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Guatemala🇬🇹 | townsEl RemateLake Petén Itzá docks, cacao workshops, howler monkey dawns, Cerro Cahuí trails | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in El Remate
👍 Recommendedtown ranked #11
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Years ago El Remate was a dusty strip of roadside stops where buses paused on the way to Tikal and few passengers bothered to get off. Today it is the quieter, cheaper place to sleep near the ruins, in the north of Guatemala on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá. I expected a truck-stop and found howler monkeys roaring at dawn from the trees behind the guesthouses. Smarter travelers sleep here rather than at the park gate, because lodging is simpler and the lake is close. Evenings are slow: a few hostels, lantern-lit terraces, frogs and cicadas, wood smoke and grilled fish. Meeting other backpackers is easy at breakfast. Dugout boats still rest on the pebbly shoreline.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #11 town in GuatemalaWhat makes this town worth visiting

El Remate works because it puts you about half an hour from Tikal without the price or sterility of the park hotels. Most travelers stay two nights: one to reach the ruins for the early gates, one to do nothing by the water. The hostels and cabins are small, so you end up chatting over coffee and trading Tikal plans. Walk the single main road to find simple comedores, then follow the path to the swimming platforms on the lake. Visit the nearby Cerro Cahuí reserve for birds and monkeys, and swim off the docks of Lake Petén Itzá at dusk. This suits hikers, solo travelers and slow wanderers who prefer jungle sounds to nightlife. Anyone wanting bars and shopping should stay in Flores instead.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Lake Petén Itzá shoreline and public docks: El Remate sits on the eastern tip of the lake, and this is the reason most travelers stop. The water is warm enough to swim, with a clear green-blue tint and a backdrop of forested hills. Several lodges let day visitors use their docks and decks for a small fee or a drink. Mornings are calm and the water is flat. Allow 1 to 3 hours; swimming from public access points is free.
  2. Biotopo Cerro Cahuí: This protected reserve just west of town covers forested hills above the lake, with trails of roughly 1 to 3 kilometers that pass viewpoints over Lake Petén Itzá and nearby Lake Salpetén. Troops of spider monkeys, toucans and the occasional ocellated turkey live here. Arrive at opening, around 7 am, when birds are loudest. Entry runs about US$5 to 6 for foreigners,
… read more 👉
  1. Lake Petén Itzá shoreline and public docks: El Remate sits on the eastern tip of the lake, and this is the reason most travelers stop. The water is warm enough to swim, with a clear green-blue tint and a backdrop of forested hills. Several lodges let day visitors use their docks and decks for a small fee or a drink. Mornings are calm and the water is flat. Allow 1 to 3 hours; swimming from public access points is free.
  2. Biotopo Cerro Cahuí: This protected reserve just west of town covers forested hills above the lake, with trails of roughly 1 to 3 kilometers that pass viewpoints over Lake Petén Itzá and nearby Lake Salpetén. Troops of spider monkeys, toucans and the occasional ocellated turkey live here. Arrive at opening, around 7 am, when birds are loudest. Entry runs about US$5 to 6 for foreigners, and a visit takes 2 to 3 hours.
  3. Sunset from a lakeside deck: The lake faces west, so evenings here are the social high point of the day. Pick a lodge deck, order a cold drink (about US$2 to 4) and watch the sky color over the water while herons and kingfishers work the shallows. Plan on 1 to 2 hours. Dry months from November to April give the clearest skies.
  4. Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Petén Itzá: Several lodges rent kayaks and boards, and paddling along the shore gives you the quietest view of the birdlife and the forest edge. Rentals usually cost US$4 to 8 an hour. Go early, before the afternoon breeze ripples the surface. Count on 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Chocolate and cacao workshops in town: A few small family-run spots on and near the main road teach how cacao is roasted, ground and turned into drinking chocolate, and you leave with a bar to eat or carry. Sessions often run 1 to 2 hours and cost about US$10 to 20. Book a day ahead or ask when you arrive; mornings are usually best.
For day trips, the Maya ruins of Tikal national park are the big draw nearby, and the smaller sites of Yaxhá and Uaxactún make a quieter alternative, while the island town of Flores sits on the same lake. The lake swim and the shoreline stroll cost nothing, while the cacao workshop is the priciest entry here, with the Cerro Cahuí ticket in between.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near El Remate

