A former private estate that is now an exclusive hotel. Casa Palopò for sophisticated travellers offers both a boutique hotel experience as well as a detached, private villa. Rich Guatemalan colors, art, furnishings and heirlooms surround guests with the unique culture of Guatemala.

Perched in a spectacular fashion above beautiful Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan Highlands. Casa Palopó is a place for relaxation on the banks of one of the country’s greatest draws. An especially noteworthy feature is the helipad on-site; many visitors skip the three-hour drive from Guatemala City and arrive via helicopter.

The living area of the main hotel building provides a comfortable place for guests to relax and peruse the amazing collection of photographs, artisan work and antiques that fill the space.

This area opens up with wide glass doors to the terrace and restaurant, with views of the lake below and three volcanoes on the horizon; and allows the breezes and sunshine to flow in. To the left of this area is a cozy bar with an authentic, old-fashioned jukebox and small seating area to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail created just for you.

There are two solar-heated pools: one at the main building, and another (with an infinity edge) above at the villa with a hot tub. Both pools feature oversized lounge chairs. A small fitness gym is available. Spa treatments can be booked in the privacy of the guest rooms or a small on-site treatment room.

The staff can also set up a variety of cultural tours and ecotourism activities around Lake Atitlán and its surrounding towns. A small handicraft shop selling authentic Mayan arts and crafts is also on-site.

The sustainability of our communities is essential for its proper development. This is the reason why we love being part of and getting involved with the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project, through which we ensure the growth, education and development of our community through painting and art.

Villa PALOPÓ
It has three spacious and comfortable rooms with three-poster beds, made of mahogany, covered with fine Italian linens. Private bathrooms have tubs overlooking the lake, tiled floors and separate showers. These rooms can be rented individually, or you can rent the entire villa.

Guests who rent the full Villa have access to a large room with fireplace, patios and terraces, from where a 180 degree view of the lake, a modern kitchen that can be served by our chef and butler. There is an exclusive heated infinity pool and hot tub for guests of the Villa.

With a view on the horizon is mixed with the lake and volcanoes. On one side of the pool is a gazebo with a fireplace and couches to rest.  The Villa is located about 150 steps up from the main building Hotel and Restaurant 6.8 Palopo. The Villa is suitable for friends or a family that is looking for three rooms.

SUITES
Fifteen spacious rooms are uniquely decorated with contemporary and indigenous Guatemalan artwork, that hangs on bright stucco walls. Wooden beams span overhead, with cool italian linens draping across the beds. Private terraces are furnished with wooden lounges, creating the perfect nook to absorb the views.

Master Suite SANTA CATARINA
Decorated with paintings by artists from Guatemala, blue walls, fine furniture, a sofa, a desk, chair, closet, a safe and a mini bar.

It has a large terrace, which has a sofa and two sun beds and an excellent view of the lake where you can sit and read or watch the sunset over the lake and volcanoes. It has a table and two chairs, to prepare a romantic dinner on the balcony. Its spacious bathroom has shower tiles and a fine lake view.

Suite SANTA CLARA
With lavender sponge-painted walls, this suite’s king-sized bed is framed in auburn wood and faces directly toward Lake Atitlan’s signature views.

Lamps hang from the ceilings on each side of the bed, and the adjacent living room area features a large plush sofa and oversized woven sitting pillows with natural wool wrapped mirrors that hang from the walls. A sliding barn door to the bathroom is a focal point of the room.

Junior Suite SANTIAGO
Bright teal walls are paired with sister shades of blue and white; this junior suite includes a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows draped in cotton linens, and design elements that go with the rest of the suite’s trendy, colorful scheme. Feel the cool breeze on the volcano-front balcony and enjoy the views.

ROOMS
Fifteen spacious rooms are uniquely decorated with contemporary and indigenous Guatemalan artwork, that hangs on bright stucco walls. Wooden beams span overhead, with cool italian linens draping across the beds. Private terraces are furnished with wooden lounges, creating the perfect nook to absorb the views.

Deluxe SAN LUCAS
This room is ideal for 2 friends or family. Yellow walls decorated with fine furniture with two paintings by two famous Guatemalan artists, a chair, a desk and chair, closet, a safe and a mini bar. Wonderful terrace to watch the lake. With two sunbathing beds, a table, and two chairs it is perfect to enjoy a glass of champagne.

