Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered!

 

Planning a visit to Finca El Tambor Nature Reserve? Start here.

 

Every visit to Finca El Tambor Nature Reserve is a little different. You might be coming to stay, explore the reserve, participate in research, join an educational tour, experience nature, enjoy a meal, celebrate a special occasion, or simply spend time somewhere surrounded by forest and wildlife.

 

We've put together the questions we hear most often to help you plan your visit — from getting here and what to expect, to accommodation, activities, food, the nature reserve and the practical details that are useful to know before you arrive.

 

And if there's something we haven't answered, please get in touch. We're always happy to help and we'll update this page accordingly.

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About Finca El Tambor

 

What is Finca El Tambor?

Finca El Tambor is a private, conservation-led nature reserve in the mountains above Antigua Guatemala. The reserve combines protected forest, a small collection of private places to stay, nature experiences, wellness and our seed-and-hive-to-table restaurant, La Colmena. Our approach is deliberately small-scale. Rather than building a conventional hotel or resort, we have created a place where accommodation and tourism help support the protection and regeneration of the land around them.

 

Where is Finca El Tambor?

Finca El Tambor is located in Aldea El Hato, in the mountains above Antigua Guatemala. The reserve sits at approximately 1,900–2,000 metres above sea level, enjoys a subtropical temperate climate (not tropical), and is surrounded by pine-oak mountain forest and views towards the volcanoes and surrounding landscape.

 

Our address is Finca El Tambor, Pila El Tambor, Calle Al Tambor, Aldea El Hato, Antigua Guatemala.

 

How far is Finca El Tambor from Antigua?

We are approximately 15 minutes by car from central Antigua Guatemala, depending on traffic and your starting point.

This makes Finca El Tambor close enough to combine with time exploring Antigua while offering a very different experience once you arrive: cooler mountain air, forest, wildlife and a much greater sense of space and seclusion.

 

What makes Finca El Tambor different?

Finca El Tambor was created around the land rather than the other way around.

We intentionally limit the number of people staying within the reserve and have only a handful of private residences. Buildings have been designed to minimise their impact on the landscape, we protect and regenerate habitat, grow ingredients for our restaurant and create nature experiences that help visitors understand the ecosystem around them. We believe tourism can have a positive role in conservation when the number of visitors, the way infrastructure is built and the use of resources are carefully considered.

 

Is Finca El Tambor a hotel, nature reserve, or both?

First and foremost, Finca El Tambor is a private nature reserve.

Within the reserve we have five individual places to stay, together with nature experiences, wellness services and La Colmena restaurant. We therefore offer many of the services people might associate with a boutique hotel or nature retreat, but we don't operate as a hotel. The distinction is important to us: accommodation exists within the nature reserve, rather than the reserve existing as an amenity for the accommodation.

 

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Staying at Finca El Tambor

 

What accommodation is available?

We have just five individual places to stay, each with its own character and relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Our accommodation ranges from intimate studios and a tiny home to larger spaces, including Casa Catarata, which sits amongst the trees beside a seasonal waterfall. Because every space is different, guests can choose between more compact stays and larger residences depending on the experience they are looking for. All are surrounded by the reserve's forest and mountain landscape.

 

How many people can you accommodate?

Finca El Tambor is intentionally small and we accommodate only a limited number of overnight guests at any one time to 12.

Rather than maximising occupancy, our aim is to maintain the tranquillity of the reserve and reduce pressure on its wildlife and natural resources. For groups wishing to stay together, please contact us so we can advise on the most suitable combination of accommodation.

 

Is Finca El Tambor suitable for families?

Because we are a mountain nature reserve with steep terrain, forest paths and sensitive wildlife habitat, we do not currently accommodate babies or children under 12 in accommodation or on tours. Families with older children who enjoy wildlife, walking and spending time outdoors can find plenty to discover here. All ages can visit the restaurant and gift shop.

 

Is it suitable for couples?

Yes. Many of our guests are couples looking for somewhere peaceful and unusual near Antigua.

