San Jerónimo

Only around 18,000 people live San Jerónimo, an isolated valley town in the Verapaces region of Guatemala. Once, the town was home to a booming business: Central America's first brown sugar mill, which you can still tour today. King Carlos V found the region perfectly suited for the production of sugar, and in 1549 demanded a large mill and intricate roman-style aqueduct to supply it be built. Later, San Jerónimo also began producing cochineal dye, tobacco, wine, and moonshine—industries that came under fire from a new government in 1829. Today, the remains of the 124 aqueduct archways that still dot the tiny town give San Jerónimo a unique feel unlike other places in the highlands of Guatemala.

Although there isn't really much to do here besides look at the ruins or visit the town church, you may find yourself wanting to stay the night. On the outskirts of town you will find Hotel Hacienda Real del Trapiche (Tel: 5027940-2542), which offers good beds, home-cooked meals, private baths, and cable TV for $20 per night. Another option is the colonial-style Hotel Posada de los Frayles (Tel: 502-7723-5733) that has all the same amenities plus a swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens for $28 per night. Both of these restaurants have their own restaurants, which are some of the best options for food in San Jerónimo. Another option is to stay in nearby Salamá, a town many travelers prefer to use as home base when exploring the smaller towns throughout this region.

Altitude: 1,100 meters (3,600 feet)

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Other places nearby San Jerónimo: Cubulco, Cancuén, San Rafael Chilascó, Playa Grande, Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá, Cobán, Río Ikbolay, Rabinal, Purulhá and the Corredor Biológico del Bosque Nuboso and Salamá.