About Ítaca: Hospitality with soul,
from shore to shore
We’re a family-led hospitality group in Guatemala, with four restaurants, two hostels, and a beachfront private home stretching from black-sand sunsets on the Pacific Coast to lakefront mornings on Lake Atitlán. Every space is created to welcome, to nourish, and to connect—turning each visit into an experience that lingers.
Our promise is simple: exceptional service, meaningful experiences, and lasting impact. Ítaca reflects the belief that travel is never just about where you go, but what you discover along the way. With Ítaca, every destination leads to a new journey.
This is Ítaca
El Paredón (Pacific Coast)
The Driftwood Surfer is a hostel with surf, a pool, a bar, and a restaurant.
San Pedro La Laguna
(Lake Atitlán)
Luna y Sol is a co-living hostel with a vegetarian restaurant.
El Gato Perdido Bistro offers elevated local dining.
San Juan La Laguna
(Lake Atitlán)
El Gato Perdido Deli is an artisanal market and delicatessen.
Monterrico (Pacific Coast)
Los Pelícanos is a beachfront private home.
Lake Atitlán
Framed by volcanoes, alive with tradition, rooted in Mayan culture.
San Pedro and San Juan la Laguna are more than just a backpacker stop; they’re vibrant towns full of art, craft, and traditions that make them feel alive.
When you grab a smoothie at the Luna y Sol or a homemade soup at El Gato Perdido Deli or a fresh dinner at El Gato Perdido Bistro, here’s what you’re actually fueling:
- Fair wages + lasting impact
- Support for farmers + artisans
- Cultural events that keep traditions thriving
Your breakfast burrito isn’t just a meal—it’s part of a bigger story.
Pacific Coast
Where black sand beaches meet some of the best waves in Central America.
El Paredón is a surf town with soul, and Monterrico is a hidden paradise. Our coast offers world-class waves, endless horizons, and a vibrant local spirit.
Each moment at the beach helps fuel:
- Beach clean-ups + eco projects
- Children’s education (El Paredón)
- Sea Turtle Restoration
Come for the waves, stay for the community.
Why It Matters
Because people like you want more than just a stamp in the passport, you want your trip to mean something. And here? Here, every meal, every stay, every experience fuels the communities we call home. Ítaca’s places don’t just give you a stop on your journey, they give you experiences worth remembering.
Adventure’s calling—are you in?
The People of Ítaca: Our Hospitality
Team in Guatemala
Real Humans. Real Stories. The Heart of Every Ítaca Experience.
At Ítaca, our greatest asset isn’t a building, a bar, or even a beachfront view; it’s our people. Across all five of our businesses, we are powered by a diverse and passionate team of local hosts, chefs, bartenders, housekeepers, surf instructors, entertainment leaders, and hospitality managers who bring the Ítaca spirit to life every single day.
Whether you’re staying at one of our hostels, dining at our restaurants, joining an event, or learning something new, you’ll notice the same thing right away: the people make the experience. From the cook who prepares a meal with ingredients sourced from local producers, to the bartender who remembers your order after the first round, to the surf instructor who cheers you on when you catch your first wave—each of them plays a part in why guests keep coming back.
Rooted in Local Culture and Community
Ítaca’s team members aren’t just staff––they are locals who carry the traditions, culture, and stories of true Guatemalan heritage. By hiring and training within the community, we ensure every guest experiences authentic warmth and hospitality that reflects the place we call home. Every smile, recommendation, and shared moment is part of our mission to create sustainable, community-first tourism and hospitality.
Come Meet the Faces of Ítaca
Hospitality here is never generic—it’s deeply personal. Whether you’re welcomed into one of our hostels, enjoying a night at our bar, or joining a cultural event, the Ítaca team is what makes the experience unforgettable.
The Mission of Ítaca
Travel That Feels Good and Does Good
At Ítaca, we believe travel should leave a positive footprint. Hospitality isn’t just about serving guests, it’s about uplifting the people, communities, and environments that make each of our destinations special. That’s why every Ítaca business, from our surf hostels to our restaurants and events, is rooted in a mission of sustainable travel, eco-friendly hospitality, and community-first values.
Our Core Commitments
Local-First Hospitality
We are proud to hire and train locally, creating opportunities that last. By investing in continuous learning and paying fair wages, Ítaca ensures that every stay directly supports the people who call this place home. Choosing Ítaca means choosing responsible tourism that empowers local communities.
Responsible Sourcing
Food connects people and culture, and our commitment to responsible sourcing means every menu is crafted with care. We use seasonal ingredients, cook from scratch, and partner with trusted local producers. From farm to table, our approach supports local farmers and reduces unnecessary waste, making Ítaca a leader in eco-conscious dining experiences in Guatemala.
Community Impact
Hospitality should give back. At Ítaca, we actively support education and health initiatives, beach clean-ups, community programs, and sea turtle-release sponsorships. Every guest who stays with us contributes to projects that protect the environment and strengthen the communities where we operate.
Planet-Minded Operations
Sustainability isn’t a side project—it’s woven into our daily operations. We continuously work to reduce single-use plastics, recycle, compost, and minimize our footprint. Our goal is simple: respect and preserve the natural beauty of the places travelers come to experience.
Safe & Inclusive Spaces
Every traveler deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and included. That’s why we uphold clear house rules, thorough staff training, and a culture of inclusivity across all Ítaca businesses. Whether you’re a local guest or an international traveler, our spaces are designed for belonging.
More Than a Mission, It's A Way of Life
For us, these commitments are not marketing buzzwords or afterthoughts. They guide every decision we make: how we hire, how we source, how we buy, and how we serve. When you choose Ítaca, you’re not just booking a stay—you’re joining a movement for sustainable, community-driven travel and hospitality.