Questions & help

Pila El Tambor, El Hato, about 15 minutes up the mountain from Antigua. Search “Earth Lodge” in Google Maps or Waze.

From Antigua, turn left in El Hato off the paved road onto the dirt road and continue 0.75 miles (1.2 km) to the El Tambor pila (washing station). The road is narrow and rough but fine for any car. From the pila, a steep 300 m dirt and stone path leads down to the lodge, so wear walking shoes.

Free shuttle, every day, no booking needed. It leaves the Candelaria basketball courts, near Cerro de la Cruz, at 8:00am and 12:00pm, and goes back down at 8:30am and 12:30pm.

Private shuttle at your own time: Q110 for up to 4 people, from anywhere in Antigua. Larger groups, ask us for a price. Request a ride or message us; if you’re already here, just ask at reception.

Yes, our trusted driver meets you at Guatemala City airport (GUA). One way: Q550 for 1–4 people, Q1,000 for 5 or more. Please book at least 24 hours ahead. Flight delays of more than an hour may add a fee.

Request an airport pickup

Yes. Make sure the driver takes you all the way to the Tambor pila, 0.75 miles down our dirt road, and not the “El Hato pila” in the centre of the village. From there it’s the 300 m path down, well signposted.

In the private lot just past the El Tambor pila, uphill on the left. A local family runs it and you pay them in cash when you leave: cars Q25, motorbikes Q10, bicycles Q5, every 6 hours. Then walk back to the road and follow the signs down the path.

Yes. Our porters are men from the village, and it’s welcome extra income for their families. It’s Q50 per bag during the day and Q100 per bag after hours, when they come from home.

For your arrival, let us know at least 24 hours ahead with your arrival time (request it here). For your departure, just ask at reception.

Reception closes at 8pm. If you’ll arrive after that, call or WhatsApp us beforehand so we can welcome you. The path from the road is dark at night, so arrive in daylight if you can and bring a flashlight.

Check-in is from 2pm to 8pm, and check-out is at 11am. Arriving early or leaving late? We’ll keep your luggage safe so you can enjoy the lodge.

• Reception: 8am – 8pm
• Restaurant: 8am – 8pm
• Café & bar: 7:30am – 9:30pm
• Spa: 8am – 8pm
• Quiet hours: 10pm – 8am

• Walking shoes with a little grip: the path is steep and gets slippery in the rainy season.
• Warm clothes: sunny days, chilly mountain nights. The rooms have cosy Guatemalan blankets and hot showers.
• A flashlight: we keep outdoor lighting minimal.
• A raincoat or umbrella: an afternoon shower can come even in the dry season.

Yes, the restaurant is open to everyone from 8am to 8pm, no reservation needed. There are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and conscientious-carnivore options.

Raw fruit and vegetables are safe here: we wash all produce with filtered water, UV filtration and food-safe soap, even when it’s going to be cooked.

Fast Starlink Wi-Fi in the lodge and on the patio. The cabins have no Wi-Fi.

Families are welcome. We ask that children are with an adult at all times so the lodge stays peaceful. There’s a nature path to walk together and a big green space, but no playground.

Yes, though males must be neutered and fees may apply. Three rescue dogs live here, so if yours doesn’t get on with other dogs, keep it on a leash. Please make sure it doesn’t bark or bother other guests; we may ask you to take a pet off the property if needed.

Unfortunately not. The only way in is the steep 300 m path, so the lodge isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or for injuries that make walking difficult.

Cash (quetzales or US dollars), Guatemalan bank transfer, or most major credit cards (5% processing fee).

Room rates are per night, plus IVA (12%) and the INGUAT tourism tax (10%). When you book online, you pay the first night plus taxes by card to hold your room, with the 5% card fee on that payment only. The rest is paid at the lodge.

See the rooms and prices

We’re a small lodge and our cabins book out far ahead, so payments and deposits are non-refundable. We’re happy to move your dates, subject to availability, with at least 7 days’ notice.

• With outside providers (massages, tours, hikes, transport, ceremonies…): at least 24 hours’ notice.
• In-house (ice baths, avocado tours, temazcal…): at least 3 hours’ notice.

Later than that, the full amount is charged.

Yes. We host yoga retreats, teacher trainings, workshops and group stays, with a large studio, 13 cabins, tree houses and domes, and farm-to-table meals. See how hosting works or tell us about your retreat.

Yes, bilingual volunteers (fluent Spanish and English) for at least 6 weeks, up to 30 hours a week. Customer-service experience in hotels, bars or restaurants helps, and you should be comfortable with table service.

In return: free shared accommodation (up to 3 per cabin), three meals a day, discounts on drinks, internet, and the yoga and workout studio. Certified yoga teachers can get more, which we discuss individually.

Write to us about volunteering