places to visit at guatemala

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Home » Central America » Places to Visit

20 AMAZING Places to Visit in Guatemala (2024 • Insider Guide!)

Despite being six times smaller than Texas, Guatemala is a remarkably diverse country, home to striking landscapes, Mayan culture, lush jungle, dry highlands, and ancient ruins. In this guide, I’ll cover the best places to visit in Guatemala. And let me tell you: there are a lot of them.

There aren’t many countries where you can roast marshmallows at the top of active volcanoes, swim among crystal-blue waterfalls, explore ancient ruins, and hike around lush rainforests, all in one trip.

Guatemala is definitely a nature lover’s paradise, but it is also home to the unique Mayan culture, and a few cool cities to explore.

Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal are definitely the show-stopping highlights in Guatemala but don’t stop there. This guide will cover all of the other unmissable places to visit in Guatemala.

The BEST Places to Visit in Guatemala

Faqs about the best places to visit in guatemala, final thoughts on the best places to visit in guatemala.

Whether you want to summit volcanos, hike between Mayan villages, wander around ancient sites, or taste all of the amazing food, you’ll have an action-packed backpacking trip in Guatemala ! 

Insider Tip: Literally all of the top things to see in Guatemala are worth visiting, so fitting everything in might become a real struggle if you don’t have a rough itinerary. Plan your trip beforehand and you’ll have the time of your life! 

#1 – Laguna Lachua – One of the most incredible places to go in Guatemala!

• Calcite and sulfur lake;
• High biodiversity of native plants and flowers.

After a few rough roads and an hour-long hike through thick, dense rainforest, you will earn your afternoon at Laguna Lachua, one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural wonders.

This calcitic, bright turquoise lake is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Located in the middle of Laguna Lachua National Park, the lake remains free of villages and settlements, so you can relax in tranquility. A refreshing oasis in the middle of a jungle, Laguna Lachua is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Best Attractions

• Hiking might be necessary in order to reach Laguna Lachua lake, but this 4-kilometer long path is full of flora and fauna to explore. Although it takes roughly an hour to complete, the trek is fairly flat and suitable for beginners.
• Swimming in the lake on a hot day is the best way to cool off after the jungle hike. Soaps, shampoos, and other liquids are not allowed in the protected lake, so the waters are extremely clean.

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#2 – Tikal National Park – The most impressive Mayan site… in the world!?

• One of ancient Maya’s most powerful cities;
• Only a small percentage has been excavated.

Guatemala is home to one of the largest pre-Columbian Maya ruins in all of the world! Once known as Yax Mutal during its reign in the 4th-century BC, Tikal’s ruins shed a glimpse of what life was like for this economically and politically important Maya city.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal is full of palaces, homes, and monuments that cover an astounding 60 square kilometers.

Most of the park is covered in forest and fauna, but just a few feet under the jungle floor is a concrete floor. The theory is that the Mayans abandoned Tikal because their monstrous city ran out of natural resources. No matter what happened, the city they left is absolutely breath-taking, and it’s still being excavated!

As someone who has explored multiple Mayan ruins, including the popular ones in Mexico, Tikal is the best one.

You can easily spend a full day here, if not more, exploring the trails and ruins. You can also expect to see spider monkeys, howler monkeys, plenty of birds, such as toucans, pizotes, and maybe (if you’re lottery lucky) a jaguar.

• The North Acropolis is the main necropolis that contains the burial sites of citizens dating back 1,300 years. It most notably contains the tombs of several Maya kings, including Yax Nuun Ayiin, Siyaj Chan K’awiil II, and Wak Chan K’awiil.
• The Plaza of Seven Temples is a complex of seven small temples that were built in 650 BC. Because of the similar size and shape of the temples, all seven are almost identical to each other. If you look on the north side of the temples, you’ll find a three-sided ballcourt, which was completely unusual for this time period.
• Tikal Temple I is one of the most prominent buildings in Tikal. Standing 47-meters high, the temple was built as a tomb and shrine to the King, Jasaw Chan K’awaiil I.

#3 – Chichicastenango – Home to the largest market in Central America!

• Traditional markets and shopping.

Situated high in the Guatemalan Highlands, Chichicastenango translates to place of Chichica (an itchy plant you should never touch). The seemingly normal town doesn’t off tourists much to do on most days, but if you have the chance to visit on a Thursday or a Sunday, you will not be disappointed!

The Chichicastenango market is bursting with vibrant textiles, colorful crafts, and just about anything you could need. Chichicastenango is a photographer’s dream.

There is something is buzzing around every cobblestoned corner, from the lively handicraft markets to the street-side grocery stores. Even if you aren’t into shopping, Chichicastenango is worth visiting!

• Chichicastenango Market occurs every Thursday and Sunday right in the middle of the city center. Shops and stalls spill out into the street selling everything from fresh produce to pottery to livestock.
• Iglesia de Santo Tomás is a church dedicated to Saint Thomas. Dating back almost 500 years, the church is marked by the 18 steps in front of it, which represent the 18 months of the Mayan calendar. The church holds significance as one of the only to mix Catholicism and the ancient Mayan religion.
• Chichicastenango Regional Museum showcases traditional artifacts from Guatemala. You’ll find everything from 800-year old ceramics to bright, colorful jade and stone carvings.

#4 – Semuc Champey – One of the most beautiful and scenic places to visit in Guatemala

• One of Guatemala’s natural wonders;
• Hiking, swimming and exploring.

Semuc Champey is one of the natural highlights of Guatemala. The brightly colored pools are tiered, and the water cascades down through each one until it reaches the Cahabón River.

It’s truly one of Guatemala’s most magical landscapes, and you’ll be happy that you made the journey through the jungle to see its flowing falls.

As for your stay, I recommend Greengo’s Hotel . I extended my stay twice, and I bet you will too.

• El Mirador is the highest viewpoint in Semuc Champey. A 45-minute hike to the summit boasts some of the best views of the pools, along with the green rainforests and mountains that surround them.
• Swimming is allowed in the Semuc Champey pools. Some of the pools are deep enough for diving, so find a rocky cliff and jump into the refreshing turquoise waters for an unforgettable memory.
• K’an Ba Cave can be explored directly in the water! It may be an additional fee to take the guided tour , but you’ll have the chance to swim through the shallow, dark waters around the protruding, rocky stalactites.

#5 – Quetzaltenango (Xela) – One of Guatemala’s most fun and authentic cities!

• High altitude at 2,300-meters;
• Also known as Xela.

Although Quetzaltenango is the second-largest city in Guatemala, it feels quite a bit smaller than the polluted and loud capital.

Located high in the Sierra Madres Mountain range, Quetzaltenango is the perfect base for anyone looking to experience authentic, real-life Guatemala. Here you will find great Guatemalan food , lively locals, street fairs, and more.

Because Xela is lively and much more affordable than the cities in the south (the capital and Antigua), many backpackers settle down in Xela for a few weeks or months to learn Spanish.

The best part about Xela, however, is not found in the city proper. The surrounding mountains and volcanos provide ample opportunities for hiking, hot springs, and multi-day treks.

Because of the high altitude, Quetzaltenango can be cooler than the other cities, so don’t forget to pack your sweater !

• Parque Centro América is a beautifully manicured park and the center of life in Quetzaltenango. Surrounded by museums, palaces, and cultural buildings on all four sides, Parque Centro América is the best jumping off point for seeing the city and also where you should stay. Many of the city’s best restaurants are walking distance from here.
• Volcán de Cerro Quemado, Santa Maria, and Santa Aguito: Explore dormant and active volcanos, where you can hike, cycle, and camp. If you make it to the summit of a volcano, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the entire city.
• National History Museum is dedicated to Guatemalan history over the last several centuries. From taxidermied animals to ancient Mayan artifacts, you’ll find everything in this fascinating museum.
• Fuente Georginas are natural hot springs just outside of Xela, perfect for taking a dip after a long day of hiking!

Where to Stay in Xela

Hostel: Casa Seibel

Hotel: Casa Morasan Hotel

#6 – Acatenango Volcano – One of the best volcano hikes in Central America!

• Strenuous Overnight Hike to Watch Volcan Fuego Erupt;
• Beautiful Sunrise over Volcan Fuego.

One of the best volcano hikes in Central America , the hike to summit Volcano Acatenango is also tough with a capital T. This is due to the sheer steepness of the volcano; nevertheless, it’s one of the most popular volcanos to summit, purely for its incredible views of the nearby (and very active) Volcan Fuego.

At the time of writing, Volcano Fuego is erupting every 10 minutes!!! Absolute madness, right!?  The difficult climb is totally worth a front seat to Volcano Fuego. There are some tours that will even take you on top of Fuego, but not without its risks. A massive eruption killed hundreds of people just last year (June 2018).

• An Overnight Hike to the top of Volcano Acatenango is the best way to experience the hike. This way you can witness the sunrise, one of the best in the world!
• Camping with a View of Fuego is my favorite part about this hike! At night you can really see the lava spewing from Volcano Fuego.

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#7 – Pacaya Volcano – Most Active Volcano in Central America

• Erupted 23 times in 500 years;
• See flowing, orange lava.

While there is no shortage of volcanoes in Guatemala, Pacaya remains one of the most active. Its last massive eruption was just in 2014, but that hasn’t stopped tourists from climbing it anyway.

Towards the top, you’ll have the opportunity to see the glowing, molten lava flowing down the volcano in streams! Standing over 2,500-meters into the sky, Pacaya is a natural site that can’t be missed during your visit to Guatemala.

Moreover, the climb to the top of Pacaya is one of the easiest in the country (not to say it is easy) and only takes a few hours.

• Hiking to the top of Pacaya is the best way to experience the volcano. It’s a fairly steep hike but only takes a couple of hours. The hike can be toured individually or in a tour group.
• Roasting marshmallows over the burning lava flow is a unique activity to do on Pacaya. The marshmallow gets hot and toasty from the heat the radiates through the cracks in the volcano.
• Horse rides can be taken to the summit if the hike is too steep for you. It’s the perfect way to take photos and enjoy the view without burning any calories!

#8 – Pacific Beaches of Monterrico and Paredon – The most underrated places to visit in Guatemala

• Underdeveloped black sand beach;
• Surfing Paradise;
• Monterrico in the middle of a mangrove swamp.

If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation and sun in Guatemala, head to Monterrico , a pristine beach right on the coast. While Guatemala is not known its beaches, Monterrico remains a hidden gem just 2 hours away from Guatemala City. The black sand stretches as far as your eyes can see, and the lapping ocean waves are perfect for surfing.

Speaking of surfing, I definitely wanted to mention the even lesser developed village of Paredon. Further north from Monterrico, this beach is more famous for its surf breaks, and not there are a few surf schools and hostels setting up shop.

Here you’ll find surf, sun, and seafood, and almost nothing else.

If you are looking for relaxing and more unique places to visit in Guatemala, then head to the coast!

• The mangrove swamp near Monterrico is a protected canal of trees situated right on Monterrico’s beach. You can walk on the wooden boardwalk through the mangroves, or take a guided boat tour through the swamp.
• Surf in Paredon  is pretty decent, though not the best for total beginners. You’ll have a good time no matter what, though!
• Photography is popular during sunset or sunrise due to the contrasting orange and pink sky against the dark, black sand. The beach is rarely crowded, so you don’t have to worry about any tourists photobombing your pictures!

#9 – Lake Atitlan – One of the Best Places to hang for a week in Guatemala!

• The deepest lake in Central America;
• Many unique and small villages to explore, lakeside.

Lake Atitlan isn’t really a secret anymore. It’s been frequented by backpackers since the 60s and continues to remain one of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala. All of that being said, it is also one of my personal favorite places to visit in Guatemala.

Lake Atitlan is a cobalt blue lake surrounded by rugged, volcanic mountains. The views are absolutely incredible and there are plenty of awesome activities to do on and around the lake, such as a sunrise hike (as pictured), kayaking around the lake, or even just hanging out on the docks.

There are several towns that surround the lake, and each has a completely different atmosphere than the other. The three most popular are Panajachel (also the most convenient to reach from Antigua and the Capital), San Pedro, and San Marcos.

Panajachel is a nice mix of everything and is convenient to reach, but it’s also a bit noisy and polluted. I recommend visiting the markets for an afternoon and staying elsewhere on the lake for a more relaxing stay.

I always tell travelers there are two types of backpackers: those who stay in San Pedro and those who stay in San Marcos. San Pedro has the best nightlife and San Marcos has the best vegetarian food served with a side of Kombucha *shout out to Love Probiotics!*

Actually, Love Probiotics is technically in Tzuluna and you can find it in San Pedro too 😉 All jokes aside – as I appreciate both towns for what they are – these are great spots to base yourself if you want to be close to other travelers, things to do, and good food.

They are not authentic nor do many locals live in the center, but luckily some of my favorite towns are not far away.

San Juan is just a short boat or tuk-tuk from San Pedro. Here you’ll find some of the best textiles and art classes. The people are ultra laid back . This is my favorite town, personally.

Just a tuk-tuk from San Marcos is the tiny town of Tzuluna . Come here to visit Bambu House and the awesome permaculture farms. Santa Cruz is also on the same side of the lake and a nice village to spend a couple of nights as it has some of the best views of the lake, but there isn’t much to do here other than relax in the sun.

• Paragliding is one of the most thrilling activities to do over Lake Atitlan. You’ll have the most exquisite bird’s eye view of the volcanoes and valleys as you gracefully fly over the Lake and Panajachel River.
• San Pedro is the largest village around Lake Atitlan. Attracting a variety of backpackers and students attending one of the many Spanish schools, San Pedro also happens to be a wild nightlife area.
• San Juan is a charming village located 10-minutes from San Pedro. Overlooked by most tourists, San Juan caters more for those looking for authentic Guatemalan culture .

#10 – Livingston – Give the Atlantic Coast some love!

