San Pedro Carchá

San Pedro Carchá is a town located in the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including lush forests and crystal-clear rivers. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of indigenous Maya and Ladino cultures.

San Pedro Carchá is a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby caves and waterfalls.

Places to visit

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "Adiós" - Goodbye
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring the Waterfalls

morning:Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Semuc Champey, where you can hike to the viewpoint and marvel at the turquoise natural pools. Afterwards, grab a delicious breakfast at Restaurante Don Juan.

afternoon:Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Lanquín Caves, where you can take a guided tour through the magnificent underground formations. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Comedor Mirador.

evening:In the evening, head to El Mirador, a charming spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the mountains.

day 2

Cultural Immersion & Coffee

morning:Start your day with a visit to the vibrant market in San Pedro Carchá, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique souvenirs. Indulge in authentic Guatemalan coffee at Café San Rafael.

afternoon:In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Mayan Q'eqchi' community to learn about their traditions and crafts. Try some delicious tamales at Tienda de Doña Dorita for lunch.

evening:For the evening, head to La Mejor Discoteca, a lively venue with great music and dancing to experience the local nightlife.

day 3

Adventure & Nature

morning:Embark on an adventurous hike through the lush tropical rainforest of Alta Verapaz, experiencing the diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Hotel Lanquín.

afternoon:After your hike, go river tubing in the Cahabón River for an exhilarating and fun afternoon adventure. Grab a quick bite at Comedor Luisito.

evening:Wrap up the day by stargazing at the peaceful El Portal night sky observation area and witness the beauty of the night sky in this serene setting.

day 4

Exploring Ancient Ruins

morning:Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating archaeological site of Q'umarkaj, where you can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the Mayan civilization. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Las Amigas Comedor.

afternoon:Continue your historical journey by visiting the Ixkun Mayan ruins, marveling at the remnants of this ancient civilization. Savor a traditional lunch at Restaurante Campestre.

evening:End the day by enjoying the lively atmosphere at La Plazuela, a bustling hub of local culture and entertainment.

San Pedro Carchá Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Pepián

A traditional Guatemalan stew made with meat, various vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Best enjoyed at Las Carnitas, a local eatery known for its authentic Pepián.

Must-Try!

Jocón

A hearty green sauce-based dish typically prepared with chicken or other meats, and seasoned with herbs and spices. Try Jocón at Restaurante El Rincón de La Abuela for an authentic taste.

Tamalitos de Chipilín

Tamalitos filled with chipilín, a green leaf vegetable popular in Guatemalan cuisine. Look for these at the bustling Mercado Municipal for a true local experience.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Mercado Municipal

The heart of San Pedro Carchá's culinary scene, the vibrant marketplace offers an array of fresh produce, local snacks, and street food delights. Don't miss the opportunity to savor tostadas, garnachas, and other traditional street eats.

Plaza de Comidas

This lively food plaza is a hub for sampling an array of street food specialties, from savory tamales to sweet buñuelos and more. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.

