El Picnic Atitlan offers full breakfast service and a warming firepit at this scenic lakeside retreat. Guests can stay connected with WiFi, relax in the garden, or enjoy the arcade/game room. The attentive staff ensures a memorable experience for every visitor.
Located in Santa Cruz La Laguna, El Picnic Atitlan is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cerro Tzankujil and San Pedro Volcano. Atitlan Nature Reserve and Toliman Volcano are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Santa Cruz La Laguna travel guide
Lago de Atitlán, Santa Cruz la Laguna, Aldea Tzununa, Tzantixub, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá, 07014
What's nearby
Lake Atitlán
2 min walk - 0.2 km
Church of Saint Peter
41 min drive - 13.1 km
Panajachel Municipal Market
50 min drive - 23.3 km
Cerro Tzankujil
16 min drive - 5.0 km
Los Elementos Day Spa
37 min drive - 16.3 km
Getting around
Quetzaltenango (AAZ-Los Altos)
129 min drive
Restaurants
The Restaurant
Circles
7 min drive
Burrito House Y Tío Lio Kaphe
7 min drive
Lush Apartments
7 min drive
The Hidden Garden Atitlan
7 min drive
About this property
El Picnic Atitlan
Lodge near Cerro Tzankujil
Located close to Atitlan Nature Reserve and San Pedro Volcano, El Picnic Atitlan provides free full breakfast, a terrace, and a firepit. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and an arcade/game room.
Additional perks include:
A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance
Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at El Picnic Atitlan have amenities such as free WiFi.
Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Couples/private dining
Private picnics
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Guest services
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (on request)
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Outdoors
Firepit
Garden
On a river
Picnic area
Terrace
Spa
Couples treatment rooms
More
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Memory foam mattress
Bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The property charges 7 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 72 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children younger than 16 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 16 and older are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Late check-in fee for check-in between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM
Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 7 percent
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a security system
We should mention
Guests under 16 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property
Property is also known as
El Picnic Atitlan Lodge
El Picnic Atitlan Santa Cruz La Laguna
El Picnic Atitlan Lodge Santa Cruz La Laguna
Frequently asked questions
Is El Picnic Atitlan pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at El Picnic Atitlan?
As of 2026/3/12, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Picnic Atitlan on 2026/3/24 start from NT$4,744, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
This lodge doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at El Picnic Atitlan?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available from 9:00 PM–4:00 AM for a fee.
What time is check-out at El Picnic Atitlan?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Does El Picnic Atitlan provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle.
Where is El Picnic Atitlan located?
Situated on a river, this lodge is 2.5 mi (4 km) from Cerro Tzankujil and 10.4 mi (16.7 km) from San Pedro Volcano. Atitlan Nature Reserve and Toliman Volcano are also within 32 mi (52 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
El Picnic Atitlan Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
The room was not only clean, but had a spectacular view and was so comfortable. Staff was so nice and accommodating. One of the best parts about our stay was the included breakfast and the dinner (not included) which was delicious! We thought we’d explore the island more for dinner but ended up eating at El Picnic because it was just that good. Gaby is an amazing hostess and went above and beyond to assist us with whatever we needed as well. Thanks for a great stay that we will always remember!
An incredible experience! The bed was comfy, the views were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and Gaby and Jochen were wonderful hosts. No complaints whatsoever.
We had a wonderful stay. I wish we would have stayed longer. Owners are working on things around. The room was beautiful, bathroom was perfect. The view, breathtaking. The owners, Gabby and her husband were just wonderful, helpful and absolutely warm. We will be back! Lot of stairs but well worth it. I didn’t see restaurants around but taking the boat around the other towns was so easy.
The view and room were gorgeous, the food was fresh, well-prepared and plentiful, and best of all Gaby and Jochen were so warm and inviting (but unobtrusive!) that our stay felt like a trip with old friends. Also, they make a mean rum old fashioned. We highly recommend Picnic for your Lake Atitlan stay!
Gaby and Jochen were absolute stellar hosts who were always there to answer any questions we had. Their exquisite meals were served in an open air bar high up overlooking the lake and volcanos in the distance. We would not hesitate to recommend this unique property with its open air rooms.
Susan
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Daniel
2025/4/17
You will not find a more unique property or fascinating couple who are your hosts. They designed this volcanic tent/cottage resort with a panoramic view of Lake Atitlan and her Volcanoes. An amazing dining hall/bar etched into the volcanic rock with cusine made from scratch from your incredible Hosts Jochen y Gabbie. The sous vide steak/lomito was delicious. The nights under the moon and stars with the sounds of nature all around, make this a must stay at the lake. Hosts will hire private boats to enjoy the rest of the lake.
El Picnic is a magical, unique, once-in-a-lifetime stay! We booked the honeymoon suite (worth the extra!) and were pinching ourselves every day we woke up at the magnificent view and nature. The bed was super comfortable. Our hosts, Gaby and Johan were so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Thank you for creating a little paradise!
LOVED our stay at this property!! The room was so unique and had absolutely stunning views of the lake. It was also furnished and decorated well. The dinner and breakfast were delicious and we had a good time chatting with the other guests and the owners. I wish we stayed longer than one night! Would highly recommend El Picnic to those visiting the lake - it’s an incredible experience.
