In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Hotel La Riviera de Atitlan

Panajachel, Guatemala

On Lake Atitlan

Central America is an up and coming retirement and tourist destination known for its climate, friendly locals and cost of living. Because it is so close to the States and is on Central Time, travel to Guatemala is not a long, arduous journey and is a safe location to visit and to live.

Panajachel (where La Riviera is located) is situated on Lake Atitlan, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. There is a good mix of local indigenous and Expats inhabiting the town.

General cost of living in this area is on par with northern Thailand. The weather is some of the best in the world, and shorts and t-shirts can be worn year round. The people are extremely friendly and engaging. Security is good also. 

La Riviera de Atitlan is located in the little inlet to the left of Panajachel as shown on the map below.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

There are public and private boats that can take tourists and locals to any of the dozen towns on the lake, and each has their own flavor.

La Riviera currently caters to foreign tour groups, but anyone can stay in these beautiful high rise buildings.

From the lakefront looking back

Three tower buildings with approximately 90 rooms in the middle and right side tower. In the left side tower are condos for sale or rent. It's all considered La Riviera.

The view from a launch on the water.

The town of Panajachel has an approximate population of 15,000. It is not seen here but is off to the right out of the photo. It is a walkable distance but most people would take a tuk-tuk for about 10 Quetzales or $1.30USD.

The pool area

The place is clean and has well maintained gardens. It has a large pool and two Jacuzzis, one under cover. There is access to the man made beach below.

Lake front

This is the view from the pool area to the beach where there are kayaks and paddle boats. Public launchas will stop by here at the dock to pick you up and take you anywhere around the lake for 25Quetzales, about $3USD.

More lake front with view of two volcanoes.

There is a small beach area not shown in this photo. The volcanoes in this photo are Volcan Atitlan and Volcan Toliman. Volcan San Pedro is to the right, outside the photo. In front of the two volcanoes is a large hill called Cerro del Oro. One can arrange to hike up Volcan San Pedro.

Large living area with cable TV

Rooms with one bed run $95USD per night. This is the living room with a view of the lake from the balcony.

Bedroom with view

Views of the lake are from each room of the apart-hotel.

The hotel also provides a restaurant, bar, sauna, work out room and game room. There is a guard at the front entrance with whom visitors must register before entering the compound.

Kitchen area

Kitchen has electric stove, refrigerator and microwave, dining room table and chairs. It's spacious and comfortable.

Another bedroom

Bedrooms with two beds run $126USD per night. Discount for stays of a week or longer must be arranged at the office downstairs.

View from room of three volcanoes

Panajachel is located to the left of this photo. The larger town of Santiago is directly across the lake between the volcanoes and is about a 45 minute launcha ride. San Pedro and San Marcos are to the right of the photo. Volcan San Pedro is on the right in the photo.

View from room of pool area

There are elevators which connect each floor. Launchas will take you anywhere on the lake, and tuk tuk drivers can take you into town in about 10 minutes. This hotel offers privacy and amenities and is still close to the town of Panajachel where there are restaurants and bars, coffee shops, dentists, doctors, native markets, grocery stores, the large cathedral, plaza and a host of shopping selections for souvenirs.

Hotel La Riviera de Atitlan

Reservations: 502. 2335. 3516 or 502. 7762. 0210

For more stories, photos and information about Antigua, click here

For more stories and photos of Guatemala, click here

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About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.