In the heart of the Cuchumatanes mountains, discover a preserved region of dramatic landscapes. Between high-altitude lagoons, sweeping panoramas and natural wonders like the Candelaria cenotes, this journey reveals a region set apart from the usual tourist routes.
Itinerary
Indicative, adjusted to your dates, pace and interests.
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| On arrival | Transfer from Guatemala City to Huehuetenango About 7 hours by road (ideal departure early morning) |
| - | Lunch |
| On the way | Visit the Juan Diéguez Olaverri viewpoint |
| - | Hotel check-in Unicornio Azul |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast and packed lunch |
| 8:30 | Depart for Laguna Encantada 2 hours |
| 10:30 | Hike to Laguna Encantada |
| 12:30 | Packed lunch |
| 13:00 | Departure for San Mateo Ixtatan 2 hours 30 minutes |
| 15:30 | Break at San Mateo Ixtatan |
| 16:30 | Departure for Hacienda Nueva Escocia 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 18:00 | Check-in hotel Yalambojoch |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast and packed lunch |
| 8:00 | Depart for Laguna Brava |
| 9:00 | Cenotes and waterfall tour 6 hours of excursion |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 15:00 | End of excursion, free time by the lake |
| 16:00 | Return to the hotel Yalambojoch |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast |
| 8:00 | Depart for Hoyo Cimarrón |
| 8:40 | Hike to Hoyo Cimarrón |
| 10:00 | Departure for Todos Santos Cuchumatán 3 hours 30 minutes |
| 12:00 | Lunch break 1 hour |
| 14:30 | Arrival Todos Santos, Museum visit |
| 16:30 | Departure for Huehuetenango |
| 18:30 | Check-in hotel Huehuetenango |
Day 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | Breakfast in Huehuetenango |
| 9:00 | Visit of Huehuetenango downtown |
| 10:30 | Downtime - Departure transfer Guatemala City / Antigua, or onward to your next destination (about 6 hours by road to La Aurora International Airport) |
5 days · 4 nights from Launch offer: 10% off every trip booked by December 31, 2026.
$2,925 for 2 travellers
$3,250
Your trip includes
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Guide
- Activities
- Support
- Entrance fees
You arrange
- International flight
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Recommendations
Traveller recommendations
Help preserve this remarkable environment by choosing biodegradable sunscreen and toiletries.
Practical tips
Wear footwear suited to hiking trails and wet surfaces, to move safely near the water.
What to pack
Sturdy hiking shoes, a light backpack, sunscreen, a rain jacket and warm layers.Bring swimwear and a change of clothes to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Frequently asked questions
How high is it, and will the altitude be felt?
The road across the Cuchumatanes crosses passes above 3,000 m, and the nights are spent between 2,000 and 2,500 m. Shorter breath on the first walks is common; more than that is rare. Take the first day slowly and drink more water than usual.
Why does this route take five days?
Because the distances are real: about seven hours by road from Guatemala City to Huehuetenango, and narrow, slow mountain roads beyond. Compressing it means spending the trip in the vehicle rather than in the mountains.
How cold does it get?
Nights in the Cuchumatanes come close to freezing between November and February, and mountain hotels are rarely heated. A warm layer, a hat and something to sleep in are worth the space in the bag.
Do the walks require hiking experience?
No. They are long rather than technical — Laguna Encantada, the Laguna Brava cenotes, Hoyo Cimarrón — on tracks and open ground. What they ask for is a full day of walking at altitude and shoes that hold on wet rock.
