El Estor

Although the vast majority of this little town's population is Q'eqchí, there's also a decidedly Caribbean influence. Locals describe El Estor as tranquilo, which means easygoing or laid-back, and this becomes evident as you stroll around the brick streets. There's a waterfront walk where you can look for birds along the shores of Lago Izabal; El Estor is on a migratory path, so hundreds of species can be spotted here. The town, which grew up around the nickel mine to the west, seems to have drifted to sleep after the facility was shut down. Plans to reopen the mine by Canadian mining firms have generated much animosity among people in the area, some of whom have been evicted from their land. Anti-Canadian sentiment lurks under the surface here. Many travelers from Canada stay low-key about their nationality when visiting El Estor.