Lake Izabal is an enormous lake that has plenty of space for guests to spread out. This natural destination is somewhat underdeveloped, leaving lots of hidden gems for you to discover. Visitors leave from Lake Izabal for tours of the Río Dulce, which offers incredible sightseeing. You can easily find hotel rooms that have views of the river — maybe even a bungalow that’s right on top of the water. Along the banks of the river, you’ll see ruins of colonial Spanish fortresses, like El Castillo de San Felipe. A boating tour of the San Felipe River brings you to the Caribbean town of Livingston. You might also set sail for coastal attractions like Playa Blanca and the Siete Altares, a series of seven pools connected by small waterfalls. For more waterfall bliss, head to sites like Finca Paraíso, which has a warm cascade for scenic swims. Not far from the river, you can explore the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Preserve and immerse yourself in the rare environments of wetlands and flooded forests. The Chocón Machacas Biotope is home to one of Guatemala’s most endangered species — the manatee, a slow-moving, potato-shaped animal that occasionally raises its head from the water to munch on vegetation.

El Remate is a remote town on the eastern shore of Lake Petén Itza. Here you can fill your days with afternoons spent swimming, hiking, and kayaking. Because of the remote location, this is a good place for birdwatching. At reserves like Biotopo Cerro Cahuí, you'll have the chance to see parrots, trogons, toucans, and ocellated turkeys.

Find the most peaceful vibes that Lake Atitlán has to offer at San Marcos. This is the epicenter of New Age vibes at this spot. The beauty of the lake and the nearby volcanoes make it easy to experience the pervading sense of calm that’s echoed by the glassy surface of the lake. This is a great place to check out a yoga class, or just find a beautiful place for meditation and more alternative treatments — like crystal therapy and acupuncture. Without much nightlife in the area, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.