Guatemala is gorgeous. When you visit you’ll encounter dramatic landscapes, rich and mysterious history and truly hospitable people. There’s so much diversity (climate, geography and culture) that you’ll be hard-pressed to get an accurate picture of the country’s dynamic beauty over the course of several weeks. That may be one of the reasons you encounter so many travelers-turned-temporary-residents throughout Guatemala. There’s just so much to see.
Most people don’t have a lifetime to check it out, that’s why it’s great to have a few shortlists of “don’t miss” places. So here’s one of mine:
1. Maya Moon Lodge in Tzununá at Lake Atitlán
Aldous Huxley, the English writer and philosopher, famously called Atitlán the most beautiful lake in the world. The view here is incredible. Every room at the lodge (including the dorms) features a balcony with a wide-open, won’t believe it ’til you see it view of the lake and surrounding volcanoes (yes, plural). The property that the lodge is built on terminates at the water’s edge, with a large patio that extends out onto a stone embankment jutting up from the lake. A restaurant serves three meals daily and drinks until late into the evening.
Did I mention the view? You can’t beat it. Fuego, an active volcano on the border of the Sacatepéquez department, sits on the horizon across the lake belching out smoke in the mornings and (very rarely) spewing visible red-hot lava during the night.
Getting to Maya Moon is a snap. They have their own dock (swimming, sunbathing and kayaking are the mainstays in terms of activities) so colectivo water-taxis departing from Panajachel or San Pedro can take you directly there – just ask for Maya Moon. The stop is between San Marcos and Tzununá. You can also reach the lodge via tuk-tuk from San Marcos.
Price: Starting at Q90 (~$12 USD) per night
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+502) 5533-2433
Website: mayamoonlodgeatitlan.com
2. Earth Lodge in Antigua
Earth Lodge is a beautifully managed eco-lodge in El Hato, a small community a few minutes’ drive from Antigua. They offer affordable dorms, private rooms (including a treehouse!), a traditional style sauna and a sweeping view that could steal your day away.
From the reception area, dining room and bar near the highest point of the property, you’ll be looking out at a range of volcanoes (Yes, volcanoes again! Guatemala has quite a few) with wide tracts of sparkling, deep green avocado orchards below. Fuego’s eruptions are more up close and personal here than they are from Lake Atitlán, although still a distant feature of the horizon.
Earth Lodge’s community dinners are famously delicious, and their bar is certainly sufficient. While you may feel a little isolated at the hostel’s away from the world locale, you certainly won’t want for food, drinks or a beautiful view.
Shuttles leave from “El Hostal” in Antigua to Earth Lodge daily. There are a couple other Antigua pickup locations as well.
Price: Starting at Q55 (~$7.35 USD) for a dorm bed
Email: ear[email protected]
Phone: (+502) 5664-0713
Website: www.earthlodgeguatemala.com
For other great places to stay in Antigua, see also: Best Places to Stay in Antigua for Every Budget
3. Hacienda Mil Amores in Acul, El Quiché
Welcome to the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Cool, brisk weather, misty, dramatic mountain ranges and lush cattle pasture are the norm. Hacienda Mil Amores is pretty far off the gringo trail. You won’t find any memorable t-shirts, trendy bars or businesses catering to tourists.
What you will find are classy, standalone cabins with fireplaces, wonderful hot full pressure showers and comfortable beds all housed on a quaint, European-esque dairy farm. Hiking trails crisscross the surrounding mountains where locals tend to small fields, collect firewood and raise livestock. You’ll likely wake to cowbells in the morning, and might forget you’re in Guatemala while walking around the lush green fields divided by fresh, cold streams and brusque rock formations.
If you’re looking for a quiet or romantic getaway and you have the time to get there, Hacienda Mil Amores is the right choice. Cheese plates with wine, delicious typical food, beautiful hiking and a super quiet, relaxing atmosphere will make your stay memorable. Keep in mind you’ll be in the middle of nowhere.
To get there, you can take a camioneta (chicken bus) to Nebaj in the El Quiché department, then a micro-bus to Acul. Hacienda Mil Amores is on the road from Nebaj to Acul, just about three minutes from Acul’s town center.
Prices: Cabins cost Q150 ($20) per person
Phone: (+502) 3072-9878
Email: [email protected]
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Guatemala is really such a beautiful place to be, the images are divine. Hope to see more of this in near future. :)
Thanks Steven. We’ll keep them coming :D
The second place looks like heaven! I can imagine just sitting there, breathing the fresh air, watching the beautiful nature…doesnt sound like completely wasting my time..just enjoying the moment!
Thanks for sharing these tips!
Haha totally agree. Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted.
I think you should check out Hobbitenango in the outsides of Antigua. It’s beautiful, organic and it’s the surrounding community engine for work, develop, food, and charity.
Best sunset view by far, Hobbit themed, full of colors, and very good prices!
Thanks for your suggestion Leonel. Hobbitenango sure does sound lovely.
Oh, that view from Earth Lodge! Just put me in one of those chairs and I’ll happily sit there for weeks…lol. I love posts that narrow down choices for me. Very helpful and I’ll definitely keep this in mind if I get to Guatemala.
We totally agree. Eric gave us some good recommendations here and and we can’t wait to make it there ourselves.
Wow, those places look so beautiful! Would love to see them in person one day
Definitely check them out if you ever make it to Guatemala.
In about the center of the shoreline that you see in the photo from Maya Moon Lodge is Lake Villa Guatemala Eco-Vegan B&B. It’s not a low-budget option, but it is unique!
Thanks for the suggestion Traci !!
Thank you so much for sharing!!! We are planning a trip to Guatemala and we will definitely visit those amazing places!!! Talk about perfect timing!!!