MayAchik: Living at an Eco Resort in Guatemala For A Month
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In April 2023, I spent one month living in an eco-resort in the Guatemalan highlands, surrounded by volcanoes, compost toilets, and a local community that focuses on sustainability.
Below, you can read all about my experience volunteering at Mayachik, an eco resort in San Juan La Laguna, a small town on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
What is MayAchik?
MayAchik is an eco-lodge tucked in nature, about a 10-minute walk from the main town of San Juan La Laguna.
It’s a peaceful, earthy place with gardens, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, a temazcal (Mayan sauna), and several colorful houses for guests.
The name MayAchik comes from the local Tz’utujil language and means ‘a magical Mayan dream’
What I loved about MayAchik eco resort is that everything about the place is designed to reduce waste, save water, and support the local community with:
- Solar panels: Mayachik runs partly on solar energy, cutting down its dependence on the grid.
- Compost toilets: No flush = no wasted water. It takes a day to get used to, but it makes sense once you see how it works.
- Greywater system: Water from showers and sinks gets filtered naturally through banana circles, where banana trees absorb and clean it.
- Rainwater harvesting: They collect rainwater and reuse it for cleaning and watering the gardens.
- Eco architecture: The houses are built from natural materials and surrounded by organic gardens.
- Local employment: Most staff are from San Juan, and many are women, so your stay supports the local community directly.
- Sustainable food: The on-site restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
How I found it & what I did there
I found MayAchik randomly while browsing Workaway, and something about their vibe instantly clicked. They offered a spot for a social media and photography work exchange, which felt perfect for me.
My main job was helping with photography and social media: taking photos around the property, going to their tours & documenting them, and creating visuals for their online presence.
So, I was capturing moments from:
- A natural dye workshop with local women’s cooperatives
- Coffee plantation tour
- An Indian Nose sunrise hike
- A traditional weaving tour
- The tasty food offered by them
- The day-to-day vibes of Mayachik
It was usually just a few hours a day, so I had plenty of time to explore the area and relax. It was a perfect mix of work, creativity, and cultural immersion. The dream combo for a work exchange in Guatemala.
Accommodation & food
I stayed in Mariposa House, a dorm with eight beds, two private showers, and access to a compost toilet outside.
There’s also a small guest kitchen, which was super handy for food, coffee, tea, etc.
Since I did a work exchange there, I got free breakfast and dinner, both prepared in the restaurant, all vegetarian or vegan. The food was often simple, but tasty, local, colorful, and made with love.
The vibe at MayAchik
The atmosphere was one of the most relaxing I’ve ever experienced.
There are hammocks everywhere, tables under trees, and an open-air restaurant area where guests and locals mix easily.
You’ll meet backpackers, travelers, artists, and eco-conscious people from all over the world.
It’s not luxury, it’s eco comfort. A little rustic, but deeply grounding.
Guests- Coffee tour
- The shared kitchen
- Elder and Milton
- Guest chilling on the hammock
- A little space for yoga
Pros & cons of my work exchange at MayAchik
Pros
- Truly sustainable practices (compost toilets, organic gardens, local food)
- Relaxed environment
- Delicious vegan/vegetarian meals
- Great people and community energy
- Surrounded by nature
- Many local experiences nearby
- Mariposa House dormitory is ideal for travelers on a budget
Cons
- The walk to Mayachik is a bit remote and can feel a little sketchy at night; bring a flashlight or go with someone
- There were a lot of stray dogs around, which could feel intimidating at times (though most are harmless)
- Rustic setup (cold showers happen)
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
- Compost toilets take a bit of getting used to
- Nights can get really chilly! Bring warm clothes
Other things to do around Lake Atitlan
If you’re looking into sustainable travel in Guatemala, this area has so much to offer.
San Juan is calmer, more grounded; still artistic and spiritual, but much more chill. It felt authentic, with way more locals around and tons of local experiences.
San Marcos was a hippie village, full of cool shops, handmade products, jam sessions, yoga studios, and great vegan food spots.
San Pedro felt somehow more raw and real; a mix of locals, backpackers, and a few hidden gems for vegan food and small shops to explore.
I had a lot of free time and managed to explore Lake Atitlán and:
- Check out nearby towns: San Marcos, San Pedro, or Santa Cruz by boat
- Try wakeboarding in the lake
- Help Mayachik’s chef, Britney, with vegan cakes
- Visit Eagles Nest & stay a few days to practice yoga
- Meet new people (lots of them were guests of Mayachik) & explore around with them
- Traditional weaving tour
- San Juan La Laguna
- Coffee tour
- Brita (one of the chefs)
- Mayachick art
- Pedro and Woody
Tips for traveling around Lake Atitlán & Guatemala
I picked up a few things during my stay, so here are some tips for you:
1. Know the real prices for tuk-tuks & ferries
Tuk-tuk and ferry drivers around Lake Atitlán will 100% try to charge you more just because you’re a foreigner.
The trick? Ask locals first what the price should be. Then don’t negotiate, just pay that amount.
For ferries, never ask for the price up front. Just hop on, and when you’re getting off, hand the driver the local fare. That’s what I did every time, and it worked well; no drama, no inflated “gringo tax.”
2. Stick to shuttle buses (especially solo female travelers)
You’ll hear mixed stories about Guatemala’s public “chicken buses.” They’re cheap and colorful, but not always the safest or most comfortable.
If you’re traveling solo (especially as a woman), I’d recommend sticking with shuttle buses for longer distances. They’re still affordable, safer, and less chaotic.
3. Don’t miss the Acatenango volcano hike
If you go to Guatemala, do not skip the Acatenango hike. It’s the main reason I wanted to visit the country, and even though it was the hardest hike of my life, it was insane.
You camp overnight right across from Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano that erupts every 10–15 minutes. Watching fire literally shoot out of a mountain while you’re wrapped in a blanket? Unreal. Totally worth the pain, cold, and sore legs.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning a visit or looking for a meaningful, eco-friendly work exchange in Guatemala, Mayachik Eco Resort in San Juan La Laguna is a beautiful choice.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to live simply, learn about eco living in Guatemala, and connect with like-minded people and nature.
If you need fast Wi-Fi, long hot showers, or lots of nightlife, this isn’t for you. But if you want to slow down and be surrounded by volcanoes, gardens, and good humans, go for it.