• Majority of the population is ethnically Garifuna;
• Peninsula is only accessible by boat.

For a slice of the Caribbean in Guatemala, head to Livingston, a unique city that makes you feel as if you’ve left the country! Although it was populated by escaped Garifuna slaves, Livingston has transformed to become a culturally diverse city with a laid-back Caribbean-like atmosphere.

Come to learn more about Garifuna culture, indulge in gourmet cuisine, and unwind in this picture-perfect town. Playa Blanca isn’t too far away either!

• Los Siete Altares are stunning, cascading waterfalls that can be viewed just 5-kilometers from the city center. Swim in the freshwater pools, or take a boat tour to experience everything Los Siete Altares has to offer.
• Shop through the local markets to find a unique souvenir. Traditional handicrafts from Livingston include shell jewelry, coconut artwork, and embroidered textiles.
• Drink Coco Loco , the local tropical cocktail of the area. You’ll find several street stalls selling this delicious drink, which is rum that has been poured inside a fresh coconut! If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to try Guifiti, another rum-based cocktail known to have healing properties.

Where to Stay in Livingston

Hostel: Casa De La Iguana

Hotel: Casa Nostra

#11 – Zone 1, Guatemala City – A great place to visit in Guatemala for the architecture!

• Architecture hub of Guatemala City;
• The historic part of the city.

When visiting the bustling Guatemala City center, you’ll most likely wander through the metropolis of Zone 1. Breathtaking plazas and grand palaces intertwine between cheap bars, restaurants, and hostels.

If you’re looking for a bit of quiet and relaxation, then Zone 1 is not for you! The neighborhood becomes even more hectic at night with loud music, rowdy cocktail bars, and late-night clubs. If you want to explore the historic sights of Guatemala city in Zone 1 and the others, we’d recommend doing so with a private guide .

• Catedral Metropolitana is the stunning cathedral that looms over the city. Although several earthquakes destroyed the interior of the church, the ornate exterior facade is impressive on its own. Taking almost 100 years to construct, this baroque and classical building has 12 towering pillars, a marble altar, and two side-wing towers.
• Plaza Mayor de la Constitucion is the main square and beating heart of Zone 1. Surrounded by some of the most grandiose buildings in the city, Plaza Mayor de la Constitucion is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and people watch.
• Guatemalan National Theatre is a jaw-dropping complex that was once a historical military fortress. This cultural center shows every type of performance in its grand theater, from musicals to operas to ballets.

#12 – El Boqueron Canyon

• 180-meter steep cliffs;
• The perfect non-touristy natural park.

If you are looking for a place to visit in Guatemala that is off the beaten path, head towards El Boqueron Canyon. Located just one hour from Rio Dulce, the steep limestone walls of the El Boqueron Canyon are just one of the many impressive sites to see.

Rarely visited by tourists, you’ll most likely have the jagged cliffs and running waters all to yourself. The further you go into the canyon, the more stunning and gigantic the rocks are!

• Swimming through the shallow waters is the best way to experience the El Boqueron Canyon. Although it’s an exhilarating experience, keep in mind that you will be swimming in currents and around rocks.
• Boat tours are offered by many of the locals that live around the canyon. For a small fee, they’ll take you out on their canoe for some of the most jaw-dropping views of the towering canyons above you.
• Explore the caves that have been created by the limestone rocks. As you bob above the blue waters, you’ll see some of the impressive carved out stalagmites and stalactites.

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#13 – Antigua – A must visit place in Guatemala on the weekend!

• Only 35,000 local residents;
• Spanish-Baroque architecture and one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

You didn’t think we’d leave Antigua off of the list, did you!? This Spanish colonial town is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing city in the country, if not on the continent! Since there are different neighborhoods in the city, doing some research on where to stay in Antigua can make your trip a lot more enjoyable. 

Architecture lovers will enjoy spending the day wandering around the preserved streets of Antigua. From the colorful colonial buildings to the narrow cobblestone alleys, the entire city center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Antigua is also regarded as one of the best places to learn Spanish, and there are many highly regarded institutes and schools that teach students from all over the world! For this reason, and its convenient location, Antigua has become the most visited place in Guatemala.

With such popularity comes plenty to do, and awesome restaurants, but also a loss of local authenticity. While Antigua is beautiful and a lovely place to live for a while, it doesn’t represent the country anymore. However, there are countless amazing hostels in Antigua that make the stay absolutely worth it.

• Arco de Santa Catalina is the recognizable, iconic arch that stands in the middle of the city. Built in the late 1600s, this bright yellow landmark connects a Catholic convent to a school but also symbolizes the entrance to Antigua.
• Iglesia de La Mercedes is a grand church styled in a classically Spanish-Baroque style with a dab of Moorish influence. Don’t miss the sprawling tiered water fountain that takes up the entire inside courtyard.
• Cerro de la Cruz is the tallest hill that looms over the entire city of Antigua. Marked by a tall cross at the summit, you’ll be able to see panoramic views of the city and volcanic backdrop.

Where to Stay in Antigua

Hostel: El Hostal BNB

Hotel: Selina Antigua

#14 – Cobán – One of the Best Jungle Regions to Explore in Guatemala

• Coffee and cardamom plantations;
• Lots of rivers and beautiful nature.

Cobán is the main city in this region and honestly doesn’t have much to offer in the city proper. You come to Cobán as a base for exploring the nearby rivers, waterfalls, and farms!

The most famous nearby attraction is Semuc Champey , which is just outside of Lanquin. If you really want to get off the beaten path, consider visiting places like Moy Sac.

Cobán is close to many of Guatemala’s top national parks and reserves, and is one of the best places for tasting one of Guatemalan’s biggest exports – coffee! Situated in the central highlands of Guatemala, coffee and cardamom are grown here.

• El Calvario Church is not only the most prominent religious building in the city, but it also boasts the best view from its terrace! Legend has it that the church was built when a hunter spared two sleeping jaguars and instead saw the image of Christ the next day where they were sleeping.
• Las Victorias National Park is just a few minutes outside Cobán and is an 82-hectare park that was once a coffee plantation.
• Nearby Nature like Semuc Champey and Moy Sac.

#15 – Lake of Peten Itza – Let’s Give Lake Atitlan a run for its money for most beautiful lakes in Guatemala…

• Chill on the lake before visiting Tikal;
• Swim and Kayak.

The name  Itzá  means “Brujo del agua”, or water witch. This beautiful lake is often visited because of Flores Island, which is a jumping point for Tikal, but with the right guide and transportation, there is so much to explore around this lake!

You can take a kayak, swim, or even sail to a lost island! Playa Chechenal is the most convenient beach near Flores, mostly known for its wooden dock, white sand, and turquoise water.

El Remate is my personal favorite place on the lake! This is a small and relaxed town on the eastern side of the lake, opposite to Flores and so not visited often by backpackers. The water is much cleaner on this side, so it’s a great place to swim and kayak.

• El Remate  is a laidback and beautiful part of the lake. It’s also the best spot to catch the sunset.
• Explore Flores , the town/island in the middle of the lake!

#16 – Panajachel, Lake Atitlan – The Gateway to the Blue Lake

• Village on Lake Atitlan
• Cheap shopping and markets

Panajachel sits on the banks of Lake Atitlan and is the perfect home base for exploring the neighboring area.

While you can easily spend a full day admiring the buildings and churches, the main draw is watching the vibrant sunset from the shores of the lake. Because of its location, it’s the best town to catch the sunset.

• Souvenir shopping in Panajachel is a great way to get affordable trinkets and gifts for everyone back home. You can find great bargains compared to most other cities, as long as you’re prepared to haggle for it ! If you want to visit a more authentic market, head up the hill to Solola.
• Temescals or traditional Mayan saunas can be found throughout Guatemala, but Panajachel has some of the best treatments. Nothing is more relaxing than sweating out all the toxins in a beautiful, remote sweat lodge.
• Calle De Los Salpores is a street that runs straight through the city center to the lake. At the end of the street, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best viewing points to watch the colorful, infamous sunsets.

Where to Stay in Panajachel

Hostel: Hostal Dulces Sueños

Hotel: Hotel Utz Jay

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#17 – Quiriguá – Lesser-known but impressive ruins to visit in Guatemala

• An ancient archeological site from 200 AD
• 3 square meters wide

The archeological site of Quiriguá is located on the Southeast coast of Guatemala. Once a powerful kingdom during the Maya Classic Period, the city slowly started to decline after the death of the King Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awaiil.

From the sprawling plazas to the towering monoliths, Quiriguá is a historical and educational site to learn more about Guatemalan history .

• The Great Plaza sits at the center of Quiriguá and is considered the largest plaza in the entire Maya region. Legend has it that the Great Plaza was the site of where King Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awaiil was sacrificed.
• Stela C is one of the site’s oldest monuments. Built in 775, and standing over 9-meters tall, the monolith is adorned with ancient hieroglyphic texts and pictures.
• Stela E is the world’s tallest free-standing monument at 10.5-meters high. While it looks strong the monolith has actually fallen over multiple times due to bad weather. It now has to be partially buried underground in order to keep it sturdy.

#18 Crater Azul – One of the most beautiful places in Guatemala

The blue crater or (Crater Azul) is a small blue-water pond located at the end of a series of natural streams. To get here, you’ll need to boat on Rio La Pasion, which is also known for its outstanding flora. It’s best to go to Crater Azul with a guide since there is plenty to learn about the nature and crater itself.

Crater Azul was formed by a natural barrier, and the blue color is due to a large population of snails that keep it clean!

#19 – Sierra Del Lacandon National Park

• Most biodiverse park in all of Guatemala;
• Several Maya ruins to explore.

With some of the most diverse ecosystems in the entire country, Sierra Del Lacandon National Park is a stunning site with jagged limestone cliffs and lush green rainforests. Budging up to the Mexican border, Sierra Del Lacandon National Park is protected land that covers an astonishing 2,000 square kilometers.

Not only is the park thriving with native plants and flowers, but it’s also home to more than 30 archaeological sites to explore.

• Piedras Negras is an ancient pre-Columbian Maya site known for its abundant sculptures. Human activity was recorded in Piedras Negras dating all the way back to the 7th century BC!
• Selva Lacandona is a gigantic rainforest that also stretches into Mexico and Honduras. The Chiapas section of the rainforest is located in Guatemala and contains babbling rivers, flowing waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
• Cenotes are located everywhere throughout the park. Bring your swimsuit and dive straight into the crisp, blue pools on a hot summer day.

#20 – Ixil Region – Places to Visit in Guatemala with Culture and Hiking

The Ixil Region in the state of Quiché is remote and rural. It’s one of the harder to reach areas of Guatemala but definitely worth reaching to experience the authentic Ixil culture and hike around the highlands that reach over 3,500 meters!

There are several towns to visit in this area, many of which can be hiked in-between. Nebaj is generally the starting off point. It’s a small city, but worth stopping through to eat Boxbol and check out the market! One of the best hikes also starts here: Nebaj to Todos Santos .

Some of my favorites include Acul (known for its cheese), Chajul for its coffee and nearby waterfalls, and more remote towns like Chortiz, which you have to hike to in beautiful natural surroundings.

• Hiking in the highlands is one of the best ways to experience this incredible area. There are many remote villages and natural surroundings to explore as well as waterfalls!
• Eat Boxbol , the regional dish.

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#21 – Flores – The Gateway to Tikal National Park

• Gateway to the Tikal Ruins;
• A charming, colorful island town.

Nestled on an island surrounded by Lake Peten Itza, Flores is a good jump off point to visit the Tikal ruins. Flores still attracts a variety of visitors thanks to its well-preserved architecture and historic buildings.

The town itself is so compact that you can actually walk the entire thing in only 15-minutes, but Flores can be reached by a small highway that connects the island to the mainland.

• Flores Plaza is the main square in the center of town. There are many cheap bars and restaurants that surround the square if you’re looking to get a delicious filling snack without breaking the bank.
• Tuk Tuk ride to Flores over the small causeways that connect to the mainland. It’s one of the cheapest ways to reach the city, and also one of the most memorable!
• The Night Market has some of the best food in the city .

Where to Stay in Flores

Hostel: Hostel Yaxha

Hotel: Ciao Cacao

#22 – Rio Dulce – An awesome place to visit in Guatemala for half a day!

• The main connection to Livingston.

The Rio Dulce flows 43-kilometers through Guatemala and is home to the country’s top attractions and cities. Snaking through narrow, limestone gorges and riverbank homes, Rio Dulce is the perfect place to relax and let time slip by you. Whether you’re cruising down the river on a boat or admiring the streams from the bank, you’ll definitely be in awe of this wonderful natural landmark.

• Boat tours are the best way to see large parts of Rio Dulce. Take a short tour down the water and see a plethora of dense jungles, tangled mangroves, and charming villages!
• Thatched houses are scattered all over the banks of the Rio Dulce. These wooden huts are propped a few feet over the river with palm leaf roofs to keep indoors cool and dry.
• Sailing is another popular activity down the river. Many sailors rent their boats in Honduras and make their way down the river via the Carribean sea. The best thing about hiring your own sailboat is that you can make stops wherever you want, from the bustling town of Livingston to the ancient Mayan sites .

#23 – Zone 4, Guatemala City

• The artistic hub of Guatemala City
• Great for nightlife

Line with boutique stores, cozy cafes, and cool art galleries, Guatemala City’s Zone 4 neighborhood is the cities artistic and cultural hub.

While it was once a seedy, run-down area south of Zone 1, it has since seen a wild transformation making it one of the coolest places in the entire city. Don’t miss out on the color street graffiti painted on most of the buildings and walls throughout the neighborhood.

