We are a father and his two adult daughters rambling around Guatemala for a month. Tuqtuquilal was recommended by someone we met in our travels--someone cool and unique--and now we recommend it to you! I want to simply say "GO!" But listen: this place is special! It's for people who are willing to put in some time. (If you plan to go to Lanquin, you are perhaps already that kind of person, but read on). You'll have had a long trip to Lanquin--now you are going to need to take a tuk-tuk, or walk the 20 minutes from Lanquin. The river will be surging along beside you as you head along the road. You might have to pause to return a "buenas dias" to one the friendly locals passing by, or look up at the many birds overhead. If it's late--stars and crickets. Soon you'll arrive at the gate to Tuqtuquilal. We were greeted by Estevan, and by Julian, the two charmingly warm Frenchmen who have made Lanquin their home and are currently overseeing guest operations at Tuqtuquilal and running a sweet little restaurant there. (Awaiting our arrival, Estevan had prepared a uniquely luscious lasagna dinner--the first of a series of delicious meals he served us, using ingredients and flavoura from all about the farm and region). The time spent with them was both enjoyable and productive. They know the area so well, and were quick to help link us to an excellent day excursion to Semuc Champey. We'd done it--the big reason for the long trip to Lanquin! But Tuqtuquilal warranted more time. A fascinating tour of the permaculture farm with Hector richly illuminated the diverse plants and foods of Guatemala--every one of which seems to be growing here. Later, a tour of the cacao operation with Estevan culminated in making our own chocolate (from beans that Hector's sweet esposa Elsa had just roasted) while he shared the history of chocolate (I thought I knew but certainly didn't). The BEST chocolate ever, we'd made it ourselves!! Have I mentioned the sweet, comfy cabanas? The awesome outdoor showers? (Get some clarification on those to get a hot one). The views? The burgers? (Oh, the burgers). The hammocks and the views? The peace and quiet? (If you want a place to read or meditate or just generally chill out, you've found it). Stars and crickets. Time: well spent. (Truth be told, we only spent three nights but it was hard to leave). Thanks to Matt for being so helpful in getting us there. Thanks to Estevan and Julian for their warm welcome. There: now you've heard of it: go! (What? You'd already booked somewhere else? Well, OK, but don't let that stop you. What a lovely time we had with the Dutch dad and daughter who walked out from town, enjoyed a chocolate tour and stayed for burgers and beer).…
A really special place, run by a lovely Guatemalan family (and an adorable puppy and kitten). I would 100% recommend this place to anyone arriving in Lanquin! The food is amazing - the family cook delicious breakfasts (a traditional tipico or the less traditional but equally yummy pancakes with fruit and home made granola) and there are communal lunches and suppers you can sign up to as well. We are vegetarian and felt very well-catered for! Other guests who ate meat-options said these were delicious too. It's great value for money as the portions are big, the menu varies a lot (they use a lot of fresh fruit and vegetable grown on the land). It was cheaper and tastier than other options we found in town. We went on the cocoa tour where we saw the whole process of how to make chcoolate and even got to try our own produce at the end which was incredible! Definitely do this if you have time - there are different options and it takes around 2 hours. You also get to leaen a lot about permaculture methods and see how this project is sustainable. They are doing something really special here and I really want to return in the future to see how the project is getting on. The eco-lodge is on a large bit of lang and there are hiking trails you can explore too. If you want to, they offer guided tours as well where you can learn all about the different plants they grow and see some amazing views of the mountains. There is a small waterfall and quebrada you can hike down as well.…
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