Guatemala in my opinion is a hidden gem, a country full of culture, traditions, and lush nature that’s not as popular as some of its neighbors like Mexico, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
Guatemala is home to what’s considered the most beautiful lake in the world – Atitlan – to charming colonial towns, and picturesque lakeside villages that make the perfect setting for a tranquil, relaxing vacation – and which should be in any Guatemala itinerary!
Aware that the health of its ecosystems is not only key to thriving tourism but also to the survival of the country, Guatemala has seen a rise in the number of sustainable practices carried out by its businesses.
These include the establishment of eco resorts and lodges, which offer a top-notch experience while contributing positively to the environment.
In the three weeks I was able to spend in this beautiful country, I was lucky enough to visit a few of these myself, but I definitely want to go back and stay at others on my next visit.
Check out the most fantastic eco resorts & eco lodges in Guatemala and start planning your trip.
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve – Santa Cruz La Laguna
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve is a stunning accommodation situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Following its motto Nature is the New Luxury, the lodge complies with its commitment both to guests and the surroundings.
The luxurious suites are elegantly furnished and fully equipped, and there’s a lakefront restaurant that specializes in eco-cuisine, providing a fine dining experience with healthy, balanced dishes.
The full-service spa offers a great number of treatments, and guests can take advantage of the activities and experiences available, which go from candle-lit dining to watersports and hiking through the reserve.
This eco lodge is home to a nature reserve and carries out numerous sustainable practices to ensure its positive impact on the environment.
These include the use of renewable energy, the eradication of paper napkins by introducing more eco-friendly alternatives, and waste management through recycling and composting.
Water consumption is monitored, all spa products and bath toiletries are organic, and cleaning products are chemical-free.
❤️ We like it because it also looks after the community, hiring locals and offering them extensive training to improve their skills and provide better opportunities. It also imparts educational information on the area’s ecosystem, flora, and fauna.
Good Hotel Antigua – Antigua
Good Hotel Antigua is an elegant eco hotel in Guatemala, located in the charming city of Antigua. The bedrooms are minimalistic and feature a sliding glass door that opens to a private patio, along with an en-suite bathroom and a seating area.
The hotel has a stylish restaurant on site that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prioritizing local flavors and ingredients.
We chose to stay at this hotel after staying at the Good Hotel in London, because we knew Good Hotel Antigua has a strong commitment to social responsibility. Every night’s stay pays for a whole week of school for a disadvantaged child.
100% of the business’ profits are invested in the community, offering career opportunities to the unemployed, contributing to a children’s foundation, and supporting the local economy.
Good Hotel is also partnered with Niños de Guatemala, a foundation that provides education for disadvantaged children. They offer interesting tours around Antigua, giving guests a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community.
❤️ We like it because it has a minimalistic décor and focuses on the experience it offers rather than the fuss. It also runs a training program that prepares students to work in hospitality and offers paid opportunities at the hotel or partner hotels.
Hobbitenango – Antigua
Hobbitenango is a spectacular theme park and lodge, inspired by the Hobbits’ hometown The Shire. On the rolling hills of the property, you’ll find several Hobbit-style houses with round, colorful doors scattered throughout – and you can actually spend the night there like I did!
The houses feature one or two double beds, furniture created from logs, and a fireplace. It boasts gorgeous views of the valley and the volcanos, and offers room service…so you can have breakfast in bed! There’s a restaurant on-site, and plenty of activities ranging from mini-golf to archery and axe-throwing.
Originally meant as an eco-village, Hobbitenango was built using local materials and collects rainwater for the (hot) showers and toilets. Its restaurant follows a farm-to-table policy, and the property has beautiful hiking trails that promote spending time outdoors and admiring the site’s natural beauty.
❤️ We like it because it offers such a unique stay! You’ll be sleeping in a Hobbit-style house while being completely surrounded by clouds (you’ll be 8,000 feet asl after all!) and the stunning volcanos in the distance.
Lush Atitlan – San Marcos La Laguna
Lush Atitlan is a stunning eco lodge in Guatemala, situated by the shores of Lake Atitlan. Its spacious suites are surrounded by windows facing the lake and the volcanoes in the distance, and the rooms are very cozy and evoke their natural surroundings with earthly details and decorations.
The resort has a restaurant that serves organic, locally sourced, and plant-based cuisine, offering three meals a day and, on Sundays, a scrumptious brunch. It also offers yoga classes and massages.
Lush Atitlan has been awarded by TripAdvisor the Green Leader Award for its sustainability efforts that include the use of biodegradable cleaning products, avoiding pesticides at all costs, recycling waste and grey water, and using recycled glass and paper for light fixtures.
❤️ We like it because it features a beautiful, romantic honeymoon suite with amazing amenities, and all rooms include daily breakfast.
Porta Hotel Antigua – Antigua
Porta Hotel Antigua is a charming, very elegant accommodation in the colonial town of Antigua. It features beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens, rustic décor, and enchanting rooms with wooden ceilings and modern facilities.
