High in the hills above Jocotenango, this extraordinary 40-acre spread is set around a working avocado farm, and the views of the Panchoy valley and volcanoes are truly mesmerizing. Developed and overseen by an affable North American couple, the ecofriendly retreat offers plenty to do: hiking trails, birdwatching, yoga sessions, a chuj (Maya sauna) or just hanging in a hammock.
Accommodations are in lovely A-frame cabins, an eight-bed dorm and a couple of fabulous tree houses (which book up well in advance). Lip-smacking food is served with a view, and a portion of the profits buys supplies for the village school.
To get here, your best bet is to call at least a day in advance to see if the lodge can pick you up from Antigua (Q30 per person with two passengers). Otherwise, an 'El Hato' bus leaves from behind the market in Antigua at least six times Monday, Thursday and Saturday, less often the rest of the week. From there it's a 25-minute walk downhill – any villager can give you directions – just ask for 'los gringos.' Note that it's a 10-minute walk down to the lodge even from the shuttle drop-off point (and twice that uphill with luggage).