• Cuatro Grados Norte is a pedestrianized street in the middle of Zone 4, and one of the neighborhood’s trendiest hangouts. Overflowing with bars, shops, and cafes, Cuatro Grados Norte should be your first stop for bohemian, artistic culture.
• La Esquina is a small market with some of the best contemporary food stalls in the city! Built in the style of a traditional Guatemalan market, you’re sure to find something tasty in this indoor food palace.
• La Erre is a quaint art gallery that also hosts a variety of unique exhibitions and workshops. This cultural center features a gallery dedicated to the local artists of Guatemala City, as well as several interactive exhibits.

Get insured for your trip to Guatemala!

Make sure you get insured if you’re ever going to Guatemala – or anywhere for that matter. It’s a no-brainer really.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Guatemala

What are two popular tourist destinations in Guatemala?

The Mayan ruins of Tikal and the very active Volcán de Fuego volcano are two attractions not to miss off your Guatamala itinerary.

Is Guatemala a safe place to visit?

Guatamala is on the whole a safe place to visit, as long as you stay on the tourist path and don’t go wondering around Guatamala City in the dead of night. It has a very high crime rate, but these crimes are usually gang related and do not often interfere with tourists.

What is Guatemala famous for?

Guatamala is famous for its volcanoes and rich Mayan culture, including the world-famous Tikal National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua.

What are places to avoid in Guatemala?

Aside from not having anything interesting to see and do, Guatamala City is a dangerous place and is one place I would recommend avoiding.

Now that you know a little more about Guatemala, you can see how this stunning country is rich in history and overflowing with some of the most abundant landscapes in the world. With tons of outdoor activities and iconic attractions, we hope you feel inspired to visit this often overlooked destination!

Whether you’re backpacking through the quaint villages on the Lake Atitlan coast or indulging in local, tropical cuisine, we know that Guatemala has something special for you.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Claire Martin

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Words, pictures, and people telling you can not describe the beauty of Guatemala! Besides the great and stunning places the culture, the people, and the food, is an amazing place, God created this beautiful land for all of us to discover.

Impressive but you left out the Hermitage of El Carmen which is a colonial church from the Spanish period. It was the first religious building in what later became Guatemala City dating from 1620. The site is located atop a hill and today there is a remarkable park in it’s surroundings. It’s is in the historic quarter of Guatemala City in Zone 1.

What does a trip to Guatemala on average cost?

Hi Miguel, you should probably budget 1200-1500USD per month for a backpacking trip. You could probably do it for less depending on the type of activities you are interested in!

I agree that Guatemala is a great place, but Rio Dulce is not a half of day, you can travel from the lake to the ocean and make stops pretty much every day..Rio dulce is at least 2 days to enjoy the beauty.

Hay tres eventos culturales de enorme trascendencia, aquí en estas tierras de Mesoamérica. La escritura maya empleada durante mas de mil años. En sus códices y estelas. El escrito de la conquista de la nueva España por Bernal Díaz del castillo. Realizada en la Antigua Guatemala 1600, lugar donde descansan los restos de el y de Pedro de Alvarado.. y recibir en la iglesia de Chichicastenango por el fraile Francisco Jiménez el manuscrito del Popol Vuh en cachiquel que traduce al español, presentada al lado original. Hay que conocer y apreciar como algo de un valor universal.

Great no one could describe the beauty of Guatemala better, warm hugs. Thank you

Hi! We are planning a trip to Guatemala and want to visit all the wonderful places you listed. But how did you travel to each place? Did you rent a car or take busses? What would you recommend is the easiest/safest/cheapest way to travel around Guatemala?

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guatemala

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jul 26, 2022

Guatemala is one of those rare finds, with a good mix of travel options to satisfy adventurers, culture seekers, beach worshippers, and travelers looking for a little relaxation. The country is a cultural hot spot in Central America, from the colonial architecture and cobbled streets of Antigua Guatemala to the Mayan ruins of Tikal .

Small towns in the highlands and on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan offer a chance for unique cultural experiences. Tropical jungles, active volcanoes, mountain lakes, cloud forests, coral reefs, and beaches will entice nature lovers.

If you venture down to the coasts, you'll encounter beaches ideal for relaxing and finding solitude in a hammock. Throughout the country are markets with local goods for sale, particularly textiles; these only operate on certain days of the week.

Discover the best places to visit in this beautiful country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala.

1. Mayan Ruins of Tikal

2. antigua guatemala, 3. lake atitlán (lago de atitlán), 4. chichicastenango market, 5. quetzaltenango, 6. monterrico and the biotopo monterrico-hawaii (nature reserve), 7. pacaya volcano, antigua, 8. semuc champey, 9. livingston on the caribbean coast, 10. museo ixchel del traje indigena (museum of mayan costumes), guatemala city, 11. grutas de lanquín (lanquín caves), 12. museo popol vuh, guatemala city, 13. mayan ruins of iximche, 14. casa santo domingo museums, 15. choco museo (chocolate museum).

In the humid jungle of northern Guatemala, near the border of Belize, stands one of the greatest archaeological sites in Central America. The well-preserved ruined city of Tikal is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala to learn about Mayan culture.

Tikal was occupied between approximately 600 BC and AD 900, and showcases more than 3,000 structures, ranging from pyramids and temples to plazas and an acropolis. It was one of the most important urban Mayan centers for more than a thousand years and is today one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites of its time period still in existence.

The experience of visiting Tikal is enhanced by the surroundings. Steep pyramids rise above the jungle's lush green canopy populated by birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Tikal National Park , which encompasses the ruins, is a biosphere reserve, protecting rainforest and wildlife habitat.

Monkeys are prevalent at Tikal. You'll definitely see spider monkeys and, if you don't see the howler monkeys, you'll most certainly hear them.

If you're looking for a city to settle in for a bit, this is the place to come. With Quality hotels at reasonable rates, trendy restaurants serving excellent food, and plenty of things to do, it's easy to fill your days here.

Antigua Guatemala, often referred to simply as Antigua, is one of the highlights of Guatemala and certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. Surrounded by three volcanoes, this former capital of Guatemala offers a unique glimpse of a city unblemished by modern day concrete buildings and high-rises.

Cobblestone streets are lined with old colonial buildings, some of which show evidence of the earthquakes that have contributed to the city's history. Everywhere in the old city center are incredible churches and convents.

While many of the buildings have been completely restored, some reveal cracks caused by past earthquakes, and some have been reduced to ruins. In many cases, the ruins have been creatively incorporated into more recently constructed buildings, some of which are now hotels. The city has interesting museums to explore along with beautiful old convents that are open to visitors.

Often described as the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlán is another destination where travelers tend to linger. Make the journey here and you won't be disappointed. You can easily spend a week or more sightseeing in the small towns and villages that ring the lake.

Lake Atitlán is located in the high country, less than a two-hour drive from Guatemala City and less than an hour and a half from Antigua . It sits in a volcanic crater 1,538 meters above sea level and is surrounded by hills and volcanoes, and many of the villages on the shores are only accessible by boat.

The prime entry point is the city of Panajachel . After exploring the main street, lined with all kinds of vendors selling their blankets and goods in stalls and alleyways, make your way to the waterfront to catch a water taxi.

Boats line up here to take passengers to the villages of San Pedro, Santiago Atitlán, San Andrés Semetabaj, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Lucas Toliman , and even smaller secondary villages or private hotels. Each village is known for something different, but most have markets and local crafts.

Over the years, Atitlán has attracted many expats with an interest in alternative lifestyles. Spiritual or new age centers offer everything from yoga to metaphysical pursuits. If you are considering learning Spanish, schools are available and very reasonably priced.

Lake Atitlán's water levels are a mystery to scientists. Sometimes they go up unexpectedly and then for some reason they drop. Several theories exist but no one seems to be able to figure out the exact reason. If you find yourself at the lake during one of its high-water levels, be prepared for makeshift docks, and homes underwater. No matter the water level, it is crystal clear and generally warm enough for swimming year-round.

Isolated Chichicastenango, known locally as "Chichi," is a large town surrounded by valleys and mountains. The sleepy cobblestone streets come alive on Thursdays and Sundays, as it hosts one of the largest and most hectic markets in Guatemala.

This is a locals' market, selling regular everyday goods, vegetables, and the distinctive textiles for which it is so famous. Vendors come from miles around for this market, making it a great opportunity for people watching and photography.

Chichicastenango is a 1.5-hour bus ride from Panajachel making it an easy day trip from Lake Atitlán . It takes about 2.5 hours from Guatemala City and 3.5 hours from Antigua.

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second-largest city, is the commercial center of southwestern Guatemala. More commonly called Xela, the town's major sights are the Parque Centro América and the Neoclassical buildings surrounding it. Most of these buildings, apart from the cathedral, stem from the era in the 19th century when Xela was a major trading and artistic community.

Top reasons to visit Quetzaltenango include studying Spanish and hiking in the nearby mountains. Walking up Volcan Tajumulco , Central America's highest peak, is one of the more adventurous options.

In addition to being a relatively clean and safe city, Quetzaltenango's altitude of 2,333 meters ensures warm days, cool nights, and less mosquitoes. The city also serves as a base for excursions to the many nearby villages noted for their hot springs and handicrafts.

The small coastal village of Monterrico, with its laid-back feel and lovely stretch of oceanfront, will appeal to anyone looking for some time at the beach and a little nature. Unlike the high inland regions, the area around Monterrico is hot and tropical. The beach here is dominated by big surf and not always ideal for swimming, but beautiful nonetheless.

The Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii, or Monterrico Nature Reserve , is a nature reserve created to protect mangrove forests and sea turtles. Covering an area of both land and water, it's a habitat for a large variety of bird and aquatic life, including leatherback and Kemp's ridley turtles. Boat tours offer trips through the swamps and good opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing, particularly in the morning hours.

The Pacaya Volcano, rising to more than 2,550 meters, offers the chance to witness volcanic activity firsthand. Located near Antigua, this volcano been continuously active since 1975, and lava explosions constantly change its appearance.

Organized tours offer guided hikes on the volcano and an opportunity to roast marshmallows over the heat created by hot spots. It should be noted that, as an active volcano, hiking here does involve some risks. If you want to get to the top with less effort, horses are available.

This stunning spot, deep in the jungle, can be a bit difficult to get to but is worth the effort. A 300-meter limestone shelf creates natural pools in the river, perfect for a quick dip. The pools are a vibrant color of green or turquoise. The water is calm and warm, and the area is surrounded by dense forest full of wildlife.

Tours to this site can be arranged from Lanquín. Access is either via a 2.5-kilometer hike in the steamy jungle heat, or a bumpy 4X4 ride.

This small town of brightly painted wooden houses, found in the jungle among coconut groves, lies along Guatemala's Caribbean Coast. Livingston feels more like the Caribbean than the rest of Guatemala because of its population of Garífuna, descendants of escaped would-be slaves and the indigenous Maya.

They have created a distinctive culture and language. Caribbean rhythms abound and they increase during the month of May as a Garífuna pilgrimage arrives in town. Celebrations during Easter week and on December 12 (the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) are also colorful events.

Livingston is the departure point for boat rides on the Río Quehueche and Río Cocolí or to the Cayos Sapodillas for snorkeling and fishing. The best beaches are just outside of town, easily reached by taxi.

Visit the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes for an overview of traditional Guatemalan costumes, from ceremonial pieces to regular garments. The museum is on the Universidad Francisco Marroquin campus.

The vast collection of textiles dates to the end of the 19th century, originating from 120 Guatemalan communities. A collection of paintings illustrating the regional costumes complements the exhibits. The museum is named for the Mayan goddess of fertility and weaving.

Address: 6A Calle 6, Guatemala City

The Lanquín Caves, northeast of Coban , are deep limestone caverns containing an underground river with various lagoons and unique rock formations. You can tour a portion of the cave, which has some rugged walkways and low lighting.

Thousands of bats make their home here and provide an interesting spectacle as they leave in a nightly mass exodus from the cave to feed in the nearby forest. If you are interested in seeing this unique site, plan to tour the cave in the late afternoon and then hang around until sunset.

A religious shrine is also contained within the caves, which are considered sacred by the local indigenous people.

If you have some time in Guatemala City and want to learn about Mayan culture, one of the most interesting places to enjoy a few hours at is the Museo Popol Vuh. This is one of the leading museums in the world of Mayan art, housing a valuable and comprehensive collection of both Mayan and colonial art. On display are a large collection of masks, pottery, gems, tools, and sculptures.

The Museo Popol Vuh is located on the campus of the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Zone 10.

Address: 6 Calle Final zona 10, Universidad Francisco Marroquín

If you are visiting Antigua and don't have the time or money to head to the Mayan ruins at Tikal, Iximche, only an hour away, is a good stand in. Much smaller than Tikal, but still quite impressive to a first-time visitor, these ruins are over 550 years old, dating from 1470.

Iximche was once the capital city of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. At the site, you'll find two ball courts and several pyramid temples, all very well preserved and restored. Also on-site is a small museum showcasing historical items found here.

For an insight into some of the local history, stop by the Casa Santo Domingo Museums in Antigua. Located in an old convent that's been wonderfully restored, the facility has six museums consisting of rooms that thoughtfully present historical items from the Mayan people and also the Spanish.

Items on display include pharmaceutical instruments, local artwork, glass items, ceramics, Conquistador artwork, and Mayan Artwork. If you work up an appetite while touring the museums, an on-site restaurant serves up fine food in a pleasant garden setting.

Guatemala produces a significant amount of cacao, a critical ingredient in the production of chocolate. The Choco Museo in Antigua is a fun experience for chocolate lovers. The museum, a term that is perhaps somewhat misplaced, as this is more of a shop, is a good place to learn how the raw fruit pod is processed into the final product.

To truly experience the chocolate making process, it's best to sign up for one of their classes. Not only will you learn about the process, but you'll actually end up making your own chocolate bars, an enjoyable family thing to do in Antigua.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a great place to see sights you probably not going to see anywhere else. Things like smoking volcanoes, world-famous coffee fresh from the slopes where it’s grown and roasted, and ruins of the once-great Mayan civilization.

