Scott2022年6月

Great stay with a kind host!

Leslie2022年4月

GREAT LAUNCHING OFF POINT FOR LAKE CHICABAL HIKE Had a great stay here with seven family members. Used this amazing new guest lodge as a starting off place to get an early start climbing to Lake Chicabal after reading on Trip Advisor that it is the top attraction in the region. Because this inn is so close, we learned we could hike directly from there in two hours but decided instead to take "El Torito," a local service that took us up to the ecological preserve that is at the base of the lake (the receptionist Alberto told us about this service, then booked it for us!) It turned out that the Eco Guest House also has tour guides, including Alberto, who we booked to accompany us. Both the ride on El Torito and the guided tour by Alberto were completely worth it. We got a great climb in -- about 600 steps down into the crater lake then back up and a gentle walk back to the park entrance -- and at the same time saved a fairly tedious (and muddy) walk to and from the eco-reserve. The crater lake was truly amazing. The famous "clouds that drink water" we'd heard about (and thought were just a myth) were at work and it was something to behold. Such an interesting mix around the lake of Mayan and Christian icons, and such a peaceful beautiful place! The food at the lodge was amazing, and we ended up not only eating breakfast but lunch and dinner too. This accommodation was the best we had across Guatemala, and food rivaled the nicest places we stayed, breakfast buffet was hands-down the best. We also learned we could take weaving lessons from a local, master weaver, and our granddaughter did and loved the lesson (got to keep the loom!) I would highly recommend this inn, very unique and a non-profit that benefits locals with health care and education programs. Top notch!

Cheryl2022年4月

Exceeded my expectations in everyday! When traveling to this area I normally stay in Quetzaltenango. I far preferred my experience here. Not only is the Ecolodge beautifully appointed, comfortable and ecologically sustainable, it supports the community it serves. All services from food to tours to room care employ the local Mayan community and the profits support the foundation on premises Local Hope XelaAID. Local Hope empowers the families within the community to build self reliance through education, providing health care, emergency food relief, job creation and more. I enjoyed three meals a day and the quality and variety were top notch. The menu was a cultural experience with food I could trust. I took advantage of all the experiences they offered: - cooking class and a trip to the local market. -a morning in the preschool classroom observing the effectiveness of the Montessori Method and my heart melted in the special needs classroom seeing the impact of the education and mobility for these children who are mostly ignored in standard Guatemalan education - a hike to the sacred Lake Chicibol learning the Mayan creation story and seeing the flower altars built to honor loved ones and the pain and suffering of life transformed into peace - a lesson in the ancient art of back strap weaving with a local Mayan master weaver where I got to take home my weaving on it’s wooden slats - and finally I visited the Tienda of the Tesoro’s de Corazon where I purchased fair trade weavings, purses, and woven treasures for my loved ones. What a trip and I left feeling like I gave back. I can’t wait to return. Local Hope offers volunteer trips for a more immersive experience with like minds.