El Retiro is in a beautiful setting and is perfect for lazing around, reading a book, dipping in the river and playing boardgames while sipping on a cuba libre, but its not much in the way of traveling, more a break from traveling. My boyfriend and I took a double room with private bath which was a little more expensive... More

I had to extend my stay two more nights after checking in at El Retiro. This place was great! Amazing location way out in the boonies but not a far truck ride to Semuc Champey. So peaceful great staff. Excellent food, with plenty of veggie options as well. Happy hour all night! Directly on the river and so much lush... More

We stayed in the top floor of a very basic hut, no door, just a ladder up beneath the roof. Had a great time! The shared bathrooms are clean, the food at the restaurant was very good (but not exactly cheap), and you can lie in hammocks and cool down in the river. It's a bit far from the center... More

We'd suggest staying close to Semuc because the people in Lanquin were so miserably rude and we had countless bad experiences in this community, and unfortunately El Retiro just wasn't quite good enough to make it worth it. That said, with the tiniest of efforts on the part of the staff (and a ton of effort in the community!) we... More

We stayed 2 nights at el retiro and loved it so much we asked to volunteer and ended up staying for 3 weeks! The buffet is amazing and I am assure you there is always left overs. There is so much space to relax in the hammocks or chill on deck over the river. All the local staff in the... More

We arrived at El Retiro very late (almost 10:30 p.m.). Two men met us, took us to reception, and asked us to pay for the room immediately. We have been touring Guatemala for weeks and this is not normal operating procedure. Plus it was late and we were tired after a day of travel, but they insisted and would not... More

Oh dear, El Retiro. High cost for a VERY basic room with private bathroom, unfriendly staff and the oddest falafel experience at dinner time. I've stayed in a few places where communal sit down evening meals are the rage and love the experience. El Retiro made me feel like fatty arbuckle, standing in line and asking for an extra falafel,... More

Beautiful place in stunning location! There are many hammocks and chairs to hang out and you can go and take a bath in the river. There is even a sauna and massages were offered. It's cheap, staff are really nice and they organize day trips and tourist shuttles to other places. Dorm rooms are spacious, yet you shouldn't be afraid... More

This retreat is located on a grassy hill alongside a beautiful river. The location is 10mins walk from town, and there is a restaurant within 2min walk if you want something different from their menu. Their evening buffet was advertised incorrectly when we ate there; it was only a buffet in the sense you choose your food, but not in... More