Guatemala is a place to mingle with the locals, including roaming the country in a colorfully painted former school bus, called a chicken bus . Oh, the country has some great beaches and stunningly blue lakes, of which Lake Atitlan is the most famous. So, gringos, it’s time to pack those bags and vamoose! An overview of the best places to visit in Guatemala:

10. Semuc Champey [SEE MAP]

Getting to Semuc Champey involves a 30-minute ride over bumpy roads through a jungle, but the trip is well worth the bounces. Once you get there, you can relax the bumps away with a swim in gorgeous turquoise blue pools atop a natural limestone bridge.

Equally incredibly turquoise blue is the Cahabon River that created the limestone bridge and now runs under it. Caves can be found within the limestone bridge; some caves are accessible only by swimming underwater.

9. Todos Santos Cuchumatan [SEE MAP]

The town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán, in a province with the same name, is a good place to see native Guatemalans wearing traditional clothing on a daily basis. It’s one of the few places in the country where this still occurs.

The residents are predominantly Mayan and still speak that language. Located in the mountains of the Sierra de los Cuchumatánes, the town is noted for its annual All Saints Day celebration (Todos Santos translates as “all saints.”) The celebration features music, dancing, lots of alcohol and horse races.

8. Livingston [SEE MAP]

Livingston is one of Guatemala’s gems tucked away on the Caribbean coast, and can only be reached by boat. Fortunately, two ferries head out and back each and every day. The town is the hub of the Garifuna culture, meaning tourists have a chance to taste the local menu and music during their visit. Evenings in Livingston are full of excitement and you may just have the opportunity to take part in the Punta, a regional dance with an incredible beat.

7. Quetzaltenango [SEE MAP]

The name may be a mouthful, but Quetzaltenango has been described as the perfect Guatemalan town. It’s the country’s second largest city, but is not considered big nor is it considered too small. Quetzaltenango is also known by its Mayan name of Xela.

The Germans moved in after the Spanish left, giving this former coffee-growing center the multi-cultural feel that can be found in the Central Plaza, home to the Catedral de Espiritu Santo. The city is a jumping off point for hikes to Laguna Chicabal, a doormat volcano, and the active Santa Maria volcano.

6. Monterrico [SEE MAP]

Many people gravitate to white-sand beaches for a little rest and relaxation. You won’t find those at Monterrico, a popular beach resort on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast. The beaches are volcanic black ash.

You’ll want to bring sandals if you plan to do any beachcombing, as the sand can be too hot for bare feet. It has nice waves for surfing, but Monterrico’s main attraction may be the sea turtles. The beach is the breeding ground for four species of sea turtles.

5. Flores [SEE MAP]

Flores is a located on Lake Petén Itzá and connected to land by a causeway, on the other side of which lie the twin towns Santa Elena and San Benito. It was here, on the island of Flores, that the last independent Maya state held out against the Spanish conquerors.

For many tourist, the main reason to visit Flores is its proximity to the famous Maya ruins of Tikal. But the island city itself is a great place to visit in Guatemala, filled with colonial, red-roofed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, a historic church and many hotels and restaurants.

Walks through the Old Town offer the sights of beautiful old Spanish churches and colonial buildings. Boat cruises can be taken across Lake Peten to view picturesque scenery and a variety of birds. With several piers along the lake, tourists can do like the locals and jump off to take a refreshing swim. The Petencito Zoo offers encounters with native animals like jaguars and monkeys. Also close by, the Ixpanpajul Natural Park is a great place for forest hikes, ziplining, canopy tours, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

4. Chichicastenango [SEE MAP]

There’s just something about the name Chichicastenango that makes you want to visit. Maybe because it’s a good place to immerse yourself in the Mayan culture – almost 100 percent of the town’s population is Mayan K’iche. Maybe it’s because of the fantastic Thursday and Sunday market, where you can buy everything from food and colorful women’s blouses to lime stones for making tortillas and traditional carved wooden masks. Adjacent to the market is the Church of Santo Tomas, built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple.

3. Panajachel [SEE MAP]

Panajachel, a lakeside town in the southwestern central highlands, is named after the indigenous word for a tropical fruit, the white sapote. The town sits on the shores of Lake Atitlan , which, with Sierra Madre volcanoes on the other side, dominates the landscape.

Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. This former Spanish colonial town, with its busy marketplace, is reputed to be the best place in Guatemala to buy souvenirs. It also makes a good place to explore surrounding native villages around Lake Atitlan, which are accessible by private boat.

The scenic region around Lake Atitlan is a natural playground where visitors can enjoy a number of outdoor activities. The lake itself offers boat cruises, swimming and kayaking, while the surrounding volcanoes, farms and hills present opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, touring coffee plantations, and exploring archaeological Mayan sites such as those at Sambaj and Chiutinamit.

2. Antigua Guatemala [SEE MAP]

Set against the pictorial backdrop of three imposing volcanoes in the central highlands of Guatemala, the beautiful, old colonial town of Antigua is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Once the noble capital of the Spanish Empire in Central America, Antigua was severely damaged during a major earthquake in 1773, causing the city to lose its sovereignty to what is now modern-day Guatemala City. Nevertheless, Antigua still retains an outstanding collection of well-preserved Spanish architecture, which furnishes the city with an enchanting and romantic atmosphere.

A major center for learning the Spanish language as well as a popular base for exploring other parts of Guatemala, Antigua provides a plethora of impressive sights and activities. Just a simple stroll through the city center awards views of spectacular architecture, historic churches and prominent landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch. The heart of the city is Central Park, a large green space with trees, walking paths, monuments and fountains, where people can relax or hire taxis to get around the city.

A must-do is get lost in the city’s huge market with its maze of tropical fruit stalls and flowers. Museums and art galleries showcase Antigua’s history, culture and art, while the Hill of the Cross presents panoramic views of the city. Just outside Antigua, tourists can hike up the volcanoes or hop on a bus to tour coffee farms, cacao plantations and traditional villages.

1. Tikal [SEE MAP]

Located in the tropical rainforest of the Petén province in northern Guatemala, Tikal was one of the largest cities of the ancient Mayan civilization during its Classic period, which ran from approximately 200 A.D. to 850 A.D. Archaeologists estimate that, at its peak, Tikal’s population ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. It was a religious, political and trade center due to its favorable geographic location, being bounded by rivers on both the east and west.

Although Tikal reached its height during the Classic Period, some of the architecture at the site dates back to the fourth century B.C. At times, rulers of Tikal would be replaced by others, but the city continued to flourish. It was the dominant city in the region, and ruled over other small city-states. Because of the availability of the tombs of the past rulers as well as other monuments and palaces to study, Tikal is one of the best understood of the large Mayan cities.

Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the Mayans abandoned the city around 900 A.D. Due to the growth of the jungle, archaeologists did not rediscover it until 1848. The portion of the city now excavated is quite impressive. Approximately 3000 sites have been uncovered and nearly 10,000 still need to be revealed.

At the center is the Great Plaza, a large area with a plaster-like floor. In time, other structures were built surrounding the Plaza. These include the North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis. The North Acropolis holds seventy slabs of stone, called stelae, that stand in a double row with altars set in front of them. Some are carved with images of rulers and hieroglyphs. The Central Acropolis encompasses 700 feet of long buildings with many rooms, often called palaces.

There are six temple pyramids, with the tallest one, Temple IV, standing 65 meters (212 feet) high. Visitors can scale it by using protruding roots and wooden ladders. Temple VI has an immense display of hieroglyphics that narrate the history of the city. Temple I and Temple II lie to the east and west of the Great Plaza.

In addition to the towering temples and other unique architectural works, Tikal is well known for the carved inscriptions and exceptional polychrome ceramics found there. Water conservation was important to the Mayans at this site, and they engineered reservoir and culvert systems to help with the storage and usage of water. Another innovation used by the Mayans were sacbes, which were raised causeways paved with lime-based cement, connecting Tikal’s ceremonial nodes.

Map of Guatemala

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Create Your Own Adventure: Get the info you need to plan your perfect trip to Guatemala!

Guatemala Tourist

Everything you need to know to visit Guatemala

The 17 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Guatemala 

Some of the best places to visit in Guatemala are relatively unknown to the wider world. Though the country is firmly on the backpacker route of Central America, many never make it past Lake Atitlan , Tikal , and Antigua . But that doesn’t begin to cover the best places to visit in Guatemala! There’s so much more to do in this diverse country. 

Guatemala is a nature lover’s paradise, with lush rainforests, epic waterfalls, active volcanoes, and clear blue cenotes. Though neighboring Belize and Mexico take much of the limelight, Guatemala has its own treasure trove of Mayan history, Spanish colonial cities, and pristine jungle-backed beaches. Plus Guatemala is often a lot more affordable than its Central American neighbors.

So if you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure not to miss these absolute best places to visit in Guatemala.

The Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

The mayan ruins of tikal .

Visit one of the most important cities of Mesoamerica, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal . Lost within the dense jungles of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve in northern Guatemala, Tikal is one of the most visited sights in the country. It’s easy to see why it is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala.

Tikal was once home to the largest ancient civilization in Mesoamerica, the Maya, famous for their dark rituals involving human sacrifice. Now it’s a more peaceful place, alive with wildlife like monkeys, toucans, coatis, and jaguars. 

Lake of Peten Itza and Flores

Lake of Peten Itza (located in the amazing city of Flores) is another of the best places to visit in Guatemala. You can stay in Tikal National Park overnight but many choose to base themselves in nearby Flores. This small touristy island is thought to have been the last Mayan city to be conquered when the Spanish came to Guatemala in the 1500s.

It’s full of interesting alleyways and multicultural restaurants with amazing views of the stunning Lake Peten Itza. Visit Arcas , a non-profit animal rescue and rehabilitation center, to see the jungle’s wildlife up close and to support their vital work.

Semuc Champey and Lanquín

East of the highland city of Cobán lies the popular tourist town of San Agustín Lanquín , one of the best places to visit in Guatemala for outdoor activities. Go rafting, explore the many beautiful bat-filled caves, and go hiking in Parque Nacional Grutas de Lanquin. But the main reason so many people visit Lanquin is Semuc Champey.

Well known as one of the best things to do in Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a series of gently cascading waterfalls set in a remote part of the Guatemalan jungle. Go river tubing, explore the nearby cave by candlelight, or hike to the mirador (viewpoint) to get a better perspective of the scale of this natural wonder. Stay at Greengo’s Hotel to explore the falls, or take a bone-shattering 4×4 drive from a hotel in town.

El Retiro Lodge is also a great place to stay in Lanquin, located right on the river’s edge.

Parque Nacional Sierra del Lacandón

Swim in cenotes and visit Maya ruins in Parque Nacional Sierra del Lacandón . Located in the Peten Department west of Flores, it’s about as out of the way as you can get. The 202,865-hectare national park is the second largest in Guatemala and one of the most biodiverse, home to endangered animals, such as pumas, jaguars, and scarlet macaws. The main activities here revolve around the rainforest and the Usumacinta river basin.

Parque Nacional Laguna Lachua

For one of the best “off-the-beaten track” places to visit in Guatemala, head to the coffee-growing region of Alta Verapaz. The vast national park is home to howler monkeys and tarantulas, as well as a crystal clear swimming spot surrounded by the jungle. 

Lake Lachuá is just a two-hour drive from Coban, then it’s a moderate trek through the jungle to the camping lodge where you can stay overnight. Facilities are basic (you will need to bring in your own food and equipment), but you are rewarded with a picture-perfect turquoise lagoon and complete tranquility.

Everyone visiting Guatemala will end up in Antigua at some point or other. As the transit hub for the country, it’s a short 45-minute drive from Guatemala’s main international airport in Guatemala City . The entire city oozes colonial charm and there are so many things to do including the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, Convento Santa Clara, and the Cerro de La Cruz lookout over the terracotta rooftops of the city.

Streets are filled with traditional Mayan crafts like jewelry made from jade, wooden masks, and hand-woven purses. For some of the best, head to Mercado de Artesanías where you can expect to haggle for your purchases, it’s common practice and the prices reflect this.  Check out a full list of things to do in Antigua Guatemala here .

The food is also something not to be missed in Antigua with arguably some of the best places to eat in Guatemala. Head to Angie Angie Cafearte for some of the best pizzas in town, Pappys BBQ for perfectly grilled meat, or Los Tres Tiempos for delicious Guatemalan food.

More Posts About Antigua

10 of the best hotels in antigua guatemala, 24 unique things to do in antigua guatemala, pacaya volcano .

Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes in total, but the most popular one to climb is Pacaya Volcano . Its proximity to Antigua combined with its easily reachable summit, make it unmissable on the list of places to visit in Guatemala. It’s also one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Ash clouds regularly erupt from the summit and lava flows can be seen from the hike to the top of the crater.

Another option for those interested in geothermal activity is hiking up the more strenuous Acatenango Volcano. It involves an overnight hike to the summit to watch the frequent eruptions of the neighboring Volcano Fuego, the erupting lava glowing orange against the dark night sky.

Quetzaltenango 

For exploring the western highlands Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is another one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. This high-altitude city feels like a small town with cozy cafes, friendly locals, and lively restaurants that spill out onto the street. Many visit to learn Spanish in one of the local schools or to join a volunteer program.

But that’s not all there is to do here, the city is a gateway to some of the best hiking in Guatemala. Take a guided 5-hour hike to visit Laguna Chicaba. This sacred lake is high on the side of a volcano so can be challenging to reach. But the views make every step worthwhile!

You can also take a day trip from Quetzaltenango to the mountain hot springs at Fuentes Georginas, or hike the twin volcanoes of Santa Maria and Volcán Santiaguito.

Chichicastenango

Visit Chichicastenango, a two-hour drive east of Quetzaltenango, on a Thursday or a Sunday and you will be treated to one of the largest open-air markets in Guatemala. The craft market is a fantastic showcase of indigenous Maya culture. Everyone from shop owners to local farmers seem to get in on the action, with busy stalls filling up every corner of the city center.

