El Remate

El Remate strings along the eastern end of Lake Peten Itza on the road to Tikal, a village of guest houses, hammocks and small restaurants with the lake directly below and the forest of the Cerro Cahui reserve rising behind. It is closer to Tikal than Flores and considerably quieter, which makes it the base of choice for anyone wanting to be at the ruins for opening time. Cerro Cahui has marked trails climbing through forest to viewpoints over the lake, with howler monkeys, ocellated turkeys and a long bird list. Swimming from the village docks is straightforward, and the sunsets down the lake are the evening activity.

What you actually see

• The Cerro Cahui reserve - forest trails and viewpoints behind the village.
• Lake Peten Itza below - swimming and docks along the shore.
• The closest base to Tikal - half the distance from Flores.
• Howler monkeys and forest birds - the wildlife on the reserve trails.

When to go

January to April in the dry season. Two days, using it as a base for Tikal. Early departures for the ruins are the point of staying here.

Honest expectations

The village is strung along a road with traffic passing through. Facilities are simple and there is little to do in the evening. Mosquitoes are heavy. The reserve trails are steep and hot.

Nearby

Tikal is north; Flores lies west along the lake.