Finca Xetuc no longer offers horseback rides!

Finca Xetuc no longer offers horseback rides! •

NESTLED AT THE BASE OF XETUC RIDGE, ON THE SOUTHWEST SHORE OF LAKE ATITLÁN, FINCA XETUC IS 7 KILOMETERS FROM THE MAYAN COMMUNITY OF SANTIAGO ATITLÁN.

Finca Xetuc is the home of Jim and Nancy Matison.  The beautifully landscaped compound has evolved from a slope to the waterfront into 17 different terraces.  Those levels now include breathtaking gardens, statuesque masonry work and stables. 

Jim and Nancy and two of their favorite furry friends.

Jim and Nancy and two of their favorite furry friends.

The terraced gardens are home to a vast array of fauna and wildlife.   In some areas of the garden one finds more than 30 varieties of orchids, tree ferns, bromeliads, ponds filled with water hyacinths and coffee that is grown and processed on the finca.  Finca Xetuc radiates an intimacy from its small size that is filled with a vibrancy and exuberance from the many animals and birds in the area.  The mountain face behind the house is topped by a ridge in a cloud forest, and hosts many kinds of birds and animals like toucans and parrots, ocelotes, foxes, the quetzal and deer and many others.  In the evenings you can hear the mikos (kinkajou) and often throwing zapote seeds at the dogs.

Located amongst the vegetation and wildlife are stone tables and fireplaces to provide gentle warmth while observing some of the best that nature offers.  At night lights from several lakeside villages illuminate the lake's surface and you can see the three volcanoes surrounding the lake.  Situated below the house, closer to the lake, are the stables, vegetable garden and the large green lawn.  The organic garden provides vegetables for the meals that accompany the horseback rides and hikes.  All dishes are gourmet with baked bread, soups and salads prepared daily.   From here you can meander down to the lakeside.

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Once inside the finca, you will have a breathtaking view of the lake, ponds and gardens from inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and antiquities.  If you are spending the night you will enter a two room suite . Upon entering the salon one discovers a museum of 1.500 to 2,000 year-old Mayan antiquities unearthed in the area. The collection includes such antiquities as pottery, field instruments, figurines, and a vast array of whistles along with Guatemalan artwork, textiles, and handcrafted wood furniture. Moving through the french doors, you find yourself in the bedroom.

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The house has been constructed from the volcanic rocks of brilliant hues and textures mined on the property and surrounding areas. Inside one will discover a museum of 1,500-2,000-year-old Mayan antiquities unearthed in the area along with Guatemalan artwork and textiles