Other sights in town include the 16th-century Maya/Catholic Santo Tomás Apóstol Church, the Rossbach Archaeological Museum, and the Maya shrine of Pascual Abaj.

Lago de Atitlan and Panajachel

Some of the best things to do around Lake Atitlan include paragliding, paddle boarding, and hiking, but many come just to marvel at the views. You could easily spend a week just staring at the cobalt blue lake and the surrounding volcanic mountains.

If you’re looking to brush up on some Spanish, San Pedro has many language schools and a matching student nightlife scene. Or for a more relaxing stay, San Juan is the perfect spot for yoga, vegetarian cafes, and local culture.

Base yourself in the beautiful Spanish colonial town of Pana (Panajachel) for unbelievable views of Lake Atitlan. It’s the perfect place to stay for tours of the lake as well as day trips to all of the lake villages . Purchase artisan wares from local merchants during the day then spend the night enjoying the city’s varied nightlife.

Ixil Region and Nebaj 

The remote and rural state of Quiché is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala but is off the beaten path. Visit the Ixil Triangle for unique hikes and jaw-dropping landscapes you won’t find elsewhere. You can explore the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains here. They form the tallest mountain chain in Central America. 

The Mayan mountain city of Nebaj is over 2,000 years old and is the main base for exploring the area, and is home to many archaeological remains of the pre-Columbian civilization. One of the most popular hikes in the region is Nebaj to Todos Santos . The journey can take five to six days but is filled with history, jaw-dropping cliffs, and local communities that have thrived in these remote areas.

Todos Santos Cuchumatan 

Todos Santos Cuchumatan is another one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. It’s located near Nebaj and is a charming village that has managed to maintain its culture. If you ever wanted to have a genuine local experience in Guatemala, this is the place to do it. Todos Santos Cuchumatan is known for its Day of the Dead celebrations that are held annually on All Saints Day. The main attraction is a heavily intoxicated horse that runs through the town streets. It’s definitely an experience not to be missed! 

Did you know that Guatemala is home to some beautiful beaches? The small town of Monterrico is located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and its black sand beaches make it one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. If you visit between September and January, you’ll get the chance to release baby sea turtles back into the ocean. Relax on the volcanic beach or even take a boat trip into the Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii Nature Reserve . There you can also go ziplining, spotting the many tropical birds in the high canopy as you glide through the trees.

Two hours west of Monterrico is the small surf town of El Paredon in Guatemala. The city isn’t known for its abundance of activities but that’s where the charm of the town lies. Spanish classes, surfing lessons, and lively evenings are the most popular way to pass the time in this laid-back destination.

Looking for a place to stay in El Paredon? You’ll definitely want to consider Pacifico El Paredon !

El Boqueron Canyon

El Boqueron Canyon is one of the most underrated attractions in the country but is definitely one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. The narrow canyon is tucked away in the lush green jungles of Guatemala and is filled with hidden corners that are perfect for exploring. While you’re there, take a local boat tour and paddle upstream to see the steep limestone walls of the canyon. After a long day of exploring, visit the Aguas Termales y Spa for beautiful waterfalls and a refreshing dip in the hot springs.

The Rio Dulce, or “sweet river” in English, is as wonderful as its name suggests. The river starts from Lago Izabal, Guatemala’s largest lake, and passes through Fronteras (also known as Rio Dulce confusingly) and Livingston into the Caribbean Sea. There are plenty of things to do in and around Rio Dulce. 

Don’t miss the Castle of San Felipe of Lara, a colonial fort on the banks of Lago de Izabal, you can also see manatees and go boating on the lake. Another site nearby is Quirigua, a Mayan city dating back to 400 BC. Lesser known than Tikal, it’s famous for its intricately carved stelae and statues.

Right on the beautiful Caribbean coast of Guatemala at the mouth of Rio Dulce, is the relaxed town of Livingston. Best known for its population of Garifuna people descended from Africans and indigenous Caribs, the town is alive with music and dance; both essential parts of the lively culture. 

Originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Garifuna people now live in a few settlements along the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala. Hotel Casa Nostra is a great place to call home for a few days, with a scenic dock over the river and terrific food like the ‘house shrimp’ on offer.

You can’t go wrong with any of these locations when seeking the best places to visit in Guatemala. Which is on your list?

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12 unique and unforgettable things to do in Guatemala

Guatemala offers more cultural and historical attractions than almost any other country in Central America. Discover the 12 best things to do in Guatemala, perfect for adventurers and budget travelers.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Jan 21, 2023

Trying to plan a trip to Guatemala?

Feeling overwhelmed at the amount of things to do in Guatemala and struggling to pick the best ones? 

You're not the first one to go through this. Guatemala is one of those countries that seems small and straightforward, but once you actually research it you realize it is pretty big and extremely diverse. 

It has a wide variety of natural beauty and a thriving Mayan culture, so connecting with nature and immersing in local culture are the top things to do in Guatemala .

For any travelers looking for a bit of insight into this colorful Central American country, this article is for you. In addition to listing and describing the best things to do in Guatemala , I'll explain how to get around the country as well as provide some budget travel tips throughout the article.

Why you should travel to Guatemala

Some say Guatemala is the most diverse country in Central America .

Its landscape ranges from active volcanoes and mountains, to gorgeous beaches and coastal towns, to big cities and tiny villages, to lush rain forest and ancient Mayan ruins. The country is physically stunning, with different spectacular sights of natural beauty scattered all over the place.

Aside from the tangible beauty of Guatemala, the local culture brings history, traditions and a zest for life to the communities around the country. From the colorful woven clothing, to the Mayan rituals and languages, to the majestic churches and traditional markets, every local town in Guatemala is insightful and fascinating for curious travelers.

So whether you are backpacking or volunteering in Central America or simply flying in and out of the country for a quick, culturally enriching trip, definitely make a spot for Guatemala on your travel bucket list .

Luckily for budget travelers, Guatemala is a very affordable destination. Before listing the best things to do in Guatemala , I'll briefly describe how to travel around the country on a budget . That way, you understand the different methods of transport and what they cost, and you can plan your journey accordingly.

And if you are concerned about safety, check the article Is it safe to travel to Guatemala? for more details.

Transportation in Guatemala

Getting around Guatemala is very straightforward and cheap. If you are traveling overland, there are buses and shuttles to every destination in the country and they are never too expensive. 

Here is a breakdown of the different ways to travel around Guatemala . 

Chicken Buses

Chicken buses are a popular method of transport for the locals and some travelers like to have this experience. Chicken buses are old recycled school buses from the USA that have been repainted and transformed into local transport.

This is the cheapest way to travel around Guatemala , though it isn't the most comfortable. There is no maximum capacity for chicken buses so you can be crammed in between huge crowds, and they usually take longer to reach your destination because locals stop anywhere they want.

Shuttle Buses

Most travelers prefer taking shuttle buses. These small buses or mini vans are faster than chicken buses and though they are a bit more expensive, they are still overall very affordable .

For example, a three hour shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlán costs around 75 Q ($9), and an eight hour shuttle bus from Lake Atitlán to Semuc Champey costs around 200 Q ($26). Given the comfort of the shuttles and the distances they cover, the prices are amazing.

In any given destination, you can take tuk tuks to travel short distances. Usually you can walk everywhere, but if you want to get home quickly after a long volcano hike or after a fun night of partying, a cheap, 10 Q ($1.30) tuk tuk ride can be a life saver.

Air Travel in Guatemala

If you are just flying in and out of Guatemala, you can find very cheap flights into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. 

Most travelers skip Guatemala City, the capital of the country, because it's a bit overwhelming and crowded and not as impressive as Guatemala's other gems. But I know plenty of people who enjoyed the city, so it's up to you if you want to stay or not. Otherwise, the city is only useful for flying in and out of the country.

There are a few other small airports around the country, but the cheapest way to get around is just flying in to Guatemala City and taking shuttle buses to other destinations from there.

Once you understand how to travel around Guatemala, you can start planning your adventures!

There are so many fun things to do in Guatemala that it can be hard to plan a trip. The amount of things you can do depends on how long you have in the country. All the major attractions that I'll list are quite spread out and it can take a full day to get from one place to the next.

Just research the travel time between attractions and try not to spread yourself too thin. Even visiting just one of the places I mention will give you an incredible experience, so pick the attractions that intrigue you the most and really enjoy them. 

If you want an even deeper cultural experience, try traveling with  Worldpackers exchange experiences in Guatemala . You can stay in one place for a couple weeks, live with locals for free and learn new skills while working in fun and interesting jobs.

So whether you have a month or more to really experience the culture and travel all around the country, or you're just stopping by and are trying to pick the best place to go, I hope this article is helpful!

Here are the best things to do in Guatemala for travelers on a budget.

12 best things to do in Guatemala

• Sightsee in Antigua
• Hike a volcano
• Explore Lake Atitlán
• Visit Xela (Quetzaltenango)
• Shop at Chichicastenango Market
• Surf in El Paredon
• Experience bliss at Semuc Champey
• Marvel at the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
• Experience a melting pot of cultures In Livingston
• Explore the wilderness near Rio Dulce
• Learn Spanish
• Try a Worldpackers experience

Top things to do in Guatemala

1. sightsee in antigua.

Very few travelers leave Guatemala without having stopped in Antigua. This used to be the capital city of Guatemala during colonial times, but the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1773 after a massive earthquake struck Antigua. Despite the destruction, Antigua still has many architectural remnants of its past significance.

There are so many  things to do in Antigua, Guatemala that are historically insightful and affordable. Sightseeing is the best way to explore Antigua and see its colonial past with your own eyes. Noteworthy sights include the Santa Catarina Arch, Iglesia de la Merced, and the hilltop viewpoint , Cerro De La Cruz.

See the remnants of the 1773 Earthquake by visiting the Ruins of the Church of Candelaria, the Ruins of Santa Rosa, and Capuchins Monastery . You can also visit the local market for cheap produce, tour the Chocolate Museum , relax in the Central Park , and simply wander through the streets admiring the majestic, European like architecture.

Antigua is a great starting point for a trip to Guatemala.

There are countless cheap backpacker hostels and the city is small enough to enjoy on foot. All amenities you may need, like banks, ATMs and currency exchanges, or medical centers and pharmacies, are within reach in Antigua.

Be sure to check out  Worldpackers exchange opportunities in Antigua before planning your trip.

Budget Travel Tip for Antigua: 

Check if your hostel has any special deals and discounts around town. There are too many good hostels in Antigua to list, but most of them offer discounts at partnering bars, cafés and restaurants and sometimes discounts on tours as well. 

2. Hike a volcano

Because Guatemala is located on the verge of two tectonic plates, the shifting of these plates over the years has caused the Earth's surface to bend and shape into amazing formations. Nowadays, Guatemala has about 37 volcanoes , three of them active. This makes for some incredible hiking opportunities and breathtaking natural scenery.

Obviously there is no shortage of volcano hikes to do in Guatemala . I'll list a few of the most popular ones for those adventurous travelers who love a challenge .

Volcán Tajumulco

Volcán Tajumulco is the highest volcano in Guatemala , and in all of Central America. 

It stands at a whopping 4,220 meters tall, so you may want to spend a few days in mountainous areas before you hike so your body has time to adjust to the altitude. The hike up Volcán Tajumulco actually starts at around 3,000 meters above sea level, so you don't have to climb the entirety of the volcano to reach the summit.

You can hike in one day, though it is recommended to do an overnight hike so you don't need to rush and you have more time to enjoy the views. The closest city to Volcán Tajumulco is Xela, also known as Quetzaltenango, so you can start your hike from here (I'll discuss Xela in more detail later on). 

There is no official entrance fee for this volcano, so it is great for budget travelers!

Volcán Acatenago

Another popular volcano hike to do in Guatemala is Volcán Acatenago, which stands at 3,975 meters tall. 

This hike can also be done in one day, as it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the summit from the start of the hike. The starting point of the hike is about a 1 hour drive from Antigua. But most people opt for an overnight hike , because at night time you can see Volcán Acatenago's neighbor, Volcán Fuego erupting and spewing lava in the distance .

If you have your own camping gear you can do the hike yourself and just pay the 50 Quetzales entrance fee . Most travelers in Central America don't have tents, sleeping bags and winter clothes with them, so you can always book an overnight tour with a local company that provides these things. It can get extremely cold sleeping atop a volcano at night, so definitely make sure you are prepared.

Budget Travel Tip for Hiking Volcán Acatenago: 

The cheap overnight tours go for around 200 to 300 Q, but their food and equipment isn't as high quality as the more expensive tours that cost 400 Q. Because the hike is very challenging and it gets really cold, it can be smart to use the pricier tour companies. The price isn't too much higher and in this situation, spending a bit more money for a better experience is actually worth it.

Don't miss out:  What is like to hike an active volcano in Guatemala? The Acatenango experience .

Volcán Pacaya

If you are staying in Antigua and want to do a less extreme volcano hike , you can also hike Volcán Pacaya. 

At 2,552 meters tall, you can only hike this volcano with a guide because it is still active and had a big eruption in 2010. Backpackers still hike the volcano every day, but having a local guide with you ensures you feel safe.

Hiking Volcán Pacaya can be done in one day so you don't need to camp overnight, and at the top you can roast marshmallows over the heat of the volcano .

Volcán San Pedro

The last noteworthy volcano hike in Guatemala that I will mention is Volcán San Pedro, located in Lake Atitlán. 

Hiking up Volcán San Pedro, which stands at 3,020 meters tall, will bring you through thick jungle for about three hours. You can hike with or without a guide, but the entrance fee is 100 Quetzales and it usually costs the same to hike with a guide so you might as well have an experienced local with you.

There are plenty of other volcanoes to hike in Guatemala, but I'd say these four are the best . 

