If you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Guatemala or just a place where you can disconnect and relax for a few days, Eagle’s Nest Atitlán may be the perfect spot.
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I traveled to Guatemala in October 2022 without much of a plan. Sitting in my room in Antigua one day, checking out places to see in Guatemala, I decided to look for a yoga retreat around Lake Atitlán.
I saw a few places that did proper 5- or 7-day yoga retreats, then I stumbled across Eagle’s Nest. Unlike the other places, this one didn’t organize retreats with specific dates. It was just a place in the middle of the forest above Lake Atitlán offering accommodation and yoga lessons. I knew on the spot it was exactly what I was looking for.
Note: I booked and paid for my stay at Eagle’s Nest. This is an unbiased review, I received nothing in exchange for writing it. I just wanted to share my thoughts on this amazing experience I had.
My stay at Eagle’s Nest Atitlán
After booking my three-night stay at Eagle’s Nest, I started meeting people who had been there and seeing banners around the lake promoting the events organized by Eagle’s Nest. People talked well about the place, and all the signs seemed to confirm I had made a good choice.
When I finally made it to the place, I fell in love on the spot. A girl checked me in and showed me around the gorgeous space and to my dorm, a wooden cabin with a small balcony overlooking the lake. All around, little paths and stairways led to more cabins, shared spaces, and bathrooms.
By the way, bathrooms are compost, which can take some getting used to. It means there’s no running water, just a hole in the ground and a toilet seat. Instead of flushing, you throw in some sawdust. But the showers? I mean, taking a shower surrounded by nature while looking over a lake and a volcano? Name a better shower spot, I’ll wait.
As I wandered around the space, I knew I was in my element. The three days I spent there were the most peaceful and relaxing days I had on any holiday ever. Waking up to stunning lake views, taking different yoga classes in the soft morning light, enjoying delicious vegetarian meals with a view, and watching the sunrise made my stay magical.
Trying out new things
Even before getting there, I had promised myself I would participate in all the activities I could without judgment or shame. Yes, I’m not a fan of dancing in front of other people, unless it’s a dark, crowded place where nobody pays attention to you.
During my stay at Eagle’s Nest, I participated in an insightful breathwork session and took my very first salsa lesson on the yoga platform overlooking the lake. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone.
Lastly, but probably most importantly, I met some cool people during my stay. From the staff at Eagle’s Nest to other travelers and even the teachers, there’s a nice community around the lake. Yes, you may have been told that San Marcos is quite the hippy village. But to be honest, I enjoyed the vibe and the people.
Where is Eagle’s Nest, and how to get there
Eagle’s Nest is just outside the village of San Marcos on Lake Atitlán. San Marcos is one of the many villages around the lake. If you want to travel to San Marcos from Guatemala City or Antigua, then the easiest and most comfortable way is by shared shuttle.
You can find many shuttle options at the travel agencies in Antigua or even through your accommodation. Most shuttle buses will go to either Panajachel or San Pedro. Panajachel is the main town on the lake, so you will find more transportation options there. San Pedro is just a short boat ride from San Marcos.
If you’re already in another village on the lake, you can get to San Marcos by boat (lancha). After walking down the shop-lined alley from the pier, you’ll emerge onto the main road, where you can catch a tuk-tuk to Eagle’s Nest. I highly recommend this option, especially if you have luggage. The climb is quite steep and takes around 30 minutes on foot.
If you catch a tuk-tuk, be sure to negotiate rates. I had been told I shouldn’t pay more than 15 quetzales, so when the tuk-tuk driver said 30, I raised my eyebrows and started the negotiation. I finally managed to get him to accept my 15 quetzales offer, and off we went.
Two days later, I took another tuk-tuk to go back to Eagle’s Nest after spending a few hours in town, and the driver only asked for 10 quetzales. I guess I had already blended in. Not having a big backpack that screams “tourist!” will do that.
Accommodation Options at Eagle’s Nest Atitlán
You can choose between private and shared accommodation at Eagle’s Nest. There are three dorms, several private cabins, rooms, and even a studio. I stayed in the female dorm, and it was by far the best dorm I have ever stayed in.
The cabins and dorms are immersed in nature and have spectacular views over Lake Atitlán. Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed to see the lake view is priceless.
