Grateful Beginnings: The Journey of Creating Fuego Atitlan, an Eco-Hotel Above Lake Atitlán
by Brieuc, Host & Founder
The process of bringing a vision to life is rarely a straight path. It twists and turns, demanding patience, creativity, and a profound belief in the potential of what could be. At Fuego Atitlan, perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán, our story is one of gratitude, persistence, and the deep satisfaction that comes from birthing a project rooted in sustainability, community, and harmony with nature.
The Seed of a Dream
When we first stood on this piece of land, the possibilities seemed boundless, but so did the challenges. The plot wasn’t just empty—it needed to be regenerated from the ground up. Years of conventional (yes, pesticides) corn farming had left the soil depleted, and the idea of building an eco-hotel here seemed, at times, daunting. But we knew from the start that Fuego Atitlan wouldn’t simply be a place for travelers to rest—it would be a living, breathing example of what sustainable travel could look like.
With every step of the journey, we’ve been reminded of the gifts this land holds. The sparkling lake, framed by towering volcanoes as well as the Jaguar rock on the right side is not just a backdrop but a source of inspiration. The local Mayan culture, with its wisdom and resilience, teaches us the value of patience and the power of small, meaningful actions.
Challenges and Lessons from the Yurts
The centerpiece of our eco-hotel is the yurts. These circular, tent-like structures are an ideal embodiment of the principles we hold dear: simplicity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature. Those yurts come with a story: I traveled on horseback in Mexico and Guatemala for years with a circus horse caravan. After years of living on the road, the founder of the horse caravan started created his own tents because of the lack of quality in the market: he created the Nomadix brand to offer high-quality yurts. Years later, we met again and he presented me with his new line: sturdier models with a metal frame, perfect for low-impact accommodation and spacious living.
We completed those masterpieces of canvas with locally sourced wooden floors and ethically sourced materials and learned new ways to blend modern comforts—like organic cotton sheets and wool blankets—with traditional techniques.
The yurts taught us invaluable lessons about adaptability and balance. Assembling was a completely new challenge for us and our local team, who had never worked with canvas. They reflect our larger commitment to eco-tourism and environmental stewardship.
The Slow Work of Building Something Sustainable
In a fast-paced world, where instant gratification often reigns supreme, creating Fuego Atitlan has been a deliberate, slow process. Each decision—whether to use local wood furniture, install solar-powered showers, or incorporate dry-compost toilets—has required careful thought and intention.
We wanted every element of the eco-hotel to reflect our values. The dry-compost toilets, for example, aren’t just a quirky feature—they’re a statement about reducing waste and embracing cycles of regeneration. Similarly, organic cleaning products and food composting systems aren’t afterthoughts; they’re integral to how we care for the land and reduce our impact.
There were moments when progress seemed painstakingly slow, but this pace also gave us time to cultivate gratitude. Gratitude for the skilled hands of local workers who brought our vision to life. Gratitude for the elements—sunlight for solar power, rainwater for our systems, and earth for providing materials. I also want to express gratitude to the travelers and guests who believe in the importance of sustainable tourism and choose to support projects like ours.
A Space for Connection and Transformation
At its heart, Fuego Atitlan is more than a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary for connection and transformation. The fire pit, a central feature of our property, is a physical and symbolic reminder of this.
We envision couples gathering here for retreats that strengthen their bonds, sharing quiet conversations under the starlit sky. We dream of ceremonies where people come together to honor life’s transitions, guided by the flickering flames and the wisdom of ancient traditions. The fire pit will be a place to reflect, to let go, and to ignite new intentions.
Our opening ceremony in November 2024 brought this vision to life, with mayan Taita and musician together in prayer for the blessing of the land.
Beyond the fire pit, Fuego Atitlan offers a variety of experiences designed to nurture the soul and celebrate the natural world. From eco-tours of local cacao farms to invigorating hikes in the surrounding hills, every activity is an opportunity to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with oneself.
Honoring the Journey and Looking Ahead
As we look around at what Fuego Atitlan has become, we feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What started as a dream has grown into a tangible space that welcomes travelers seeking not just accommodation but a deeper connection to sustainability and community.
Yet, this is just the beginning. We are constantly evolving, learning from our guests, and finding new ways to improve. The next chapter of Fuego Atitlan will include expanding our offerings—creating more spaces for workshops, retreats, and gatherings that align with our values.
We hope to collaborate with local and international facilitators to host events that inspire growth and transformation. Whether it’s a yoga retreat, a storytelling circle by the fire pit, or a workshop on regenerative agriculture, our vision is to make Fuego Atitlan a hub for meaningful experiences.
Two major projects are at the forefront of my mind: a temazcal and a yoga shala. Guatemala is the land of temazcal, sauna or sweat-lodge. This cleansing ritual only involves steam but is a beautiful rejuvenating offering. We love our weekly sweat with friends and would love to share that with all of you.
The Yoga Shala or Studio is a bigger vision. I would love to open Ashtanga Yoga Atitlan and create a space dedicated to Mysore practice in Atitlan. As I celebrate 10 years of Ashtanga Yoga practice, I am calling for a sacred space for yoga into Fuego Atitlan.
An Invitation to Join Us
To all who are reading this, we extend an invitation. Come experience the magic of Lake Atitlán and the warmth of Fuego Atitlan. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, an adventure in eco-travel, or a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, we welcome you with open arms.
As you stay with us, you become part of our story—one of gratitude, patience, and the power of sustainable living. Together, we can continue to honor this land, support the local community, and create a ripple effect of positive change.
In every sunrise over the volcanoes, every shared meal, and every laugh around the fire, we see the fruits of this labor of love. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your presence helps us keep the flame alive—one that burns for a better, more sustainable future.
With gratitude,
The Fuego Atitlan Team