This hostel is committed to following WHO and local government guidelines for Covid-19 sanitation. This includes increased cleaning routines, better hygiene measures and social distancing when required.
Free WiFi

La Iguana Perdida

Free Cancellation Book more than 4 days in advance for Free Cancellation.

8.8
Fabulous
1272 Total Reviews
Perfect Location
Superb Staff
Fantastic Cleanliness

Property Description

Come join us under the volcanoes! La Iguana Perdida has been an oasis on the shores of Lake Atitlan for over twenty years now offering memories to travellers both young and old while maintaining commitment to community, the environment, and the betterment of our village of Santa Cruz La Laguna. We are your home away from home whether you come here to learn to dive, hike the trails, study Spanish, experience Mayan culture or simply lie in a hammock with a paperback or enjoy doing nothing at all.

Our rooms range from simple to downright luxurious, so whether you are travelling with a hand-me-down backpack or a shiny new roley bag we have got something for you. We have got three dormitories with 22 beds in total, several single/double rooms with shared bath facilities nearby, and ten more modern rooms with private bath and hot water. Many of our rooms and common areas have fantastic lake views as we are located right on the waterfront.

Check-in goes from 2PM till 8PM. Please note that in case of no message from your part and if we have not seen you before 8PM, we reserve the right to sell the room to another party.

Our lakefront restaurant is open from 8AM - 4PM daily offering breakfasts & lunches aimed to satisfy the hungry traveler. Egg dishes, crepes, fruit, sandwiches, salads and our famous licuados are just some of the options you can choose from. We make as much as humanly possible from scratch (from bread, granola to sauces and pastries) and all our fruit and vegetables are locally sourced or grown in our garden.
Also note that no external food or drinks are allowed anywhere on the premises.

Dinner is served at 7PM and the fixed menu is a delicious 3-course meal consisting of soup with homemade bread, a main course (vegetarian option always available) and dessert. We ask people to sign up for dinner before 3PM, so in case you are checking in later than that make sure to send us a message and let us know you want to join us! Our family-style dinners often lead to hours of storytelling, board games, very bad jokes, guitars & sing-alongs and are often noted as one of the highlights of people's time here.

Our famous Saturday costume dress-up party and BBQ is a night you will not soon forget. We will fire up the grill while you rummage through our costume closet. On the buffet you will find marinated chicken or veggie burgers and a huge selection of side dishes and salads, followed by our famous chocolate brownies for dessert.

The bar is open every day and night for sodas, beer, wine, spirits, home-made liqueurs and specialty cocktails. Sunday through Thursday happy hour runs from 6PM to 7PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5PM to 7PM. Happiness is often permitted outside of happy hour.

When the Iguana opened back in 1996, the set up was humble and homey. We had no electricity and no hot water, but as time has gone on we have updated our lovely little paradise in order to accommodate the future. We do offer WiFi on the property in select public areas!

Scuba diving in a volcanic lake! The Iguana has been home to the only dive shop on Lake Atitlan for more than 20 years. ATI Divers offers PADI courses from Open Water on up, the altitude specialty course, and fun dives or refreshers on demand. Lake Atitlan is a collapsed volcanic caldera, so it's something fun and different for those feeling intrepid. Sunken buildings, spectacular volcanic rock formations and hot spots along the fault line are just some of the cool things to experience under the water.

There are plenty of other activities to fill your days here including yoga classes, swimming, kayaking, weaving, hiking trails, pool table and dartboard, book exchange and TV room, and visits to local markets and to CECAP, the Santa Cruz vocational center.

Amazing views, delicious food, clean rooms, great diving, and world-class laziness are all here waiting for you!

Reviews & Ratings

8.8
Fabulous
1272 Total Reviews
  • Security
    8.8
  • Location
    9.4
  • Staff
    9.2
  • Atmosphere
    9
  • Cleanliness
    8.7
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Facilities
    8

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Guests

Location

Latest Reviews

8.3
Fabulous
Sep 14, 2023
Beautiful location right in the lake, perfect for relaxing. The grounds were also very beautiful with lots of gardens. Not much counter space in the bathroom or room, and the bunk bed shook a ton when climbing up.
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Male, 25-30
10
Superb
Sep 08, 2023
Nice place, super cool volunteers especially Olivia
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Female, 18-24
8.3
Fabulous
Sep 04, 2023
Cool hostel, good facilities. Great family dinner and social areas. Great location. No lockers in the rooms or locks on the doors to the rooms though.
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Male, 18-24

Facilities

  • Free

    • Linen Included
    • Towels Included
    • Free WiFi
    • Free Internet Access
  • General

    • Security Lockers
    • Common Room
    • BBQ
    • Breakfast Not Included
    • Book Exchange
    • Hot Showers
    • Cable TV
    • Outdoor Terrace
    • Reading Light
    • Safe Deposit Box
    • Card Phones
    • Sauna
    • Covid-19 safe
  • Services

    • Internet access
    • Laundry Facilities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Towels for hire
    • Luggage Storage
    • Tours/Travel Desk
    • Currency Exchange
    • Shuttle Bus
    • Housekeeping
    • Late check-out
    • Reception (limited hours)
  • Food & Drink

    • Restaurant
    • Bar
    • Meals Available
    • Cafe
  • Entertainment

    • Board Games
    • Games Room
    • Pool Table
    • Wi-Fi