Where Adventure
Meets Family

Miguel Cartaxo Conceição

3 months ago

La Iguana Perdida delivers exactly what a backpacker hostel on the shores of Lake Atitlán should: a communal, laid-back atmosphere where strangers become travel companions over shared meals and sunset views. The social energy here is genuine, and for solo travellers or anyone looking to connect with like-minded people, that intangible quality counts for a lot. The location is hard to fault, right on the waterfront, steps from the dock where boats connect Santa Cruz to the other villages around the lake. Filtered water available throughout is a practical and appreciated touch, and the hostel’s organised activities add real value to the stay. However, the practicalities of the room itself leave something to be desired. A three-person room with a single towel hook is a logistical oversight that is difficult to overlook, a minor fix that would make a meaningful difference. The room, while characterful, is genuinely tight for three occupants. Hot water was available but required a considerable wait. Perhaps most frustrating, the cabin’s poor insulation against mosquitoes made for some uncomfortable nights, in a region where insect exposure is not trivial, proper sealing should be a baseline standard. Worth noting: a visit to neighbouring La Cerveza Hostel offered an interesting point of comparison. A noticeably more polished and upscale proposition, with a different aesthetic and what appeared to be superior views, a stronger choice for those who want the lakeside experience with a touch more comfort. La Iguana Perdida suits the budget traveller chasing atmosphere over amenities. Bring mosquito repellent, and manage your expectations on space.

Lauren Buckley

3 months ago

We had an amazing stay for our annual cousins trip! The property was beautiful, and our room was very clean, spacious, and comfortable. The volunteers were so welcoming and fun. Family dinner and open mic night created such great memories and a wonderful sense of community. Highly recommend!

Meghan Anderson

2 months ago

I stayed here as a solo female traveler, age 39, June 2026 in the private lake-view room for four nights. The view from the room was incredible, and the hammock made it even that much cooler. It was amazing reading in the hammock and watching the cloud roll over the lake and volcanoes! The meals and happy hour drinks were also wildly affordable (I’m from the US). I also took a yoga class and did my own yoga in their nice studio which is open for your own use during the day. The staff were also very kind and helpful…they knew my name and always made me feel welcome. During the two group dinners I attended I had some interesting conversations with others, although one of the nights I was by far the oldest person there :) There were a couple of caveats about the private room with the lake view…it was right above the kitchen and bar and while the quiet time is usually 10pm, on Saturdays the party and loud music went until 1am, so that’s something to be aware of if you have an early morning planned the next day. Also, the windows aren’t fully sealed and there are no screens, so mosquitos kind of wandered in and out at all times so I had to cover myself with bug spray constantly. But overall I did have a very good experience.

Alessandro Crisci

5 months ago

Had an amazing time here honestly very surprised booked this last minute because could not get a reservation at the other popular hostel in Santa Cruz. But honestly was blown away about this hostel. It was way better and way more authentic and worth the money. We had a private room this time because it was the end of our trip and it was wonderful one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever stayed in. I wish I took more pictures. They offer many different activities, such as sunrise, hike, yoga, and family dinners. The family dinner on our first night when we arrived was wonderful. We met plenty of other travellers and the food was outstanding. The atmosphere of this Hostel is very great. It’s very chill and the people seem very genuinely happy to be there. They have a little yoga studio and some bikes so I assume there is maybe a spin class as well I wish I spent more time here. The bar is also fully equipped and is nice and social at night but far away from the rooms so it’s not loud at at. They encouraged socialization and connecting with yourself and nature so there is only Wi-Fi in the common areas but we did not mind. Everything else was amazing.

Trudy Schoepfer

4 months ago

a gorgeous spot lakefront in santa cruz, lake atitlan! the staff is all incredibly kind, i would highly recommend staying here! they offer hotel style rooms or hostels depending on preference. my room had a hammock on the balcony overlooking the lake! family dinners are at 7PM and are delicious!!! just sign up day of. so are the breakfasts - very fresh! paddle boarding is a short (and pretty) walk along the lake, the launchas (public boat transfers) dock right in front of the hotel, and you can sign up for a 5AM sunrise hike, yoga, weaving class, cooking class, etc. all for very cheap. my friend left her passport at the hotel after check out and the employees coordinated delivering it to us in antigua via other guests - they truly went above and beyond! we are so grateful and hope to be back!