Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Managed mainly by alternative-minded gringos (volunteers often needed), it features a
range of rooms, from primitive (electricity-free dorm in an A-frame cabin) to luxurious
(an adobe structure with stylish furnishings and private balconies). Meals are served
family-style; a three-course dinner is Q60.
Hotel Isla Verde $$
BUNGALOW
( 5760-2648;
www.islaverdeatitlan.com
; s/d Q315/355, without bathroom Q235/275; )
Designed by
an artist from Bilbao, Spain, this stylish, environmentally friendly lodging makes the most
of its spectacular setting. A mosaic stone path winds through exuberant vegetation to the
nine hillside cabins (six with private bathroom); the higher you go, the more jaw-dropping
the picture-window views.
Simple rooms are tastefully decorated with the owner's paintings and recycled ele-
ments. Bathrooms are jungle-chic affairs, and water and electricity are solar powered. A
terrace restaurant serves slow-food cuisine, and there's a glass pavilion for meditation and
dance. It's a 10-minute walk west of the dock along the lakefront trail.
BUNGALOW
La Fortuna $$$
( 5203-1033;
www.lafortunaatitlan.com
; bungalow from Q520)
These four thatch-roof cabins are
at Patzisotz, a secluded bay just east of Santa Cruz around a rocky cliff. Constructed of
locally forested guanacaste, they're elegantly designed with Asian influences. Each fea-
tures a porch and upper deck overlooking the lake, mosquito-netted beds and an open-air
tub at the rear.
The former coffee plantation has been ecologically outfitted by American owner Steve,
a former guide and chef who prepares delectable meals from his own garden.
Lanchas
will drop you at the dock (Q10 from Santa Cruz).
Café Sabor Cruceño $
(mains Q30-40; 11am-3pm Mon-Fri)
This innovative
comedor
is run by local students who are
learning to make traditional Guatemalan dishes up to global tourism standards.
Kaqchiquel fare such as
subanik
(a tomato sauce of ground seeds and chilis accompanied
by
tamalitos
) is prepared with locally grown herbs and veggies and served in the bay-
view dining hall.
It's inside the CECAP training center, at the lower end of the central plaza.
GUATEMALAN