There are four types of room available, all of which feature an en-suite bathroom, a TV, a safety box, and AC. The Deluxe Executive is very spacious and fully accessible, also boasting a seating area. The Junior suite is equipped with a fireplace and two Queen beds, and the two garden rooms come with a working desk, perfect for workations.
The hotel features two spectacular swimming pools, a spa with a sauna and a very comprehensive treatment menu, and a restaurant that specializes in traditional Guatemalan cuisine. There’s also a poolside bar and a stylish one serving both international drinks and signature cocktails.
Porta Hotel Antigua is one of the top hotels when it comes to eco tourism in Guatemala. Its sustainability measures include the recycling of waste, the complete elimination of single-use plastics, and the introduction of low-flow toilets and showers.
The restaurant sources all of its ingredients locally and strives not only to reduce its carbon footprint but also to preserve the natural resources.
❤️ We like it because it’s pet-friendly, and features rooms that are fully accessible, ensuring anyone can be a guest of the property, including wheelchair users.
Finca Ixobel – Petén
Finca Ixobel is an eco resort in Guatemala surrounded by lush nature and featuring lovely wooden cabins that merge with the environment. This accommodation caters to all types of travelers, offering rooms with both private and shared bathrooms, treehouses, and a camping ground.
The treehouses accommodate up to 5 people, while the bungalows and rooms can fit 4 and 7 guests respectively. There are also cabins for two people, ideal for romantic escapades. The campground, which is located close to the shared toilets and showers, can be booked with electricity and hosts both tents and cars.
There’s a restaurant that serves freshly baked bread and pastries, buffet dinners, delicious local cuisine, and a great number of activities to enjoy. These include horseback riding, exploring caves, hiking, and bird watching.
Solar energy is used to heat some of the showers, and the kitchen uses a wood-burning stove for hot water and cooking, only sourcing dead wood from the forest to power it. A fresh spring supplies water through an eco-friendly pump system, all waste food is composted, and there’s a solar dryer for clothes to avoid excessive use of electricity.
❤️ We like it because it boasts a magnificent swimming pond that’s completely natural, and it runs a reforestation program.
Casa Palopo – Santa Catarina Palopo
Hotel Casa Palopo is a beautiful accommodation located on the shores of Lake Atitlan. It features rooms, villas, and suites with rustic decor, first-class facilities, and a private terrace overlooking the lake.
The villa, which can be rented in its entirety or per room, features a large seating room with a fireplace, a full kitchen, and en-suite bathrooms with tubs. Suites and rooms are equipped with a working desk, a minibar, a safe, and a closet, besides a private bathroom.
The hotel features a terrace and a cozy common area where guests can relax and interact with each other, a restaurant and a bar, a fitness center, a spa, and two solar-heated pools, one of which boasts a hot tub.
Casa Palopo has a strong commitment to social responsibility and aims to contribute to the community by offering art and painting experiences that ensure development, growth, and education.
Its project, Pintando el Cambio (Painting the Change), promotes art for social change and paints houses and buildings to preserve the local cultural identity and promote the engagement of the community.
❤️ We like it because besides its fabulous facilities, it also offers fun activities such as Guatemalan tea time, shaman blessings, a tent experience, tortilla-making classes, and boat tours.
Earth Lodge Guatemala – Antigua
Earth Lodge is a striking property located on the outskirts of Antigua, one of Guatemala’s most charming cities. This eco-friendly lodge has its own avocado farm, and it’s surrounded by lush vegetation and volcanoes.
The accommodation options range from treehouses to cabins, tents, and family rooms. Except for the tents, they all boast a seating area, a private bathroom, and a spacious double room. Some even come with a terrace with hammocks and glorious views, and the stay includes daily breakfast.
The property features a treetop yoga studio, runs workshops, and has live music sessions on Sundays. It’s also home to a restaurant and bar that use locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and accommodate most dietary requirements.
Earth Lodge has eliminated single-use plastics and has recycling bins that encourage guests to contribute to its waste management. Energy efficiency is achieved by introducing LED bulbs throughout the property, and low-flow toilets and showers help reduce water waste.
❤️ We like it because it’s dog friendly, and it involves guests in its environmentally-friendly practices, giving them the chance to opt out of daily cleaning and reuse towels.
La Casa del Mundo – Sololá
La Casa del Mundo is, according to its slogan, Guatemala’s most magical hotel. And it’s not wrong, seeing as it proudly sits perched on a cliff and boasts glorious views of Lake Atitlan.
This Guatemala eco lodge is only accessible by boat or on foot, and features beautiful gardens and terraces overlooking the landscape, infinity pools, a restaurant, and 19 gorgeous rooms.
The suites are very spacious and equipped with a wardrobe, a working desk, and a double bed or twins, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries. They all have a private terrace with views of the lake and outdoor furniture.
The hotel aims to be self-sustainable, and some of the practices getting it closer to that goal is the implementation of a solar–heater system, the recycling of waste, the collection of wastewater, and the preservation of its natural surroundings.
❤️ We like it because of its unique location, perched above Lake Atitlan and boasting unparalleled views of the lake and its surrounding volcanoes. It also showcases the beauty and heritage of the area through its cuisine and décor.
