Earthship Biotecture homes, are living spaces that are made from tires, bottles, and cans. They are a more efficient and ecological approach to building. In Taos, New Mexico, USA, there is a model community of these homes. The same architect designed ours, but of course we have a Mayan twist, overlooking the majestic Volcanic Crater Lake Atitlan.
Skilled machete carpenters and masons from the village have contributed to this building, including the non-profit "Long Way Home".
Complete with a full outdoor kitchen made from natural local wood. There are basic appliances, fridge, sink, stove, plates, pans, cutlery. There is fresh and filtered well water. The best water in the lake. Wifi internet.
There are 2 Earthship apartments and 1 pvt bdrm for rent under this listing. Each Earthsip apartment contains 3 (compact) levels/ spaces or bedrooms, including a bed and sleeping foam pads—built-in shelves and storage. The top level has a big window with access to an outdoor rooftop sitting area with the best view of the lake. Each topside ap up to 2 adults and 2-3 children.
The apartments remind me of a cave, as the building is built into the side of a mountain (which keeps it cool) with an epic view of the crater lake. We have been implementing permaculture design principles, too, for a functional and beautiful living design. The walls have been made from materials such as tires and recycled glass bottles, which contribute to a mosaic/ artsy, futuristic
Downstairs, there is one room with one full/small queen-sized High ceiling, stone, and natural wood design and contains a private toilet and non-heated shower. This room is for rent under a separate listing.
There is also one small rustic cabana with a private patio onsite, amazing views, surrounded by agarden. Outdoor compost toilet nearby. For rent under separate listing.
The kit is shared amongst the full property.
The property sits on a few acres of coffee and food forest at the top of Barrio 2 above the cemetery.
There is one main bathroom upstairs, which the 2 Biotecture apartments share. The bathroom has a private toilet, angas heated hot shower. The apartment below contains a private bathroom as well. And there is one dry compost toilet as well to the side of the cabin.
Enjoy a gorgeous view of the lake with a backdrop of three stunning volcanoes on legendary Lake Atitlan. Our home is unique. Our long-term goal in building this property was to be self-sufficient (we are still working towards that goal). That's why we chose to build in the 'land of eternal spring.' Lake Atitlan has amazing weather - it always feels like spring here. We have two growing seasons, which means there is always something blooming and ready to eat on our property. We have access to fresh well water. We have banana trees, papaya trees, berry bushes, coffee bushes, and lots of local fruits like jocotes and whiskil. Also, herbs like rosemary, basil and chipilin (the leaves are tasty and can be used like spinach).
We have a guard onsite who can answer your questions or help harvest produce for you (though you will need to speak Spanish or have a Spanish dictionary with you as he only speaks the local Maya dialect and Spanish). Our guard provides security and caters to your every need. Michael Reynolds of Earthship fame is the architect of this sustainable ecosystem in Mayan paradise.
Go to the Yoga Forest (a 5-10 minute walk) for yoga and meditation classes or a Sunday morning ecstatic dance party, or drink locally grown coffee in our new outdoor kitchen roasted by our other neighbor.
Available for short or long-term rental. The home is at the top of a hill overlooking the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Completely secluded and private, something extremely hard to find now with the growing popularity of the lake.
There are many towns on the lake, but San Marcos is a yoga and spiritual retreat mecca. There are several yoga schools and meditation schools here, lots of holistic healers and massage therapists, and herb classes here.
San Marcos is an indigenous Maya village with many ex-pats from all over the world. Our property is a permaculture (sustainable agriculture) farm with aquaponics, chickens, and tons of coffee and fruit trees.
Some nights can be a little bit chilly but an extra blanket is enough for comfort. Also, it's important to know that you will have to walk for about 5-10 minutes off the main road to get up to our place. The road doesn't go all the way up. You can take tuk-tuk (taxi) to the end of the road. (You will need flashlights/head lamps for the walk at night!)
You take a public water taxi to get to other towns on the lake. San Marcos is asmall village, but there are some great restaurants as we get a fair number of tourists that come through. This is an excellent rental for adventurous backpacker types! This is kind of like camping but better.
NOTICE: Not suitable for Elderly. This is a rugged eco-tourism, mountain-top living.