The Coolest Place in Guatemala- Gucumatz Lakeside Inn
Gucumatz
Gucumatz is a funky little inn located on lake Peten Itza in Guatemala. I accidentally found it when I looking for lodging near Tikal. Originally, my purpose for going to Guatemala was just to see Tikal, but when I came across Gucumatz, I was just too curious. I reworked my plans to fit in two nights there. Well, it wasn't enough and I find myself day dreaming about going back all the time.
Going in July
The Inn is very empty in July when I visited. My fiancé and I had the entire place to ourselves! I'm sure that added to the wonder of the whole place.
Gucumatz is owned by a wonderful lady from Spain. She makes excellent paella. I recently went to Spain, and I still like her paella more.
It's not too far from the town of Flores. Flores has an airport, so if you're flying in, this is where you'll end up. Someone from Gucumatz will gladly meet you at the Flores airport. Otherwise there's a bus that goes too.
The Views Over the Lake
The grounds are wonderful. You'll see hummingbirds go whizzing by all day and you'll hear toucans occasionally. Sunrise and sunset are beautiful times to be out where you can see the lake because it turns gorgeous colors. You'll have breakfast, and dinner if you choose to eat in, on a really nice patio that overlooks the lake.
Swimming in the Lake
The lake is very clean and the temperature is cool. It's very refreshing in the middle of summer. Gucumatz is centered around the lake, and there's even a two-story platform off of one of the huts to jump off of!
Perfect Place to Read a Book
There haven't been many places where I've felt more at peace than lying by the water at Gucumatz with only the sounds of birds around me. The air is very fresh and it's easy to fall asleep everywhere. There are a couple "hanging beds" that are shaded and they are glorious places to just let yourself drift away!
You Won't Want to Leave!
There are so many things to do that we never even left the grounds while we were there. There's little stairways carved from rock and a tiny little cave you can hide in. You'll find some parrots that live there, too. The nooks and cranes are endless! There are two outdoor bars and a ping pong table. There's a room for reading or playing games, and there's lots of games already there for a rainy day. If it's not raining, though, you'll find it hard to make yourself hang out inside.
