Peten is known best as the Heart of the Mayan World. Some of the many archeological sites in the area include Tikal, Uaxactún, Yaxhá, Naranjo, Nakún, Holtún, Ceibal. Only a sample of the many amazing sights, there are some of the most impressive and a must-see during your first visit in Peten.

We are located in the heart of all these sites, which makes the Sanctuary (Lakeside Bungalows-Tents) a perfect place to stay and visit the places you want while comfortably enjoying the seclusion and natural beauty of our unique jungle location.

Petén still offers visitors a far-away feeling of far of adventure, contact with nature, and endless possibilities to experience this land through its natural beauty. Located on the lake of Macanché, El Retiro offer’s personalized tours through this natural reserve that can be enjoyed by a single tourist or small groups. From canoeing or hiking to bird-watching and flora-admiring, there are many ways to enjoy the peace and beauty of Guatemala’s flora.

Our lakeside Ecological Sanctuary is a private natural reserve for the flora and fauna specific to this region of Guatemala. We are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and diversity of the land, and, in the process, have developed a love for the not-so-cuddly, but fascinating, creatures of the jungle.

Close Contact with the Creature that Creep in the Jungle Deep!

In our Serpentarium, you can get close and personal with some of the reptiles that call this region home such as the ‘fer de lance’ (heloderma horridus) snake, or the ‘moreletti’ crocodile, both native to the region and in danger of extinction due to human influence on their environment.

Jungle Hikes!

If getting a closer look is more your style, you can embark on a jungle adventure, where you are sure to encounter some creatures in their natural habitat. We offer day hiking tours through the jungle and around the three crocodile lagoons - which our archaeologist friends suspect to have been built by the Mayans! These hikes offer an excellent opportunity to do some bird-watching, pay attention to animal tracks, and be mesmerized by the vivid greens and bright flowers of the forest.

Spy on the Crocs by Starlight

We also offer boat tours at night, where you can spot the bright red dots of crocodile eyes, row in for a closer look, and experience what it is like to be face to face with these creatures at their time of the day and in their turf! This tour is for the brave and adventurous explorer!

Animals, insects, and up-closer encounters of the reptilian kind are not your idea of fun? Then, you can lay back and relax on a hammock in our home-base and simply enjoy the sound of the wind in the trees overhead, or lay under the sun.

Comfortable Bungalows Good Food and Great Coffee!

While staying in El Retiro, Peten, you will enjoy the privacy of an isolated bungalow, which you can access by a path through the jungle. Lay back and let the sounds of jungle life at night lull you into a peaceful sleep. Each bungalow is equipped with a private washroom with hot water.

Enjoy your down-time at our ‘home-base.’ If you are brave, you can go for a swim in the lake, or play a board game, lay under the tropical sun, plan your next adventure, have a chat, or simply meditate and let yourself go.

Meals are prepared fresh and served in the lake-view restaurant in the company of hummingbirds and seasonal flowers. We serve delicious Guatemalan meals, cool drinks and our excellent coffee, home-grown in the highland climate of Atitlan.

Our Commitment to Conservation!

El Retiro is a proud member of the “Associación de Reservas Naturales Privadas de Guatemala” (www.reservasdeguatemala.org). As an integral part of our business philosophy, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of Guatemala and working towards developing sustainable eco-tourism habits in the country, which will benefit the ecologically-conscious tourist and the local community. Since 2005, we have reforested a our little piece of the jungle and we our now watching the wildlife flourish with the presence of native flora and fauna.

We welcome adventurous travellers looking for an intimate experience with nature!

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS:

We are located between El Remate and Melchor de Mencos on the highway leading from Flores to Belize. Take any bus and ask the driver to let you off in MACANCHE village.