Location: Peten Province
El Remate is a small, tranquil village nestled along the eastern shores of Lake Petén Itzá in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala. Known for its serene lakeside setting, lush tropical surroundings, and proximity to the iconic Tikal National Park, El Remate has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a burgeoning eco-tourism destination. With a population of approximately 2,000, a tropical savanna climate, and a strategic location on the road to Tikal, El Remate offers a peaceful alternative to the busier hubs of Flores and Santa Elena for travelers exploring the Mayan heartland.
El Remate is located on Ruta 3, the main road connecting Flores
(approximately 32 km south) to Tikal National Park (about 30 km north),
making it an ideal stopover for visitors to the ancient Mayan ruins. The
village sits at the eastern tip of Lake Petén Itzá, a stunning
32-km-long and 5-km-wide body of water that serves as a central feature
of the region’s landscape. The name "El Remate," meaning "the end" in
Spanish, likely refers to the pointed eastern end of the lake where the
village is situated.
The surrounding area is part of the Maya
Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Central
America, encompassing vast tracts of lowland rainforest, wetlands, and
archaeological sites. El Remate’s proximity to the Biotopo Cerro Cahuí,
a 650-hectare (1,600-acre) protected nature reserve, enhances its
ecological significance. The reserve, named after a hill resembling a
crocodile ("Cahuí" means "giant crocodile" in Maya), features
subtropical rainforest, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints over
Lake Petén Itzá. The area’s biodiversity includes howler and spider
monkeys, toucans, parrots, and aquatic birds like herons and jacanas,
making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
The
village itself is characterized by a single main road lined with wooden
houses, small shops, and eco-lodges, many of which blend seamlessly with
the surrounding greenery. The lakeshore, accessible via discreet paths,
offers clear, swimmable waters, though the shoreline consists of white
mud and rocks rather than sandy beaches. The tropical savanna climate
brings warm temperatures year-round, with a rainy season from June to
November and a drier period from December to May. Heavy rains can occur
in September and November, while March to May are the hottest months.
El Remate’s natural environment is a major draw for visitors,
offering a rich tapestry of ecosystems and wildlife. Key ecological
highlights include:
Lake Petén Itzá: The lake’s azure waters are
ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Its shallow edges
attract aquatic birds, while its calm surface reflects vibrant sunsets,
often cited as some of the best in Guatemala. Visitors can rent kayaks
or take boat tours to explore the lake, with docks and swings adding to
the postcard-perfect scenery.
Biotopo Cerro Cahuí: Located 2 km north
of El Remate, this reserve offers two main hiking trails (approximately
2 hours round-trip) through dense rainforest. The trails, which can be
steep, lead to miradores (viewpoints) with breathtaking views of the
lake and surrounding jungle. Wildlife sightings include howler monkeys,
spider monkeys, toucans, quetzals (Guatemala’s national bird), and
smaller mammals like coatis. Informative signs along the trails
highlight the area’s flora, including mahogany and ceiba trees. The
reserve is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing its role in
regional conservation.
Birdwatching: The Petén region is a
birdwatcher’s paradise, and El Remate is no exception. The road to Cerro
Cahuí and the reserve itself are prime spots for spotting species like
the keel-billed toucan, crested guan, and American coot. The lake’s
edges attract wading birds, making early morning walks particularly
rewarding.
Wildlife: Beyond monkeys and birds, the area supports a
variety of fauna, including small mammals, reptiles, and fish visible in
the lake’s clear waters. While crocodiles are referenced in the name
Cerro Cahuí, sightings are rare, and the lake is considered safe for
swimming.
The region’s conservation efforts, including the protection
of Cerro Cahuí and Tikal National Park, aim to curb deforestation and
promote sustainable tourism. Local initiatives, such as reduced
slash-and-burn agriculture and the promotion of woodcarving, help
preserve the rainforest and its biodiversity.
El Remate is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical fabric of
the Petén, a region synonymous with the ancient Maya civilization. The
village’s proximity to Tikal, one of the most significant Mayan
archaeological sites, places it within a landscape dotted with ruins and
cultural heritage. Nearby sites include:
Ixlu: A lesser-visited
Mayan ruin located 2 km south of El Remate near the El Cruce junction,
offering a quiet alternative to Tikal’s crowds.
Yaxha: Approximately
45 minutes from El Remate, Yaxha is the second most visited Mayan site
in Petén after Tikal. Known for its jungle setting and the filming
location of Survivor: Guatemala, Yaxha offers pyramids, plazas, and a
serene lake, with sunset tours being a highlight.
The local
population, primarily of Maya descent, maintains traditional practices,
including woodcarving, which has become a cornerstone of the village’s
economy. Artisans create intricate carvings from hardwoods like
mahogany, sold in small workshops along the main road. These efforts not
only provide income but also reduce reliance on deforestation, aligning
with conservation goals.
The village’s laid-back atmosphere and
friendly locals contribute to its cultural charm. Visitors often
describe interactions with residents as warm and welcoming, with
guesthouse owners and guides sharing stories of the region’s history and
ecology. The simplicity of life in El Remate, coupled with its natural
beauty, fosters a sense of connection to both the land and its people.