The downside is that, since everything is made of wood, the cracks will let in the occasional unwelcome visitor. I’m talking about spiders and other insects. But that’s to be expected. Also, the cats can be quite noisy at night when they start chasing each other on the cabin rooftops, but other than that, the place is peaceful.
The cool thing about staying at Eagle’s Nest is that you have three daily meals included in the price. It’s vegetarian food and some people may not find all the options very fulfilling, but I enjoyed every single meal!
Activities at Eagle’s Nest
Yoga is the main activity at Eagle’s Nest. When you book a stay in any of the accommodation options you get two daily yoga lessons included in the price. There are three daily yoga classes from which you can choose two. Lessons are usually at 7.30 AM, 11.30 AM, and 3.30 PM.
The best thing about Eagle’s Nest, if you ask me, is the yoga platform overlooking the lake. Practicing yoga with a spectacular view is priceless. Also, they have yoga mats and blocks that you can grab yourself in a room under the platform. You’re free to use them for classes or even to practice by yourself when the platform is free.
Aside from yoga, you can try a lot of other activities. Each day there’s something different, from breathwork sessions to salsa lessons and sound healing. Occasionally, you can also participate in the traditional cacao ceremony.
Every few days, the on-site sauna is available for free. The sauna is a traditional temazcal, the ancient Mayan sauna inside a small, dark, dome-shaped space. After sitting in the tiny sauna room for several long minutes, you plunge into a cold pool just outside.
I don’t have much experience with saunas, and I’m not a patient person who can sit still for 15 minutes doing nothing, but the feeling I got after the cold plunge was blissful.
Lastly, every evening there’s a different activity where you can connect with other people. From movie nights to piano evenings and wine and cheese nights, there’s always something going on.
Should you stay at Eagle’s Nest Atitlán?
The answer to that depends on your travel style and interests. The place is immersed in nature, so if you’re not comfortable with that, Eagle’s Nest may not be for you. Plus, remember you’ll have to use compost toilets and open-air showers.
Also, if you’re not into yoga and mindfulness practices, you likely won’t enjoy most activities. Although I would argue that trying something different wouldn’t harm you. Who knows, you may just discover a new passion.
Lastly, if you decide to stay at Eagle’s Nest, you can expect to spend a few days simply relaxing, enjoying the views, practicing yoga, and getting to know people. Of course, you can also work or go into town whenever you want, but expect the time spent here to be slow-paced.
For someone who is almost always in a rush, trying to fit an impossible amount of things into a short time, the change of pace felt weirdly good. I enjoyed slowing down and just enjoying every moment.
Other things to do around Lake Atitlán
There’s much more to do around Lake Atitlán aside from staying at Eagle’s Nest. You can explore all the charming villages around the lake, go on spectacular hikes, try delicious food, and simply enjoy beautiful nature.
Before staying at Eagle’s Nest, I spent one week in San Pedro, one of the main villages on Lake Atitlán. The village is bigger than San Marcos and has less of a hippy reputation. It’s my favorite place on the lake, maybe because I spent the most time there. If you’re uncertain where to stay on the lake, then I recommend San Pedro.
I stayed at Hotel y Restaurant Playa Linda, a place a bit further from the center of San Pedro but very close to the lake shore in a peaceful area. Although the rooms are basic, the space has a delightful garden and offers exquisite breakfast. I always used Booking.com to find accommodation since they have a huge selection.
Booking.comWhere else to go in Guatemala
If you visit Guatemala, then Antigua is the main city you must visit. The former capital of Guatemala is a charming colonial city with colorful houses, amazing cafés, and great restaurants. Furthermore, you can check out the spectacular colonial ruins and join an overnight hike to Acatenango Volcano.
Antigua is roughly 1.5 hours from Guatemala’s main airport. You can catch a shuttle from the airport for roughly 120 quetzales (around 15 USD). As for the flights, I recommend checking WayAway to find great deals. Here are some examples:
Lastly, other must-see places in Guatemala are the Maya ruins at Tikal and the nature reserve of Semuc Champey. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see these two places. I guess I have a few good reasons to go back.
I hope this review of Eagle’s Nest Atitlán will help you decide whether you’d like to spend some time there. Let me know your thoughts if you’ve been there, or ask me anything if you’re planning to go!
