Cancuén, Guatemala: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Cancuén, Guatemala? If you're planning to go to Cancuén, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Cancuén, Guatemala

Based on the climate and weather in Cancuén, Guatemala, the best time to go is April. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cancuén, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cancuén, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cancuén, Guatemala by month

January

January here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

February here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

Traveling to Cancuén in March, you will notice that it is balmy. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April is warm. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

May in Cancuén is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

June

June here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you go to Cancuén in July, you will notice that it is warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

August

August in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September here is warm. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October for Cancuén is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Cancuén is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

If you are traveling to Cancuén in December, you will notice that it is mild. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cancuén. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Cancuén, Guatemala

Cancuén, a small village located in the Petén department of Guatemala, is emerging as a popular tourist destination in the country, thanks to its rich history and spectacular natural beauty. If you are looking for a unique travel experience that goes beyond the typical touristy spots of Guatemala, Cancuén might be the perfect pick for you. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Cancuén that you shouldn't miss:

1. Cancuén Archaeological Site: The ancient Mayan city of Cancuén was an important economic and political center during the Classic period (AD 250-900). The site, which covers an area of 4 square kilometers, features impressive structural remnants such as the great palace, which was once one of the largest ancient buildings in the Americas. Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the site and observe the intricate stone carvings, stelae, and intricate temple structures.

2. Laguna Cancuén: The village sits on the shores of the beautiful Laguna Cancuén, which is a fantastic spot for swimming and water activities. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to a vibrant ecosystem of plants and animals, including orchids, parrots, howler monkeys, turtles, and crocodiles.

3. Canopy Tours: Cancuén is the perfect place to experience the thrill of ziplining over the dense jungle canopy. There are several tours available for visitors to explore the area from an aerial perspective, including trips that combine canopy tours with cave exploration.

4. Siem Reap Nature Reserve: This pristine nature reserve is located a short distance from Cancuén and offers visitors the opportunity to hike through the jungle, observe wildlife, and explore stunning waterfalls. With its breathtaking natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere, the Siem Reap Nature Reserve is a great place to escape the busy streets and enjoy some tranquility.

5. Cenote el Perdido: This incredible natural pool is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Cancuén. The cenote is located inside a cave and features crystal-clear water, stalagmites and stalactites, and a peaceful, atmospheric ambience. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply marvel at the beauty of this magical natural wonder.

Cancuén is an excellent destination for adventure seekers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique travel experience. With its stunning archaeological site, gorgeous natural lakes, and exciting outdoor activities, the village offers something for every type of traveler. So why not make Cancuén your next destination? It could be an unforgettable journey that will stay in your cherished memories for a lifetime.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Pamirs, Tajikistan, Yamanouchi, Japan, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, United States of America, Great Northern Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada, Busuanga Island, Philippines, Gönen, Turkey, McCook, Nebraska, United States of America, Jokkmokk, Sweden, Dalsland, Sweden, Talisay, Philippines, and Isla Malpelo, Colombia.