Eco-Guest House Moving Up: The Only Fully Accessible Hotel in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
The Californer/10349617

SUNSET BEACH, Calif. - Californer -- In keeping with its commitment to serve a diversity of guests, the Eco-Guest House@San Martín, a top-rated boutique hotel nestled in the lush Western Highlands of Guatemala, has become the first and only fully wheelchair-accessible hotel in the region with the installation of new glass elevators.

"Our new elevators demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity, comfort, and thoughtful hospitality," said Elmer Mazariegos, National Director of Local Hope, the non-profit community service organization that operates the hotel. "With the addition of the elevators, guests with mobility needs, seniors, families with strollers, and travelers seeking added convenience can now easily access all three floors of the building and surrounding wheelchair-accessible pathways."

Located about 8,500 feet up in the misty highlands at the base of the popular hiking destination, sacred Lake Chicabál, this charming guesthouse is a rare find.  It features 12 spacious, comfortable, and especially well-appointed rooms and ensuite bathrooms with hot running water and full-pressure hot showers, soft towels and in-room electric heaters – plus robust Wi-Fi, an uncommon feature in the region. The Eco-Guest House is the only accommodation in the area to score an overall five-star rating from Airbnb guests and to provide this level of comfort – and now, elevator-access to both the Eco-Guest House and the "El Comal" eatery that provides food service.

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Operated by the 34-year-old non-profit,  Local Hope Guatemala (https://localhope.org/), Eco-Guest House, offers a welcome respite to serve as home base after a long day of sightseeing, hiking and exploring in the area or volunteer service. Located in the village of San Martín Chiquíto, just 30 minutes from urban Quetzaltenango, Eco-Guest House offers magical views of the mountains and fields, interactive cultural tours, experiences in nature, and delicious local cuisine.

A stay at Eco-Guest House offers guests a unique opportunity to engage in cultural exchange activities and community service (https://localhope.org/activities/volunteer-culture/) via Local Hope's ongoing volunteer programs, interacting with the indigenous Mam-Maya people in the area.  Possibilities include building and distributing chicken coops, taking traditional weaving classes and Spanish lessons, learning a Mayan recipe, and more — all while getting a glimpse of Mayan life and culture. For more robust and immersive service experiences that include volunteering directly with children and families, Local Hope offers Custom Service Trips. These organized volunteer programs (https://localhope.org/volunteer/) combine volunteer service in San Martín Chiquíto with sightseeing and activities in the area.

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A full 100% of the proceeds from Eco-Guest House and related social enterprises directly funds Local Hope's empowerment programs in this remote, underserved area.