Stores· Lago de Izabal· Other Caribbean
El Estor Town (Lago de Izabal)
15° 31.9′ N · 89° 19.9′ W
The Q'eqchi' Maya market town at the far western end of Lake Izabal. Once the lake's trading post, 'the store', it is now the place to restock fresh food after a fresh-water cruise across the lake.
Practical
The coordinate is El Estor town from OpenStreetMap. Wikipedia: population 20,489 (2018 census), largely Q'eqchi' speakers; founded in 1886 on the old cargo landing for Alta Verapaz; nickel mining nearby. Expect market produce and basic supplies, not a chandlery; marine parts and fuel docks are at Fronteras. Security: cruiser notes advise against staying off El Estor at night unless the group keeps a 24-hour watch. Denny's Beach is suggested as a safer anchorage, and Noonsite reports theft at the far end of the navigable area. Lock the dinghy and the boat. Cruising World found a few restaurants and protected spots to anchor around the lake shores. Hot-spring sights such as Finca El Paraíso lie on the road between El Estor and Río Dulce.
Best for
Fresh-food stop at the head of the lake
Nearby
- Finca El Paraíso Hot Waterfall8 NM away
- Lago de Izabal Anchorages & El Estor9.8 NM away
- Denny's Beach (Lago de Izabal)18.1 NM away
- The Restaurant at Tortugal20.4 NM away
- Tortugal Marina20.4 NM away
- Fronteras / Río Dulce Town20.5 NM away
- Sundog Cafe (Fronteras)20.5 NM away
- Bruno's Marina (Fronteras)20.6 NM away