Nebaj to Todos Santos: 3-Day Trekking Adventure & Homestays

Summary

Three days trekking Guatemala’s wild Cuchumatanes with homestays

You’ll trek ancient Maya routes from Nebaj to Todos Santos over three days, sharing homestay dinners and even a traditional Mayan sauna along the way. Expect early mornings, pine forests, and sunrise views from La Torre’s summit—plus plenty of stories with your guide and hosts that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cool air in Nebaj, right before sunrise—my boots still damp from the night before. We started walking as the town was just waking up, passing a few sleepy dogs and women in bright huipiles already grinding corn. Our guide, Manuel, kept a steady pace but stopped to point out wild herbs growing along the path (he called one “hierba buena,” said it helps with headaches). The hills were green but somehow also a little smoky smelling—wood fires everywhere. By lunchtime I was starving and that box lunch tasted way better than it should’ve. We made it to the first village by late afternoon; my legs were jelly but the welcome from our host family was so warm it didn’t matter. Dinner was thick tortillas and beans around their kitchen fire. I tried to thank them in Ixil—I think they understood me?

The second day was honestly tough—long stretches through pine forests where the ground felt spongy underfoot and then suddenly wide open plateaus with wind that stung my cheeks. At some point we hopped onto this battered old truck for the last bit into the next village (I nearly lost my hat out the back). That night we got to try a Mayan sauna—the temazcal—which is basically pitch dark except for steam and Manuel’s jokes echoing off stone walls. It felt like every muscle finally unclenched. There’s something about sharing dinner after a day like that—everyone quieter, tired but happy.

We woke up at 4am for the last push up La Torre—the highest point of the Cuchumatanes mountains—and I’ll admit I grumbled at first. But standing up there as the sun cracked over those endless valleys…well, I still think about that view when I can’t sleep. The descent felt dreamlike; mist curling between pines, sheep bells somewhere below us. Breakfast back in the village never tasted so good—just eggs and coffee but I could’ve eaten three times as much. After a short drive we rolled into Todos Santos, which looked almost painted with all those red trousers and blue jackets hanging from lines everywhere. It’s not really a place you just pass through—you sort of feel it stays with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — First day trekking to village

• Start trekking at 7:00 am
• Take breaks during hike
• Lunch with box lunch at 1:00 pm
• Arrive at village at 4:00 pm
• Dinner with Mayan family at 6:30 pm

Day 2 — Long trekking and village arrival

• Breakfast with Mayan family at 7:00 am
• Start trekking at 8:00 am
• Ride local truck to village
• Arrive at village at 5:00 pm
• Take Mayan sauna (temazcal) at 6:30 pm
• Dinner with Mayan family at 7:30 pm

Day 3 — Summit hike and tour end

• Start hiking at 4:00 am
• Watch sunrise at summit
• Descend to village by 8:00 am
• Breakfast at 8:30 am
• Short trip to Todos Santos town
• End tour in Todos Santos

Top questions

How long is the trek from Nebaj to Todos Santos?

The trek covers about 60 kilometers over three days.

Is accommodation included during the trek?

Yes, two nights are spent in Mayan homestays with local families.

Are meals provided on this tour?

The tour includes three breakfasts, two lunches (one as a box lunch), and two dinners.

What is the highest elevation reached during this trek?

The highest point is La Torre at 3,837 meters above sea level.

Is transport between villages included?

Yes, public transport—including a local truck ride—is included where needed.

Do you need to be very fit for this trek?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for travelers with health issues or pregnancy.

Is there a guide throughout the trek?

A guiding service is included for all three days.

Does this tour include pickup or drop-off services?

The tour includes public transportation options nearby but does not specify hotel pickup or drop-off.

What’s included

Your journey includes public transport between trail segments, two nights staying with Mayan families (homestay), one night in a hotel if needed, three breakfasts, two lunches—including one packed for hiking—and two home-cooked dinners along with full guiding service throughout your trek across Guatemala’s Cuchumatanes mountains.