THE 6.8 PALOPÓ RESTAURANT
Casa Palopó 6.8 menu is known for its seasonal ingredients, sourced from around the area. With dishes ranging from Guatemalan traditional dishes to nouvelle world cuisine. Opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner the chef wow’s our guests with delightful and heart warming dishes.

Marcos Sáenz was born in Huehuetenango, Guatemala since his childhood he has been exploring and studying distinct spheres of culinary delight. With a background of classic cuisines Chef Marcos enchants our guests with culinary creations and delicious experiences inspired by Guatemala.

Through years Marcos has journeyed the culinary realms of Mexico, Guatemala, and Spain. After following his passion for fine cuisine, back to Europe once again, he worked at the renowned Mugaritz restaurant in San Sebastián, ranked with two Michelin Stars.

As an avid learner and an adventurous eater Chef Marcos’s passion includes elevating local organic produce and surprising guests’ palates. Creativity, passion, and experience are some of the qualities that best describe the talent of our new executive Chef.

GUATEMALAN TEA TIME
Your visit to Casa Palopo can’t miss our Guatemalan experience of only the best local spices, tastes, and ingredients incorporated into a delicious Tea time experience.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Casa Palopó location lends for weddings that are as memorable for guests as the are for couples tying the knot. Casa Palopós green grass helipad and deck, with magical views of the lake and volcanoes, is the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony, reception and / or rehersal dinner.

For couples who prefer an indoor celebration, the main hotel is transformed into an intimate, candlelit venue with designated areas for dining, and celebrating with family and friends.

ENGAGEMENTS
The perfect place to start your forever! An enchanting oasis that will wow your significant other. As a continuation of how love inspires us at Casa Palopo we are introducing new extraordinary engagement options. Allow us in assisting your plans for an unforgettable engagement surprise and a loving “Yes, I will”.

TOURS & SERVICES
Casa Palopó offers activities such as bird watching, hiking, kayaking, boat trips, tent experience, tortilla bar, shaman experience, and cultural visits to the surrounding villages and markets.

WATER ACTIVITIES
Enjoy the lake life by renting our kayaks or paddle boards. Relax in the lakes breeze and enjoy the sun.

BOAT RIDE
Discover the nearby towns and epic views with a boat ride. Book through our reception desk.

PINTANDO SANTA CATARINA PALOPÓ
Because the communities surrounding Lake Atitlán live mostly in poverty and traditional economic activities have been on the decline. These communities need alternative solutions to their problems: mainly lack of development opportunities.

Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó was born because we are convinced that art can bring people together, it can create a sense of belonging, and it can power economies at a local level. Simply stated, art can be an engine for sustainable progress.

We don’t want to just create beautiful towns; we want to create successful, productive ones. Details such as the facades of buildings and houses can greatly improve the reality of a community and its members.

We are transforming the town of Santa Catarina Palopó into a cultural destination by painting it’s 850 houses, thereby creating a stronger feeling of pride and belonging, a racting investment, and creating new job opportunities.

Website: www.casapalopo.com

Rooms: 15

Price: from 275 EUR per night

I have always been in love with Peten, ever since I came for the first time back in 1950 when I was only 23 years old, it was love at first sight.

By then, Peten was an extensive jungle of hundreds of square kilometers, from the beginning of Sarstun River in the southeast border with Belize, to the northeast border with Mexico. The forest was so thick, full of fine wood trees that the sun barely penetrated the grounds.

The trees were so big, full of exotic birds and a great variety of local animals, surrounded by great rivers, most of them navigable and in which you could observe all sorts of fish, crocodiles and snakes, a true paradise.

The roads, if you could call them that, were only paths where some animals went through and most of the trips were done through the rivers with canoes that measured up to 30 meters and that could easily carry 300 quintals of products, mainly corn.

You could barely spot a house every once in a while and you were greeted with great joy and offered food and beverages from the region. They had this alcoholic beverage that consisted of fermented fruits and it was called “chumpiate”, which you had to drink carefully because it easily made you very happy.

