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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


1What are your prices?
Our rates and availability can be viewed from the "Reservations" section of this webpage. From there, you can see all of the options available for your desired dates, as well as pictures and a full description of each room.
2At what time can I check in?
Check-in begins at 1:00 p.m. If you arrive early and your room is not ready, we will take care of your luggage in our office while you wait and relax in the restaurant's common areas, patios, gardens, and balconies. If you'd like, you can go swimming and enjoy the lake or the romantic areas of La Casa Del Mundo.
3What time do I have to check out?
Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. We ask you to respect this regulation in order to allow housekeeping enough time to prepare the room for incoming guests. Although we ask you to remove your baggage from the room at 11:00 a.m. on your checkout date, we invite you to enjoy the hotel grounds for the rest of the day. Simply leave your bags in the office. If you plan to leave before 7:00 a.m., please settle your bill the night before.
4Can I pay using my credit card?
Due to our remote location, we do not have a POS system to process cards.

We suggest the following payment methods with NO FEE: cash (quetzales or dollars), Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, Revolut, and transfers from local banks (BI, Banrural, or BAC). We also accept PayPal (a 4% fee may apply depending on the type of transfer you use). You can ask our staff for instructions once at the hotel.

Remember that there are ATMs in Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna, where you can easily withdraw money with your credit card.
5Is the tip or service charge already included in my final bill?
We add 10% to your bill. If you were unsatisfied with the service you received, you can have the tip removed. The money is distributed to all of our staff for their great service.
6What is the cancellation policy?
CANCELLATION POLICIES:

- If you fail to arrive or cancel 15 days (or less) prior to your checkin date: we charge 100% of the cost of the cancelled rooms.

- If you cancel 16 days (or more) prior to your checkin date: we charge 10% of the cost of the cancelled rooms.

- Please be sure of your dates before reserving. Any date change involves cancelling your original reservation (cancellation fees apply).

Please note that there are no exceptions to the cancellation fees under any circumstances (sickness, flight cancellations, acts of god, etc). We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover you from losses due to unforseen circumstances.
7Can I change dollars at the hotel?
Yes! We receive dollars at the same rate as Banrural (the bank that we use in Panajachel). You can see the current exchange rate on their webpage (https://www.banrural.com.gt/banruralc/default.aspx).
8Will I have hot water in my room the whole time during my stay?
Yes! As part of our initiative to reach self-sustainability, we have recently implemented a high tech solar-heater system which provides all of the hotel's hot water simply by the power of Lake Atitlan's sunlight. Our propane gas heaters are still ready for use in case of any prolonged period of cloudy weather.
9Is there a safe box at the hotel?
Yes. If you want to store a small package containing valuable objects, money, and other important documents, just ask the receptionist for assistance. You will find a safe box service-form on the desk in your room. Fill it out and present it along with your valuables to the front desk. We have NEVER had problems with theft at La Casa Del Mundo, but we still recommend that you lock your room when you go out, just to be on the safe side.
10Despite the tranquil atmosphere, will there be an opportunity to stay up late and have a get-together after 10:00 p.m.?
Yes. With the desire to maintain our atmosphere calm, we maintain Quiet Hours after 10 p.m. However, you may feel free to visit and talk with other guests, but please do it in the patios around the lake or in balconies far from the rooms. When you use the hot-tub, please remember that noise travels within our cove very easily. Please consider the guests who are resting in their rooms. Help us maintain and conserve a relaxing atmosphere because this is one of the reasons why so many people visit La Casa Del Mundo.
11I forgot something, how do I get it back?
You must contact us as soon as possible. Our staff members check all the rooms after our guests depart. We will keep forgotten items and take note of their room number, date, and description of the item. If you forget something, you can pick it up or send someone to pick it up within 30 days after forgetting the item. After 30 days, unclaimed items are divided amongs our employees.
12May I make local and/or international calls?
We have a mobile telephone which the guests can use when necessary. Please take note that this is also the hotel's phone where people call to make reservations, so we ask you limit your calling time. The prices for outgoing calls are available in the office. We do not charge for incoming calls, but we ask that you keep the duration of your conversation to minimum, in order to allow other guests access to the phone.
13Is there internet access?
Yes! We have free Wi-Fi throughout most of the property. The conection is 20mpbs download and 2mbps upload, however the actual speed can vary depending on the number of people using it at once. The code is written on the activities guide in your room.
14How can I reserve the hot tub and how much does it cost?
Once you have made your reservation, you can reserve the hot tub by phone (+502 5218-5332), email ([email protected]) or in person once at the hotel. You must reserve a minimum of 8 hours in advance (since that's the time it takes us to prepare and heat the hot tub). WE DO NOT GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY until you have reserved.

