Chancol (Guatemala)

I hadn't planned to stop off at this little village during my trip to Guatemala, but the prospect of being able to do a little horseriding amid stunning scenery quickly made me change my mind. Consisting of a few houses scattered on the Cuchumatanes' plateau, Chancol is a peaceful village where time seems to have stood still.

I had decided to stay at the plateau's only farm-lodge in order to be able to go horseriding with the owners. Struggling against the cold (particularly harsh at this wintery time), we set off to explore the surroundings. Consisting of a mix of large, wild expanses, alpine vegetation and peaceful pastures, the landscapes in Chancol are striking. I think a detour via the Cuchumatanes will seduce any traveller in search of calm and nature, even though they're a little isolated from the classic tourist sites. It's also a perfect stop on the road to the traditional village of Todos Santos.