It was a virgin, unexploited jungle. There was another jungle where many trees had been cut and it was a lot smaller, there were also the savannas, wide prairies with low grass and jungle islands (suchés) that served as refugees for the deer, wild boars, tapirs, jaguars, pumas and many other smaller animals like agouty pacas, cotuzas, tayras and otters, among others.

You could spot and observe before sunrise an immense variety of birds that filled the jungle with their wonderful sounds. It was incredibly beautiful to watch the musters of endemic ocelated turkeys with their colorful feathers reflecting the sun rays.

During the chewing gum boom, it was very nice to talk to the chicleros who extracted the gum from the sapodilla trees. They told wonderful stories of the region and stories about small elves that appeared to them in the jungle. The sad part is that most of this is disappearing without anyone doing anything to stop it.

As years have gone by, roads where built, all types of vehicles and machinery came in and even the Fydep was created by the government to promote colonization, providing great advantages for the acquisition of lands and promoting the agricultural and livestock development without any proper legislation to defend and protect the local flora and fauna and causing the extinction of many species.

This is so sad especially when you can see that in other countries like Canada, USA, Kenya and most of the European countries they have such a strict legislation to protect all this.

In our country there is no proper legislation and if there is, no one respects it and we can see that in clear examples like the forest fires that have become more common each year and the deforestation of most of the virgin forest.

And I want to say it clear that I am not opposing to progress and development, I am in favor of that but I think this development should be organized, controlled and sustainable and everyone should be aware of their social responsibility.

Some years ago, with the curiosity that has always characterized me, I came upon this land and all the memories of what made me fall in love with Peten since the first time I saw it came immediately back to me.

I was captivated by the lush jungle, beautiful lagoons, savanna and ancient oak forests that were so unique and dazzling and I wanted to own it. Nevertheless, for legal reasons, it was impossible for me to buy it and four years had to go by until I had the opportunity to acquire it.

My intention, of course, was not to own it for agricultural or livestock use since its beauty was so overwhelming my main desire was to protect it and share it with all the nature lovers that would appreciate its incredible value and beauty, just like me.

That is how the idea of creating the hotel started. I have travelled all over the world and I wanted people from all over to be able to appreciate this marvelous place and at the same time receive first class service and all the comfort but maintaining and preserving the natural beauties and the feeling of being in the middle of the jungle.

Pretending, among other things, to protect the local flora and fauna, I created the nature reserve with different local species rescued by organizations like Arcas and Conap with the intention of contributing to their preservation and offering a safe place for them to live.

The idea was to create something like the parks in Africa where animals are in their natural habitat, with structures that become a part of the surroundings causing the least impact and with this show people from all over the world our beautiful and diverse Guatemala and especially Peten.

This is how Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel emerged, which I am certain will leave great memories and experiences in all those who visit us.

Waterfront Suite
Overlooking the peaceful Quexil Lagoon, the waterfront suites are best enjoyed with your loved ones. Cherish the romantic views of sunrise and sunset from your deck over the water.

Connected by high rise paths, these 12 suites were built to offer privacy and comfort in a one bedroom bungalow offering cascade shower bathroom, a deck with Jacuzzi, satellite TV, smartphone with Android system and internet, mini bar, air conditioning, and safe.

The deck overlooking the lagoon and the Monkey Island is perfect to enjoy the Jacuzzi while admiring the breathtaking sunrise or sunset in the middle of the tropical rainforest with the sounds of nature cherishing your visit.

Master Suite
Positioned at a privileged high elevation, the hotel offers 4 Master Suites designed to blend perfectly with the jungle. Located in a tranquil hideaway, these suites embrace a spacious bedroom, secluded deck with a Jacuzzi overlooking the jungle and lagoon.

The 80 square meter bungalow will make you feel like if you were on a bird´s nest. The suite includes satellite TV, iPod dock, cascade shower, 420 thread count Egyptian cotton linen, feather duvet, security box, mini-bar, smartphone with Android system and internet, as well as air conditioning for your comfort.

We offer room service so that you can enjoy any of our delicious dishes in the privacy of your deck, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings and the sounds of the wildlife.

NATIONAL AND LOCAL CUISINE
Las Lagunas offers you an international cuisine in which you can enjoy our unique dishes or cocktails. Our chef will spoil you with one of his specialties. Using the freshest ingredients from local suppliers, he combines his international expertise with the best local ingredients to delight your senses.

