FAQ
Do you have drinking water in the cabin?
1
Your cabin provides clean, mountain spring water that’s filtered through a 3-stage system. Please use the small tap in the sink for drinking. Initially, the water may be hot due to the UV filtration system. Let it run for about 30 seconds to cool down to a refreshing temperature.
How do I pay for the wine and snack basket?
2
We’re delighted to offer you our hand-selected wine for 150Q and a selection of snacks for 250Q. To purchase, you can either leave cash or send payment via Venmo or PayPal (friends & family) to: @livingprism.
What if there is an emergency?
3
While we strive to be available for any assistance you may need, if you can’t reach us, our guardian Domingo is here to help. He resides on the property above the A-frames. You can contact him directly at +502 5013 6744.
Is there another way to get to AMATE?
4
There are multiple paths for traveling between Barrio 2 and AMATE. For safety, please use the path to and from Shangri-La after dark. During daylight hours, all paths are safe and accessible.
Can I drive all the way to AMATE?
5
You cannot drive directly to AMATE. The closest landmarks are Shangri-La and Eagles Nest, which are only accessible by foot or tuktuk (not regular sized car). The walking path is a 10-15 min nature hike from the Shangri-La store to the AMATE property. If you bring your own vehicle, you can park in a parking lot at the center of town. You can contact them directly at +502 3651 6277 on WhatsApp.
What should we do for food?
6
Most guests either shop in the center at the local tiendas and produce stands to bring some food with them or enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant before heading to the cabin. You can also order from our local delivery app Colibri, which can bring restaurant meals right to your door. https://app.colibridelivers.com You can find a list of our recommended restaurants below.
How do we get help with our luggage?
7
We reccomend Nicolas for tuktuk transport and luggage assistance to AMATE. He can also help with food delivery to your cabin.
Where is AMATE located?
9
AMATE Atitlan is located in the foothills of a caldera (volcanic crater) between San Marcos La Laguna and San Pablo La Laguna. Barrio 2, San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlán Guatemala.
What is the closest airport?
10
The closest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
11
How long is the drive from GUA/Guatemala City?
AMATE and San Marcos La Laguna are both about a 3.5 hours drive - depending on traffic - from GUA airport / Guatemala City.
How do you recommend getting to AMATE?
12
We recommend Relaxicab Transportation Services for getting to San Marcos. They offer both private and shared rides all the way to San Marcos La Laguna and to Panajachel, where you can then take a boat across the lake to San Marcos La Laguna. For the most up-to-date rates and scheduling, please contact Martha directly at: +502 3073 0413
There are other ways to arrive, including Uber or public bus, but Relaxicab is the option we most consistently recommend for ease and reliability.
Where can I park my car?
13
You can park your car at a secure parking lot in San Marcos. Please coordinate directly with the parking lot owners: +502 3651 6277
You can also park a car in one of the many available lots in Panajachel and take a boat over.
How do we arrive by boat?
14
There are public boat shuttles from Panajachel and other villages around the lake, operating from ~6 am to ~6 pm. Price: Q10-30, depending on the departure village.
Can we check in early?
15
We would love to accommodate an early check in. However, the cleaning team usually needs 3–4 hours for a full deep clean between guests. If you book your tuk-tuk with Nickolas, he can coordinate directly with housekeeping and bring you over as soon as the cabin is ready.
Can we drop our bags off early?
16
We would love to do that for you, unfortunately we don’t have a secure spot for luggage storage directly at AMATE. But as a suggestion, for just 20Q per person, you can access San Marcos’ beautiful nature reserve, and they’ll be happy to safely store your bags in their office while you enjoy your time there.
Who will welcome us when we arrive?
17
We have a self-check-in process. However, we strongly recommend you hire Nicolas to assist you. He can carry luggage, guide you to our property and assist with entering the accommodation.
Do we have to take a tuktuk up to the path to AMATE?
18
We recommend you always take a tuktuk to Shangri-La (which is next to the entrance of the hike to our property). Otherwise you must walk up a very steep road.
How far is the hike to AMATE?
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After a tuktuk drops you at Shangri-La, the hike to our property is about 10-15 minutes.
