Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
thelikesofgrassyplainsstrewnwithrockybouldersinadditiontoMam-speakingindigen-
ous peoples herding sheep and llamas. Other overnight hikes from Nebaj lead west to pic-
turesque lagoons near an area known as Las Majadas or to the villages of
Xeo
and Cotzal.
Manyhikersfavorthisrouteforthechancetogetupclosewiththelocalcultureinseldom-
visited Mayan villages.
Izabal
While plenty of folks, including cruise-ship day-trippers, check out the waterfalls of Río
Las Escobas, the more adventurous among you can enjoy multiday treks from the adjoin-
ing Cerro San Gil, part of the Montañas del Mico chain. You'll trek deep into the heart of
this forested mountain and make a steep descent to the banks of a jungle river on the other
side. The trek heads across rainforest trails to the highest part of the mountain and a ra-
dio tower known as Cumbre las Torres. It continues to the jungle settlement of Carboneras
before finally ending up along the Río Dulce on the other side of the mountain. The rain-
forest here is the real deal, receiving Guatemala's greatest amounts of yearly precipitation.
Contact local conservation group FUNDAECO if you're up for the challenge.
Las Verapaces
Some of the best hiking anywhere in Guatemala, and Central America for that matter, can
be found in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. Several trails wind through this re-
mote wilderness, allowing the opportunity to spot Guatemala's national bird, the quetzal,
and explore its unique cloud forest habitat. Starting in the village of San Rafael Chilascó,
hook up with the local community tourism cooperative for hikes to the nearby waterfall of
El Salto de Chilascó, one of Central America's highest waterfalls. Longer, more challen-
ging hikes take you up the mountain spine of Lomo del Macho and deep into the cloud
forest to a research station at Albores and the Peña del Ángel rock formation.
Word is getting out that Guatemala offers some of the best sailfishing in the
world; there are now numerous recommended outfitters and accommodations to
host your stay. Another way to get out onto the water, whale-watching tours are
available from December to March when several species of the giant mammals
— including humpback whales—cross Guatemalan shores.
Backonland,Guatemala Cityhasatleastfourgoodgolfcourses—butthestar
player is just one hour outside the city and conveniently located near Antigua
Guatemala. Virtually all of the sailfishing outfitters have agreements with
Guatemalan golf courses, allowing clients to easily combine the two activities.
SAILFISHING