Our Shultun restaurant offers a spectacular view of the lagoon combining a sophisticated atmosphere with a selection of exquisite local flavors. The bar menu will complete your experience by offering you a selection of carefully chosen wines to match your dishes and a variety of spirits from the best brands.

POOL BAR
An ideal place for sun lovers, the pool bar offers delicious snacks and tropical drinks to complement your experience in the pool.

It is the perfect place to relax, chat and enjoy with family and friends after a day of adventure through the tropical jungle. You can enjoy delicious food and exotic cocktails while watching a game or just enjoying the wonderful views.

MASSAGES
A variety of full body techniques that combine aromatherapy and reflexology to revitalize the entire body and provide physical and emotional well-being, eliminating body tension, muscle aches and improving circulation.

FACIAL TREATMENTS
According to the need and your skin type we have different types of products and masks to detoxify, offer deep cleansing, relaxation and visible wellness to your skin. Let our specialist recommend the proper treatment for you.

YOGA
A relaxing and regenerative practice, focused on relieving pain after a long day at work. Perfect for travelers experiencing stress from lifting heavy suitcases, long bus or plane trips, and long walks.

This class is a gentle, mindful sequence that induces deep relaxation, focusing on the health of your core neck, back, shoulders, and hips. You will focus on your body and your breathing, aligning the physical and mental through stationary practice or gentle movements for extended periods of time.

By exponentially increasing the fluidity, elasticity and durability throughout your body, you are thereby promoting the stamina and vitality of an active day.

MONKEY ISLAND
The property has 5 lagoons and the largest is called Laguna Quexil. In this lagoon we have two islands and in one of them we raise and take care of monkeys. Every morning we prepare fresh fruits and vegetables to feed them.

We offer a unique boat tour to visit the Monkey Island. You will be able to watch them come down from the top of the trees to eat their food and you may even get a chance to feed them. They are really charming and friendly. We can tailor your tour with your choice of food and drinks.

BIRD WATCHING
Guatemala offers more than 700 unique species of birds in their natural habitat. Due to its diverse climate, with more than 300 microclimates and more than 30% of its lands are protected areas, bird watching can be enjoyed in any of the 7 regions of the country.

We explore 3 different sites in the Petén rainforest, where we will cover as many species for professional and amateur bird watchers. This tour can be tailored for specific bird watching to add to your private collection.

We can organize an excursion with one of the local bird specialists trained by the Audubon Society. You can start at any time you prefer, but the sooner the better.

The tour will take place throughout the entire property composed of three different ecosystems: tropical jungle, subtropical jungle and savanna, in which you can observe different types of birds.

You will need special equipment: preferably long pants, comfortable hiking shoes, binoculars and a camera if you want to take photos.

TIKAL
In the morning they move to the largest Mayan archaeological site of the classical period, it has 4000 structures, one of them the highest in the ancient Americas. It was declared by UNESCO as a cultural and natural heritage of humanity in 1979.

You will visit the Great Plaza, Temple I, II, III and IV, the “Lost World” astronomical observation complex and other minor buildings. 85% of the walk is under the shade of the jungle. At the desired time they will have lunch at “El Mesón” Restaurant inside the park.

Yaxha and Topoxté
It leaves in the morning at the time you want and heads to the third largest archaeological site in Guatemala (after Tikal and El Mirador), impressive for the large number of structures close to each other, many of them built more than 15 centuries ago.

You will visit the Temple of the Red Hands, various ceremonial roads, the ball court, the pyramid of sacrifices, and more. You will be transferred by boat to Topoxté, a seasonal island in Lake Yax-ha, used for 3 millennia as a royal cemetery.

Finally, 6 centuries ago a group of mysterious Mayans settled there who built miniature structures as if they were dwarves. There are many chances to see spider monkeys and howler monkeys. At the desired time you will have lunch at the “Portal de Yax-ha” Restaurant.

CEIBAL
It departs in the morning at the desired time to drive south from Petén to the “La Pasión” river, which was previously very important for trade between the ancient Mayan cities. You will take a boat to reach the archaeological site “Ceibal”, a Mayan city abandoned more than a millennium ago, now covered by a lush tropical jungle.