The hot tub fits up to 10 people and costs Q300.00 (about $39). The cost is divided among all of the guests who sign up.
15Is there laundry service?
Yes, laundry service is available every day. Washing, drying, and folding are done for Q150.00 per load.
16What are the food hours?
Coffee is available starting at 7:30 a.m. We have a complete breakfast menu available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Our lunch and dinner menu is offered from 12:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The price varies from 70 to 130 quetzales, depending on the meal you order.
17I'm a guest with a special diet, which options are there for me?
If you are vegetarian, vegan, allergic to some types of food, or you follow a special diet, La Casa Del Mundo offers options for such dietary needs. Please talk to the front desk to arrange for your dietary guidelines to be followed.
18What food options or packages are there for children?
Although we do not have a menu for children, we can arrange food for the convenience of your children; just inform the front desk staff.
19Can I bring my own food and drinks to the hotel?
You are not allowed to bring food into the property (with some exceptions for special diets).

Bringing alcoholic beverages into the property from elsewhere IS NOT ALLOWED. We want to preserve the peaceful family atmosphere that our customers know and love.

We have a great variety of local beer, wines, and liquors available at our restaurant. We also have sodas, smoothies, natural teas, coffee, lemonade, orangeade, and fresh orange juice.
20Is Lake Atitlán safe to swim in?
Yes. Lake Atitlan is clean and safe to swim in. We have several terraces where you can enjoy the sun, bathe, and appreciate the beauty of the lake.
21What is our policy about smoking areas?
We ask ours guest to not smoke in rooms or in unauthorized areas. Please be considerate to the other guests that do not smoke. We have various ceramic containers full of sand and dispersed around the balconies where you can place filters and matches. You can also ask for an ashtray in the office.
22Can I bring my pet?
For the tranquility of our guests, we generally do not accept pets at the hotel. Some limited exceptions can be made for small pets that are well behaved and quiet. Such arrangements must be made before your arrival at the hotel.
23Are there opportunities for hiking at the hotel?
Yes! There are numerous exciting trails to explore in our area. If you are interested in hiking, just ask the receptionist what’s available or take a look at the “Activities Guide” in your room.
24Can I climb any of the volcanoes around the lake?
With advanced notice we can gladly organize a trip with a guide to climb a volcanoe. Generally, you should leave in the morning in the first boat towards San Pedro, where your guide will meet you. You will then have breakfast with the guides. The San Pedro volcano takes 3-4 hours to climb and around 2 hours to decend from. Ask at the office for reservations and cost.
25Are there biking opportunities around Lake Atitlan?
Definitely! There are some great biking trails with magnificent views and memorable adventures awaiting you along the way. If you want to explore Guatemala on a bicycle, just ask the receptionist what’s available or take a look at the “Activities Guide” in your room.
26Do you rent kayaks?
Yes! Kayaking is a great way to enjoy Lake Atitlan. We recommend that you kayak in the morning since there are winds and waves in the afternoon that can make it difficult for a beginner. We have double kayaks which are the most stable for novices. We also have single river and sea kayaks. Please ask for prices and procedures to rent these at the front desk.
27What time is the first and last public boat?
From the Hotel to Panajachel: Boats leave every half hour from the hotel to Panajachel, from 6:30am to 5:30pm. From the Hotel to San Pedro:Boats leave every half hour from the hotel to San Pedro, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The price is Q20.00 per person.
Remember the Following:
1. that the last boat from San Pedro back to the hotel leaves at 5:30 p.m.
2. That the last boat from Panajachel to the hotel leaves at at 7:30 p.m.
28I don't want to depend on public boats, can I reserve a private one?
Yes! Private transportation and excursions can be arranged from the office with anticipated notice. The Hotel owns a boat which is available for groups or special trips. Please ask at the office for information on reservations and prices.
29I would like to learn spanish, could you help me find a teacher?
Yes. La Casa Del Mundo can contact teachers of local Spanish schools who can visit the Hotel and give you classes. Please ask our receptionist for the list of teachers available.
30What big steps has Casa del Mundo taken towards becoming environmentally self-sustainable, and which steps are planned?
All of our hot water is heated via solar water heaters. In addition to having long ago developed an elaborate organic and inorganic recycling process, we set up a black water treatment system consisting of septic tanks and terrace leach fields. Plants are fed with homemade organic fertilizer, which avoids the introduction of toxic products to the lake. Environmental laws and ethics are strictly obeyed at La Casa Del Mundo. Please help us avoid contamination. Plans for the near future include creating a methane gas power system and a solar power system. La Casa del Mundo is the home of many creatures, birds, and natural plants. We strive to maintain a healthy relationship with the lake's ecosystem. You can make a big difference by conserving water and reducing power consumption.
31Which is the easiest way to get there?
When arriving in Panajachel, don't let anyone show you to a boat. They may be arranging to sell you a private boat trip, which is much more expensive. Instead, ask to be dropped off at the Muelle Tzanjuyú (san huyu), which is the dock from which ALL public boats to our hotel depart. This dock is located at the very end of Calle del Embarcadero (where this street touches the lake). Public boats to our hotel leave from Muelle Tzanjuyú approximately every 30 minutes. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN Q20 PER PERSON. Tell the boat driver that you are going to La Casa del Mundo and settle on the price beforehand. Watch your fingers when approaching a dock and getting out. When you arrive at our dock, feel free to leave your luggage there and we'll bring it up for you shortly.
32If I bring my own car where can I park it?
The closest parking lot to the Tzanjuyu dock is called KAYUKOS MARINA. It has surveillance cameras and a security guard. The cost per night is Q70. For the exact location on Google Maps, please copy and paste this address into your browser: https://goo.gl/maps/HRcePTeokNqZekhS7

