El Remate

A quiet riverside town on the northeastern shore of Lake Petén Itzá, serving as a gateway to the region's natural attractions and archaeological sites. It offers a more relaxed alternative to Santa Elena with access to jungle lodges, bird watching, and water activities on the lake.

Things to do

• Lake Petén Itzá Water Activities — Rent kayaks or take boat tours on the crystalline lake to spot freshwater fish, turtles, and water birds while enjoying views of the surrounding jungle.
• Biotopo Cerro Cahuí — Hike through this protected nature reserve just south of town to encounter jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and over 300 bird species in their natural habitat.
• Jungle Lodge Stays — Stay overnight at one of the eco-lodges surrounding El Remate to experience guided night walks, sunrise bird watching, and immersive rainforest exploration.
• Bird Watching at Dawn — Join early morning bird-watching expeditions to spot scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and toucans as they become active in the cooler hours.
• Local Market Exploration — Browse the small but vibrant riverside market to purchase fresh tropical fruits, local crafts, and handmade goods from Petén artisans.
• Lamanai Archaeological Site Day Trip — Take a scenic boat ride north across the border to this ancient Maya ruin in Belize, featuring pyramids and temples overlooking the New River Lagoon.

Food to try

• Caldo de Res — A hearty beef broth stew loaded with corn, plantains, squash, and local vegetables, perfect for warming up after morning activities.
• Pescado a la Tilapia — Fresh tilapia from Lake Petén Itzá grilled whole or pan-fried with lime, garlic, and served with white rice and fresh tortillas.
• Cochinita Pibil — Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote spices, wrapped in banana leaves—a traditional Petén specialty served with pickled onions and tortillas.
• Tacos de Raya — Tacos filled with raya (a local freshwater fish), typically served with cabbage slaw, lime, and habanero salsa on corn tortillas.
• Fresh Tropical Fruits — Seek out locally grown mangoes, papayas, calamansi oranges, and sapotes at the market or lodges, often served as fresh juices or in fruit platters.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Local Fishing Traditions — El Remate's economy depends on sustainable fishing; ask lodges about responsible practices and avoid purchasing endangered species like crocodile products.
• Learn Basic Spanish — English is limited outside of tourist lodges, so learning simple phrases in Spanish will greatly enhance interactions with locals and show cultural respect.
• Visit Early Morning or At Dusk — Wildlife and bird activity peak during these cooler hours; locals plan activities accordingly, so aligning with this rhythm improves your experience and respects natural cycles.
• Support Community-Based Tourism — Choose locally-owned lodges and guides over large corporations to ensure tourism revenue directly benefits El Remate's residents and conservation efforts.

Nearby

• Lake Salpetén (Petén Lakes Region) — 3 km
• Laguna Perdida (Petén) — 3 km
• Lake Petén Itzá (Petén Lakes Region) — 9 km
• Santa Elena (Petén Lakes Region) — 11 km