Do you have lakefront access?
20
We don’t have direct lake access. You can access the lake easily in several places. Our favorite is the San Marcos Nature Reserve, about a 20 minute walk.
How far away are you from town?
21
AMATE is about a 15–20 minute walk, or a 10-minute walk plus tuk-tuk ride to the center of town. We are located up on the beautiful cliffside of San Marcos, which gives us the epic view you see.
How far away are you from the dock?
22
The public boat dock is located in the center of San Marcos La Laguna, at the end of what we call “hippie highway”. AMATE is about a 15–20 minute walk, or a 10-minute walk plus tuk-tuk ride to the center of town. You can also take a tuktuk directly to Silani dock, which provides easier access for those traveling with more luggage.
What are the closest restaurants/grocery markets?
23
We don’t have restaurants or markets right next to us. Guests usually eat at restaurants and shop in the small markets and produce stands in town, about a 15-minute walk down the hill.
You can also use the kitchen or order food delivered through Colibri, our local food delivery app: https://www.colibridelivers.com/en/
Do you offer private massages or chef services?
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We don’t offer these services privately right now. We suggest contacting either Rene (+502 4036 6578) or Kula Maya (https://kulamaya.com/) to book private massage sessions.
Are there kitchen or cooking supplies?
25
Yes each cabin has olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, powdered milk, coffee, and tea. As well as basic cooking utensils such as a coffee pot, stove top, blender, toaster oven, pots & pans, plates, cups, bowls and silverware.
What is your cancellation policy?
26
We understand unexpected things happen. We recommend purchasing travelers insurance to protect your trip from unforeseen events and changes.
Our Cancelation Policy:
You may receive a full refund if you cancel/reschedule within 48hours of booking and at least 14 full days before the listing’s local check-in time.
After 48 hours, you are entitled to a 50% refund regardless of how far the check-in date is.
You can receive a 50% refund of the accommodation fees if you cancel/reschedule 14 days before the booking begins. You will also receive a refund for the cleaning fee but not the service fee.
If you cancel/reschedule a reservation fewer than 14 days in advance, you won’t be eligible for any refund.
LOCAL GUIDE
Local Activities
Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
A lakeside oasis with trails, platforms, cliff jumps, kayak rentals, and panoramic viewpoints.
Yoga & Meditation at Eagles Nest
San Marcos is a global hub for yoga and spirituality with daily classes and workshops, you can find a list of their current classes online.
Sunrise Hike to Indian’s Nose
An iconic viewpoint with sweeping panoramas of Lake Atitlan.
Hippie Highway & Markets
Artisan crafts, cafes, restaurants, and creative local culture.
Community Events
Open mics, drum circles, ecstatic dance, mezcal bar nights.
Holistic Workshops
Cacao ceremonies, Temazcal, spa time, astrology readings, sound healings.
Explore Other Villages
Boat trips, coffee tours, sunsets, ATV rides, horseback riding.
Restaurant Recommendations
Amo at El Dragon – Organic café on the lake with volcano views.
Lush – High-quality Mayan fusion in a jungle setting.
Kula Maya – Hotel with spa and lakefront dining.
Konojel – Local Mayan restaurant run by Mayan women.
El Buho – Known for the best Pad Thai at the lake.
ARATI – Best coffee and affordable breakfast.
Tercer Ojo – Bakery & breakfast favorite.
Samsara – Vegetarian restaurant with healthy options.
Circles – Modern bakery & remote work hub.
The Hidden Garden – Cozy café with amazing cacao.
Nicolas
Arrival Assistance
+502 4931 1312
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Jessica
Hospitality Manager
+1 541 905 6872
Domingo
Property Guardian
+502 5013 6744
Ervin
Housekeeper
+502 4836 2836
Dar
AMATE Owner
+1 (503) 953-3116
Clinica Maya
Naturopathic Clinic
+502 5170 4077
Nurse Amy
Emergencies
+502 4500 6680
Farmacia Raquel
Pharmacy
+502 5445 3816
Clinica Los Volcanes
Doctor
+502 4195 3506
Hospital del Lago
Hospital
+502 3570 5668