El Remate has emerged as a preferred base for exploring Tikal and
other Petén attractions, offering a quieter and more nature-focused
alternative to Flores. Its tourism infrastructure, while modest, is
well-suited for eco-conscious travelers, with a range of activities and
accommodations. Key aspects of the visitor experience include:
Activities
Hiking and Nature Walks: The Biotopo Cerro Cahuí trails
are the primary hiking attraction, offering a 2-hour trek with stunning
lake views. Trails are well-marked, but visitors are advised to bring
water and insect repellent.
Water-Based Activities: Swimming,
kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular on Lake Petén Itzá. Some
lodges, like Hotel Mon Ami, offer kayak rentals, while yoga on
paddleboards at sunset provides a unique wellness experience. Boat tours
explore the lake’s coves and nearby islands.
Sunset Viewing: El
Remate is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, with the lake mirroring
vibrant hues of pink, purple, and indigo. Docks along the shore, such as
those at Hotel Doña Tonita or El Gringo Perdido, are ideal spots to
relax with a drink and watch the sky transform.
Cultural Experiences:
Visitors can purchase woodcarvings from local artisans or arrange tours
to Tikal and Yaxha through agencies like Horizontes Mayas Travel, often
based at hotels like Hotel Las Gardenias. Some guesthouses offer
home-cooked meals, showcasing Guatemalan cuisine, though some travelers
note the food can lack seasoning.
Nightlife and Relaxation: While not
a party destination, El Remate has a few bars, such as one praised for
its cocktails and live music, offering a relaxed vibe with lake views.
Yoga and meditation sessions are also available, enhancing the village’s
tranquil appeal.
Accommodations
El Remate offers a variety of
lodging options, from budget hostels to upscale lakeside lodges:
Budget Options: Sun Breeze Hotel and Posada Ixchel provide clean, basic
rooms starting at $19 per night, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and
gardens. Alice Guesthouse is popular for its dorm-style accommodations
and pleasant atmosphere.
Mid-Range: La Casa de Don David, a
family-run hotel, offers modern rooms, home-cooked meals, and tour
services, with prices 15-25% below standard rates. Hotel Mon Ami
combines Guatemalan and French cuisine with a terrace and lake access.
Upscale: Hotel Gringo Perdido, a lakeside eco-lodge, features bungalows,
an outdoor pool, and a fitness center, ideal for families. La Lancha by
Francis Ford Coppola offers luxury with cozy rooms, lake views, and
exceptional staff, though at a higher price point (average $132/night
for 5-star).
Unique Stays: Posada del Cerro provides jungle bungalows
with howler monkey sightings, though it’s a 15-20 minute walk from town.
Zazil Ha Hostel offers a private beach area and terrace.
Budget
travelers may find September to November the cheapest time to visit,
with lower hotel rates. Many accommodations are pet-friendly or
family-oriented, and some offer tuk-tuk services for easy transport.
Dining
Restaurants in El Remate serve Guatemalan staples like
fresh fish, grilled meats, and tortillas, though some visitors find the
cuisine underwhelming compared to other regions. Notable spots include:
El Muelle, a lakeside restaurant popular for lunch stops en route to
Flores.
Hotel Mon Ami, offering a mix of Guatemalan and French
dishes.
Local comedores, providing affordable, traditional meals,
though seasoning can be minimal.
Access and Transportation
El
Remate is easily accessible via minibuses or taxis from Flores (1-hour
ride) or Tikal (15-20 minutes). Tourist buses from Chetumal, Mexico, or
Belize also stop in El Remate twice daily. The village has a small
tourist information center near the woodcarving shops, though service is
inconsistent. Hotels like La Casa de Don David provide maps and tour
arrangements. The single ATM in town can be unreliable during power
outages, so visitors should carry cash from Flores or San Ignacio.
El Remate’s economy is increasingly tourism-driven, with woodcarving
and eco-lodges providing alternatives to traditional slash-and-burn
agriculture. The shift toward sustainable practices, supported by
conservation initiatives in Cerro Cahuí and Tikal, has helped preserve
the region’s hardwoods and biodiversity. Local families, many of whom
are Maya, benefit from tourism through guiding, hospitality, and
artisanal crafts.
Conservation challenges persist, including
deforestation pressures and the need to balance tourism growth with
environmental protection. The Maya Biosphere Reserve’s framework,
coupled with local efforts, aims to maintain the region’s ecological
integrity while supporting community livelihoods.
While El Remate is a gem, visitors should be aware of certain
challenges:
Infrastructure: Power outages can affect ATMs and Wi-Fi,
particularly in remote lodges. Cash is essential, as card payments are
limited.
Food: Some travelers find the local cuisine bland, so those
with specific dietary preferences may need to plan accordingly.
Accessibility: The village’s remoteness requires planning, especially
for off-season visits when staff availability at smaller lodges may be
limited.
Climate: The rainy season (June-November) can make trails
muddy and increase mosquito activity, so insect repellent and
appropriate clothing are recommended.
El Remate captivates with its blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and strategic location. Unlike the busier Flores, it offers a serene retreat where visitors can kayak across a tranquil lake, hike through jungles teeming with wildlife, or watch unforgettable sunsets from a wooden dock. Its proximity to Tikal and Yaxha makes it a practical base for exploring Mayan ruins, while its eco-friendly ethos and community-driven tourism appeal to those seeking meaningful travel experiences. As one traveler noted, El Remate is a place to “reconnect with nature, family, and oneself,” offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the Petén jungle.