Tikal VIP Exclusive Tour All inclusive from Flores Guatemala

Tikal VIP Exclusive Tour All inclusive from Flores Guatemala

5.0(342)
From €195
per personViator
Tikal SUNSET, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (South and East)

Tikal SUNSET, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (South and East)

5.0(195) 6h
From €83
per personViator
Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores

Tikal Small Group all Included From Flores

4.8(184) 7h
From €117
per personViator
Tikal Exclusive Tour

Tikal Exclusive Tour

4.9(106) 8h
From €210
per personViator
Tikal VIP Private Sunrise Tour All Inclusive from Flores Guate

Tikal VIP Private Sunrise Tour All Inclusive from Flores Guate

4.9(97)
From €204
per personViator
Tikal Full Day with Dedicated Exploration of the Archaeological Monuments.

Tikal Full Day with Dedicated Exploration of the Archaeological Monuments.

5.0(77) 4h 30m
From €77
per personViator
Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores

Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores

5.0(75)
From €190
per personViator
Tikal Tour From Flores, airport and Tikal hotels in Guatemala

Tikal Tour From Flores, airport and Tikal hotels in Guatemala

5.0(44)
From €121
per personViator
Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour

Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour

4.6(54) 8h
From €44
per personViator
Tikal VIP Private Sunset Tour from Flores Guatemala

Tikal VIP Private Sunset Tour from Flores Guatemala

5.0(38)
From €170
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

El Remate is small enough to cover on foot, but the layout is stretched out, and knowing why saves you sweat and money.
  • The Highway Strip: Everything hangs off the single paved road from Flores to Tikal, so trucks and colectivos rumble past all day, with grilled chicken smoke and diesel mixing in the air. Cafes, tour desks and small comedores sit within a 10-minute stroll, so skip the tuk-tuk. Stay on the lake side of the road to dodge the noise.
  • The Lakefront: Lake Petén Itzá laps against wooden docks, and mornings bring cool mist, howler monkeys and a warm breeze that smells of wet leaves. Swimming is good, but the road to the water is dusty and unlit, so carry a flashlight after dark. Evenings are quiet, with a beer on a dock the only nightlife.
  • Cerro Cahuí Road: A dirt track runs west to
… read more 👉
El Remate is small enough to cover on foot, but the layout is stretched out, and knowing why saves you sweat and money.
  • The Highway Strip: Everything hangs off the single paved road from Flores to Tikal, so trucks and colectivos rumble past all day, with grilled chicken smoke and diesel mixing in the air. Cafes, tour desks and small comedores sit within a 10-minute stroll, so skip the tuk-tuk. Stay on the lake side of the road to dodge the noise.
  • The Lakefront: Lake Petén Itzá laps against wooden docks, and mornings bring cool mist, howler monkeys and a warm breeze that smells of wet leaves. Swimming is good, but the road to the water is dusty and unlit, so carry a flashlight after dark. Evenings are quiet, with a beer on a dock the only nightlife.
  • Cerro Cahuí Road: A dirt track runs west to the Cerro Cahuí reserve, where trails wind through humid forest alive with toucans and ocellated turkeys. It is a 3 to 4 km walk in heat, so go at first light, not noon, and bring water.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

The day moves on foot along the main road, with a midday break from the heat by the water.
6:00 AM, Lodge terrace: Listen to howler monkeys and have coffee and eggs. A slow start suits the cool air and birdsong.
7:30 AM, Biotopo Cerro Cahuí: Take a taxi or walk to the entrance, then hike the loop trail to the lookout. Monkeys and toucans are most active now.
1:00 PM, Comedor lunch: Try grilled fish or a plate of black beans, tortillas and plantain at a roadside kitchen.
2:30 PM, Lake docks: Swim and rest through the hottest part of the afternoon.
4:30 PM, Village back lanes: Wander the unpaved side streets away from the highway, where families sell snacks from their porches and fishermen mend nets. Few visitors go there.
6:00 PM, Mirador: Climb to a lake viewpoint for dusk, then eat nearby.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

