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Nebaj - Todos Santos

A unique five day adventure through the remote Cuchumatanes Mountains in the northern highlands of Guatemala.

Special Festival Trek! 

Day of the Dead & All Saints Festivals

29 Oct – 2 Nov

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Summary
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Trip Details
FAQs

Summary

This journey will take you through the remote villages of the Guatemalan altiplano towards the town of Todos Santos. Over 5 days you will explore changing scenery, local culture, and the highest non-volcanic peak in Central America.

The trek begins in Nebaj in the Ixil Region, an area subjected to some of the worst atrocities of the civil war. After a visit to a cheese farm and a chance to use a Mayan temascal, we will spend 4 days hiking through mountain villages and river valleys, staying with local families. This area holds much of Guatemala’s war history, and trekkers can expect to hear personal stories and histories about Guatemala, the region’s many diverse Mayan cultures, and the armed conflict.

After ascending to La Torre, the highest peak of the Cuchamatanes with unbelievable views, we will descend down to the fascinating town of Todos Santos, known for its namesake festival in November, with a unique blend of thousands of years of Mam history, Spanish conquest and war impact, and modern migration stories. After spending the night resting and eating in Todos Santos, we will return to Xela on the last day.

**There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 6:00pm the evening prior to the trek’s departure. Here, you will meet your guides and fellow trekkers, borrow any gear you may need, receive communal gear, finalize payment, and more.**

Quick Facts

Start

5:00 AM, Xela

End

3:00 PM, Xela

Total distance

50 km (31 mi)

Maximum elevation

3,840 m (12,600 ft)

Average backpack weight

15 kg (33 lbs)

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The profits from one person hiking to Todos Santos provides clothing for one child in the hogar for the entire year!

Want to get back on trek and make an even bigger impact? We’d love to go on another overnight adventure with you. If you book another multi-day trek with us, we will give you 20% off! In the confirmation email of your first trek, we will attach a promo code for you to use in your second booking.

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Trip Details

Start Time & Location

Quetzaltrekkers Office, Xela (At Casa Argentina hostel)

  • 6:00 PM Mandatory pre-trek meeting the evening prior to trek departure
  • 5:00 AM Meeting time the morning of trek departure

End Time & Location

Quetzaltrekkers Office, Xela (At Casa Argentina hostel)

  • 3:00 PM Expected return to Xela

What to bring

Hiking Backpack (>50L); Sleeping Bag; Sleeping Mat; Hiking Shoes; Hiking Clothes; Warm Clothes; Rain Jacket/Poncho;  Swimsuit and Towel; Headlamp; 2-3 Liters Water; Communal Food Items

  • Any gear you do not have is available to borrow at no additional charge. This can be arranged at the pre-trek meeting

What is included

  • 4 nights of accommodation (3 homestays, 1 hostel)
  • 3 baths (2 temascales, 1 shower)
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 4 dinners
  • Trail snacks
  • Transportation
  • Gear
  • Guides

What’s not included

  • Additional snacks or drinks
  • Souvenirs

Frequently asked questions

Where do we sleep?

We sleep indoors with homestays; conditions vary, so a sleeping bag and mat are recommended to carry during the trek.

Will I need to bring food and water?

No, we provide plenty of food throughout your whole trek, and purified drinking water. 

What if I have dietary needs?

We accommodate dietary restrictions. All our trek food is vegetarian, and we can arrange for any other considerations as needed. Please let us know of any dietary needs that we should be aware of when you book the trek.

Can I bathe on the trek?

You will have the opportunity for two mayan temascal saunas on the hike, as well as a shower on the final evening.

Can I store personal luggage not needed for the trek in Xela?

Yes, we have a secure, locked room in which you may store your luggage.

How can I pay for the trek?

You can pay any remaining balance at our office during the pre-trek meeting on the night before the hike. We accept cash quetzales, or cards with a 3% fee.

Help Without Hiking

Your support is providing housing, care, and education for the children of EDELAC in Xela, Guatemala

100% of your monthly gift goes directly to rescuing children and providing care for them.

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Special Festival Trek!
Oct 29 - Nov 2

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Join us for our special edition hike from Nebaj to Todos Santos! This trek offers not only breathtaking views but also a chance to partake in the vibrant Day of the Dead and All Saints festivals. It’s an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and cultural celebration, and an unmissable event in the Guatemalan calendar.

Sign up here!