Casa Itzam is a spacious and light filled, three-bedroom home in the center of Jaibalito, a traditional Kaqchikel Maya village and a hidden jewel on the north shore of Lake Atitlán, accessible only by boat. Custom designed from warm cypress and serpentine and surrounded by a private oasis that is lush with fruit trees, the house has incredible southern views of the lake and volcanoes. This family-friendly house can sleep up to 9, and it is a perfect getaway for couples, families, and friends. The space I am an archaeologist and specialist in Maya writing, languages, and cultures, and I was first led here on the day of the day of the Maya Creation and the solar zenith on August 13, 2003 following in the footsteps of my Grandfather, an artist who came here to paint back in 1961. Nursing a broken heart and searching for my friends who were staying in Santa Cruz La Laguna, I caught a boat to find them, not knowing where the town was. As the sun reached the zenith, I watched the beams of light plunge into the jade blue depths, glinting off the gold of my Grandfather's class ring from 1917. When I looked up, I saw that we were entering into one of my Grandfather's paintings. For years, his four watercolor paintings hung by my bedside, inviting me to this enchanting place. When I finally reached the north shore of Lake Atitlán, I turned to face the other shore and saw his other paintings of the volcanoes in the distance, and I knew I had found a very special place. I vowed to one day return. A decade later, I led a group of students to this place on one of my archaeological and cultural tours. Still another decade after that, I had the good fortune to acquire this incredibly beautiful home. In honor of my Grandfather and the Ancient and Living Maya, Casa Itzam takes its name from the Classic Maya Creator Grandfather, Itzamnah, whose hieroglyphic image appears at the base of the stairs in a sculpture by artist Bruce Gueswel. Maya themed art, books, textiles, and locally made furniture are found throughout the house, and I hope you take some time to learn about the rich history, languages, and cultures of the original people of this beautiful and very special place. Casa Itzam is a palatial retreat, uniquely and sturdily crafted in 2001 from aromatic cypress columns and beams with walls of green serpentine stone, offset by Maya-red exterior and interior detailing. Towering cathedral ceilings are lit to display their masterful craftsmanship, and two porch decks run the length of the first and second floors. The second floor deck provides sweeping views of one of the most spectacular lakes in the world with its three dormant volcanoes—Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro. The first floor deck looks out onto the lush, private garden, lovingly landscaped with tropical foliage and fruit trees—papaya, lime, mango, pomagranate, peach, and jocote. The garden also serves as a working milpa and vegetable garden. The large, gated garden provides intimate spaces for wandering and reflection, as well as a large, matrimonial cotton hammock for relaxing. A traditional, adobe Kaqchikel house on the grounds serves as a garden shed, and an adjacent Guardian's apartment at the garden level serves as the residence for Lucas, the house caretaker—an impeccable gardener, handy man, and host! There are two large bedrooms in the main house, one on each floor, and both have en suite bathrooms and private access to the decks. The master bedroom on the second floor has its own private fireplace, as well as a tub and walk in shower. The guest room on the first floor contains both a full bed and a single bed for additional sleeping, and the bathroom has a walk-in shower. The living room/TV room on the second floor also contains a comfortable sofa bed for additional sleeping, along with a bar with three barstools, a built in work desk, and access to the deck, where you will find an outdoor fireplace to keep you warm while watching the distant thunderstorms light up the sky at night on the other side of the lake during the rainy season. For large groups who need an additional bed, the detached Guardian’s apartment with another full bed can be booked upon request, and the house can accommodate up to 9 people. Please note that the dining room table has four chairs, while additional chairs can be provided from the deck and the Guardian’s apartment. The open-plan design on the first floor has four massive, natural cypress trunk columns echoing the traditional posts in traditional Maya houses that represent the four directions. The fully stocked, large kitchen has plenty of counter space and jade green marble countertops. The recessed sitting room with its rich, Persian Heriz carpet looks out over the garden. The dining room, between the kitchen and the sitting room, provides a dining space for four in the center of the cypress columns at the heart of the house. Behind the house is the laundry room and pump house, which contains the UV filtration system and the water cistern, which pumps water from our well. Guest access Guests will have access to all spaces in the house and garden, excluding the garden shed, as well as the locked outdoor storage closets and maintenance lockers. The Guardian's apartment will also be locked unless the house is booked for 8 or 9 people or upon request. Fruit and herbs are available to pick in the garden, but please be respectful of the vegetable garden, which provides food for Lucas, Teresa and family. You may request access to some fresh vegetables if they are available, but kindly compensate Lucas. Other things to note Lake Atitlán is truly the Land of the Eternal Spring, and it is usually in the mid-70º's F (23-24ºC) during the day, and there is little need for air conditioning with the afternoon breeze. For cooler nights, please enjoy the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. The TV is connected to Apple TV, through which you can log in to Amazon Prime or Apple, and Netflix. Or you can use the HDMI cable to connect to your laptop to the TV to stream other services. There is a USB-C to HDMI adaptor for Mac and other laptops. Please note that there is no cable or live TV at the house. Please remove shoes when inside the house. Slippers with grippable tread are recommended for walking around the house, especially given the tile floors and stairs. We provide comfortable slippers of various different sizes for guests and we wash these after each visit. Please wear only with socks. THE LANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRCASE IS DIFFICULT TO SEE IN THE DARK! This last stair is larger and it is difficult to make out the difference between this stair and the floor below it, making it easy to trip. We include lighting to help with this. Please be careful on the stairs, especially in the dark. There are hot water heaters on both floors which will be turned on prior to your stay. The house is fitted with a new UV-sterilizer and filter that is regularly changed and monitored, so the tap water is now potable and safe for drinking. Likewise, it is safe to flush small amounts of one ply TP. Casa Itzam is one of the only places in Guatemala where you can both drink from the tap and flush the TP! The stove and oven work with a propane cylinder, which Lucas will replace if it runs low. Hans' locally grown and roasted coffee is provided as a courtesy to all guests, along with a French press and a coffee maker, with filters. Please be aware that electricity in Jaibalito is expensive, so kindly make an effort to conserve electricity. Use of the laundry is free of charge, but we ask that you use the clothesline to dry your clothes, rather than the dryer. Please ask Teresa if you require help with any laundry or cleaning. Electricity can occasionally go off in Jaibalito during a storm. We have votive candles provided. Please do not leave them unattended. Lucas can power up the gas generator if the power is out for a prolonged period.