The dry months of December to April are the easiest for visiting Tikal from El Remate, with highs around 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) and dusty, firm trails.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Little rain, but March and April get brutally hot, up to 36°C (97°F). Christmas and Easter bring crowds and higher room prices.
  • Wet Season (May to November): Afternoon downpours, mud and mosquitoes, with temperatures around 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F). Rooms are cheaper, trails are empty and the jungle is loud and green.
  • Daylight: Days run roughly 11 to 13 hours all year, so start early either way.
Book Tikal sunrise trips for January to February mornings, when fog is lighter and the heat bearable.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
guatemala-city-el-remate v1
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The lakeside end of the highway is the best place for a budget bed in El Remate, with dorms and basic rooms typically US$7 to 15 a night. Hostels and small guesthouses cluster there, many with docks and hammocks, and mornings are quiet apart from birds and howlers. The road side is noisier, since trucks and early Tikal shuttles start at 3 to 4 am, but it gives the easiest access to colectivos and tour pickups. For the best balance, pick a place a short walk from the highway turn-offs so you can flag a ride yet sleep without engines. After dark the village is calm and lights are sparse, so a flashlight … read more 👉
The lakeside end of the highway is the best place for a budget bed in El Remate, with dorms and basic rooms typically US$7 to 15 a night. Hostels and small guesthouses cluster there, many with docks and hammocks, and mornings are quiet apart from birds and howlers. The road side is noisier, since trucks and early Tikal shuttles start at 3 to 4 am, but it gives the easiest access to colectivos and tour pickups. For the best balance, pick a place a short walk from the highway turn-offs so you can flag a ride yet sleep without engines. After dark the village is calm and lights are sparse, so a flashlight helps on lakeside paths. Arrivals on late buses should book ahead, since the options are limited and the walk can be dark. Dry season weekends and holidays fill up first.
Best hostels in Guatemala


Best quality hotels in Guatemala

🚌 Getting aroundTransportation options and practical tips

Paying a Flores tour operator for a Tikal shuttle that you could board in El Remate costs visitors the most money, since the town sits 30 minutes closer to the park gate. El Remate is a one-road village where everything is walkable, but the highway has no sidewalks and fast traffic, so keep to the verge. Public transport means flagging down vehicles on that road, and the diesel haze and horn blasts start before 6 am.
  • Walking: Free and fine along the strip, which is about 1.5 km end to end. Heat peaks by late morning, so walk early or at dusk.
  • Colectivo minibuses: They run along the Flores to Tikal road and cost roughly US$2 to 4 for hops to Flores (about 45 minutes) or the park (about 30 minutes). They have no fixed timetable and thin out after mid-afternoon, so wave one down before 4 pm.
  • Tikal
… read more 👉
Paying a Flores tour operator for a Tikal shuttle that you could board in El Remate costs visitors the most money, since the town sits 30 minutes closer to the park gate. El Remate is a one-road village where everything is walkable, but the highway has no sidewalks and fast traffic, so keep to the verge. Public transport means flagging down vehicles on that road, and the diesel haze and horn blasts start before 6 am.
  • Walking: Free and fine along the strip, which is about 1.5 km end to end. Heat peaks by late morning, so walk early or at dusk.
  • Colectivo minibuses: They run along the Flores to Tikal road and cost roughly US$2 to 4 for hops to Flores (about 45 minutes) or the park (about 30 minutes). They have no fixed timetable and thin out after mid-afternoon, so wave one down before 4 pm.
  • Tikal shuttles: Arranged through your lodging, these cost around US$8 to 15 round trip, and sunrise or sunset runs leave in darkness around 3:30 to 4 am. They are cheaper than booking in Flores.
  • Tuk-tuks: Short rides to the lake or Cerro Cahuí cost about US$1.50 to 4. Agree on the price first, because there are no meters, and expect a bumpy ride on dirt roads.
  • Long-distance buses: Guatemala City buses stop on the highway, with fares around US$20 to 30 for the 8 to 10 hour trip. Book through a lodging so the driver knows to pick you up.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for El Remate

El Remate costs around US$42 a day for a backpacker, mostly for a dorm, simple meals and the Tikal trip. The figures below cover the high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$7 to 12Lakeside hostels and basic rooms, with prices up in the dry season. Assume US$10.
MealsUS$8 to 14Comedor plates of chicken, beans and tortillas run US$3 to 5. Assume US$11.
Local transportUS$3 to 6Colectivos and tuk-tuks along the highway. Assume US$4.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 25Tikal costs about US$20, Cerro Cahuí about US$5. Assume US$14.
MiscellaneousUS$2 to 5Water, snacks and a beer. Assume US$3.
Total Daily BudgetUS$42Per person, per day, in high season.
Eat at the comedores on the highway and refill water at your lodging to save a few dollars daily.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

