Guatemala Eco Lodges
To see an overview of our wonderful Guatemala Eco Lodges and Tours go here: Guatemala Eco Lodges Tours, Guatemala has many interesting eco-tourist spots. They include beaches and volcanoes, as well as Mayan ruins, white water rafting, and rain forest hiking. Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve has howler monkeys and ocellated turkeys. In Tortuguerio Monterrico Wildlife Reserve you can have close encounters with giant sea turtles, tortoises, iguanas and alligators. Manatees are found in the 17,791-acre Chocón-Machacas Nature Reserve. There are some truly unique places in Guatemala. Even though ecotourism is in its infancy, it promises to be a great destination.
Guatemala – land of adventure, history and beautiful nature
Guatemala is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in Central America, thanks to its wide variety of altitudes, climates and ecosystems. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country’s landscapes range from lush rainforests and cloud forests to volcanic highlands and coastal mangroves. More than 30% of the territory is protected natural area. Are you looking for adventure, history and beautiful nature? Then it is a destination not to be missed! Check out the best Guatemala Eco Lodges on our website. Do you have any recomendations? Let us know your favorite Guatemala Eco Lodge and we will contact them!
Flora and Fauna in Guatemala
Guatemala is home to over 15 ecoregions, including tropical and subtropical forests that support incredible species diversity.
Flora – What Grows Here?
Guatemala’s rich flora includes over 8,000 plant species, many of which are endemic, such as certain types of orchids and bromeliads.
*Cloud Forest trees such as the ceiba (sacred tree of the Maya).
*More than 1,000 species of orchids.
*Coffee plantations and tropical fruit trees (avocado, cacao, banana).
*Mangroves along the coast and rivers.
Fauna – What Animals Will You See?
The country’s fauna is equally impressive, featuring more than 700 bird species. Mammals include jaguars, ocelots, and howler monkeys.
*Mammals: Jaguar, ocelot, tapir, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, anteaters.
*Birds: Quetzal, toucan, macaw, hummingbird, horned guan.
*Reptiles: Green iguana, caiman, venomous coral snake, axolotl salamander, the Guatemalan beaded lizard.
*Marine life: Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles.
Guatemala is a biodiversity hotspot where you can see endangered or threatened animals (Quetzal, Yucatan black howler monkey, jaguar, ocelot, margay, scarlet macaw, Guatemalan pygmy owl, and West Indian manatee), in their natural habitat.
Best Eco-tourism Destinations in Guatemala
Lake Atitlán and Surroundings – Magical Crater Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by volcanoes. Local Mayan communities with sustainable projects.
Eco-activities:
*Hiking to Indian Nose, a 30 minute mountain peak hike for sunrise views.
*Kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake.
*Visit organic coffee farms.
Wildlife: quetzals, hummingbirds, howler monkeys, jaguars, nose-bears (also known as the white-nosed coati or coatimundi), ocelots, black iguanas.
Best Guatemala Eco Lodges:
Tikal National Park – Mayan ruins in the Jungle.
One of the largest archaeological sites of the Maya. World heritage site in the middle of a huge rainforest. Perfect for wildlife-spotting and history.
Eco-activities:
*Sunrise tour to see howler monkeys and toucans.
*Night tours to spot jaguars and other nocturnal animals.
*Hiking between temples and pyramids covered by jungle.
Wildlife: quetzals, jaguars, red eyed tree frogs, howler monkeys, nose bears (coatimundi), white-tailed deer, tapirs, anteaters, boa constrictors.
Best Guatemala Eco Lodges:
Rio Dulce and Livingston – Tropical Mangroves and Caribbean Coast
Unique mix of rainforest, rivers and Caribbean beaches.
Sustainable tourism at the Garifuna communities.
Canoeing and kayaking through mangroves full of wildlife.
Eco-activities:
*Kayaking along the Rio Dulce among mangroves.
*Visit to the Chocón Machacas Biotope. See what Wikipedia has to say about the Manatee Reserve.
*Relax on the beaches near Livingston.