Tajumulco and Acatenango are fitting for the more experienced hikers who want a challenge, and Pacaya and San Pedro are fitting for those who want an adventure that isn't as tiring.

3. Explore Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán has a thriving sense of Mayan culture and an abundance of natural beauty, so exploring here is definitely one of the best things to do in Guatemala .

Take the local boats from town to town to soak in the lifestyle. Must-see towns in Lake Atitlán include Panajachel , which has the best local market, San Pedro , which has an amazing lookout and lots of backpackers, San Marcos , which has many yoga retreats, health food stores and spiritual centers, and San Juan , which has vibrant street art and lots of local handicrafts.

These four towns are quite touristy, but worth it. To witness the more local side of Lake Atitlán , venture to smaller towns such as Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago Atitlan and Santa Cruz .

You can also get active while exploring Lake Atitlán . Paddle board, kayak, wake surf or cliff jump in the lake. Go paragliding over the lake or zip lining in the Nature Reserve. Hike one of the three volcanoes surrounding the lake, or embark on a sunrise hike up the small mountain known as Indian's Nose.

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Lake Atitlán . I recommend staying for at least three days, though a week is more ideal for full enjoying everything the area has to offer. 

Worldpackers offers several incredible experiences around Lake Atitlán , like the opportunity to work for an NGO in Santa Cruz , work in hostel management in San Pedro La Laguna , help run an eco hotel in San Juan La Laguna , and more.

Budget Travel Tip for Lake Atitlán: 

While walking to the boat dock to take the water taxis in between towns, don't let any local guys walk you there. They'll tell you the boat is more expensive than it is, and keep a commission for themselves. The boat docks are very easy to find yourself so you don't need someone to take you.

Just ask around or research online what the boat price between towns should be , and double check with the boat driver before you pay that he is charging you the right price.

Also keep in mind, locals pay less than tourists for boat rides. This isn't unfair, it's just that the locals ride the boats every day for work and don't need to pay as much as travelers just passing through.

4. Visit Xela (Quetzaltenango)

As I mentioned earlier, Xela is the perfect town to begin a hike up Volcán Tajumulco. But visiting Xela is also a great gateway into authentic Mayan culture . Quetzaltenango is the town's colonial Spanish name, but Xela is its Mayan name. So most locals will call it Xela, pronounced "Shay-lah."

As Guatemala's second largest city, there are so many things to do in Xela . After hiking a volcano, relax in the hot sulfur springs known as Fuentes Georginas or venture to the massive crater lake known as Lake Chicabal .

Aside from these natural wonders, Xela is mostly known for its culture. There are lots of churches in town that showcase the strong Catholic faith in Guatemala, including the Quetzaltenango Cathedral . Take a short bus ride outside the city to visit the colorful church known as San Andres Xecul .

Spend the rest of your time in Xela visiting local markets, eating traditional food and practicing your Spanish. You don't need to spend more than a day or two here, but it is conveniently located near Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango Market so it can fit nicely into a trip around Guatemala .

Check out Worldpackers exchange experiences in Xela to explore all that this unique cultural hub has to offer.

5. Shop at Chichicastenango Market

Located about two hours away from Xela, Chichicastenango Market is one of the best things to do in Guatemala to enjoy the traditional Mayan culture . This is one of the largest markets in all of Central America and is open on Thursdays and Sundays . There are plenty of shuttles here to and from surrounding towns in Xela and Lake Atitlán, or you can take a chicken bus with the locals.

Once you arrive in Chichicastenango, spend hours wandering through the gigantic outdoor market . You can find ready to eat local meals, fresh produce and other food items in addition to all the local handicrafts. If you want some authentic Mayan souvenirs to take home after traveling Guatemala, this is the place to buy them.

Every piece of clothing, every handbag or wallet and every hat or accessory is delicately woven with beautiful, colorful threads. The crafts here are truly stunning, and it is amazing to see how the locals make a living off of selling their art to tourists.

6. Surf in El Paredon

After hiking and experiencing the culture inland, head to Guatemala's coast for some sunbathing and surfing. You can take chicken buses or direct shuttles to this small town on Guatemala's Pacific Coast , and stay in a cheap beach hostel when you get there.

El Paredon is the perfect place for people who want a break from the hustle and bustle of traveling. There isn't a lot to do in El Paredon besides spend quality time with the ocean, but a few days of soaking in the sun on a pristine beach is amazing for the soul.

Surfers flock to El Paredon for the fun waves, and beginners can take surf lessons and learn how to ride the waves. As the beach faces west, you can also catch some beautiful sunsets from here.

One of the best things to do in El Paredon besides surfing is watching the turtles hatch, as this is one of the few places where lots of turtles lay their eggs. From June to November you can watch the baby turtles hatch and head for the sea , which is an adorable and magical sight.

Be sure to check out  Worldpackers experiences in El Paredon  before planning your surf trip!

7. Experience bliss at Semuc Champey

Deep in the jungle of Guatemala lies Semuc Champey, a series of natural pools filled with crystal clear waters . It is a marvel to look at and a true joy to swim in.

Getting to Semuc Champey is no easy feat . It is located in a very remote area with virtually nothing else around it. You can take a shuttle bus from most other destinations, like Rio Dulce, Flores, Antigua and Lake Atitlán. But the drive is at least 8 hours from all of these places and most of the roads are unpaved and bumpy.

Most shuttles drop travelers in Lanquín first, the closest actual town to Semuc Champey. You can either book accommodation in Lanquín and take a public bus to Semuc Champey, or you can stay overnight in one of the hostels and lodges close to the pools. I recommend staying as close to the pools as you can, so all you have to do is wake up and walk to this gorgeous natural attraction.

It costs 50 Q to enter Semuc Champey , and inside the park you can hike up to the viewpoint and spend the day swimming and sunbathing. You don't have to book a guided tour, but if you do they may include tubing down the river Cahabón.

For 75 Q you can also enter the nearby caves for swimming and exploring. Most guided tours also include the caves.

If you want to take your time in this incredible destination, Worldpackers offers several dreamy  experiences in Semuc Champey .

Budget Travel Tip for Semuc Champey: 

There are no shops in Semuc Champey, so I recommend bringing your own water and snacks for the day . Most hostels and hotels have their own restaurants and bars, but the food is way overpriced and usually not that great. Just save the money and buy your own food from the supermarket before you leave for Semuc Champey.

8. Marvel at the Mayan Ruins of Tikal

One of the best things to do in Guatemala that attracts travelers all year round is the marvelous Mayan Ruins of Tikal. Also located kind of in the middle of nowhere, Tikal is quite far from all the other attractions I've mentioned so far.

The closest city to Tikal is Flores , which is still about a one hour drive from the ruins. But if you are backpacking through Guatemala and have the time to spare, venturing up here is definitely worth the travel time.

Similar to other famous Mayan Ruins like Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan in Mexico, Tikal offers the same magnificent ancient architecture and sense of history with far fewer crowds. Though it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Sight since 1979, Tikal is still not as well known as Mexico's Mayan Ruins, so it is a great place to step back into history without fighting through crowds of tourists.

You can visit Tikal with or without a guide . Having a guide can help you navigate your way around the massive grounds and learn more about the significance of the ruins, but going without a guide allows you more flexibility and saves you a bit of money.

It costs 150 Q to enter Tikal , but make sure you bring enough cash to last your trip because there are no ATMS in Tikal. Make sure you have your passport as well because you need it to buy a ticket.

The ruins are open from 6 am until 6 pm, and if you show up early you are more likely to have the place to yourself. I also recommend bringing your own water and snacks for your day if exploring as there is only one restaurant/convenience store near the entrance that is overpriced and crowded.

There are plenty of budget accommodation options and Worldpackers experiences in Flores , you just have to travel to the ruins on the day of exploring. You can also stay in a hotel right at the entrance to the ruins but it costs a bit more than a cheap hostel in Flores. 

Budget Travel Tip for Tikal: 

If you have camping gear, you can camp close to Tikal if you want to save a bit of money on accommodation. Just beware of how hot the temperature can get; it is the middle of the jungle after all.

9. Experience a melting pot of cultures in Livingston

As a very unique destination in Guatemala, Livingston serves as a cultural blend of Guatemalan, African and Caribbean . Set at the mouth of the Rio Dulce River on the Caribbean Sea , this city has a vibrant culture and a laid-back but welcoming vibe.

Located all the way on the east coast of Guatemala, Livingston makes a convenient stop for travelers traveling to and from Honduras or Belize. But you can only reach Livingston by boat from Rio Dulce or Puerto Barrios, as it is located on a peninsula. This just makes the isolated culture even more special.

The local culture in Livingston is a mix of African, Caribbean and Guatemalan. Centuries ago a ship carrying slaves from western Africa crashed near the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. Since then, this Afro-Caribbean culture was displaced due to European colonists and planted its roots in Central America, where the unique culture continues to develop.

Nowadays, these multicultural people are known as Garifuna , and they have their own distinct cuisine, music and dance, language and lifestyle. Be sure to try gifiti, the local rum, and tapado, a local stew with seafood and coconut.

Explore the natural beauty of the area by visiting Punta de Manabique, a famous place for birdwatching and spotting other forms of jungle wildlife like monkeys, jaguars, iguanas, turtles, reef sharks and crocodiles. You can also walk along the beach for about an hour to reach Los Siete Altares, a series of low lying waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming, relaxing and connecting with nature.

10. Explore the wilderness near Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce, which literally translates to " Sweet River ," is a river in eastern Guatemala that starts near Livingston and runs inland. The dense jungle that surrounds the river provides endless opportunities for adventure. Travelers can enjoy Rio Dulce by exploring the wilderness and taking day trips to the majestic natural wonders around the river.

For example, you can take a boat ride though the impressive El Boqueron Canyon for only 20 Q or bathe in the natural hot springs of Finca Paraiso for only 10 Q. Because these attractions are made in nature, the admission fees are very cheap so travelers on a backpacker budget can easily afford these activities.

You can also explore the Rio Dulce National Park , which is free to enter. In the park you can rent kayaks, hike to little villages, swim, relax and soak in the serenity of nature. 

For 20 Q, you can enter the Castillo De San Felipe . This old fortress was built by the Spanish during colonial times to protect their important trading port along the river. Now it is a cool piece of history that tourists can visit in the midst of the Guatemalan jungle.

11. Learn Spanish

A great way to experience a culture is to learn a language while traveling .

Learning a bit of Spanish is one of the best things to do in Guatemala because it allows you to connect more with the locals . It also makes traveling easier so you can ask necessary questions, read street signs, bus schedules and menus, and navigate your way around the country better.

Antigua is probably the most popular place to study Spanish in Guatemala. There are tons of affordable Spanish schools , with Antigüeña Spanish Academy and Don Pedro de Alvarado Spanish School, being two of the best. 

Xela is another great place to study Spanish, as it is a very local community so you will be surrounded by more native speakers than in Antigua. But you can also find Spanish schools in Lake Atitlán and Flores.

12. Try a Worldpackers experience

Doing a work exchange  is an amazing way to save money while traveling  in Guatemala. If you live and work with locals, you can also improve your Spanish and learn more about the Mayan culture.

There are work opportunities scattered all over the country, just begging for budget travelers to come have an incredible experience.

For example, you can spend more than just a day in Guatemala's famous turquoise pools  by working for various Worldpackers hosts in Semuc Champey . You can bartend at a hostel , work as a yoga teacher , help out on a cacao farm , or volunteer as an event coordinator , a l l within the beautiful jungle surrounding one of Guatemala's best attractions.

If you are venturing up north to explore Tikal, why not spend more time volunteering in Flores so you don't have to rush to explore the ruins? There are lots of Worldpackers exchanges in Flores that cater towards the tech-savvy, including using photography and social media skills at a hostel , working as a web developer , and helping out with SEO and online marketing .

Want to spend more time surfing and enjoying the beach life in El Paredon ? Volunteer in a beach front hostel for a few weeks. 

Want to dive deeper into the local culture of Xela ? Help out with basic cleaning, housekeeping and reception in a hostel there. If you have a few months to spare, try working as a volunteer hiking guide in the Guatemala Highlands near Xela.

If you want to hang out in the beautiful Lake Atitlán for longer, there are plenty of work exchanges there as well. Help out a local NGO in Santa Cruz La Laguna with videography and photography, or assist an eco hotel in San Juan La Laguna with reception, cleaning and gardening.

All of these work exchanges allow travelers to either develop and practice existing skills or learn new skills. 

Travelers can save money by earning their own free accommodation, and they can spend more time exploring and getting to know these stunning areas of Guatemala.

So those are the 12 best things to do in Guatemala! 

Adventure around freely and explore everything Guatemala has to offer, or slow travel  and live in the unique culture by working with a Worldpackers host. 

Whatever you choose to do, I am sure that Guatemala will amaze you.

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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Best things to do in Guatemala

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Spanning a mountainous slice of Central America, Guatemala is loaded with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal. As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the country is in many ways defined by the legacy of this early civilization. Here's our list of the best things to do in Guatemala.

1. Soak up breathtaking views from Acatenango

2. walk the streets of colonial antigua, 3. immerse into the remote ixil region, 4. try traditional sauna in todos santos cuchumatán, 5. visit maximón pagan shrine, 6. explore the magnificent tikal, 7. take spanish classes, 8. explore charming copán ruins, 9. take a boat cruise through the río dulce, 10. visit chichicastenango market, 11. see mayan artistry in national archeological museum, 12. watch eruptions of volcán de pacaya, 13. feel the guatemalan spirit in lívingston, 14. explore local nature in yaxhá, 15. be amazed by the beauty of lago de atitlán, 16. take a ride on the chicken buses, 17. watch semana santa celebration, 18. go hiking in highland region, 19. drinking flavorful local coffee - one of the essential things to do in guatemala, 20. spend a day swimming in semuc champey area, 21. hike through the untouched forests to el mirador ruins, 22. enjoy the panoramic views of the lake from castillo de san felipe, 23. taste local guatemalan food, tailor-made travel itineraries for guatemala, created by local experts.