El Picnic was absolutely incredible! Waking up to views of lake atitlan was a highlight of our trip. The service, food, and property were great.
The town is not as great, it wasn’t a town at the top of my list to explore while in the area, but visiting El Picnic for a night was an unforgettable experience and definitely a highlight of our visit to the lake overall.
Staying at The Picnic Hotel in Tzununa was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the moment we arrived, the owner and staff welcomed us with such warmth and friendliness that it felt like coming home. Their hospitality made our stay incredibly personal and special.
The hotel is nestled right in the heart of nature, offering a peaceful, grounding atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. Waking up to the breathtaking view of the volcano and overlooking the serene Lake Atitlán was nothing short of magical. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and truly appreciate the beauty around you.
If you’re looking for an authentic, soul-nourishing escape in Guatemala, The Picnic Hotel is it. Highly recommended!
You could write a book on all the wonderful things about El Picnic.
Jochen&Gaby have crafted a serene and beautiful experience with some of the most amazing views of Lake Atitlan.
Stellar views, thoughtfully designed rooms, relaxing lounge area, and delicious meals.
It's a glamping experience that provides a great hub for checking out the other lake towns. Easy to get around via tuktuk or the ferry.
Gaby was also so incredibly helpful and always available for any questions, suggestions or booking help.
Jochen is modest about his culinary skills but they were plated beautifully, great portions and above all delicious.
The mental recharge you get from the well maintained and beautiful grounds is unparalleled.
Only word of advice is that bags with shoulder straps are prefered because there are steps and its easier to climb without rolling luggages.
Do yourself the favor and book this amazing retreat with picture perfect views of the lake.
If you want to wake up to the most beautiful view of Lake Atitlan and connect with nature you have to stay at El Picnic. We had the most amazing two night stay there. The food and drinks were top notch - Johan is an excellent chef. We enjoyed having breakfast and dinner with Johan, Gaby and the other couples.
We just happened to be there during a meteor shower too and we saw 10 shooting stars from our patio. It was perfect! The two resident dogs were sweet and greeted us every day. The walk to the boat doc is only about 10 minutes (or you can take a quick tuktuk) so you can easily explore the towns around the lake.
I’m so thankful we found this hidden gem.
It’s important to understand where and what this excellent resort is. I loved the place and the hosts in particular. We were in slow season and they had time to chat with us over a drink at the bar. Gaby and Johan were fascinating people and a lot of fun. Also, Johan made us dinner that was the best I had in Guatemala! Anyway, the resort was fantastic and we’ll be back. Best views in the world of lake and volcanoes.
To my initial point though; the village of Tzununa where it’s located is extremely remote and desperately poor. Certain travelers won’t like that, so I wanted to share how El Picnic is a high end, charming and unique resort surrounded by the opposite. We felt safe, but it did help that we were experienced travelers and could handle a non English speaking trip to get to El Picnic. (Resort spoke English of course).
In summary, we absolutely loved this place but recognize it’s not for everyone. But if you want unique and wholesome, El Picnic is a must-visit.
Staying at Picnic is a very unique experience. It's glamping but it's serviced like a bed and breakfast. A big part of it are the incredible hosts,Gaby & Jochen. They are welcoming, personable, and their passion for their property is shown in the details. The breakfast and dinner that Jochen cooks up is fantastic and the menu is improvised on the daily (Jochen is also happy to take suggestions). Quite honestly, a dining experience at Picnic could sell itself; some of the best meals I had in my trip to Guatemala was at Picnic.
The rooms and facilities are literally built on the mountain and you are surrounded by natural rock formations and foliage.While staying in the panoramic room, I felt very much like a king of the jungle would if they had electricity. The view of the lake is unmatched and the open air nature of the rooms lends to a serene and freeing experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
While I loved every moment on the property, I can also acknowledge that it's not for everyone. The rooms are built on a mountain so that means you need to hike up and down to your room and around the property. This place would not be recommended for those with limited mobility. I also wouldn't recommend to those who can't stand the sight of bugs/wildlife. The rooms are open air and despite thorough cleaning by the staff, there will ultimately be critters around the room. If those nuances don't bother you, I'd highly recommend Picnic to anybody as a base for the lake. 10/10
Excellent food made in-house! Great and friendly staff and owneds :) amazing views! My only negative point is that we ear all the dogs bark day and night but nothing earbuds couldnt fix! 💯 worth it!
We stayed in the panoramic room and it was even better than we imagined. The view from the room was incredible. The bathroom was very clean. The space is open, yet it still felt very private. We felt like we didn’t need to leave to enjoy our time at the lake, but we did venture to neighboring towns around the lake. It is easy to catch the ferry from the public Tzununa dock, which is a 10 min walk or 3 min tuktuk ride away. Each morning and evening you can head to the restaurant for breakfast and dinner eaten with the hotel owners and other guests. The owners were very nice and great cooks. We were first time “glampers” and had a wonderful experience at El Picnic. We would recommend it to everyone. Just be aware that the entire place is on a hill and you must be able to go up and down stairs. There are also some bugs of course, but you are glamping so you must expect it. The bed was warm and there were extra blankets provided in case you need it. We didn’t need it. We also asked the hotel owners to arrange transport to and from the lake, which made our trip planning easier.