Chisec lies along the highway (RN-5) connecting Petén and Cobán about 26 kilometers southwest of Raxrujá. The town has grown in the past few years thanks to a ubiquitous infusion of land-hungry peasants eking out a living on parcels of land in the surrounding wilderness areas.

Seeking to provide locals with more ecofriendly economic alternatives, development agencies have masterminded a fairly successful sustainable tourism project to ensure locals benefit from the exploitation of the area’s substantial natural and cultural attractions. The community ecotourism projects were developed with financial support from USAID and the help of Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Guatemala Tourist Commission (INGUAT), CONAP, the National Geographic Society, and Vanderbilt University, among others.

Local guides can take you to several area attractions, including the Lagunas de Sepalau and Cuevas de B’omb’il Pek. You can find more information online at www.puertamundomaya.com.

Accommodations and Food

Among Chisec’s basic accommodations you’ll find Hotel La Estancia de la Virgen (tel. 7979-7748, $12 d), along the road heading north out of town. Clean, basic rooms with air-conditioning and private bathroom are spread out over two floors. There’s a good eatery and a small swimming pool.

The other option is the no-frills Hotel Nopales ($10 d), on the east end of the plaza. It’s clean. One block north of the plaza is the pleasant Restaurante Mi Casita.

Decent food (and Internet access) can be found in the center of town at La Huella Café Internet, serving burgers, Guatemalan favorites, cakes, and coffee.

Next to the municipalidad (town hall) is Cafetería El Manantial, which is a good bet for breakfast.

On the southern end of town as you head toward Cobán is the pricier but excellent Restaurant Bombil Pek.

Getting to Chisec

Minibuses make the 1.5-hour trip to Cobán every half hour. Heading north, there are hourly minibuses to Candelaria and Raxrujá.