The staff & the location

“Great place, amazing people and, basic living.”

Firstly, the location- located in the forest and walking distance from sumec champey it is ideal. We had the best walk down to sumec with the dog from the hostel showing us the way. Secondly, the people running the place where very happy to answer any of our (stupid) questions about the area or to help with Spanish. They made the property as good as it was and couldn’t have been any nicer.

Personally, I loved this hostel. It's nestled in the jungle about 30mins walk from Semuc. Facilities are basic, and yes, as mentioned in previous comments, there are insects around, but that should be expected here. It's not luxury at all, but one of my favourite hostels so far as it feels welcoming and real - family run, the staff are lovely and will give you advice, also I had a personal tour theough the garden and saw my first howler monkey. They also have very decent onward shuttle prices. I recommend bringing snacks and water from Antigua or wherever you come from as there isn't anywhere nearby to snacks. The hostel sells breakfasts (yum!) and dinners, which are decent.

This was a lovely place to stay for a couple of days. The rooms were comfy, the food was good and the grounds are very nicely kept. It's in a beautiful setting, walking distance to Semuc Champey tourist area.

“I really enjoyed the place and the staff with all it's faults”

Location is great. Only 3 Km from Smuc Champe. The atmosphere is very calm and nice Staff very friendly Possible to order food all day long - very tasty food

The host was very nice and helped with everything. The hostel is within a 30min walk from Semuc Champey, and it is a beautiful accommodation containing multiple guest houses. The prices are fair.

It's nice and scenic, staff were very helpful and nice but only stayed there for a couple of hours.

“Great jungle experience and walking distance to Semuc Champey. Great!”

Great location - jungle experience and walking distance to SC. Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, cool concept in lodges.

“Wouldn't stay anywhere else in the area”

A little gem. I above all loved the atmosphere of this place and the staff working there. They were so friendly, interesting and helpful. It was the perfect environment to chill but also to chat and exchange stories with the staff and fellow travelers. The garden is absolutely beautiful. They have different choices for food at reasonable prices. It is located about 40 min walk from the unique reserve of Semuc Champey. The rooms and bathrooms are a bit rustic but I knew that when I booked and I wanted this kind of experience.

“Walking distance to Cuevas de K'anba & Semuc Champey, lovely place”

Manuel, the owner, is very kind and takes great care of his guests.

It’s within walking distance to the National park with the lagoons. Like a 45 min walk down the mainroad. I guess it can be lively but there were no other guests.

Great value for money! Basic hostel 5 min tuk tuk ride away from Semuc Champey. They have a lovely small restaurant that also serves vegetarian meals. You can book your bus tickets at the reception. Lovely staff.

great stuff. helpful and nice. emanyel and amenda! the outside garden is beautiful. the food is clean and good

Very friendly staff!

“Great stay!”

Really lovely hostel in nature and in walkable distance to Semuc Champey. The staff are lovely and super helpful and it was so nice and clean.

Kinda remote but not expensive. It's a great place if you wanna spend a night or two and walk to the river instead of paying for a ride. The host was nice and friendly, the dorms are basic, few comfy beds on the floor

“Support local, 100% Guatemalan :-)”

This is not your typical hostel because it is in the jungle. So it shouldn't be held at the same standard as other hostels that are better connected to infrastructure. There are some other fancier hostels in the area but many of them are not locally owned. The team at El Nawal is fantastic. Breakfast is great and a good price at around 35-40 per person with free coffee/tea. There is no kitchen, you eat at the restaurant, but it is also reasonably priced. Bring some snacks when traveling to Semuc Champey, so you're covered during the day. The restaurant is also a nice area to hang out in the evenings, watching the rain and listening to the sounds of the jungle. Truly recommend staying here, keep an open mind and support local Guatemalans. Definitely do the guided tour through the Jungle. Bonus points because there is a cute grumpy Schnauzer.

I had good stay in here.

“A good nature place.”

This place is really close to the nature. People who enjoy the nature will really love it. The food here is also good and with a proper price. Since it's in the forest , which means there is no wifi and only one telecom operator works. But it helped me to just relax and feel the sound of nature.

“Very good, great host who was very accommodating.”

Basic but good value for money, great location.