Overall Ratings & Reviews El Picnic Atitlan

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.

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.

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!

There aren't enough superlatives to describe El Picnic! From the wonderful hosts to the amazing rooms our stay was perfect.

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.

Just amazing

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!

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.

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!

Gracias

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.

This is a true gem hidden in the jungle of Lake Atlitlan

Amazing view of the lake and volcanoes, delicious food at the restaurant and the hosts are awesome!

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.

Unbelievable property. The views are breathtaking, the lodge is so unique and amazing and the staff and food are fantastic.

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

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.

Loved the views from our room, it’s always great to have then owners caring for the guests. Thanks for the experience. Danke Jurghen. Gracias Gladys.

I just want to say that Joachel is so very pleasant, helpful and accommodating. The place is beautiful overlooking the beautiful lake. So amazing if you just want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet.

We had an incredible time. The property is stunning, the owners made us feel like we were a part of their family. Gaby went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. She helped us organize every little detail from private boats and drivers to guides and gave us suggestions on what to do, see and how to plan our days. This place is truly a paradise with the nicest, kindest people. We had the most delicious breakfasts and dinners with breathtaking views every day! We can’t thank you enough and we would definitely come back one day.