Why Fuego Atitlan is an Eco-Hotel at Lake Atitlan
Nestled in the lush highlands of Guatemala on the shore of the lake Atitlan, our eco-hotel offers a tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and volcanoes. Fuego Atitlan blends luxury with environmental responsibility for a truly unique, sustainable retreat.
What Makes Fuego Atitlan an Eco-Hotel?
Since our initial design phase, through construction and ongoing operations, we have remained committed to the highest standards of environmental stewardship. Here’s how:
The Land:
- Fuego Atitlan is built on a regenerated former cornfield, where we fostered soil renewal by planting trees and completely avoiding chemical use.
- We use dry-compost toilets, which allow us to recycle nutrients back into the soil, supporting the ecosystem and preventing lake pollution.
- We are implementing permaculture principles to regenerate the land.
Supporting the Community:
- Our team collaborated with local mayas from San Pablo La Laguna (a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride away), enabling them to work close to home and contribute their knowledge of the land.
- Language: The local Tz’utujil Mayans speak their local language, Tz’utujil, together as they work. We picked up words by working alongside them: “Maltiox” for thanks, “Utz” for good, “Sacach” for good morning, and “Bana” for goodbye.
- We purchased most of our items at local businesses in San Marcos la Laguna, supporting the local economy.
Eco-Friendly Materials:
- Our yurts are crafted by a small company in Mexico using durable canvas guaranteed to last over 10 years.
- The wood for floors, kitchen, and bathrooms is sourced from a sawmill in nearby Quetzaltenango.
- We reduced our construction’s use of concrete use by 90% and by building our yurts on stilts, we further reduced our footprint, leaving the land below largely undisturbed.
Locally Crafted Furnishings:
- Every piece of furniture, from bed frames to night tables, is custom-made from locally sourced wood by local carpenters, merging comfort with craftsmanship.
- Blankets are woven from local wool, crafted right here by Lake Atitlan artisans.
- We source our 100% organic cotton bed sheets to ensure a plastic-free experience.
Sustainable Daily Practices:
- Showers are solar-heated, greatly reducing our use of gas for hot water.
- We use organic soap, dish soap, and laundry soap that is fully biodegradable, ensuring no harm to the surrounding plants.
- A food composting system transforms food scraps into nourishment for our gardens.
Added Experiences:
- Our on-site massage studio offers various relaxing therapies and massages.
- Cacao Source provides tours to organic cacao farms in the Mayan jungle, giving guests insight into sustainable agriculture.
- Hiking options abound, from exploring sacred rock to scaling the nearby volcanoes of San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan.
Experience a Low-Impact Lifestyle
Fuego Atitlan promotes eco-friendly tours of neighboring villages, cacao farms, hot springs, and cultural sites. By supporting local conservation and cultural preservation efforts, we invite guests to experience adventure, relaxation, and a meaningful connection with nature—all while contributing to a responsible travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eco-hotel mean at Fuego Atitlan?
At Fuego Atitlan, eco-hotel means we make conscious choices at every step — from the materials used to build our yurts to the food served at breakfast. We minimise single-use plastics, support local communities, and protect the fragile ecosystem of Lake Atitlan.
What sustainable practices do you follow?
Our key practices include solar-heated showers, organic waste composting, locally sourced meals from San Marcos La Laguna, low-impact construction using natural materials, and a no single-use plastic policy throughout the property.
Is Fuego Atitlan certified as an eco-lodge?
We operate according to ecological principles inspired by permaculture and regenerative travel. Our practices include solar energy, rainwater collection, composting, and supporting local farmers and artisans in San Marcos La Laguna.
Why choose an eco-hotel over a regular hotel at Lake Atitlan?
Lake Atitlan is one of the world's most beautiful and ecologically sensitive destinations. Choosing an eco-hotel like Fuego Atitlan means your visit actively supports conservation and the local community, rather than depleting it. You'll also enjoy a more authentic, peaceful, and connected travel experience.