Welcome to camp
The Hostel
Built for experience-first travelers.
How a stay feels
What to expect
at Free Cerveza
Glamping by the lake. Sunrise paddles. Family dinners. Hammocks, games, and good people.
We designed Free Cerveza to feel like summer camp for adults. Days are slow and sun-soaked, nights are lively and social, and everything centers around connection – with the lake, with nature, and with the people you meet here.
If you’re after a social spot with volcano views, easy adventure, and a chance to truly unplug, you’ll find it here.
Creature comforts
Our facilities
Here’s what’s waiting for you on-site:
Hot showers
Spacious, hot-water showers available all day long.
Communal games
Pool table, beer pong, table tennis, board games, & more.
Eco-toilets
Clean, compost-style toilets serviced multiple times a day.
Lakefront access
Docks for swimming, lounging, sunbathing, & boat access.
Lockers & storage
Available in our bag room to store valuables (BYO padlock).
SUP shack
Free stand-up paddleboard rentals from 7AM - 1PM daily.
Social areas
Hammocks, bean bags, and decks with volcano views.
Restaurant & bar
3 meals a day + smoothies, cocktails, cervezas, and more.
Note: This is glamping, not luxury. The tents warm up in the sun, bathrooms are shared, and the Wi-Fi’s just okay. But the lake is 10 steps away and always refreshing.
Social by design
What’s the vibe?
Free Cerveza is a social hostel where connection comes easy. We’re laid-back during the day, lively at night, and always centered on shared experiences.
Guests love us for:
- Lazy dock days, hammocks, swims, and paddle sessions
- Evenings built around family dinners, free beer, and games
- A social scene that makes it easy to meet new friends
We’re not for you if:
- You want 24/7 parties and a bar that’s open past midnight
- You need A/C, blackout curtains, or room service
- You expect to work remotely (here, we like to unplug)
Off the beaten path
Where we are
(and what that means)
Free Cerveza sits in Santa Cruz la Laguna, a peaceful, car-free village right on Lake Atitlán. You can only get here by boat, and that’s part of the magic.
Santa Cruz itself is quiet: a couple of restaurants, no nightlife, and not much to “do.” That’s exactly the point. It’s the perfect place to reset, meet people, and enjoy the lake at its best.
- Just 15 min by boat from Panajachel (where ATMs, shops, and transport are)
- A great base to explore other towns like San Marcos, San Pedro, or Jaibalito
- You can easily hop on a lancha from our dock and be anywhere around the lake within 30 mins
If you’re expecting a bustling town outside the hostel, this isn’t it. But if lakeside mornings, easy day trips, and volcano views sound like your thing, you’re in the right spot.
Dig deeper
More about Free Cerveza
Want the full picture of the Free Cerveza experience?
These pages have you covered.
Rooms
Glamping-style shared and private stays; Choose a tent, casita, or our unique lakehouse on the water.
Activities
Two activities every day, from yoga and sunrise SUPs to slip ’n slides and trivia (free for hostel guests).
Food & Bar
3 meals a day, nightly family dinners with free beer, plus smoothies and cocktails at the bar.
FAQs
Wondering what to pack, how dinner works, or boat times? This is where you’ll find the answers.
Come stay in paradise