We stayed there for a week and could have easily spent another one. I don't think I ever saw a hotel with so much heart, it almost leaves nothing to complain about. They got great food, excellent services and incredibly nice personnel. What I also enjoyed was the variety of animals living in and around the Finca. The atmosphaire of the beautiful common area an the lovely housings can barely put into words. If you like it quiet and homely, that's the place.
We stayed here for four nights in the Pelicano bungalow. What a fantastic time we had- definitely a highlight on our month long trip in Guatemala. The location is so special with much of the site built over the river on wooden planks. This allowed us to see crabs, turtles and birds going about their usual day. We spent a lot of time swimming in the river, jumping off the rope swing, and kayaking. Besides the location, the family who owns and manages the Finca really make it what is is. They are friendly and accommodating and really foster a great sense of community. We hope to be able to return someday soon!
went for a romantic trip with my hubby, as we arrived we got off on the dock and wandered way to the back to find a table full of people that had blatantly ignored us. Even though we had made reservations no one even got up to say hello, it was as if those at the table had to draw straws to see who was unlucky enough to talk to us. We finally got our room and started to relax before dinner to our surprise, here comes a youth group of around 40 hollering and hooting very loudly. We got up and headed to the main lodge area because everyone was eating. We wander into the mess hall looking confused, meanwhile all of the staff and including the owner are just staring at us like we are idiots. I guess the youth group ate an hour before the normal guests, but i had to ask one of the students what was going on. The staff was entirely inattentive not to mention rude. The only person who showed us any common courtesy and kindness during our stay was the owners youngest son. He was very friendly and outgoing. I hope one day that kid runs this place because the grounds are truly stunning and with the right person this place could and would be a goldmine. As for now, I have no idea how Finca Tatin made any type of travel destination award.The food was also very, VERY bad. Every night starts with a bad soup and the meals we had were meatballs on rice and a
I am the coordinator for a team of 39 that stayed at the Finca Tatin while working on humanitarian projects nearby. Coordination with the Finca was a joy. They were easy to coordinate with, offered consistent and delicious food, were flexible with the constant changes of our teams' needs, and even extended their help with our humanitarian projects.
We heard about this place from another review which said it was a 'must do' when visiting Guatemala. They weren't wrong! This has to be one of the best places I have stayed. It gives you a real sense of being in the heart of the jungle.
We arrived into Livingston and were picked up in the Finca Tatin boat by Joseph (the very friendly and helpful hostel organiser) which can be organised quite easily with the hostel depending on your time of arrival (either 12.30 or 4pm). We stayed for 3 nights and would have stayed longer if we could. We opted for a more active few days but you could quite easily kick back in a hammock for the entirety of your stay and not be disappointed... We took the kayaks out for the first day and paddled up river for a few hours which is a great experience and allows for some stunning views of the jungle and surrounding mountains. You can take one of the smaller tributaries off the main rio dulce (ask Joseph) and and are cast into the heart of the jungle, surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of the animals. I really recommend it. Apparently there is a manatee reserve a little further on foot but unfortunately we didn't venture this far.
Our time back at Finca Tatin was spent jumping off the ropeswing into the surprisingly warm waters. Great fun and a real rush!
Our second day was filled with a 4 hour jungle trek back to Livingston. Setting off at 8.30 we were there in time for lunch and return via boat at 4pm. A guide can be organised through the hostel. It was a great opportunity to see some of the wildlife as we came face to face with snakes, tarantulas and toucans. It was brilliant but not for the faint of heart as we were well and truly wiped out at lunch time. Id advise some good footwear and lots of water! You also stop at a vantage point which allows for sweeping views of the Rio Dulce and surrounding mountains.
The hostel itself is excellent, blending seamlessly into the jungle. We stayed in a 3 person bungalow right on the river for ~300Q a night. The evening meals are a great way to meet other guests as everybody sits down together at 7pm for a family style meal. The food was excellent offering real variety and a taste of local cuisine. There is also an honesty policy in place where you tick off everything you eat/drink/do and pay at the end of your stay.
All in all a brilliant stay at a brilliant hostel.
From the moment that you arrive you realise that this is a special place. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff very attentive. The cabins by the river are just wonderful-an honesty system for guests is the way that the restaurant and bar works. The owner is really friendly and helpful. Just realise that you are a boat ride from anywhere
