Finca El Tambor Nature Reserve, Lodging, Restaurant, Honey & Nature Tours — Hotel in Sacatepéquez

What a lovely stay at an up and coming secret. This property only started growing into the online booking space and I’m worried too many people will find this gem! Ha!

After a wedding weekend in Antigua Proper below the mountains of Finca El Tambor we decided to decompress for a few days up above and we’re so glad did.

Finca El Tambor was a venue I sort of stumbled upon while looking for something secluded yet accessible and close enough from the city center due to limited time to spend after the weekend. We have ventured to Atitlan and other areas and this was our first time spending time above the city but still in Antigua.

The accommodation itself (I chose Catarata for the location of it and rustic feel; each accommodation is unique) was cozy and inviting.

We opted for the full board for both days we stayed, which included dinner in the evening after we arrived in later afternoon (which was perfect for sunset) and then all 3 meals on day 2, and breakfast on our departure day 3 before we left. The food was authentic and did not need a thing; hearty filling and satisfying. We travel all over and also understand the environment and expectation and this was spot as far as the food experience. You will eat the menu they service, you will eat at fixed times. This is a small small property that cooks and does things to order based on their guest number and dietary constraints. If you are expecting room service at 3am with a QR code then this is not the right place for you. Mind you, there are plenty of times and places for these types of accommodations but this is an experience where you come to celebrate local culture and environment. Finca does exactly that.

I should also note that they grow so much in and around the area. The honey is wonderful, make sure you take some home from their tiendita onsite. We grabbed a few jars and some pollen!

Now, back to the cabins/casitas… Each accommodation had a small kitchen which was a nice touch for morning coffee although we didn’t use it to cook this time around.

Our car was parked safely just about 300-400 meters from our very private cabin/casita. Make sure you’re physically able to carry your belongings and you’re able bodied as this is not for those who may not walk well just a side note although we’ handled things fine we thought about our parents etc who may not have found this as easy. This area is great for hikers and adventurers, bird watching and more.

After lots of activity we enjoyed massages booked by the property right in our casita, open air it was fantastic! Make sure to bring your own bathroom products. We did just in case, as I’ve stayed in similar venues where this was not supplied complimentary aside from soap.

Both my husband and I enjoyed our time here, the staff were lovely, helpful and engaging.

I should also note that the staff here went the extra mile before we even got here…. when I originally booked this I did it so quickly that I booked it for the wrong dates. I had made the original reservation via their own website where I prefer to book with privately owned boutique properties such as this one. Luckily, after this mistake of booking for literally the following day which was clearly not my intention, I sent a Late at night what’s app message in a panic to the Finca General number and they replied first thing the following business day and were happy to help! They adjusted the dates quickly and with no issue and rebooked us for February, 3 months later than my mistaken date! Whew! I was so relieved and appreciated their kind and expeditious service. We celebrated my husband’s birthday and hope one day to return as they continue to grow and share their beautiful views and magic...

I deeply regret ever booking with this establishment, which has shown a shocking lack of humanity, professionalism, and integrity in its handling of a medical emergency. I feel compelled to share my experience so future travelers know exactly what to expect when dealing with this accommodation.

The Facts: On December 13, 2024, I booked a stay through Booking.com for myself and my friend, who was gravely ill with dengue. She had dreamed of seeing the nearby volcano for years, and I hoped to provide her a comforting view while she recovered. Unfortunately, within one hour of booking, we received devastating news during a routine check-up: my friend needed to be hospitalized immediately.

I reached out to the accommodation immediately, explaining the situation and requesting a cancellation due to the emergency. Instead of offering compassion or flexibility, they coldly stated that cancellation was impossible due to Booking.com's policies and redirected me to resolve the matter through Booking.com. This was a blatant misrepresentation, as it later became clear that the accommodation itself had the power to approve the cancellation but chose to deny it.

Even after I requested to reschedule the stay or pay a reasonable surcharge to use it later (to no additional cost for them), they refused to cooperate. When I expressed my intent to share my experience publicly if no solution was found – a completely reasonable action to take when facing unfair treatment – they accused me of extortion. This baseless, defamatory claim was nothing more than an attempt to silence me and avoid accountability.

Why This Matters: This establishment's behavior was not only unprofessional but inhumane:

No compassion or understanding for a life-threatening medical emergency. Deceptive communication, falsely blaming Booking.com to absolve themselves of responsibility. Baseless accusations against a customer simply seeking fairness. Refusal to offer any reasonable solution, despite multiple attempts on my part to work with them. I have traveled extensively and never encountered such unethical behavior from an accommodation. While they may feel protected by rigid policies, their actions reveal a complete disregard for basic decency and guest well-being.

To Future Travelers: If you book here, you are taking a risk. In the event of any emergency or issue, expect:

Zero empathy or assistance. A willingness to misrepresent facts to protect themselves. A potential smear campaign against you if you dare to ask for a resolution. To the Management: Your unwillingness to show even a shred of humanity has left a permanent stain on your reputation. Instead of accepting responsibility and showing compassion, you chose to deflect blame, mislead a customer, and attack my character.

Travelers deserve to know that your policies come before people, no matter the circumstances.

Avoid this establishment...

This hotel really should have been advertised as glamping instead. VERY difficult drive / ride to the hotel on a winding dirt road along the edge of a mountain. VERY difficult walk through the property up and down steep cobblestone paths. No heat or AC. The parking is down the road at a local family’s personal house. Breakfast was good but pretty late at 9:00 and the same eggs, plantain, and avocado every day, so some days we skipped breakfast even though it was already paid for. It was absolutely beautiful and extremely worth it for such an affordable price, but one needs to know what they’re getting into. In terms of a hotel, there are some things to be improved. In terms of glamping,...