Private accommodation, forest surroundings, volcano and mountain views, nature experiences, massages, hot-tub sessions and meals at La Colmena make it possible to create anything from a quiet weekend away to a longer nature-focused stay.

 

Can we stay for one night?

One-night stays are available on selected dates, although minimum stays can apply, particularly on weekends, holidays and during peak periods. The best way to see current availability and minimum-stay requirements is through our direct booking calendar.

 

What is included?

Your accommodation includes your private residence, access to the areas of the reserve available to residential guests, Wi-Fi and parking. Direct-booking packages may also include breakfast or other benefits depending on the rate selected. Guided experiences, wellness treatments, transport and other additional services can be arranged separately.

We recommend booking experiences in advance to ensure availability -  most require at least 24 hours' notice.

 

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The Nature Reserve

 

What wildlife can I see?

Finca El Tambor protects mountain forest habitat that is home to a surprising variety of wildlife. Depending on the season, time of day and a little luck, visitors may encounter birds, butterflies, moths, bats, amphibians, reptiles, insects and small mammals.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed — and we think that is part of what makes encountering a wild animal genuinely special.

 

Can I go hiking?

Yes. There are walking trails within the reserve and opportunities to explore the surrounding mountain landscape.

Some paths include inclines and uneven terrain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Guests interested in understanding more about the landscape and wildlife can also join guided nature experiences.

 

Do you offer guided nature experiences?

Yes. Nature experiences are an important part of Finca El Tambor. Depending on availability, these include birding and nature walks, night nature walks, hikes and our apiary and honey-tasting experience. Our guided activities are education-focused, science-led and designed to help visitors notice and understand the landscape rather than simply pass through it.

 

What birds can I see?

The forests and gardens around Finca El Tambor attract a wide range of resident and migratory birds only supported here locally due to our rich fora biodiversity. The exact species change throughout the year, which makes birding here different from one season to another. Early morning is generally one of the best times to explore, when bird activity is at its highest.

You don't need to be an experienced birder. Our nature and birding experiences are equally suited to curious beginners who simply want to learn what is living around them.

 

Can children explore the reserve?

Guests aged 12 and over can explore appropriate areas of the reserve; children under 12 years old are not permitted. The reserve is a natural environment rather than a landscaped park, so visitors should expect slopes, wildlife, changing weather and forest conditions.

 

What conservation projects are you working on?

Our work includes habitat protection, native planting, regeneration of degraded areas, biodiversity monitoring and creating better habitat for wildlife. We are also working to better document the species found within the reserve so that changes in biodiversity can be monitored over time. Conservation at Finca El Tambor isn't a separate project from the visitor experience. It influences how we build, plant, manage water, source materials, operate the restaurant and decide how many people the reserve can comfortably accommodate.

 

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Food & Drink

 

Do you serve meals?

Yes. La Colmena is our seed-and-hive-to-table restaurant at Finca El Tambor.

We serve breakfast and lunch together with coffee, desserts and other dishes inspired by ingredients grown or produced here and sourced from local producers.

 

Where does your food come from?

We try to shorten the distance between the land and the plate wherever possible.

Herbs, plants and other ingredients are grown at Finca El Tambor, while honey comes from our work with bees and our apiary. Other ingredients are sourced locally wherever practical, including from small producers and members of our surrounding community.

This is what we mean by seed-and-hive-to-table: food with a visible connection to the landscape that produced it.

 

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements depending on the dish and ingredients available.

Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements before ordering, particularly if they are severe, so our team can advise you appropriately.

 

Can non-guests visit for food at La Colemena?

Yes. La Colmena is open to visitors as well as residential guests.

This means you don't need to stay overnight at Finca El Tambor to come for breakfast, lunch, coffee or something sweet while visiting El Hato. The private accommodation and residential areas of the nature reserve remain reserved for overnight guests.

 

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Experiences & Activities

 

What can we do at Finca El Tambor?

A stay can be as quiet or as active as you want it to be.

