Aerial view of La Casa del Mundo built into a cliffside in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

La Casa del Mundo in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and have spent any amount of time on Instagram or TikTok, you've almost certainly seen the viral videos of La Casa del Mundo. This jaw-droppingly beautiful property has been built into a cliffside, overlooking the lake, with lush landscaping that looks straight out of a Disney cartoon. Known for its unique architecture, private swimming spots, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, La Casa del Mundo is undeniably gorgeous—but is it worth the hype?  My husband, Justin, and I recently stayed here (and paid for it out of our own pockets!), so here’s an honest and unbiased  review of La Casa del Mundo, including whether or not the most viral hotel in Guatemala is actually worth it.

Woman sitting on the edge of a cold plunge pool at Los Termales in San Pedro on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

San Pedro on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Guatemala, known for the 11 Mayan towns that are perched on its shores. San Pedro is one of these towns, which is renowned for its party vibes, Spanish schools, and epic volcano views.  While many people assume that San Pedro is nothing more than rowdy hostels and cheap beer, my husband, Justin, and I spent three weeks in this colorful town and discovered that it has SO much more to offer than its reputation might suggest. So if you want to get to know this magical town a bit more, here’s everything to know about San Pedro, Guatemala.

Three brown bears cuddling near a rock near Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Katmai is one of the most unique U.S. National Parks, with one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. But it’s not exactly the kind of national park that you can just stroll up to and see some bears—it’s also one of the most remote national parks in the country and the bears are only in certain accessible areas of the park at certain points in the year. So if you want to see one of the largest land predators on the planet for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about bear viewing in Katmai National Park. 

Brown bears fishing for salmon in Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park in Alaska

How to Get to Katmai National Park in Alaska

Katmai is one of the most unique national parks in the United States, given that it holds the impressive claim of having one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. However, you do have to work a bit to get to this special corner of the country—thie national park is located in a remote area of Alaska and can only be reached via plane or boat. If you want to see its famed bears for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Katmai National Park.

Brown bears fishing for salmon on Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

11 Incredible Things to Do in Katmai National Park

Katmai is one of the most unique U.S. National Parks—not only is it located in an incredibly remote part of Alaska, but it also is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears on the planet. My husband, Justin, and I spent four days in Katmai, primarily to see some of these magical creatures, and wound up discovering that this park has so much more to offer than its famous furry residents, including volcanoes, turquoise lakes, and fascinating history. Here’s 11 incredible things to do in Katmai National Park. 

Couple sitting in front of a colorful building in Flores, Guatemala

12 Incredible Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala

Most people traveling through Guatemala wind up heading to the teeny island of Flores. Generally, visitors are not coming to see Flores itself, though—rather, the island is the best springboard to explore Tikal, some of the best and most complete Mayan ruins on the planet. However, Flores has a LOT to offer beyond just serving as a quick basecamp for seeing Tikal. My husband, Justin, and I spent several days here and fell a little in love with this quirky place. So if you want to explore this magical island a bit deeper, here’s the best 10 things to do in Flores, Guatemala.

Couple standing along the ledge of the Subway Cave with rock formations in the background in Sedona, Arizona

4 Caves in Sedona, Arizona to Add to Your Bucket List

Sedona, Arizona is known for its jaw-dropping red sandstone formations, which have eroded over millennia into dramatic mesas, spires, and caves. If you want to get up close and personal with some of these unique formations, here’s 4 incredible caves in Sedona, Arizona to add to your bucket list. 

Couple standing next to a silver obelisk at the top of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Park National Park in Texas

Guadalupe Peak Trail: How to Hike to the Tallest Mountain in Texas

Guadalupe Mountains is one of the least visited U.S. National Parks, which is a massive oversight. This incredible park is home to many impressive superlatives, including the tallest mountain in all of Texas—Guadalupe Peak, which towers at a whopping 8.751 feet tall. If you want to climb to the top of Texas yourself, here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Guadalupe Peak Trail. 

Couple standing on a wooden platform overlooking the pools in Semuc Champey in Guatemala

Semuc Champey in Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know

Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge known for its series of pools of turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. But visiting this remote place isn’t exactly easy—from where to stay to what to bring with you as you explore its pools and caves. So here’s everything you need to know about visiting Semuc Champey that I wish I had known before our visit! 

Polar bear standing in front of a Great White Bear Polar Rover in the Arctic tundra in Churchill, Manitoba

16 Incredible Things to do in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba is primarily known for its polar bears, beluga whales, and Northern Lights. And, while Churchill is teeny tiny (with just 800 residents!), the town actually has a lot more to offer than its unique wildlife and Aurora Borealis. Here’s 16 incredible things to do in Churchill, Manitoba, one of the most unique and remote towns in Canada.

Sign up for our newsletter