12 days  / from 6840 USD

Off the tourist trail and highlights of Guatemala and Belize

Meet school kids in Antigua and traders in Chichicastenango before learning ancient cookery and weaving skills and viewing a Mayan ceremony. This fascinating tour visits archaeological sites such as majestic Tikal before an idyllic private island stay off Belize’s Caribbean coast completes the trip.

12 days  / from 2820 USD

The Best Of Guatemala & Belize

Visit Antigua with the nearby Pacaya volcano before heading to Lake Atitlán and further to Tikal, once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Afterwards, cross the border to Belize to visit the Caracol ruins and enjoying some sun & sand on Ambergris Caye.

12 days  / from 2450 USD

Guatemala and Belize Family Adventure

Take a family-friendly adventure through Guatemala and Belize. Discover Lake Atitlan on kayaks, explore the active volcano Pacaya or play hide and seek in the large archaeological complex of Tikal before heading out to Belize for its fantastic underwater world and gorgeous beaches.

Tailor-made trips for   Guatemala

Climbing Acatenango in Guatemala is an unforgettable experience for any outdoor enthusiast. The volcano, which stands at an impressive 3,976 meters above sea level, is known for its stunning views of Fuego, another nearby active volcano.

The hike up Acatenango can be challenging, with steep terrain and a high altitude, but the reward of reaching the summit is well worth the effort. From the top, you can witness breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush forests, picturesque villages, and stunning sunsets over Fuego's smoking peak.

Camping overnight on the mountain is also a popular option, allowing you to witness the awe-inspiring sight of Fuego's lava flows in the dark.

Want some help? Our local experts can help you plan the perfect trip.

The graceful former capital, with an incredible legacy of colonial architecture, is one of the most elegant cities in the Americas. Antigua has become Guatemala’s foremost tourist destination and favoured hangout for travellers. The beauty of the city itself is the main attraction, particularly its remarkable wealth of colonial buildings.

You’ll find the ambience unhurried and enjoyable, with a sociable bar scene and a superb choice of restaurants adding to the appeal. Antigua's language schools are another big draw. Students from around the globe come here for language learning — among the many things to do in Guatemala.

Most visitors race through Guatemala City , keen to get to Antigua’s colourful colonial streets but we strongly recommend that you stay in the Guatemalan capital a little longer. Our list of reasons to stay a while in Guatemala City will tell you why.

Where to stay in Antigua:

• Best for charming vibes: Ojala
• Best for the spa: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo

Find more accommodation options to stay in Antigua

El Arco in Antigua © Shutterstock

The Ixil region is the Guatemalan highlands at their most bewitching. The costume and scenery of this deeply traditional Mayan region are astonishing. High up in the Cuchumatanes, in a landscape of steep hills, bowl-shaped valleys and gushing rivers. Here three remote and extremely traditional towns — Nebaj, Chajul and Cotzal — share a language spoken nowhere else in the country.

These lush, rain-drenched highlands are hard to reach and have proved notoriously difficult to control. Today’s relaxed atmosphere of highland Maya colour and customs conceals a bitter history of protracted conflict.

Nebaj © Milonk/Shutterstock

A fascinating highland Mayan town, home to one of the finest textile traditions in Latin America, which hosts a legendary fiesta — with a rip-roaring horse race. Men fill the streets with colour in their red-and-white-striped trousers, black woollen breeches, brilliantly embroidered shirt collars and natty straw hats. Women wear dark blue cortes and superbly intricate purple huipiles.

Todos Santos is a great place to simply hang out but it would be a shame not to try a traditional sauna (chuc; a small stone sauna, shaped like a beehive) while you’re here – most guesthouses will prepare one for you.

Todos Santos Cuchumatan village, Guatemala © streetflash/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Visit the pagan temple of this liquor-swilling, cigar-smoking evil saint. The precise origin of Maximón, the evil saint, is unknown, but he’s also referred to as San Simón, Judas Iscariot and Pedro de Alvarado in Santiago Atitlán, and always seen as an enemy of the Church.

Throughout the year he’s looked after by a cofradía. Such is Maximón’s fame these days, and the number of tour groups visiting Santiago, that locals actually use one tourist-geared Maximón house (which outsiders are directed to) and a second location where they can pay their respects to the powerful folk sinner-saint in peace.

You’ll only likely be invited to the latter – a crepuscular pagan shrine where stuffed animals hang from the ceiling and incense and tobacco fill the air – if you have good local connections. Make a contribution to fiesta funds if you do get an invite.

Evil saint - Maximón © Carlos Tischler/Shutterstock

This unmatched Maya site has it all. Monumental temples and palaces set in a tropical forest — alive with spider monkeys and chattering parakeets. This is a truly must-see destination among the many things to do in Guatemala.

Towering above the rainforest, Tikal , 64km from Flores down a smooth paved road, is possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. The ruins are dominated by five enormous temples, steep-sided limestone pyramids that rise to more than 60m above the forest floor.

Around them are thousands of other structures, many semi-strangled by giant roots and still hidden beneath mounds of earth. The site itself is surrounded by the Parque Nacional Tikal, a protected area of some 576 square kilometres that is on the edge of the much larger Reserva de la Biósfera Maya.

If you want to explore Mayan ruins that are little known to the general public, read our guide about discovering Mayan ruins at Lago de Petexbatún .

Where to stay near Tikal:

• Best for location: Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal
• Best for comfort: Hotel Tikal Inn

Find more accommodation options to stay near Tikal

Tikal, Guatemala © WitR/Shutterstock

Guatemala has dozens of excellent language schools that offer one-on-one tuition and home-stay packages at rock-bottom rates. There are many places in Guatemala where you can take Spanish classes. Some options include language schools, universities, and private tutors. It's a good idea to do some research and compare different options to find a program that meets your needs and budget.

The Rough Guides to Guatemala and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Some factors to consider when choosing a Spanish language program in Guatemala may include the length of the program, the location, the teaching method, and the cost. It may also be helpful to read reviews from past students to get an idea of the quality of the program.

Learning Spanish is one of the things to do in Guatemala for self-development © Shutterstock

There’s a plethora of exquisitely carved stelae and altars, a towering hieroglyphic stairway and an outstanding museum at the magnificent ruins of Copán. Just 10km east of the Guatemalan border, the small town of Copán ruins is a charming place of steep, cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs set among the lush scenery of Honduras’s western highlands.

Despite a fast-increasing number of visitors from all over the world, it has managed to remain a largely unspoiled and genuinely friendly place. Many travellers are seduced by Copán’s delightfully relaxed atmosphere, clean air and rural setting.

This tailor-made Mayan expedition takes you all over Guatemala, from Antigua over Chichicastenango to Lake Atitlán. Take a day trip across the border to Honduras to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán before continuing to Guatemala's Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce awaits before you head to the ruins of Tikal.

Copan, Guatemala © Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock

Cruise up the jungle-cloaked gorges and estuaries of Guatemala’s “sweet river” by boat, and marvel at the scenery and birdlife. Reason enough to come to Lívingston is the spectacular trip through the Río Dulce gorge , a roughly 30km journey that eventually brings you to Río Dulce Town. From Lívingston, the river passes through a system of gorges with sheer, 100m-high rock faces draped in tropical vegetation and cascading vines.

The birdlife in this area is exceptional, with white herons, sea eagles, and squawking parakeets among the stunning tropical scenery. If you're very lucky, you may even spot a manatee – dawn is the best time to try.

Where to stay near Río Dulce:

• Best for eco stays: Boatique Hotel and Marina
• Best for relaxing stays: El Hotelito Perdido

Find more accommodation options to stay near Río Dulce

Kayaking in Rio Dulce © Daniel Andis/Shutterstock

For souvenir hunters, this twice-weekly highland market is unsurpassed. There’s been a market at Chichicastenango for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Despite the touristy side of the event, local people continue to come twice a week to trade their wares. On Sundays and Thursdays, Chichicastenango’s streets are lined with stalls and packed with buyers, and the choice is overwhelming.

Guatemala's culture and archaeology is one of the most fascinating ones in the world. On this tailor-made trip to Unparalleled Guatemala , you will get to know the locals of several places: Mayan food in Antigua, the Quiché people in Chichicastenango, the Mayan ruins of Tikal and much more.

Find some accommodation options to stay in Chichicastenango

Colourful Cemetery in Chichicastenango, Guatemala © Martin Froyda/Shutterstock

A wonderful collection of Maya artistry and breathtakingly carved monuments from many remote Petén sites. The Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología (Archeological and Ethnological Museum) has a world-class selection of Maya artefacts.

The collection includes prehistoric sections, some wonderful stelae from Machaquilá and Dos Pilas, a re-creation of a royal tomb from Río Azul, spectacular jade masks from Takalik Abaj and a terrific replica of a beautifully carved wooden lintel from Tikal’s Temple IV.

Golden mask in National Archeological Museum © Shutterstock

Trek up this volcano for an unforgettable encounter with the lava-oozing cone of Pacaya, one of Central America’s most active. Rising to a height of 2250m, Volcán de Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash in the country’s most dramatic sound-and-light extravaganza.

The current period of eruption began in 1965, and colonial records show that it was also active between 1565 and 1775. Today it certainly ranks as one of the most accessible and exciting volcanoes in Central America, and a trip to the cone is an unforgettable experience. The best time to watch the eruptions is at night when the volcano can spout plumes of brilliant orange lava.

Volcán de Pacaya © Shutterstock

Shake your booty to the hypnotic drum-driven punta beat in the Garífuna town of Lívingston. Enjoying a superb setting overlooking the Bahía de Amatique, Lívingston offers a unique fusion of Guatemalan and Caribbean culture where marimba mixes with Marley. The town acts as a hub for both the displaced Garífuna, or Black Caribs and also for the Q’eqchi’ Maya of the Río Dulce region.

Lívingston is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in Guatemala, with a distinct atmosphere and charm that draws in many visitors. While opinions about it tend to be sharply divided, with some enjoying its languid rhythm of life and slightly ramshackle appeal and others finding it shabby, it is still a must-visit destination among the many things to do in Guatemala.

Whichever your take, Lívingston certainly offers a welcome break from mainstream ladino culture: Carib food is generally excellent and varied, and Garífuna punta rock and reggae make a pleasant change from merengue and salsa.

Where to stay in Lívingston:

• Best for budget: Hotel La Casa Rosada
• Best for hospitality: Casa Nostra

Find more accommodation options to stay in Lívingston

Guatemala Livingston Garifuna village © Francky38/Shutterstock

This massive Mayan site, superbly positioned on the banks of Lago de Yaxhá, has dozens of large temples and impressive monuments. East of the Ixlú junction on the road to Belize, a paved road runs 65km to the Belize border. The main attraction in these parts is Yaxhá, a huge Maya city on the fringes of two beautiful lakes: lagunas Yaxhá and Sacnab.

The lakes are encircled by the dense jungle, swamps, savannah and wetlands of the Monumento Natural Yaxhá–Nakúm–Naranjo. The 370 square kilometres harbour big cats, two species of crocodile and dozens of other reptiles. The monument also houses prolific birdlife: spoonbills, the giant jabiru stork, eagles and vultures.

Pyramid Maler in Yaxha, Guatemala © Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Encircled by three volcanoes, the awesome crater lake of Lago de Atitlán was famously described by Aldous Huxley as “the most beautiful lake in the world”. Lago de Atitlán is astonishingly beautiful. Most people find themselves captivated by its scenic excesses, making it a top attraction among the many things to do in Guatemala.

Hemmed in on all sides by volcanoes and steep hills, the lake is at least 320m deep and measures 18km by 12km at its widest point. Depending on the time of day its waters shift through an astonishing range of blues, steely greys and greens as the sun moves across the sky. Mornings are usually calm, but by early afternoon the xocomil wind makes boat travel quite a rock’n’roll experience.

This perfect tailor-made Guatemala Family Adventure Tour takes you throughout Guatemala. Visit the active Pacaya volcano on an easy trek and watch the lava; enjoy a canopy ride through the middle of the rain forest and observe the nature just as the birds see it and enjoy Lake Atitlan by kayak.

Lago de Atitlán © Shutterstock

Garishly painted and outrageously uncomfortable, there’s never a dull journey aboard Guatemala’s iconic fume-belching camionetas. Second-class or “chicken buses”, known as camionetas, are the most common. These are easily distinguished by their trademark clouds of thick, black, noxious fumes and rasping exhausts.

Camionetas are old North American school buses, with limited legroom, and the seats and aisles are usually crammed with passengers. While travel by second-class bus may be uncomfortable, it is never dull, with chickens clucking, music assaulting your eardrums and snack vendors touting for business.

Taking a ride in chicken buses - one of the most unusual things to do in Guatemala © Eric Kukulowicz/Shutterstock

During Easter Week, head to either Antigua for its epic Catholic processions, or Santiago Atitlán to witness the symbolic confrontation between the pagan saint Maximón and Christ. Antigua’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations are perhaps the most extravagant and impressive in all Latin America – a week of vigils, processions and pageants commemorating the most solemn week of the Christian year.

The celebrations start with a procession on Palm Sunday, representing Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and continue through the week, climaxing on Good Friday. It is a great honour to be involved in the procession but no easy task – the great cedar block carried from La Merced weighs some 3.5 tonnes and needs eighty men to lift it.

Jesus Christ with the cross in procession © Shutterstock

Explore the beguiling, lofty trails of Guatemala’s western highlands: the town of Quetzaltenango and Nebaj are good bases. Nebaj has undoubtedly managed to retain its highland charm and is becoming a popular base for adventure-minded travellers drawn by the opportunity to get off Guatemala’s main gringo trail.

