Things To Do
in Nuevo San Carlos
Nuevo San Carlos sits along the southern shores of a Guatemalan lake region, surrounded by verdant hills and the rhythm of river life. The town serves as a quiet base for visitors seeking easy outdoor adventures and cultural encounters. Its markets, friendly residents, and mix of Maya and Ladino traditions create a welcoming, low-key atmosphere.
It’s a convenient starting point for day trips to nearby natural attractions and lake-based activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café overlooking Lake Izabal. Afterward, embark on a leisurely walk along the shoreline, enjoying the cool breeze and picturesque views. Take a moment to capture the beauty of the lake with your camera, as the early morning light shimmers on the water.
Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby hot springs, where you can relax in the natural thermal waters surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared with local delicacies while soaking in the healing properties of the springs. As the sun begins to dip, take a boat tour to explore the nearby mangroves and spot local wildlife.
Return to Nuevo San Carlos and indulge in a dinner of fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant. As the stars come out, take a stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore. Finish your evening with a local drink, savoring the tranquility of the night.
Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant local market, where colorful stalls brim with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional textiles. Engage with the friendly vendors, who are eager to share stories about their goods and culture. Take your time to browse and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
In the afternoon, join a cooking class that highlights traditional Guatemalan cuisine, learning how to make dishes like pepian or kak'ik. After cooking, enjoy the fruits of your labor by having lunch with your fellow participants, exchanging stories and laughter. The local chef may also share interesting tales about the significance of the ingredients used in your meal.
As the sun sets, head to a nearby cultural center to watch a traditional dance performance showcasing the rich heritage of Guatemala. Enjoy the vibrant costumes and energetic rhythms that tell stories of the past and present. After the show, engage with the performers to learn more about their craft and the history behind the dances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🧭Local transportation (bus/taxi short ride) | $0.25-1 per ride |
| 🏨Guesthouse or hostel per night | $15-40 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly basics) | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee and snacks | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Beautiful lakeside and river landscapes nearby
- Rich cultural influences from Maya and Ladino communities
- Affordable prices and easy day trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities
- Rural areas can have uneven roads, especially in the rainy season
- Limited English spoken outside tourist spots
- Healthcare options are basic outside major cities
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
Places to Visit in Nuevo San Carlos
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning light over the calm lake with silhouettes of palm trees makes for serene reflections and soft color gradients.
A vantage point along the river where the waterway meets the surrounding greenery, ideal for wide-angle shots.
Vibrant storefronts, textiles, and a historic church provide rich textures and human-scale portraits.
Terraced hills near a local finca offer layered landscapes and misty mornings—perfect for panoramas.
Food in Nuevo San Carlos
Nuevo San Carlos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deeply spiced turkey soup from the highlands, usually served with rice or tortillas and a bright cilantro-onion garnish.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in a green tomatillo and cilantro sauce, yielding a fresh, herb-forward flavor.
A rich, thick roasted-pepper and spices sauce poured over meat and rice, with a complex nutty note.
Mashed plantains stuffed with sweetened beans, fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub of stalls offering fresh fruits, corn, beans, tortillas, and quick bites like chuchitos and fresh tamales.
Casual vendors along the waterfront offer elotes, patacones, empanadas, and fried snacks with friendly chat.
Seasonal guanabana, mango, papaya, and pineapple sold fresh or cut to order.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a polite greeting in Spanish (e.g., 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas') when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake or a light touch on the arm is common.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or Indigenous communities; be mindful of cultural norms and personal space.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or more traditional areas; light, breathable clothing is practical in warm climates.
Safety
Tipping in Nuevo San Carlos
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leave a 10-15% tip if service is not included. Round up taxi fares and tip guides or hotel staff modestly for good service.
Cash (Guatemalan quetzales) is widely used; USD is accepted in many places. Credit cards are common in larger hotels and some restaurants, but less so in markets and small eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November through April is typically dry and sunny. Expect comfortable day temperatures, clear skies, and very lush scenery in the surrounding hills. Sun protection is important, and water levels in some shallow areas may be lower.
May through October brings daily humidity and frequent afternoon showers. Lush vegetation flourishes, but travel can be affected by mud and occasional road closures after heavy rain. Pack a lightweight rain shell and shoes that dry quickly.
Nuevo San Carlos at Night
Hiking in Nuevo San Carlos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the lake, suitable for a half-day trip.
A community-managed reserve offering shaded trails, birdlife, and a chance to learn about regional flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Nuevo San Carlos by plane.
Guatemala City’s main international gateway; most visitors arrive here before continuing to Nuevo San Carlos by road.
Flores-based airport serving northern Guatemala; useful for combining northern jungle trips with a southern town like Nuevo San Carlos.
Regional airport serving the highlands; a potential connection point if you’re coming via the western highlands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as Ladino or Mestizo, speaking Spanish and participating in a mix of traditional and modern livelihoods.
Nearby villages may include Maya communities with their own languages and crafts; respect for local customs and dress is appreciated.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and pickup games are common in plazas and schools.
Played in school courts and community centers; informal games happen in the evenings.
Often played on outdoor courts or beach-like lake fronts when weather allows.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nuevo San Carlos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be prepared without meat; ask for refried beans, rice, plantains, fresh vegetables, and corn tortillas. Phrases like '¿Puede ser vegetariano?' help, and cooks often accommodate with beans or cheese-based plates.