Experiences can include birding and nature walks, night nature walks, hiking, our apiary and honey-tasting experience, massages and wellness treatments, hot-tub or sauna sessions, exploring the reserve or simply slowing down with a meal and the mountain views. Availability varies, so we recommend arranging activities before arrival.

 

Do you offer private experiences?

Yes. Selected experiences can be arranged privately, subject to availability.

Private experiences can be particularly suitable for couples, families with older children, photographers, birders or visitors interested in spending more time on a particular aspect of the reserve.

 

Can you arrange activities for groups?

Yes. We can create nature, food and wellness experiences for small groups.

Because Finca El Tambor is a conservation-led reserve, we deliberately avoid very large groups and assess requests according to the activity, group size and potential impact on the reserve.

 

Can we combine activities with a stay?

Absolutely — and this is one of the best ways to experience Finca El Tambor.

For example, a stay might combine an afternoon honey experience with dinner, an evening nature walk and early-morning birding the following day, followed by breakfast at La Colmena.

Contact us before arrival and we can help you build an itinerary around your interests.

 

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Weddings, Events & Groups

 

Can we get married at Finca El Tambor?

We consider intimate weddings and celebrations that are compatible with the setting and conservation objectives of the reserve.

Finca El Tambor is particularly suited to couples looking for a small, nature-focused and unique celebration rather than a conventional large wedding venue.

Please contact us with your preferred date, approximate number of guests and what you have in mind.

 

Do you host private events?

Yes, we can consider private events, dinners, celebrations and other small gatherings for up to 30 people. Every event is assessed individually because protecting the tranquillity of the reserve — for wildlife, overnight guests and our neighbours — remains a priority.

 

Can you accommodate groups?

Yes, within the limits of our five private residences and the capacity of the reserve.

For larger groups, we can also discuss visits centred around La Colmena or specific guided experiences without requiring everyone to stay overnight.

 

Can you arrange corporate retreats?

Yes. Finca El Tambor can be particularly well suited to small teams looking for somewhere away from a conventional meeting environment. Retreats can combine accommodation, meals, nature experiences, volunteer work, guided walks and time for meetings or independent work. We are best suited to smaller teams looking for privacy, nature and meaningful time together rather than large corporate events. Saying that, we can host restaurant-based events for up to 30 people.

 

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Getting Here

 

How do we get to Finca El Tambor?

Finca El Tambor is in Aldea El Hato, in the mountains above Antigua Guatemala.

The journey from central Antigua typically takes around 15 minutes by car. Detailed arrival information is provided to overnight guests before check-in.

 

Do we need a 4x4?

No. A 4x4 is not necessary to reach Finca El Tambor.

As we are in a mountain environment along a single-track country road. If you are from the USA you may find this narrow. If you are from Europe you will consider this a standard country road. The road and weather conditions can occasionally change, particularly during Guatemala's rainy season, however the majority of transport is mopeds so certainly any type of car is suitable. Long RVs and long buses cannot reach us due to a corner bend. If you are unsure before travelling, contact us for the latest information.

 

Can you arrange transportation?

Yes. We can help arrange trusted transportation between Antigua and Finca El Tambor, as well as airport transfers and other journeys. Advance booking is required, particularly for airport transfers, early departures or late arrivals.

 

What should we bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Mountain weather can change quickly, so bringing layers and rain protection during the rainy season is useful. We also recommend insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. For evening walks, a torch is provided. If you're joining a specific guided experience, we'll let you know if anything additional is recommended.

 

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Conservation & Sustainability

 

What does conservation-led mean?

For us, conservation-led means that protecting the land comes before maximising the number of visitors we can accommodate. We are a planet and people over profit led business model with conservation, sustainability and circularity at our core.

 

It affects decisions about construction, visitor numbers, planting, water, waste, food, lighting, noise, the experiences we offer and the partnerships that we engage with.

 

We don't believe that simply placing accommodation in nature makes a business sustainable or an 'eco' destination and neither does following corporate tick-box schemes over genuine strategy built around protecting the ecosystem. The question we continually ask is whether tourism can help leave this particular piece of land richer in biodiversity and more resilient than it was before. If it doesn't, we don't engage.

