Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AGRITURISMO
With so many beautiful
fincas
(farms/plantations) in gorgeous rural settings, it was only a matter of time before
agritourism started to take hold in Guatemala. This is seriously low-impact tourism - often you can stay in the
original farmhouse and tours basically consist of walking around the property. Most
fincas
offering tours and ac-
commodation still make most of their money from agriculture - they're not just sitting around waiting for you to
show up. If you're planning on staying on a
finca
, get in touch a few days in advance to let them know you're
coming.
Aldea Loma Linda
( 4996-2110;
www.asodill.org
; r without bathroom per person volunteers/visitors Q25/
50) A beautiful little village set right on the southern foothills of the Santa María volcano. There are some great
walks (Q50 to Q75 for around three hours) in the surrounding countryside, where an estimated 280 bird species
(including the quetzal) make this place their home throughout the year.
Accommodations are basic but comfortable and meals (Q30/12 volunteers/visitors) are eaten with local famil-
ies. Volunteers can work in the community's organic vegetable garden, the worm farm or in forest conservation.
Buses for Loma Linda (Q8, two hours) leave from Retalhuleu at midday, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3pm.
Finca Santa Elena
( 7772-5294;
www.fincasantaelena.com
; Carretera a Quetzaltenango, Km 187; r without
bathroom Q125-140 per person; ) Set just off the main highway, this is one of the most easily accessible
fin-
cas
in the region. Tours (Q60 to Q85 per person) are wonderfully informative - one takes you through the coffee
production process, while the other plunges into the local forest, passing rivers, waterfalls, bamboo forest and a
spot that thousands of butterflies naturally inhabit.
Accommodation is in the original farmhouse, a lovely wooden building, and most rooms have great views.
Home-cooked meals cost around Q60. To get here, take any bus between Quetzaltenango and Retalhuleu and ask
to be let off at the Entrada a Palmarcito (Km 187). The
finca
entrance is up the concrete road, 400m on the right.
Reserva El Patrocinio
( 5903-3603;
www.reservapatrocinio.com
; s/d Q437/636, campsites per person Q125)
This working coffee, macadamia and rambutan (among other crops) farm has been converted into a private nature
reserve. Sitting on 140 hectares, there are walks galore, canopy zip lines (Q120), informative tours through the
plantations (Q25 to Q50, more for bird-watching) and a decent restaurant (meals Q50 to Q100) with panoramic
views.
Accommodation is in a stylish, modern house set on the hillside overlooking the valley. If you're staying here,
all meals and the above activities are included in the price. The reserve is 14km off the main road about 18km
north of Retalhuleu - ask for transport options when making reservations.
Eating
The Hotel Internacional (
Click here
)
(mains Q20 to Q40) and El Camino (
Click here
)
(mains Q40 to Q80) both have restaurants attached. Probably the nicest place to eat is
GOOGLE MAP
(Carretera al Pacifico, Km 89; mains Q40-80;
1-11pm)
which does good burgers and
OK meals.
Getting There & Away