At this site, you can still see the best-preserved portraits of the Mayan world of rulers carved in stone, so well preserved that you can see the space between each tooth of the rulers. 90% of the walk is in the shade of the forest. You will bring a box lunch to eat when you return to the boat.

Peten itza
In the morning he will take you to the Concordia Park dock to take a boat to visit the Petencito Biological Park, which is a place where you can find many local animals that have been confiscated from the predators of poachers.

In the park you can see jaguars, crocodiles, deer, parrots, macaws, coatis, to name a few. Then we take you by boat to El Mirador del Rey Canek which is located at the top of an archaeological site called “Tayasal” and from there you can admire all of Lake Petén Itzá and its islands.

The Mirador del Rey Canek has the best view to photograph the island of Flores. After that, we will visit Actun Kan caves in Flores, where you will see stalactites and stalagmites. Then we take you to the island of Flores, which is the capital of the state of Petén, where you get a guided tour of the place.

The island is now a very colorful city with colonial and Caribbean architecture, but before the arrival of the Spanish it was the capital of the Mayan Itzá group and also the last Mayan capital conquered. 13:30 You can have lunch at the restaurant of your choice. 14:45 Free time to explore the island or do some shopping.

Uaxactun
It leaves in the morning and moves to the northern part of Petén, in the heart of the Mayan Biosphere to visit the ruins where the first war of conquest occurred in the Mayan region. In this archaeological site you will also visit the most representative astronomical observatory of the Classic Period.

During the walk you can admire an existing community of mestizos and indigenous people who learned to live with the forest using only renewable products. 70% of the walk is in the shade of the forest. At the desired time you will have lunch at the Restaurant “El Mesón” in Tikal.

Aguateca
We leave in the morning heading to the southeast of Petén, where you will take a boat to go down the mystical Petexbatun stream to the lake of the same name where there is a lot of wildlife including crocodiles and many fish.

At the end of the lake is the impressive Mayan site of Aguateca, which was built in the late classical period when there were many wars.

The city is located between a natural cliff and a geological fault, which gave the city a defensive position and a view of the area; They also built defensive walls that made the place a fortress.

During the walk you will see impressive stelae between the jungle paths and you can also hear the song of the birds and the howl of the monkeys. 90% of the walk is in the shade of the forest. You will bring a box lunch to eat at the desired time.

The Blue Crater
The wildlife refuge called El Pucté is located in Las Cruces, Petén. It houses a series of springs and streams of crystalline water, including a large stream called Pucté or Blue Crater.

Most of this natural water source is navy blue and turquoise and the water is so clear that you can see the underwater garden that hides below. The Blue Crater owes its name to the shape of a crater with shallow angles and a deep center, reaching up to 5 meters.

We offer a tour in which you will leave in the morning to drive for an hour and a half until you reach Sayaxche and from there you will take a boat and drive for two hours until you reach Blue Crater where you will enjoy its crystal clear waters, flora, fauna and enjoy a picnic style lunch in the middle of nature.

Spiritual Tour
Get closer to the mystery of the Mayan origin with the tour to the Tecolote Caves in San Benito, Petén. Get closer to the mystery of the Mayan origin with the tour to the Tecolote Caves in San Benito, Petén where you can experience the veneration and legacy of an ancient culture, guided by a Mayan priest.

Upon reaching the caves, a Mayan ceremony is performed to connect spiritually with the ancestors, the ceremony can be healing, to generate good vibes or union; it all depends on the request of the group.

If you want it can be based on the Mayan Calendar, this needs to be planned well in advance. Experience a spiritual recovery to nature.

Website: www.laslagunashotel.com

Rooms: 19

Price: from 308 EUR per night

The Laguna Lodge is on the lakeshore of the legendary Lake Atitlan and exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve. Entry into this Mayan world begins by boat. In a privileged setting our luxuriously natural boutique hotel commands sweeping views over azure waters to a trio of dramatic volcanoes.

Inspired by nature and created from volcanic stone, adobe and palm our spacious lakeside suites are individually appointed with comfortable hand hewn king beds, fine linens, intricate woven textiles and indigenous antiques.

In the evenings our award winning Zotz restaurant is bathed in golden hues from a large stone fireplace and antique candelabras, a romantic ambience for a fine dining experience.