El Remate works well as a day-trip base because the main road to Tikal passes through the village and the other worthwhile outings sit within an hour or so of it.
Tikal National Park:
The ruins lie about 30 to 40 minutes north by road, and colectivos and shuttles pass through the village from early morning. Budget US$3 to 6 each way for a shared minivan, plus the park entry of roughly US$20 for foreigners. Go for the 6 a.m. opening to hear howler monkeys roar from the canopy before the tour groups arrive. First-timers often arrive at midday and wilt in the heat. The dry months, roughly January to April, give the firmest trails.
👉 Explore Tikal
Biotopo Cerro Cahuí:
This small forest reserve sits right at the edge of the village, a short walk or tuk-tuk from the lake. Trails run through humid forest … read more 👉
El Remate works well as a day-trip base because the main road to Tikal passes through the village and the other worthwhile outings sit within an hour or so of it.
Tikal National Park:
The ruins lie about 30 to 40 minutes north by road, and colectivos and shuttles pass through the village from early morning. Budget US$3 to 6 each way for a shared minivan, plus the park entry of roughly US$20 for foreigners. Go for the 6 a.m. opening to hear howler monkeys roar from the canopy before the tour groups arrive. First-timers often arrive at midday and wilt in the heat. The dry months, roughly January to April, give the firmest trails.
👉 Explore Tikal
Biotopo Cerro Cahuí:
This small forest reserve sits right at the edge of the village, a short walk or tuk-tuk from the lake. Trails run through humid forest to lake viewpoints, with spider monkeys and ocellated turkeys possible, and entry costs around US$5 to 8. Plan two to three hours. Early morning is best, and many people forget bug repellent and are eaten alive at the shaded lookouts.

Flores:
The island town on Lake Petén Itzá is about 45 minutes to an hour west by colectivo or minibus, for US$2 to 4 each way. It suits an afternoon of cobbled lanes, lakeside swimming from the platforms and cheap street food, with a total spend of about US$10 to 15. Take the last return minibus before dusk, since services thin out after dark and a private taxi costs far more.
👉 Explore Flores
Yaxhá:
This quieter Maya site sits roughly an hour east on a road that turns rough near the end. Arranged tours or a shared taxi run about US$25 to 45 per person, plus entry of around US$10 to 12. The payoff is climbing a temple at sunset above the lagoon with almost no crowds. Many visitors underestimate the distance and leave too late to see it properly.
👉 Explore Yaxhá

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

El Remate is a quiet village where the main risks are traffic and heat, not crime. Walk the highway shoulder carefully, because trucks and minibuses pass quickly, and carry a flashlight after dark, since lakeside paths are unlit. Solo travelers, including women, generally find it relaxed, but avoid walking the dirt roads alone at night. Tikal tours sold by street touts in Flores sometimes cost more than those arranged locally, so book through your lodging. Keep valuables out of sight on buses and in dorms, and use repellent for mosquitoes at dusk. Swim only near docks and avoid the lake at dusk when visibility is low.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about El Remate

Yes, El Remate is worth more than a stopover if you like jungle and lakes. It sits 30 minutes from Tikal, has swimming docks on Lake Petén Itzá, and the Cerro Cahuí reserve offers toucan and monkey spotting for about US$5 to 8. Beds cost less than in Flores, and the evenings are calm.
Two nights is the practical minimum for El Remate, and three suits a relaxed pace. One day goes to Tikal (about US$20 entry plus transport), one to Cerro Cahuí and the lake, and a third to Yaxhá or Flores. Add a day for sunrise tours, which leave around 3:30 to 4 am.
Yes, El Remate can be a day trip from Flores, which is about 45 minutes away by colectivo for roughly US$2 to 4. Most people use it as the base for Tikal instead, since it is closer to the park. The last colectivos back to Flores leave mid-afternoon, so a day trip means starting early.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Guatemalan towns near El Remate

Explore more nearby:

  • Flores—Causeway island, cobbled lanes, dock swims, kayak rentals| 23 km away
  • Lanquín—Bat caves, river tubing, Q’eqchi’ market, Semuc Champey base| 161 km away
  • Livingston—Boat-only access, Garifuna cooking, Río Dulce gorge, Siete Altares| 164 km away

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

El Remate is best at dawn, when howler monkeys wake the trees and the lake sits flat and silent before the day-trippers arrive. I would book two nights, skip the late bus and spend one evening on a dock. It is not a party town, and that is the point.

✈️ When did I visit Guatemala?
Guatemala I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Guatemala, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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