About Us
Come join us in paradise under the volcanos. For over 25 years, La Iguana Perdida has been a home away from home for travelers of all ages from across the globe. Our family-owned business offers rooms to suit all budgets and a variety of spaces to relax, play, work, exercise, and escape. Situated on the north shore of the magnificent Lake Atitlán, Santa Cruz is the perfect spot to base your lake experience. So come find whatever your heart desires!
Deedle & Dave
Deedle opened the doors at La Iguana Perdida over 25 years ago in February 1996. Dave showed up as a guest in 1999 after living in Antigua and ended up spending more than just a weekend away. The two were married in 2001 and had two boys who grew up around the hotel.
Our Employees
Who takes care of this beautiful garden, and who makes the delicious food here? Our local Guatemalan staff from Santa Cruz! While the boys take care of maintenance, the girls clean the rooms and prepare the food.
Our Volunteers
They come from all around the world, stopping by for some time and doing some artwork or just helping us run the place. Are you considering being a part of the family? Then send us a message in the contact section!
Accommodation
Shared Rooms
We have three dormitories in total – two with outlets next to each bed and the open-air Castillo in the trees for the “camping with comfort” experience.
Starting from $10 / Q75
Private Rooms
Our basic private rooms have either one double or two twin beds. All are just a short distance from the shared bathroom facilities.
Starting from $20 / Q150
Private Luxury Rooms
We have five luxury private rooms, each with one double and one twin bed, and a private bath with a gas-heated hot shower. Additionally, we have the rustic wooden cabaña, again with one double and one single bed and private bathroom.
Starting from $56 / Q420
Private Luxury Suites
Two of our private luxury rooms have one king and one single bed and a balcony with a spectacular lake view. The two downstairs have space for four to accommodate families or bigger groups. All have ample space and a private bathroom with steamy hot showers.
Starting from $67 / Q500
Bar & Restaurant
Breakfast
Q20 – Q50
Lunch & Snacks
Q30 – Q50
Dinner
Q70 for a warm and nourishing 3 course meal.
Beverages
Q12 – Q150
Cooked with passion using fresh locally-sourced ingredients
We’re pleased to cater to your dietary needs with many vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
Home-baked bread, sauces, and side dishes to delight your taste buds!
Diving
We are proud to be home to Ati Divers. Since 1996 we’ve been the only dive shop on Lake Atitlan, offering fun dives, PADI certifications from Open Water all the way up to Divemaster, and even the Altitude Specialty course which can be done in just one day. Learn to dive today or come explore the mysteries that this volcanic lake holds under the surface. Click here for more information.
Activities
BBQ
Fire up the grill and put on a party dress!
Enjoy the best meal of your travels and an evening dress-up party — one of our Iguana traditions. Meal includes either a piece of BBQ chicken or Vegan Beetroot Patty, served with roasted potatoes and a selecion of 6 salads. Followed by a homemade brownie.
Saturdays starting @ 7 PM, wear a costume or chose from our wild selection 🙂
Open Mic
But without the mic! Come share jokes, acoustic jams, and hidden talents — free tequila shots for participants.
Wednesdays starting @ 8:00 PM
Happy Hour
Come enjoy selected drinks at a special price everyday right before dinner time!
Monday – Thursday @ 6 PM
Friday – Saturday @ 5 PM
Hikes
North shore Atitlan has some of the best hikes in Guatemala. We can point you in the right direction or offer guided experiences to suit your sense of adventure.
Ask at reception or send us a message on Whatsapp.
Sauna/Temazcal
A temezcal is a traditional Guatemalan Sauna. Cleanse your body and mind in our stone wood-fired sauna.
Only 50Q for firewood and candles. Stay in as long as you want!
Spanish Lessons
We have beginner and intermediate classes with fun and inspiring teachers. Study with a gorgeous view of the volcanos! Ask for a singular class or enjoy a full week immersion which includes a daily meal allowance, 20 hours of spanish lessons and accommadation.
Contact us for more information via whatsapp, or email.
Kaqchikel Lessons
Learn to speak the local language of Santa Cruz. Kaqchikel is one of the many beautiful Mayan languages of Guatemala. A wonderful way to connect to the beautiful locals of this village.
Contact us through Whatsapp or email for more information.
Kayak & Stand Up Paddleboard
Hit the lake and soak up the sun. It’s just a short walk down the shore to rent single/double kayaks or SUPs. Guided tours are available as well.
Ask once you arrive to reception, or contact us prior through whatsapp or email.
Yoga
Wanting to improve your yoga practice, stretch out your body and calm your mind on your travels. Enjoy a session in our beautiul yoga studio while starting your day by treating your body right!
Inquire for our schedule – normally Mon- Fri @ 8:00 AM 60Q per session!
Massages
Treat yourself to a bit of heaven. Our massage therapist can cater to your specific needs and leave you floating on a cloud. We have a many practicioners and variety of styles and including deep tissue, thai massage, reiki and many more.
Check out our list of services on our whatsapp catalogue, or email and ask for our wellness book.
Weaving Classes
Learn the art of backstrap weaving in a local indigenous home and come away with a lovely souvenir and fantastic memories — it’s harder than it looks and a wonderful way to integrate yourself into the local culture.
Cooking Classes
Learn to cook traditional local dishes like Pepian and tortillas while enjoying one of the best views of Atitlán at Cafe Sabor Cruceño. Help support this local vocational program!
Ask at reception upon arrival or send us an email or whatsapp for more information.
Getting Here
We are located on the waterfront just next to the public dock in Santa Cruz La Laguna. The trip takes about ten minutes by boat from Panajachel.
Shuttles/Taxis can drop you off at the “Muelle Tzanjuyu” in Panajachel, where public boats leave for Santa Cruz every 20 minutes or so throughout the day. It should cost Q25 per person on the public boat or around Q250 total for a private boat. If you’re arriving after 7 pm, contact us for the number of a private boat driver.
DON’T COME BY CAR — unless you have a good 4×4 and a real sense of adventure. The road into Santa Cruz is not well maintained and can be quite treacherous. However, you can park in Panajachel for Q75/night at Kayucos Marina if you’re coming by private car.
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