EARTHSHIP SANCTUARY BARRIO 2 WITH SPRING WATER

Entire Earthship Retreat Overlooking Lake Atitlán | Eco-Luxury Permaculture Sanctuary in San Marcos, Guatemala

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind Earthship sanctuary overlooking the majestic waters of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.

Built into the mountainside using recycled materials, including tires, bottles, cans, stone, and reclaimed wood, this property combines world-renowned Earthship Biotecture principles with traditional Mayan craftsmanship and permaculture design.

Perched high above San Marcos La Laguna, this architectural retreat overlooks one of the most beautiful volcanic crater lakes in the world, surrounded by volcanoes, indigenous villages, cloud forest, and lush tropical gardens.

This is not a standard vacation rental. It is a living ecological sanctuary designed for people seeking beauty, creativity, nature, healing, adventure, and a deeper connection to the land.

REVIEWS

This property previously operated primarily through another short-term rental platform and hosted guests from around the world for many years. We are currently transitioning toward VRBO and more direct booking relationships.

We have included screenshots from prior guest reviews in the listing photos to provide transparency and show past guest experiences.

Additionally, portions of the property were occupied by long-term tenants and caretakers for extended periods, which contributed to gaps in short-term rental activity and reviews.

We appreciate your understanding as we continue improving the property and guest experience.

LOCATION & COMMUNITY

The Earthship is located high above San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, a globally recognized destination for yoga retreats, meditation, holistic healing, herbal medicine, ecological living, spiritual exploration, creative arts, and indigenous Mayan culture.

The famous Yoga Forest retreat center is nearby, and neighboring farms roast fresh local coffee often enjoyed from our outdoor kitchen overlooking the lake.

San Marcos uniquely blends traditional Mayan village life with an international wellness and artistic community. Guests can enjoy yoga classes, massage therapy, ecstatic dance events, herbal workshops, hiking, boat trips to nearby villages, local markets, traditional ceremonies, and organic cafes and restaurants.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW

This listing is for the larger Earthship property setup ideal for retreat groups, families, digital nomad groups, artists, wellness travelers, conscious community gatherings, and guests wanting additional privacy and space.

The Earthship property includes:

• Portside Earthship Suite
• Starboard Earthship Suite
• Private Apartment Below the Kitchen
• Shared Outdoor Kitchen & Community Areas
• Extensive Food Forest & Gardens

The space is modular and flexible. Beds are often rearranged or customized depending on guest needs, retreat groups, family setups, or long-term stays.

WATER, INTERNET & UTILITIES

One of the things guests consistently praise is the quality of the water and internet considering the mountain location.

Included amenities:

• High-speed WIFI suitable for remote work and digital nomads
• Filtered spring water sourced from the mountain
• Multiple hot shower options
• Shared outdoor kitchen
• Gas cooking setup
• Food forest and garden access

Bathrooms and showers include:

• 3 bathrooms total
• 2 standard flush toilets
• 1 compost toilet
• 2 showers with electric water heaters
• 1 propane-heated shower

Additionally, the detached cabana area has guardian quarters and compost toilet facilities available for guest use when needed.

ONSITE SUPPORT & CARETAKING

The property has onsite support to help guests feel comfortable during their stay.

A property guardian stays onsite in a detached cabana located off to the side of the main Earthship structures. The cabana is separate from the main guest spaces and is not attached to the Earthship itself.

The guardian helps monitor the property, assist with arrivals, coordinate local support, and help maintain the gardens and infrastructure.

On-call cleaning and maid assistance may also be arranged during your stay depending on availability and guest needs.

THE EARTHSHIP EXPERIENCE

Earthships are homes designed to reduce waste and work in harmony with nature.

Unlike conventional construction, Earthships are designed using thermal mass, passive solar principles, recycled materials, natural ventilation, and ecological systems.

The original Earthship architect, Michael Reynolds, inspired the project design, while local Mayan craftsmen, stone masons, and talented machete carpenters contributed to the unique handcrafted character of the property.

The property continues evolving over time as part of an ongoing permaculture and regenerative living project.

CABINS & ROOMS

PORTSIDE SUITE

A cozy three-level Earthship cabin built directly into the mountainside with a warm cave-like atmosphere.

Features include:

• Twin bed on lower level
• Built-in shelving and storage
• Workspace desk
• Additional sleeping loft
• Queen-size foam mattress on upper level
• Large windows overlooking Lake Atitlán
• Artistic handcrafted design
• Cooler natural temperatures due to thermal Earthship construction

Perfect for couples, writers, artists, or adventurous travelers seeking a unique eco-living experience.

STARBOARD SUITE

A larger and more open Earthship suite connected directly to the outdoor kitchen and common areas.

Features include:

• Spacious main-floor queen bed
• Three-story layout
• Additional loft sleeping areas suitable for children or extra guests
• Workspace and lounge areas
• Beautiful natural lighting
• Flexible sleeping configurations

Parents typically sleep on the main floor while children enjoy the loft spaces.

APARTMENT BELOW THE KITCHEN

This newer apartment is built using wood construction and stone retaining walls beneath the outdoor kitchen deck.

Features include:

• Private bathroom
• Private shower
• Cooler shaded temperatures
• Excellent spring water access
• Convenient access to kitchen and community areas

Because this apartment is located beneath the outdoor kitchen, guests may occasionally hear footsteps or movement from the deck above.

FOOD FOREST & LAND

The Earthship sits within a growing permaculture food forest featuring coffee plants, medicinal herbs, tropical fruit trees, tobacco, native plants, terraced gardens, and ecological landscaping.

The property overlooks the lake from high above Barrio 2 between nearby retreat spaces including Eagle’s Nest and Starry Mountain.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Please understand this is a mountain property in Guatemala.

Guests must walk uphill from the cemetery area in Barrio 2 using footpaths and stairs.

This property is not suitable for elderly guests or guests with major mobility limitations and is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with mountain terrain.

San Marcos is a living village community. Guests may occasionally hear dogs barking, music from nearby retreat centers, fireworks during holidays, community events, and nature sounds.

While the property is often peaceful and quiet, neighboring activity is part of the authentic village experience.

This is an ecological property with shared infrastructure and sustainable systems. Guests who appreciate permaculture, sustainability, eco-construction, regenerative living, artistic architecture, and nature immersion tend to love the experience most.

IDEAL FOR

• Retreat groups
• Families
• Artists
• Digital nomads
• Nature lovers
• Permaculture enthusiasts
• Yoga travelers
• Writers
• Conscious travelers
• Adventurous couples
• Wellness seekers

Experience a truly unforgettable stay in one of Lake Atitlán’s most unique ecological homes, where mountain, volcano, forest, and lake come together in a magical and inspiring setting.

PROCEEDS GOT THE TEMPLE OF ROOTS 508C1A, NATURE BASED MINISTRY