After the days tours and adventures enjoy a dip in the hot river rock spa pool and be pampered with a relaxing body treatment offered at our Hummingbird spa. Relax at the lava bar or lakeside pavilion and watch the surreal sunset turn into a star studded night.

The Mayan highlands are rich in culture and the lodge’s indigenous staff look forward to offering you a unique and memorable experience! – Utz Ipetik! Welcome!

The Jaguar Suite

The Jaguar suite with adobe walls and wood floor is individually decorated with a four poster king bed, large wrought iron chandelier and a high exposed pole ceiling.

Adorned with fine linens, intricate woven textiles, artifacts and artwork this suite has spectacular views from the bedroom, en-suite and balcony. Among the furnishings is a lounge chair with ottoman, marble topped night tables, carved bedside lamps and indigenous antiques.

The terracotta en-suite features green marble in the double shower and vanity with hand painted twin artisan basins. Botanical toiletries, oversized towels and bath robes are provided.

Sliding glass doors maximize views and join the room to a large private balcony with slate floor and a palm roof, lounging furniture, stone writing desk and a coffee tree. The mini bar offers organic wines, chocolates and nuts. Enjoy complimentary drinking water, fresh floral arrangements and our nightly turndown service.

The Tecun Uman Suite

The Tecun Uman suite with adobe walls and wood floor is individually decorated with a hand hewn wooden king bed, wrought iron wall sconces and an exposed pole ceiling. Adorned with fine linens, intricate woven textiles, artifacts and artwork this suite has spectacular views from the bedroom, en-suite and balcony.

Among the furnishings is a lounge chair with ottoman, marble topped night tables, carved bedside lamps and indigenous antiques. The terracotta en-suite features green marble in the double shower and vanity with hand painted twin artisan basins.

Botanical toiletries, oversized towels and bath robes are provided. Sliding glass doors maximize views and join the room to a large private balcony with slate floor and exposed pole ceiling, lounging furniture, stone writing desk and a coffee tree.

The mini bar offers organic wines, chocolates and nuts. Enjoy complimentary drinking water, fresh floral arrangements and our nightly turndown service.

The Kucumatz Villa

The Kucumatz Villa is 1500 sq/ft and has an adobe finish with wooden floors and exposed beam ceilings. Individually decorated its decor includes indigenous antiques, wrought iron and crystal chandeliers, weaving and artwork.

The first level has a king bed and the second level has a king bed and double bed. It has spectacular views of the lake to the volcanoes from both levels.

Two en-suites feature Guatemalan marble and hand painted artisan basins. Botanical toiletries and organic cotton bath robes are provided. The mini bar offers wines, chocolates and nuts. Enjoy complimentary drinking water, fresh floral arrangements and our nightly turndown service.

Dining at Zotz

Zotz is a full service international lakefront restaurant which serves fine Eco-Cuisine with distinctive flavor and quality from natural foods. Our award winning culinary team constructs rich, delicious and flavorful meat-free cuisine with exotic pizzazz.

Fresh organic vegetables, greens, herbs and eggs are harvested daily from our gardens or are procured from local farmers. Succulent fruits come from the nearby Pacific Coast. Each season nature offers a new palette to create dishes. Native herbs and flowers are foraged from the mountains of our reserve.

Candle-light dining with sweeping lake and volcano views create a surreal ambience. Cooler evenings are warmed by a large river stone and jasper fire place.
The stage is set – the lake amphitheater is in surround 3D – the sun descends to the underworld – a celebration of the night begins at the Lava Bar!

A fine selection of imported wine, beer and spirits from Guatemala and around the world are served with a smile! Try the house special, the Molten Lava cocktail made with Guatemalan rum, organic carrot and apple juice while relaxing in the lakeside sunset pavilion.

Local fishermen in hand made wooden canoes can be seen on most days. We also offer alfresco dining in one of the outdoor pavilions or private dining on your balcony.

Particular attention is given to dietary requests. We roast our own famous organic shade grown highland coffee, picked from the lodge’s gardens. Selections of breads are baked in house daily.