Wildlife: Red macaws, Egrets, Blue Herons, American bald eagles, Black vultures, jaguars, red eyed tree frogs, howler monkeys, nose bears (really a coatimundi), boa constrictors, fer de lance (a venomous pit viper), crocodiles, dolphins, turtles.
Best Guatemala Eco Lodges:
Semuc Champey – Natural Limestone Baths.
Emerald green pools in the rainforest, ideal for swimming. One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Guatemala. Perfect for hiking, cave exploration and tubing on the river.
Eco-activities:
*Swimming in the natural pools.
*Exploring Candelaria cave by candle.
*Hiking to the El Mirador viewpoint.
Wildlife: Parrots and parakeets, howler monkeys, quetzals, toucans, ocelots, tapirs, nose bears (coatimundi), fer-de-lances, turtles.
Best Guatemala Eco Lodges:
Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve – Cloud Forest and Rare Animals
One of the last pristine cloud forests in Central America. Home to the rare quetzal bird. Ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
Eco-activities:
*Spot the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala.
Hike through dense jungle and discover waterfalls.
Stay overnight in sustainable eco-lodges in nature.
Wildlife: jaguars, ocelots, pumas, howler monkeys, pygmy anteaters, quetzals, toucans, owls, birds of prey, snakes, lizards, frogs, salamanders.
Best Guatemala Eco Lodges:
2-Week Sustainable Travel Route Guatemala
How cool that you are going to Guatemala! It is a beautiful country with a rich biodiversity, impressive volcanoes, dense jungle, colonial cities and a fascinating Mayan culture. For a sustainable, ecotourism trip of 2 weeks, we propose a route that combines nature, culture, adventure and sustainable initiatives. And of course suggestions for Guatemala Eco Lodges.
Day 1–2: Arrival in Guatemala City – Transfer to Antigua
• Activities:
*Explore the colonial city on foot
*Visit local markets and eat at organic or fair trade cafes
• Sustainability tip: Avoid domestic flights – Guatemala is easily accessible by bus or shuttle.
Let us know if you recommend a Guatemala Eco Lodge in Antigua Guatemala!
Day 3–5: Acatenango Volcano and Eco-Adventure
• Activities:
*Two-day hike to the top of Acatenango (view of active Fuego volcano).
*Choose a guide through an organization that supports local communities.
Day 6–7: Lake Atitlán
• Activities:
*Visit villages around the lake (San Juan, Santa Cruz) – focus on cooperatives, artists, and local communities.
*Kayaking, yoga, or hiking to viewpoints
• Sustainability tip: Choose sailing trips instead of motorboats when possible. They use wind power, which is sustainable.
Day 8–9: Chichicastenango and Quetzaltenango (Xela)
• Activities:
*Visit the famous market of Chichicastenango.
*Hot springs in Fuentes Georginas.
*Local coffee tour at an organic plantation.
Day 10–11: Cobán & Semuc Champey
• Activities:
*Visit the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey.
*Candlelight cave tour.
*Birdwatching in the nearby Biotope del Quetzal.
Day 12–14: Tikal National Park
• Activities:
*Sunrise tour in Tikal (Mayan temples + monkeys + toucans).
*Visit Uaxactún, a less touristy Mayan site.
• Sustainability tip: Visit with a guide who works in an ecologically and culturally respectful way.
Return trip:
• From Flores, you can take a (sustainably certified) domestic bus or shuttle back to Guatemala City for your return flight.
Environmental Threats and Protection
Despite its biological richness, Guatemala faces significant challenges. Guatemala’s biodiversity is threatened by:
• Deforestation (for agriculture and logging).
• Illegal hunting of animals such as jaguars and quetzals.
• Climate change, which is changing ecosystems.
• Mining and pollution, especially in rivers.
• Mass tourism threatens fragile ecosystems and can lead to waste problems and habitat loss.
• Lack of enforcement of environmental laws and corruption within some government agencies.
• Many conservation projects rely on international donors and there is insufficient government funding for these projects.
The government of Guatemala and ecotourism
Guatemala is one of the most biodiverse countries in Central America, and the government plays an important role in promoting ecotourism and sustainability. Initiatives like protected areas, eco-tourism, and conservation projects aim to preserve extraordinary biodiversity for future generations.
