Hotel Aaculaax: An Eco-Friendly Boutique Hotel in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala:

Published by admin on March 9, 2024March 9, 2024

What is the history of Hotel Aaculaax?

Hotel Aaculaax is a former name of Lush Atitlan, an eco-boutique hotel located in San Marcos La Laguna, a town on the shore of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. The hotel was built organically on a natural reserve mountain side, and offers a unique and artistic experience for travelers who appreciate comfort and respect for the environment.

The history of Hotel Aaculaax goes back to 2004, when the owners, a couple from California, bought the land and started to build their dream home. They used local materials and labor, and incorporated elements of Mayan culture and art into the design. They also planted many trees and flowers, and created a permaculture garden.

In 2007, they decided to share their home with other travelers, and opened it as a bed and breakfast. They named it Hotel Aaculaax, which means “the place where the eagles rest” in the local Kaqchikel language. They also added more rooms and suites, each with a different theme and style.

In 2016, they changed the name of the hotel to Lush Atitlan, to reflect their vision of creating a lush and luxurious oasis for guests. They also expanded their services and facilities, such as a spa, a restaurant, and a co-creation platform that connects guests with the local culture and nature.

Today, Lush Atitlan is one of the most popular and acclaimed hotels in the area, and has won several awards and recognitions. It is also a place where guests can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Lake Atitlan.

How to Book Your Stay at Hotel Aaculaax

Booking your stay at Hotel Aaculaax is easy and convenient. You can choose from the following options:

• Book online: You can visit the hotel’s website and check the availability and rates of the rooms and suites. You can also see the photos and descriptions of each room and suite, and the amenities and services that the hotel offers. You can then fill out a reservation form with your personal and payment details, and confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number and other information.

• Book by phone: You can call the hotel directly at +502 7762 6224 or +502 5308 5610 and speak to one of the staff members. They will help you find the best room or suite for your needs and preferences, and tell you the price and payment options. You can then provide your personal and payment details, and confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number and other information.

• Book by email: You can send an email to [email protected] and request a reservation. You will need to provide your name, email, phone number, arrival and departure dates, number of guests, and preferred room or suite. The hotel will reply to your email with the availability and rates, and ask you to confirm your booking. You will then need to provide your payment details, and receive a confirmation email with your reservation number and other information.

You can also book your stay at Hotel Aaculaax through other platforms, such as Booking.com. However, you may find different prices and policies than booking directly with the hotel. You may also miss some of the benefits and discounts that the hotel offers to its direct guests.

How to Get to Hotel Aaculaax

There are different ways to get to Hotel Aaculaax, depending on where you are coming from and how you prefer to travel. Here are some of the common options:

• By shuttle bus and boat: You can take a shuttle bus from Guatemala City or Antigua to Panajachel, the main town on Lake Atitlan. The shuttle bus takes about 3 to 4 hours and costs around USD 15 to 25 per person. You can book the shuttle bus online or through your hotel or hostel From Panajachel, you can take a public or private boat to San Marcos La Laguna, where Hotel Aaculaax is located. The boat ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes and costs around USD 3 to 5 per person. You can find the boat dock near the main street of Panajachel. Once you arrive at San Marcos La Laguna, you can walk to Hotel Aaculaax in about 10 minutes. You can follow the signs or ask the locals for directions. The hotel is on a hillside, so be prepared for some stairs and slopes.

• By direct shuttle bus: You can also take a direct shuttle bus from Guatemala City or Antigua to San Marcos La Laguna, without stopping at Panajachel. The direct shuttle bus takes about 4 to 5 hours and costs around USD 20 to 30 per person. You can book the direct shuttle bus online or through your hotel or hostel. The direct shuttle bus will drop you off at the entrance of San Marcos La Laguna. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk (a local three-wheeled taxi) to Hotel Aaculaax for about USD 1 to 2 per person. You can also walk to the hotel in about 15 minutes.

• By car: If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to Hotel Aaculaax from Guatemala City or Antigua. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours and follows the Pan-American Highway and the CA-1 road. You can use a GPS or a map to guide you. You will need to pay some tolls along the way. You can park your car at Panajachel and take a boat to San Marcos La Laguna, as described above. Alternatively, you can drive all the way to San Marcos La Laguna, but the road is narrow, steep, and unpaved. You will also need to pay a parking fee at the entrance of the town.

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Hotel Aaculaax. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us by phone or email, or visit the website.

What to Do in the Area

There are many things to do in the area near Hotel Aaculaax, depending on your interests and preferences. You can enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Lake Atitlan and its surroundings, or join some of the activities and workshops that the hotel offers. Here are some of the options:

• Explore the town of San Marcos La Laguna: San Marcos is known as a hippie and spiritual village, where you can find many yoga retreats, holistic healing centers, and new age workshops. You can also visit the local shops, cafes, and art galleries, or relax in the public park and beachAd.

• Visit the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: This is a natural park that is located next to the hotel. You can hike on the trails, swim in the lake, or jump from the cliffs. You can also enjoy the views of the lake and the volcanoes from the lookout points. The entrance fee is Q15 per person.

• Join the Eagle’s Nest Atitlan: This is a yoga and dance studio that is located on top of a hill, with stunning views of the lake and the mountains. You can join the daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, ecstatic dance events, and other workshops. You can also have a delicious lunch at their restaurant. The prices vary depending on the activity.

• Take a boat to other towns around the lake: You can take a public or private boat from San Marcos to other towns on the lake, such as San Pedro, San Juan, Santiago, or Panajachel. Each town has its own character and attractions, such as markets, museums, churches, or hot springs. You can also do some kayaking, fishing, or hiking on the lake. The boat fares range from Q10 to Q25 per person.

• Hike to the Indian Nose Peak: This is a popular hike that starts from the town of Santa Clara La Laguna, which is about 30 minutes by car from San Marcos. The hike takes about 2 hours to reach the peak, which has an amazing view of the lake and the volcanoes. You can also watch the sunrise from the peak, if you start early in the morning. The entrance fee is Q50 per person. You can also hire a guide for Q100 per person.

Good luck