San Buenaventura at Lake Atitlan

Widely Known as the Butterfly Preserve or simply as -El Mariposario-, San Buenaventura is a beautiful natural preservation park located at just minutes from Panajachel (less than a mile).


You can get there walking, on a bike or using one of the tiny taxis known as tuc tuc.


It is mostly a natural sanctuary, but the entrance has great accommodations like the nice restaurant with fresh food and vegetables, natural drinks and coffee.


Also a visitor center and a nice, eco-lodge you can rent. Yes, there is enough space in the camping area if you prefer this option.

A natural trek between the mountains and valleys at Atitlan

The trail takes from the butterfly reserve into an oak forest.

As you walk to a deck you'll see you are not the only one enjoying nature: the -pisotes- will hear your footsteps and will approach to take a look.

Peten and Izabal are not the only regions where you can find monkeys so if you are near Atitlan, take the time to visit this sanctuary.


Here you will see... well, in fact they will see you!.


Yes, as you approach the monkeys will come out from the trees or walk near to the deck to see who is coming. With some luck you will at least one swinging on one hand or from its tail. This -monos araña- are quite curious and don't seem shy at all.

What to expect at Buenaventura?

Expect enough to spend a whole day walking and relaxing among nature with a beautiful view of Lake Atitlan.

• Pisotes and monkey companion.

• Natural environment free of city sounds.

• The refreshing sound of a waterfall and the relaxing whisper of a river.

• Natural and fresh food with the taste of great coffee.

• Enough accommodations to stay the night or weekend, you can also camp over there if you want to.

How to get to San Buenaventura

From Guatemala City take the Panamericana to Solola and head directly to Panajachel.

Just before getting there you will see a turn to your right, is just a kilometer before Panajachel.

San Buenaventura is at 149 kilometers from Guatemala City.

From Panajachel, go to the entrance of the city and walk for a kilometer and take the turn to your left (because you are going in the opposite direction).

Take a small taxi if you don't have the time to talk or just rent a bike and enjoy the ride.