After having parked, head to the Tranjuyu dock to take a public boat to the hotel. For the exact location on Google Maps please copy and paste this address into your browser: https://goo.gl/maps/nZ7i8xUWcCpys3Wr9

Public boats to our hotel leave from the Tzanjuyu dock approximately every 30 minutes. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN Q25 PER PERSON. Tell the boat driver that you are going to La Casa del Mundo and settle on the price beforehand. Watch your fingers when approaching a dock and getting out. When you arrive at our dock, feel free to leave your luggage there and we'll bring it up for you shortly.
33When I arrive by shuttle from another city how do I get to Casa del Mundo?
When arriving in Panajachel, don't let anyone show you to a boat. They may be arranging to sell you a private boat trip, which is much more expensive. Instead, ask to be dropped off at the Muelle Tzanjuyú (san huyu), which is the dock from which ALL public boats to our hotel depart. This dock is located at the very end of Calle del Embarcadero (where this street touches the lake). Public boats to our hotel leave from Muelle Tzanjuyú approximately every 30 minutes. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN Q20 PER PERSON. Tell the boat driver that you are going to La Casa del Mundo and settle on the price beforehand. Watch your fingers when approaching a dock and getting out. When you arrive at our dock, feel free to leave your luggage there and we'll bring it up for you shortly.
34If I arrive by 'chicken bus' how do I get there?
When arriving in a 'chicken bus' (public transportation) get off at the first stop in Panajachel (announced as Tzanjuyu). The bus will drop you off 3-4 meters past Calle Del Embarcadero, so back-track a few meters and turn on this street (it only heads in one direction: down toward the lake) Continue straight on Calle del Embarcadero and when you reach the lake you will be at Muelle Tzanjuyú (san huyu). Public boats to our hotel leave from Muelle Tzanjuyú approximately every 30 minutes. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN Q20 PER PERSON. Tell the boat driver that you are going to La Casa del Mundo and settle on the price beforehand. Watch your fingers when approaching a dock and getting out. When you arrive at our dock, feel free to leave your luggage there and we'll bring it up for you shortly.
35How do I get there if I'm coming from the Guatemala city airport or Antigua Guatemala?
If you need to arrange shuttle transportation through us, you can do so when you reserve (in the “Additional Services” section of the reservation process). Make sure to reserve well ahead of time, as the service provider may have to contact you to coordinate the details. Remember that even if you request a shuttle service on our website, the service is not confirmed until you receive confirmation directly from the service provider. La Casa del Mundo is NOT INVOLVED in providing shuttle services. We simply refer your reservation to the shuttle company (therefore, we cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of this service).