Things To Do
in Cabañas
Cabañas sits in Guatemala's eastern lowlands, offering a lush tropical landscape of rivers, forests, and coffee-friendly slopes. The town serves as a gateway to nearby reserves and rural Mayan communities, delivering a relaxed, small-town vibe. Visitors experience friendly locals, colorful markets, and easy access to nature-filled day trips.
It’s a solid base for exploring waterfalls, coffee farms, and scenic river excursions beyond the town center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at La Aurora Airport and transfer to the tranquil lakeside village of Cabañas. Settle into your charming bungalow perched on wooden stilts above the water. Listen to gentle waves lap against the shore as you unpack and unwind.
Stroll along the water’s edge to discover hidden coves and rustic fishing boats. Sample fresh mango juice and handmade tortilla chips at a roadside stall. Engage in friendly conversation with local vendors as you browse woven bracelets.
Dine at a family-run paladar overlooking the lake, savoring traditional pepián or kak’ik stew. Watch the sun dip behind distant volcanoes, painting the sky in fiery hues. End the night with a steaming cup of Guatemalan coffee under a blanket of stars.
Head to the bustling Cabañas village market where colors and aromas collide. Admire weavers on backstrap looms creating intricate designs with natural dyes. Pick up hand-embroidered textiles and curious trinkets as locals greet you with warm smiles.
Join an artisan-led pottery workshop by the plaza to learn basic clay-shaping techniques. Mold your own small bowl or mug under patient guidance, enjoying tamales and guava juice between turns at the potter’s wheel. Exchange stories with fellow travelers and local artists in this cooperative creative space.
Return as dusk falls to catch a lively marimba performance in the central square. Let the rhythmic melodies inspire you to dance alongside villagers under lantern light. Share plates of chuchitos and toasted corn while laughter fills the air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🛏️Night in a budget hotel | $25-40 |
| 🚗Local taxi ride (short trip) | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed, small-town vibe with friendly locals
- Strong access to nature and short day trips
- Affordable food and accommodations compared to many destinations
- Genuine cultural experiences with Mayan and mestizo communities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Healthcare facilities can be basic; serious issues require travel to larger cities
- Rural roads can be rough, especially in rainy season
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Cabañas
Visit one of these nice places.
A classic Guatemalan plaza scene with a church, colorful market stalls, and locals going about daily life, especially photogenic at dawn or dusk.
Riverbank views with small boats and reflections of trees and hills; ideal for golden-hour photography.
Terraced coffee farms on the hillsides offer lush green rows, misty mornings, and atmospheric backdrops.
Elevated lookouts that capture the town, surrounding forests, and distant mountains—great for panoramic shots.
Food in Cabañas
Cabañas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, roasted-spice chicken or pork stew with a thick, flavorful sauce made from chilies, seeds, and spices, served with rice and tortillas.
Must-Try!
A traditional Mayan turkey stew with distinctive red sauce and herbs, typically served with tortillas and rice.
Tamale-like parcels made from masa of corn and beans or meat, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed.
Corn dough stuffed with meat and peppers, wrapped and steamed, often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market where you can sample fresh fruits, tortillas, tamales, fresh cheese, and street snacks from local vendors.
Casual spots offering fresh fruit cups, roasted maize, tostadas, and other quick, affordable bites along the main streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake; smiles are common. Use polite language and address older people with respect.
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural or traditional communities.
Be mindful of local customs and ceremonies; dress modestly when visiting villages and sacred sites.
Casual, neat attire is appropriate; avoid overly revealing clothing in more conservative areas.
Safety
Tipping in Cabañas
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a 10–15% tip is appreciated if a service charge isn’t included. Small tips for guides and drivers are common practice and welcome.
Cash is widely used, and US dollars are often accepted in shops and hotels. Cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments; carry local currency for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long sunny days with little rain; excellent for outdoor activities, hiking, and river trips. Trails are drier but can be dusty; bring sunglasses and sun protection.
Lush landscapes and frequent afternoon showers; mornings are often clear. Trails can be slick, so wear sturdy shoes and carry a light rain jacket and quick-dry layers.
Cabañas at Night
Hiking in Cabañas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested trail leading to a waterfall with opportunities for birdwatching and refreshing swims; suitable for most hikers with basic fitness.
Hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping valley vistas and sunset photography opportunities; a short, moderate climb.
Regional forest reserve with guided walks emphasizing flora, fauna, and conservation; best explored with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Cabañas by plane.
Guatemala City’s main international gateway; major connections and long-distance domestic flights. Ground travel to Cabañas will take several hours by road.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient for shorter trips to the eastern region, with road connections to Cabañas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Mestizo residents and Maya-descendant communities, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape and languages, including Spanish and local Mayan dialects.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in Guatemala; local leagues and informal games are common in town plazas and fields.
Visible in schools and community centers; casual games and pickup matches occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cabañas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be adapted to be meat-free; look for beans, rice, corn-based dishes, and vegetable sides. Request oil instead of lard and ask for no meat stock; fruit and fresh salads are reliable options.