Pet sitters in San Pedro Carchá

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

Popular cities in Guatemala

Guatemala City, Mixco, Villa Nueva, San Juan Sacatepéquez, Cobán, Quetzaltenango, Jalapa, Escuintla, Villa Canales, Jutiapa, Amatitlán, Chichicastenango, Momostenango, Huehuetenango, San Luis, Petapa, Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, Chinautla, Coatepeque, Totonicapán, Chimaltenango, Tecpán Guatemala, Pochuta, Chiquimula, Puerto Barrios, Retalhuleu, Malacatán, Joyabaj, Morales, Sololá, Sayaxché, Santa Cruz del Quiché, Senahú, San Martín Jilotepeque, Chiantla, San José Pinula, Santa Catarina Pinula, Nahualá, San Pedro Sacatepéquez, Concepción Tutuapa, Mazatenango, El Estor, Nueva Concepción, Tacaná, Panzos, San Cristóbal Verapaz, Comitancillo, Lívingston, San Pedro Pinula, Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, Jocotán, Palencia, Uspantán, Palín, Patzún, Salamá, Santa María La Pila, Poptún, Chisec, Puerto San José, San Pedro Ayampuc, Chicacao, Cuilco, Zacapa, San Francisco El Alto, San Antonio Suchitepéquez, Los Amates, Purulhá, Chiquimulilla, Soloma, Tiquisate, Fraijanes, Tajumulco, Camotán, San Juan Chamelco, Ostuncalco, La Democracia, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Barberena, Cubulco, San Mateo Ixtatán, Aguacatán, Antigua Guatemala, Santa María Chiquimula, San Pedro Sacatepéquez, Ixtahuacán, Colomba, Esquipulas, San Andrés Villa Seca, San Agustín Acasaguastlán, Sacapulas, La Gomera, San Miguel Ixtahuacán, San Pablo, El Tumbador, Chajul, Santa Eulalia, Nentón, Tucurú, Gualán, San Marcos, La Libertad, Santo Domingo Suchitepéquez, Masagua, Asunción Mita, Mataquescuintla, Cunén, Cantel, Cuilapa, Sumpango, Rabinal, Santiago Atitlán, Colotenango, Santa Bárbara, Flores, Jacaltenango, El Asintal, San Sebastián Huehuetenango, Chicamán, Yepocapa, San Cristóbal Totonicapán, Sanarate, Nuevo San Carlos, Tactic, San Pedro Necta, Patulul, Ciudad Vieja, Patzicía, Raxruhá, Zacualpa, Todos Santos Cuchumatán, Olintepeque, Nueva Santa Rosa, San Raimundo, Champerico, La Unión, San Pédro Jocopilas, Comapa, Santiago Sacatepéquez, San Miguel Chicaj, Taxisco, San Juan Cotzal, San Miguel Acatán, Cuyotenango, San Carlos Sija, Santa Cruz Verapaz, San Andrés Itzapa, La Blanca, San José Poaquil, San Martín Sacatepéquez, Chiché, San Carlos Alzatate, San Lucas Tolimán, Santa Catarina Mita, El Palmar, Jalpatagua, Jerez, Monjas, Río Bravo, San Juan Ixcoy, San Antonio Ilotenango, San Sebastián, Ciudad Melchor de Mencos, Olopa, Dolores, Quezaltepeque, Conguaco, San Andrés Xecul, Zaragoza, San Agustín Chahal, Pueblo Nuevo Viñas, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, Acatenango, Alotenango, Cabricán, San Andrés Sajcabajá, Santa Bárbara, Guastatoya, Ciudad Tecún Umán, Sipacapa, San Luis Jilotepeque, Santa María de Jesús, Santa María Ixhuatán, Samayac, San Felipe, Lanquín, Siquinalá, La Máquina, Casillas, San Juan Atitán, San Sebastián Coatán, El Quetzal, El Progreso, Santa Lucia La Reforma, La Esperanza, Ixchiguán, Flores Costa Cuca, San Francisco Zapotitlán, Tamahú, Santa Ana, Quesada, El Tejar, Santa Apolonia, Jocotenango, Pajapita, La Democracia, Malacatancito, San José Ojetenam, San Antonio La Paz, San Pablo Jocopilas, Guazacapán, Santa Lucía Utatlán, Salcajá, Santa Rosa de Lima, Concepción Huista, San Antonio Sacatepéquez, Concepción Chiquirichapa, Palestina de los Altos, Parramos, Iztapa, Teculután, Atescatempa, Pastores, Cajolá, San Antonio Huista, San Juan Ermita, San Rafael La Independencia, San Vicente Pacaya, San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, Yupiltepeque, Sipacate, San Cristóbal Cucho, Santa Cruz Naranjo, Agua Blanca, Guanagazapa, Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Almolonga, San Bernardino, Sibinal, Chuarrancho, San Francisco, Santa Cruz Muluá, Panajachel, Zunil, San Bartolomé Jocotenango, San Antonio Palopó, San Miguel Dueñas, El Chal, San José La Arada, San Manuel Chaparrón