Protected natural areas and legislation
Guatemala has an extensive network of protected natural areas, managed by CONAP (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas). The main laws and initiatives are:
– The National System of Protected Areas (SIGAP) – About 30% of the country is protected and includes national parks, biosphere reserves and private reserves.
– Protected Areas Act (1989) – This provides a legal framework for the management and conservation of natural areas.
– Climate Change Act (2013) – Aimed at sustainable development and combating deforestation.
Important protected areas include:
– Maya Biosphere Reserve (largest rainforest in Central America, including Tikal).
– Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve (home to the rare quetzal).
– Semuc Champey (unique limestone landscape and ecotourism hotspot).
Government Support for Ecotourism.
The government supports ecotourism to combine conservation and economic growth. Some initiatives:
– Community-based tourism – Working with Maya communities to develop ecotourism initiatives such as sustainable lodges and tours.
– Sustainable certifications – Hotels and tour operators can achieve Guatemalan certifications such as SMART (Sello de Turismo Sostenible).
– Infrastructure improvements – Construction of sustainable hiking trails, visitor centers and ecological facilities in parks such as Tikal and Laguna Lachuá.
Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development
Guatemala participates in international environmental initiatives and has national programs for sustainability:
– National Strategy for Biodiversity – Aimed at restoring threatened ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs.
– REDD+ Program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) – Reducing deforestation and CO2 emissions through reforestation.
– Sustainable agriculture – Working with NGOs such as Rainforest Alliance to assist small-scale farmers in sustainable coffee and cocoa production.
Cooperation with NGOs and International Organizations
In addition to government action, various environmental organizations and local communities work together on ecotourism and conservation issues:
– Rainforest Alliance – Works with local farmers for sustainable agriculture.
– Defensores de la Naturaleza – Manages biosphere reserves such as Sierra de las Minas.
– WWF Guatemala – Protects marine ecosystems and tropical rainforests.
– FUNDAECO – Focuses on ecotourism and nature conservation in the Caribbean and Río Dulce.
Traveling in Guatemala in a sustainable way
My top tips so that your carbon footprint stays minimal and you have a positive impact on nature and local communities:
Sustainable Transportation
Use public transportation – Local buses (*chicken buses*) and shuttles are more environmentally friendly than domestic flights.
Choose shared shuttles – Ride with other travelers instead of private transportation.
Rent a bike or hike– In cities like Antigua and around Lake Atitlán, you can do a lot on foot or by bike.
Sail or paddle on Lake Atitlán – Avoid motorboats and choose kayaking or sailing as transportation across the lake.
Sustainable Stays
Choose Guatemala Eco Lodges and sustainable hotels – Look for accommodations with eco-friendly initiatives, such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets.
Avoid big chains and all-inclusive resorts– Local, small-scale eco-stays are better for the environment and the economy.
Sustainable Food & Drinks
Eat local and organic – Choose restaurants that use local, seasonal produce. For example:
– *Caoba Farms* (Antigua) – Organic food and permaculture project
– *Blue Mayan Café* (Atitlán) – Fairtrade coffee and local food
– *Avoid plastic bottles– Use a refillable water bottle and a filter (e.g. Lifestraw or Grayl).
-* Try to eat vegetarian or vegan – Guatemala has delicious vegetarian dishes like *pepian* (stew) and *hilachas* (vegetable dish).
Conscious Shopping
Buy handmade products from cooperatives – Instead of mass production, support small-scale Mayan communities. For example:
– *Asociación Maya* in San Juan La Laguna (Atitlán)
– *Mercado de Chichicastenango* – Look for fair trade and handmade products
Avoid wildlife souvenirs – Do not buy products made from coral, turtle shells, or exotic woods.
Respect Nature & Culture
Visit nature parks with a guide – This helps with conservation and education about local flora and fauna.
Keep your distance from animals – Do not touch or feed wild animals.
Do not leave litter – Take your trash with you, especially in remote areas like Tikal and Semuc Champey.
Respect Mayan communities– Always ask permission before taking photos of people in traditional clothing.
For further reading about Guatemala go to Wikipedia.