La Iguana Perdida Hotel

Home away from home

La Iguana Perdida was my favorite accommodation during a 2-month trip around Guatemala. The staff, a mix of locals and ex-pats, were all very friendly. The rooms and grounds were very clean and comfortable. The food was incredible. The view was amazing.

There are a variety of rooms, but I loved the open-air lofts. I brought my mosquito net but didn't need it here. Though the bathrooms are composting toilets, they were clean and didn't smell at all. There is running water in the sinks.

In the common room there are games and books, and the lakeside patio has hammocks and tables that encourage socializing among the travelers from all over the world. This is not the place to immerse yourself in the Guatemalan culture, as most of the staff are ex-pats and most of the conversations are in English, but it offers a nice stop to compare travel stories in a common language (and a nice brain break for those of us English-speakers).

From La Iguana Perdida one can hike between villages, kayak on the lake, or catch the shuttle boats to Panajachel and the other towns around Lago Atitlan. There is only a small, rocky beach but it is swimmable.

Unique Quality: Mealtimes at La Iguana Perdida set it apart. Dinner is served family-style, with guests eating together at big wooden tables. Not only is the food fresh and delicious, the company is diverse and the mood jovial. On some evenings you'll be lucky enough to experience the live musical talents of the owners and share shots around the bar.

Food is available other times of day too from the lovely ladies in the kitchen. The bread is baked there daily and everything is delicious. Just beware the dangers of putting everything on your tab! :)

The atmosphere here is also unique as there is no power - there is a plentiful supply of oil lanterns around at night, which lend a romantic, cozy feel to the place. You can borrow one to walk to your room or to the sauna.