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Waterfalls, wild highlands and mountain villages. Two days in the Wild Cuchumatanes.
Leave Quetzaltenango (Xela) before dawn and head into the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America. Hike 14 km through forests and canyons to the Jolotes and Pepajau waterfalls and along the turquoise Quisil River, then spend the night in family-run cabins in San Francisco Las Flores.
On day two, wake up to the stillness of Laguna Encantada, meet the llamas of Chiabal and walk the La Maceta trail across the high plateau, with wide views of the Cuchumatanes, before returning to Xela at night.
Small group. Local guides. Real Guatemala.
👥 Small group departures: minimum 4 travelers. Private trips for 2–3 travelers available on request.
⚠️ Good to know: Departure is at 2:30 am from Quetzaltenango (Xela) on Day 1, so we reach the Cuchumatanes at dawn and start hiking early. We return to Xela around 10:00 pm on Day 2. Please arrive in Xela the day before; that night’s accommodation is not included. This trip involves a demanding 14 km hike, and trail conditions depend on the weather.
This trip is for active travelers with a good fitness level. Day 1 is demanding: a 14 km hike through the Cuchumatanes with steep ups and downs, river crossings and muddy or slippery sections, especially in the rainy season.
Expect a very early start (2:30 am departure from Xela), long travel hours on mountain roads and simple family-run lodging in San Francisco Las Flores. Day 2 is easier, with short walks at Laguna Encantada and Chiabal. If you hike regularly at home, you’ll be fine.
We spend one night in family-run cabins in San Francisco Las Flores, a small community in the heart of the Cuchumatanes. The cabins are simple and cozy, surrounded by forest and mountain views, and run by local families who also prepare our dinner and breakfast.
Rooms are shared (double, twin or triple). Private rooms may be available on request, depending on availability.
Hotel nights in Xela before and after the trip are not included. We’re happy to recommend options.
Please respect local communities, sacred sites and nature: no littering, no drones in protected areas without a permit, and ask before photographing people.
⚠️ Payments accepted by credit/debit card. Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 travelers; if a date doesn’t reach the minimum, we’ll offer you another date or a full refund.
Your hotel, Quetzaltenango (Xela).
Our team will pick you up at your hotel at 2:30 am on Day 1 and drop you off at the same hotel around 10:00 pm on Day 2. Look for the XploraGt sign. Please share your hotel name and address when booking.
Don’t have a hotel yet? We can recommend or book one for you in the center of Xela.
The trip starts and ends at your hotel in Quetzaltenango (Xela). Xela is about 4 hours by road from Guatemala City and 2.5 hours from Lake Atitlán. We can arrange a private transfer or recommend shuttle options. Please plan to arrive the day before.
US, Canadian, UK and EU citizens don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Bring cash in quetzales (GTQ). In the Cuchumatanes there are no ATMs and credit cards are not accepted. Withdraw what you need in Xela before the trip, for lunch on Day 2, snacks and tips.
As a guide: US$5–10 per day for your tour leader and US$3–5 per day for drivers.
No. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Bring a reusable bottle with at least 2 L for the 14 km trek.
The Cuchumatanes are a high mountain area: days are mild, but nights and early mornings are cold and can drop close to freezing. In the rainy season (May to October), trails get muddy and slippery, so waterproof gear and good boots are a must.
Day 1 is demanding: the trek connects the Jolotes and Pepajau waterfalls and the Quisil River in a single 14 km stretch, with steep ups and downs. Day 2 is easier, with short walks. If you hike regularly at home, you’ll be fine.
Yes. It must cover medical emergencies and hiking up to 4,000 m.
Only a daypack (20–30 L) with what you need for 2 days and 1 night. We use local 4×4 vehicles between destinations, with limited space, so please leave your main luggage at your hotel in Xela.
The places we visit are popular, well-traveled destinations. You’ll be with our local team the whole time, and we follow standard precautions.
Phone signal is very poor or nonexistent in most of the area. Let your family know you’ll be offline for most of the trip. Your guide carries an emergency contact plan.
Breakfast and lunch on Day 1 are served in front of the Jolotes waterfall, and dinner and breakfast are prepared by local families in San Francisco Las Flores. Lunch on Day 2 in Chiabal is not included.