 

What are you doing to protect biodiversity?

We protect existing habitat, regenerate areas of the reserve, plant for biodiversity and avoid unnecessary clearing. We also work with stakeholders locally and across all of Guatemala to whom we donate native species to which are propogated in our own plant nursery. We also species-trade with other reserves across Guatemala as a group effort to support and reestablish national biodiversity that has been crippled by coffee and avodado monocrops among other industries. As established leaders in the field regionally, we further offer consulting support to land owners wishing to reverse land degradation and embark upon their own planet over profit, conservation-led journey.

 

In the reserve, where we develop infrustrcture, we always work around existing vegetation and minimise disturbance by lifting foundations off the ground and only building where nature has already self-eliminated a system for example, our main entrance down to our accommodation entrance is concreted to support the hillside and further erosions following a landslide; we don't have any other area like it in the reserve.

 

- formerly is was just through landslips and using materials and sustainability-friendly materials with a caore emphasis on recycle-upcycle-reuse over, considering worldwide impact on biodiversity, not just that within the reserve. We also limit human pressure on parts of the reserve and are developing our biodiversity monitoring so that we can better understand the species living here and how the ecosystem changes over time.

Our long-term ambition is not simply to preserve the land as it is, but to increase its ecological value.

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How does staying at Finca El Tambor support conservation?

When you stay, eat or take part in an experience at Finca El Tambor, you are supporting a business model in which keeping land protected and biodiverse has economic value. Visitor income helps support the people who care for the reserve, habitat management, planting, maintenance and the continued protection of the land. This is central to our philosophy: demonstrating that nature does not need to be cleared or heavily developed in order to generate livelihoods.

 

What is the 1 Activity = 1 Plant programme?

Our 1 Activity = 1 Plant programme connects visitor activity directly with regeneration.

For qualifying stays, meals, tours and other activities, we plant or support the establishment of additional vegetation within the reserve. The aim isn't simply to count trees. A healthy ecosystem needs layers of vegetation, flowering plants, food sources, shelter and habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife. Planting decisions are therefore made according to what can contribute to the wider ecosystem.

 

Can guests get involved?​

Yes. We want Finca El Tambor to be somewhere people can participate in conservation rather than simply read about it on a sign.

Depending on the season and projects underway, opportunities may include planting, wildlife observation, biodiversity recording and guided experiences that contribute to a better understanding of the reserve.

You don't need to be a scientist or conservationist to participate. Curiosity is enough.

 

How does Finca El Tambor approach environmental sustainability?​

At Finca El Tambor, sustainability isn't a statement of values — it is something we try to put into practice across every part of our operation. Our approach is dynamic and constantly evolving. We look at how our decisions affect the land, biodiversity, water, energy, waste, food, construction, purchasing, employment and the surrounding community. Rather than treating sustainability as a separate initiative, we aim to integrate it into the everyday decisions that shape how Finca El Tambor operates.

 

This means asking practical questions: Can we reuse something instead of buying new? Can we source it locally? Can we reduce waste? Can we create habitat at the same time? Can this activity benefit the community as well as our guests? Can tourism help regenerate rather than simply consume?

 

Our #SustainabilityMatters newsletter is one of the ways we share what we know and what we are learning. Subscribers receive practical environmental sustainability hacks, ideas, tips and insights inspired by what we are doing at Finca El Tambor. We share both the simple changes and the bigger ideas — from reducing waste and rethinking everyday materials to biodiversity, planting, water use, food production and more regenerative ways of living and operating a business.

 

We don't claim to have all the answers. Sustainability is a process of continually learning, experimenting, measuring and improving. It is also a dynamic entity that is unique to every business owing to the different factors from culture to resource availabilit to human aspects and beyond - what works for us may not apply elsewhere.

 

By sharing what works — and what we learn along the way — we hope that the impact of Finca El Tambor can extend beyond the boundaries of the nature reserve.

 

Because for us, #SustainabilityMatters.

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