalan, knew exactly the place for their dream home and in 1980 they bought the land where La Casa now stands. Construction began in 1988 and was a decade-long labour of love. The family (including two sons Sebastian and Benjamin) lived at La Casa until the boys got older and the remoteness was no longer appealing. They then moved across the lake to Pana where the boys could be closer to school and friends.

La Casa sits on a cliff overlooking some of the most beautiful views on the lake. Narrow cobblestoned paths lead you to quiet little outlooks or resting areas with tables carved out of stone. Hammocks adorn the property, inviting guests to curl up with a book and enjoy the silence amidst the organic gardens. There is a ladder leading down to the lake off the corner of the property where guests can hop in to cool off. Further along is a wood-fired hot tub that is perfect for the evenings when the weather cools down. Kayaks are also available to rent.

Insider Tips
You may be tempted to only book a night or two, but most people who stay here wish they could stay longer. Don't miss the communal dinners.

The ferry ride from Pana should be Q15 per person, although rising fuel prices have created tensions between ferry drivers and the organization that regulates pricing. As a result, prices may increase in the near future.

Benefits
- La Casa Del Mundo is a wonderful option providing all the comforts you need at a very reasonable price.
- The restaurant serves up great food at a decent price.

Drawbacks
- The only access to the property is by boat (or by a very long and difficult hike!) and there is no adjoining town.
- If you are one of those people who constantly needs to do something, you may find this a little restricting (but then again maybe you shouldn't be on the lake if you are one of those people).
- Dinner options (if you want to leave La Casa and try somewhere else) are also limited as the public ferries get complicated as the evening goes on.
- This hotel is listed in several guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet, so book early!

Rooms
La Casa's rooms are warm and welcoming built primarily with local materials. The stone walls are decorated with Huipils and Guatemalan artwork in a tasteful, charming fashion. Rooms are available both with and without private bath. They all have hot water although you need to give it some time to heat up. The beds here are great and a good night's sleep is inevitable with the cool breeze off the lake coming through your window and the sound of waves lapping against the dock below. The most outstanding feature is the view, and each room is unique in that respect. Room #3 is a wonderful option with a private bathroom and small desk and chair. Lying in bed you will have a magnificent view of the volcanoes across the lake. Larger cabins are also available, the nicest of which is #12 at the top of the property (this is a serious climb, but puts you closest to the hiking trail to the neighboring towns). The room is spacious with several seating options, including a hammock that is hung inside the cabin and a small deck off the side. Cabins US$55 - 60; Rooms with shared bath US$27; Taxes included.

Food
Meals are not included here. The restaurant in the main house, however, serves up quite a variety throughout the day at very reasonable prices. Breakfast ranges from a 'Continental' option with wonderful fresh-squeezed OJ and tasty fresh-baked bread to a hearty plate of Huevos Rancheros. Dinner (a four-course meal that varies nightly) is served 'family style' where you can sit amongst fellow guests and exchange travel stories. A set menu is served which varies daily. Special meal requirements will be accommodated. Q75.

Children
Children are more than welcome here and it is a wonderful environment for families.

	Information:
	Location Caserio El Jaibalito; casamundo@gmail.com