Hotelito Perdido – Livingston
Hotelito Perdido is a hidden gem oozing rustic charm and offering an unforgettable vacation amidst the lushness of Livingston, Guatemala.
The rooms, adorned with natural elements and handcrafted details, provide a cozy retreat featuring a seating area, a single or double bed with mosquito net, and a deck overlooking the gardens. The bathroom is private or shared depending on the cabin chosen.
The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including a restaurant that takes pride in serving organic, locally sourced, and plant-based cuisine, and a wellness center offering yoga classes and massages. A range of activities, from hiking to fishing and learning how to cook, can be booked as well.
Hotelito Perdido is committed to sustainability and has been recognized with the prestigious TripAdvisor Green Leader Award. The resort implements eco-conscious practices such as using biodegradable cleaning products, avoiding pesticides, recycling waste and greywater, and incorporating recycled glass and paper into its design.
❤️ We like it because it offers direct access to the beach while being completely immersed in lush greenery, and allows you to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Guatemala while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.
MayAchik Eco Hotel – San Juan La Laguna
MayAchik Eco Hotel is tucked away in San Juan La Laguna, one of the most charming Lake Atitlan villages. This eco-conscious hotel offers a wonderful retreat for nature enthusiasts, surrounded by hiking trails and on the shores of the lake.
The rooms are designed with a blend of traditional and modern elements, and feature ample spaces with comfortable beds and dining furniture, and an ensuite bathroom. There’s also a dormitory, ideal for those traveling solo or on a budget.
There’s a terrace overlooking the mountains, a restaurant that serves organic, plant-based meals using locally sourced ingredients, a meditation garden, yoga classes, and a great spa with a fitness center and a sauna. Guests can also find a gift shop on-site to get memoirs, and book outdoorsy activities.
MayAchik Eco Hotel is dedicated to environmental preservation and has implemented various sustainable practices. It prioritizes water conservation, uses eco-friendly cleaning products, promotes waste reduction and recycling, and supports local communities.
❤️ We like it because it supports the preservation of indigenous traditions and empowers local communities, to which you’ll be contributing with your stay.
La Fortuna – Santa Cruz La Laguna
Located in the picturesque Santa Cruz La Laguna, La Fortuna offers well-appointed bungalows with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. They’re decorated with handcrafted, local details and feature plush bedding, a comfortable living room, and an outdoor bathroom with a tub or rain shower.
The Deluxe Suite also has a private patio with a plunge pool overlooking the sea.
The hotel boasts a restaurant that serves delectable organic and locally sourced cuisine, a full-service spa with rejuvenating treatments and yoga classes, a hot tub, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and a floating dock.
La Fortuna takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and has been recognized with the Green Leader Award by TripAdvisor. The hotel employs various eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable cleaning products, avoiding harmful pesticides, and recycling both waste and grey water. This eco-hotel also uses recycled glass and paper for light fixtures.
❤️ We like it because it provides nourishing meals and wellness treatments in a breathtaking natural setting, looking after the health and relaxation of its guests while prioritizing the well-being of the environment.
Utopia Eco Hotel – Lanquin
Utopia Eco Hotel is a striking jungle accommodation that offers a paradisiac escape from the noise and technology of modern life.
The hotel has four types of rooms – nooks, cabins, and coffee & cacao cabanas – with comfortable double beds, river or jungle views, and depending on the room chosen a porch with a hammock, a private bathroom, and a loft.
A restaurant and a bar, a private beachfront area, a fitness center, and a spa are among the facilities offered at Utopia Eco Hotel.
The lodge, deeply committed to the well-being of the environment and its community, carries out numerous projects to ensure their thriving. It supports impactful initiatives, has partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and promotes education and economic empowerment in the community.
❤️ We like it because it’s pet friendly, and besides promoting social responsibility it has implemented eco-friendly practices, such as farming sustainably, into its daily operations.
Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan – San Juan La Laguna
Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan is located on the shores of famous Lake Atitlan, and features rooms designed to harmoniously coexist with the natural surroundings and offer a relaxing, safe space for guests to unwind.
Each room, spacious and colorful, is named after a bird of the region. They all feature comfortable double beds, a desk, a wardrobe, a bathroom with toiletries, and some of them a private balcony.
The resort’s amenities include a spa with a comprehensive massage menu, a Maya sauna and a jacuzzi, a private spring, a restaurant, and complimentary use of kayaks. Guests can also join tours to explore the area, go bird watching, or enjoy the nearby hiking trails.
At Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan, sustainability lies at the core of its values. The hotel employs environmentally friendly practices, including the use of renewable energy, water conservation measures, and waste management. The on-site restaurant offers delicious farm-to-table dining using organic, locally sourced ingredients.
The hotel also takes pride in its social responsibility, engaging with the local community and supporting educational programs, as well as promoting cultural preservation.
❤️ We like it because it aims to provide a memorable experience to its guests, have a positive impact on the environment, and contribute to the local communities, and it excels at all three. It’s also pet friendly!