Restaurant review from Explore Magazine: The resort’s Zotz restaurant offers haute organic cuisine and the lava bar serves exquisite cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. First class facilities and top of the line services come together at Laguna Lodge

The Spa

• Massages – In the Hummingbird spa using pure essential organic and natural oils. Blissful treatments include Swiss, Thai, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Reflexology
• Manicure and pedicure – Using effective and luxurious botanical products with natural, organic and wild crafted ingredients
• Fitness – Work out in our mini gym. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Walk and jog on the hotel’s mountain trails
• Adventure – Hike a volcano, scuba dive, paraglide and jump off a cliff into beautiful Lake Atitlan
• Yoga & Pilates – With our private instructor, to nurture body, mind and spirit in our palm thatched pavilion overlooking the lake
• Meditation – Peaceful and nurturing contemplation with our private instructor

Native health and adventure spa treatments are carefully selected to maximize your wellbeing, lulled by the sound of the lake’s waves you will enter a universe of peace and harmony. Situated in the tropics at 1,565m (5135ft) above sea level the highland climate is temperate and healthful. The land of eternal spring!

Laguna Nature Reserve

Where the limit is nature’s imagination. This beautiful and mountainous land begins at the lake front of Laguna Lodge and sprawls behind the lodge to escarpments and high altitude tropical dry forest.

Laguna Lodge is the gateway to 100 acres of safe walking on this bio diverse land. Situated in Tzantizotz which in local Kaqchikel is Point of Bats, it begins at the lakes edge at 1,565m (5135ft).

The top of the reserve is at 1,963m (6,440ft) with some of the last remaining primary forest on the lake. On some days the top is bathed in clouds. Well maintained paths for every fitness level traverse old Mayan trails. Palm thatched resting pavilions offer panoramic views of the entire lake.

The trails encompass large cliffs and ancient Mayan ceremonial rocks. To protect the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem native flora is replanted. Organic coffee is grown on the lower slopes of the reserve.

Bird watchers will see a plethora of birds many of them being endemic. For sports lovers there are rock cliffs for rappelling and cliff jumping. Swimming is safe and deep and the lake can be explored with kayaks, canoes, fins and masks.

An interpretation room may be visited before setting of on the trails. Private Nature Reserves of Guatemala have been documenting the flora and fauna on Laguna Reserve. The reserve is also home to the Belted Flycatcher which is Near Threatened.

Laguna Lodge’s Logo is the plumed serpent, called Quetzalcoatl in ancient Nahuatl and Q’ukumatz in Quiche. This represents the resplendent Quetzal which from a distance looks like a bright green snake flying through the air.

The feathers of the Quetzal were worn by the ruling elite as a sign of there association with the god Quetzalcoatl. In Mayan mythology Quetzalcoatl is the god of nature, life, light, maker, heart of the lake and sea.

The Quetzal was named a symbol of conservation by pioneer Guatemalan conservationist Professor Mario Dary Rivera. In 1979 he created the first quetzal reserve in the virgin cloud forest of Baja Verapaz. He was assassinated while protecting what was left of the nation’s natural habitat.

Activities & Tours

Discover the most beautiful lake in the world with our customized tours and activities.

Adventure

• Boating around the lake and visiting the villages
• Kayaking/Canoeing along the shores
• Paragliding from a mountain top
• Mountain biking from Tecpan to Panajachel
• Horseback riding through coffee and maize fields
• Hiking San Pedro volcano 3hrs up – 2hrs down
• Zip-lining from Panajachel or Santa Lucia
• High altitude Scuba diving in Santa Cruz
• Golf at La Reunion near Antigua.

Nature

• Birders will enjoy the abundant bird life and biodiversity of Lake Atitlan
• Visit Laguna Lodge nature reserve to see the Belted Flycatcher
• Tarrales nature reserve day trip for spectacular birding to see the Horned Guan
• Atitlan nature reserve with many hanging bridges and streams
• Hikes through the volcanic Sierra Madre mountains
• Guided walks around the lake shore
• Coffee plantations may be visited to see picking of the coffee fruit to processing and coffee sampling.

