The Casa Kaqchikel was built in 1949. Swedish Countess Aimee Spens had been dreaming of the ideal place to build an Inn with which to welcome visitors as well as a home to spend the rest of her days. Upon landing in Panajachel and witnessing the stunning beauty of Lake Atitlan, the Countess knew she had found the perfect location.
The Casa was complete with guest rooms, a large common salon, and a small gift shop as well as Countess Spens’ private quarters. The Inn was wildly popular in the 50’s attracting artists and writers from all over the world. (Rumor has it that even Che Guevera made an appearance at the Casa!)
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After the Countess died in 1969, the Casa was abandoned for sometime and then passed through several owners’ hands until finally landing in the right hands of Mr. Robert Eggs who bought the building in July 2004. Mr. Eggs finally began renovations on the building at the end of 2009. His true love and appreciation for the history of the building is evident as Mr. Eggs is resolute in keeping to the original architecture as much as possible.
Today, the Casa Kaqchikel houses the Oxlajuj B’atz’ Women’s Center & Fair Trade Store, Pana Radio and will soon be available as rental space to other organizations and businesses.
To see historical photos of the Casa Kaqchikel or to read about why the Casa Kaqchikel was named by the locals as the “House of Many Fires,” click on the links to the photo galleries in the box.
For more information about the Casa Kaqchikel, contact Mr. Robert Eggs: robert.eggs@gmail.com.