History & culture

• Santa Cruz Village – you can visit the oldest church on the lake, and see our local village just 20 minutes walk from the lodge
• Santiago Atitlan – This is the largest indigenous town, with its 500 year old church, and their unusual patron saint Maximón
• Archaeological museum Lustre in Panajachel displays ceramic pots and burial urns found below the lakes surface
• Ancient ruins of Iximche in Tecpan
• Colonial churches from the 17th Century may be visited in many of the villages
• Each of the 12 villages around the lake has its own unique dress, traditions and festivals
• Mayan rituals are performed by shamans
• La Antigua Guatemala – Day trip to the UNESCO protected colonial city and once a capital of Guatemala
• Learn Spanish and Kaqchikel.

Arts, crafts & collectibles

• Panajachel has a large range of highland handicrafts including jade jewellery
• Santiago has a wide range of weavings, paintings, beadwork and carvings
• Santa Catarina Palopó – Famous weaving on back strap looms and unique painting style
• San Juan La Laguna – Has a co-op making local handcraft and textiles using traditional techniques and natural vegetable dyes
• La Galeria, original artwork by well know local artists in Panajachel
• Chichicastenango – Well known for its colorful handicrafts at its Thursday and Sunday markets
• Solola market is a working traditional market. Tuesdays and Fridays
• Central markets in all villages have various crafts

Voluntourism

• Volunteers are welcomed in educational and medical projects

Conservation

To aid in the achieving of the United Nations Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals by protecting and conserving assets of nature and culture through sustainable tourism.

To provide a luxury, low volume authentic eco lodge which stewards cultural and biological diversity preservation by integrating sustainable, environmental and socially responsible development and management.

To promote tourism to our destination and maximize benefits to our Mayan community. To mitigate our effect on global warming and move further to becoming carbon neutral.

To convey a better understanding of climate change and individual carbon/water footprints. To inspire sustainable, healthy and peaceful lifestyles.

Website: www.thelagunalodge.com

Rooms: 8

Price: from 251 EUR per night

Located in the heart of the historic yet vibrant city of La Antigua, inscribed by Unesco as Cultural World Heritage since 1979, El Convento Boutique Hotel is a door to a majestic experience, inside and out, with its contemporary colonial architecture and premises and world class services, surrounded by the spectacle of a diverse community that throbs with activity in 300 year old churches, plazas and markets.

GUATEMALA´S COLONIAL PAST
Conveniently located at the center of Antigua, El Convento Boutique Hotel is the place for travellers seeking sophistication with a perfect dose of comfort and a historical atmosphere.

With 26 suites, each of them unique in design and décor, restaurant and lounge, a modern living room with chimney for guests, a pool and all the splendour of a centenary tree of Tempixque, our best asset remains our commitment to treating guests exceptionally.

We provide the authentic luxury travel experience through high standard quality services, so you can experience all the mystic and magic of a 400-year old city with all the comfort of today’s world.

DISCOVER ANTIGUA
As well as a hot spot destination in Guatemala, Antigua is the perfect place to relax. You can either have a full day of adventures like hiking volcanoes, exploring coffee plantations, sightseeing colonial buildings and museums, or simply unwind at our pool with a cocktail. Plus, Antigua has an interesting food and drink scene.

THE MAGIC OF STAYING AT EL CONVENTO BOUTIQUE HOTEL STARTS WITH THE SUITE OF YOUR CHOICE
Each of our 26 suites, all of them preceded by a hand carved door with the image of a famous place or person from La Antigua’s rich history, has a delicate and modern style of its own, and different amenities that can include a private colonial patio with fountain, chimney, a living and dining area or a Jacuzzi, amongst others. *Room images are with illustrative use. Rooms configuration are subject to availability at check in moment.

CREATIVE, COSMOPOLITAN CUISINE
We have created a delicate selection of exquisite gastronomic dishes for the global traveller who enjoys new experiences with a world-class quality.

Our food is best accompanied by a very well curated list of wines produced in the most innovating and pioneering European and American wineries. Plus, the restaurant serves a world- renowned Guatemalan coffee.

A FEAST OF FLAVOURS
With a unique and intelligent menu that combines international gastronomy with local recipes and ingredients, the restaurant and lounge at El Convento Boutique Hotel gives our guests and visitors a feast of flavours, colours and textures, all within a sophisticated yet subtle setting and an impeccable service.

Website: www.elconventoantigua.com

Rooms: 26

Price: from 102 EUR per night