With a temperate climate and gorgeous scenery all around, Nebaj makes a good base for hiking – Acul and Cocop are both within striking distance – though some places can also be reached by microbus if you’re not feeling so energetic.

You will visit the most popular destinations including the Western Highlands, Tikal and Antigua on this tailor-made trip to the Best Of Guatemala . Enjoy the different types of activities like exploring the Mayan pyramids in the middle of the virgin jungle or having one of the best cups of coffee surrounded by a unique landscape.

Quetzaltenango © Francisco Sandoval Guate/Shutterstock

Sample some of the world’s finest single estate roasts in Cobán , the easy-going capital of Alta Verapaz. Guatemala is known for producing high quality coffee. It is the largest coffee producer in Central America and one of the top 25 coffee producing countries in the world.

Guatemalan coffee is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour with a chocolate or nutty taste and hints of fruit or citrus. It is often described as having a complex flavour profile with balanced acidity. The coffee is grown at high altitudes on the slopes of the volcanoes that dominate the landscape of Guatemala, which helps to give it its unique flavour.

Coffee mugs with traditional bread from Guatemala © Shutterstock

Exploring the exquisite turquoise pools and river system around Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge, is a must-do among the many exciting things to do in Guatemala. This idyllic spot sits at the base of a towering jungle-clad valley and makes a wonderful destination for a blissful day’s wallowing and swimming.

Just a few years ago very few visitors made it to this remote part of Guatemala, but the secret is now definitely out, and the pools are very much a key stop on the Central America backpacking trail. That said, you can usually find a peaceful corner without too much difficulty.

Semuc Champey, Guatemala © Shutterstock

El Mirador is perhaps the most exotic and mysterious Maya site of all. Encircled by the Petén and Campeche jungles, this massive city surpasses Tikal’s scale although we are only now beginning to piece together its history. Mayanists are not even certain of its name – el mirador means “the lookout” in Spanish – but it could have been Ox Te Tun (Birthplace of the Gods).

Until the 1980s, it was assumed Mirador was a city from the Classic era, but this theory has been totally overthrown. We now know that Mirador was a Preclassic capital of unprecedented scale, and its fall around 150 AD was just the first of two catastrophic collapses suffered by the Maya civilization.

Mayan Pyramid in the forests of Peten, Guatemala © Shutterstock

Looking like a miniature medieval castle and marking the entrance to Lago de Izabal, the Castillo de San Felipe is a tribute to the audacity of British pirates, who used to sail up the Río Dulce to raid supplies and harass mule trains. The Spanish were so infuriated by this that they built the pocket-sized fortress here in 1652 to seal off the entrance to the lake, and a chain was strung across the river.

Inside there is a maze of tiny rooms and staircases, plus plenty of cannons and panoramic views of the lake, making it a must-see attraction among the many things to do in Guatemala. Beyond the Castillo de San Felipe the broad sweep of Lago de Izabal opens before you, with great views of the fertile highlands beyond the distant shores.

Fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Lara looking over Izabal lake in Guatemala © Shutterstock

Guatemalan food is filling, a good value, and can be very flavoursome. It is a great option to try while exploring the many things to do in Guatemala. The cuisine has evolved from Maya, Latin American and Western traditions. Though they usually overlap now to form what Guatemalans call comida típica.

Popular tourist centres tend to have more varied menus and plenty of choice for vegetarians, and in Antigua and Lago de Atitlán you can feast on a wide selection of global dishes. Most meals in Guatemala traditionally revolve around the basic staples of beans and maize, though diets are changing due to increased exposure to international cuisine.

Explore the fascinating city of Antigua and learn about local culture on this Gastronomic and Cultural Half-Day Tour . Your expert guide will expose you to the wonderful local foods found within the city. See the city's markets, visit traditional restaurants and admire the colonial architecture.

Guatemalan style enchiladas © Shutterstock

Find more inspiring ideas for your exotic journey in our guide to the most exotic places to travel in the world . When considering a Caribbean destination, take a look at Belize , where you will also find plenty of exciting things to do . Or make your choice using our guide to Central America: an adventure travel paradise .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Guatemala without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

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Top 35 Things to Do in Guatemala

by Julie | Dec 11, 2022 | Guatemala , Travel

Are you in the middle of planning your trip to Guatemala?

Wondering what there is to do in the country?

In this post, I’m going to share with you the 35 things you can do in Guatemala. This list is perfect for those who love culture, history, food, nature, and a bit of adventure when they travel.

The ideas in this post are based on my 3 months in the country–traveling, studying Spanish, and working online.

So, jump right in!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

First, I need to admit something to you:

I wasn’t 100% excited about visiting Guatemala.

Actually, I was a bit nervous .

You’ve got to understand that people from the U.S. hear a lot of news about how dangerous Central America is. Lots of Guatemalans cross the border to live in the U.S. and people wonder why. What Americans hear is that people flee because of violence and poverty.

It’s true. Statistically, Guatelama is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. It has the 19 th highest murder rate per capita in the world. And 90% of the illegal drugs that enter the U.S. pass through Guatemala. It’s easy to get a certain impression of the country.

And so, the day I crossed the border from Mexico to Guatemala, yes, I was filled with excitement but also anxiety .

And then I arrived, stayed a while, and realized that these warnings and statistics aren’t the whole story.

Yes, I’m sure that Guatemala can be dangerous.

Not in places that tourists visit .

The drugs, the murders, and the kidnappings take place in neighborhoods in Guatemala City and areas around the border where drug trafficking is common. These are not places foreigners hang out.

So really Guatemala is safe to travel in .

I can’t guarantee that nothing bad will happen. Pickpockets everywhere in the world like to target clueless tourists. Not just in Guatemala.

Take a few precautions, of course (you can read about these safety tips in this post ).

It is really too bad that Guatemala has such a bad reputation because there is so much beauty in this country, and there is so much to see and do here. The country should be a world-class tourist destination.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about all the 9 wonderful places to visit and 35 things to do in Guatemala.

Check out my 2022-2023 Guatemala Travel Guide for more tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration for visiting the land of eternal spring. You’ll find over 15 travel articles to help you explore the history, culture, food, and natural beauty of Guatemala.

Table of Contents

I’ve divided the 35 things to do in Guatemala into 5 categories: culture, history & architecture, food, nature, and adventure. Click on the link to jump to the category that most interests you.

• Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

Things to Do in Guatemala – Culture

Things to do in guatemala – history & architecture, things to do in guatemala – food, things to do in guatemala – nature, things to do in guatemala – adventure, 9 best places to visit in guatemala.

These are the 9 best destinations to visit in Guatemala. You definitely don’t need to visit all of them. I’ve indicated which places are must-stops to add to a Guatemala itinerary and which places to add if you have more than 2 weeks.

Antigua is a beautiful colonial city surrounded by three volcanoes

• Highlights: Hiking volcanoes, beautiful architecture, ruins, food, museums, history and beautiful views
• Should I visit? Definitely
• How long to stay: 5 – 7 days
• Antigua Travel Guide & Antigua Hotel Guide

2. Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by three volcanoes and several traditional Mayan villages.

• Highlights: Traditional Mayan culture and history, art and handicrafts, volcanoes, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and diving
• How long should I stay ? 5 to 7 days
• Lake Atitlan Travel Guide & Lake Atitlan Accommodation Guide

3. Flores & Tikal

Flores is a small island in Lake Peten and the Tikal is an archaeological site of Maya ruins

• Highlights: Ancient Maya ruins, kayaking, swimming, and hiking
• How long should I stay? 1 – 3 days (7 days if hiking to El Mirador)
• Flores & Tikal Travel Guide and Flores & Tikal Accommodation Guide

4. Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is a small highland town inhabited by the Q’iche Maya

• Highlights: A massive biweekly market, churches, museums, and a cool cemetery
• How long should I stay? 1 day
• Chichicastenango Travel Guide

5. Rio Dulce & Livingston (Caribbean Coast)

Rio Dulce and Livingston are 2 small towns located on the Dulce River

• Highlights: Garifuna culture, ancient ruins, hammock-chilling, kayaking, wildlife spotting, beaches, hot springs, waterfalls, river tubing
• Should I visit? If you have 2 – 3 weeks
• How long should I stay? 2 – 4 days
• Rio Dulce and Livingston Travel Guide

6. Lanquin & Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a series of cascades an hour outside of the town of Lanquin.

• Highlights: Swimming, river tubing, and spelunking
• Should I visit? Yes, but only if you have over 2 weeks; it takes a whole day to get to
• How long should I stay? 1 – 2 days

7. Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango is a western highland city surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages

• Highlights: hiking, hot springs, Maximon deity, a cool church, and visiting Mayan villages

Should I visit? Not necessary; if you have 3-4 weeks

How long should I stay? 3 days

8. Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango is a remote western highland city surrounded by mountains and Mayan villages

Highlights: Hiking, ancient ruins, remote lake, and visiting Mayan villages

9. El Paredon & Montericco

El Paredon and Montericco are 2 small towns along the Pacific coast.  

• Highlights: Surfing, watching turtles nesting, releasing baby turtles into the ocean, boat tours through mangroves, ancient ruins
• Should I visit? Only if you have 3-4 weeks or it’s turtle nesting or hatching seasons
• How long should I stay? 2 – 3 days

Guatemala is a multicultural and multi-lingual country. It has 25 ethnic groups . Each group has its own distinct culture and language. These groups are the Ladino, Xinca, Garifuna, and 22 distinct Maya groups. Exploring these cultures and languages is one of the greatest joys of traveling through Guatemala.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to experience these different cultures:

• Experience traditional Mayan culture
• Visit the Mayan god, Maximon
• Attend a fire ceremony
• Walk through the cemeteries of Guatemala
• Destress in a Mayan sweat lodge
• Study Spanish and stay with a local family
• Shop for art and handicrafts
• Wander through local markets
• Experience the Caribbean culture in Livingston
• Celebrate Semana Santa

1. Experience traditional Mayan culture

Don’t leave Guatemala without experiencing a part of traditional Mayan culture .

The Maya make up a good chunk of Guatemala’s population—between 40% – 60% depending on a variety of factors. Some have given up a lot of their traditional way of life and become part of the Ladino mainstream culture. However, a good percentage have retained their traditional dress, religion, language, and way of life.

Best destinations for exploring Mayan culture:

• Lake Atitlan
• Chichicastenango
• Quetzaltenango
• Huehuetenango

Best ways to learn about Mayan culture in Guatemala:

• Wander around the local markets
• Visit Guatemala’s churches, cemeteries, and religious brotherhoods with a guide
• Stop by a weaving cooperative to see how the locals make their beautiful textiles
• Check out art galleries and handicraft stores
• Take a cooking class
• Visit the villages of the Western Highlands
• Study Spanish — your private teacher is a great way to ask about local culture
• Stay with a local host family while studying Spanish in Xela or Lake Atitlan
• Go on a walking tour with a local
• Get to know locals

You might be interested in these Guatemala guides:

• Top Places to Stay in Antigua
• Top Places to Stay in Flores and Tikal
• Top Places to Stay at Lake Atitlan

2.      Visit the Mayan god, Maximon

Truly the most unique and unforgettable experience I had in Guatemala was when I visited the god, Maximon, in the village of Santiago at Lake Atitlan. The town of Zunil near Quetzaltenango also has its own Maximon, but they call him San Simon.

Maximon is a Maya deity. He is represented as a wooden effigy. He wears a black cowboy hat, a green tie, several scarves, and many layers of clothing. He smokes cigars and drinks rum . Two assistants sit on each side of him to light his cigar and feed him rum.

The Maya visit him to ask for help in love, money, family, friends, and health as well as protection against their enemy or help in getting revenge upon their enemy. 

There are many legends about Maximon’s origins— he was either a revolutionary figure fighting Spain, a trickster who slept with the villagers’ wives, or a person who protected a village against some witches.

Maximon’s statue resides in the home of one of the town’s shamans. Each year the statue is guarded by a different shaman.

Tourists are allowed to enter the shaman’s home and see Maximon. You can visit either on your own or with a guide. I recommend the ladder so that someone can explain what is going on. You can book a boat tour with a guide who will take you to Santiago and a few other towns around the lake. READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE

I got lucky during my visit to Maximon. A shaman was conducting a ceremony for a young man when I arrived, so I got to see Maximon’s assistants feeding him rum and the shaman chanting and waving incense around. It was incredibly fascinating. You can read about my experience in this guide to Lake Atitlan .

Visiting Maximon is one thing you must do regardless of how much time you’re spending in the country-1-week, 2-weeks, or even a month backpacking in Guatemala .

3.      Watch a shaman perform a fire ceremony

Another really cool thing to see is a Mayana fire ceremony.

Fire ceremonies have been a part of Mayan society for centuries. Nowadays they usually take place in front of Catholic churches , in sacred caves , at cemeteries , or at holy sites , and they’re conducted by shamans.

I saw three fire ceremonies in Chichicastenango. At the ceremony, a shaman lit a fire using different colored candles and sprinkled pine needles around the outside. In one ceremony, a shaman killed a chicken and blew cigar smoke at a photograph of someone to whom he was offering protection to.

Fire ceremonies are done for a variety of reasons.

• give people protection from enemies, disease, or bad luck
• cleanse one of bad energy
• heal someone who is sick or injured.
• help you get revenge on an enemy

You can just watch a fire ceremony taking place or you can participate in your own ceremony by booking a private tour.

Where and how you can see fire ceremonies in Guatemala:

• Lake Atitlan – The highly-regarded tour operator, Los Elementos , offers group and private tours to a set of sacred caves on the outskirts of Panajachel. READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Chichicastenango – I came across three fire ceremonies in Chichicastenango. One was in front of Capillo del Calvario Church and two others were at the city cemetery.  You can read about my experience in my Chichicastenango guide .

4. Walk through the cemeteries of Guatemala

I bet cemeteries are the last place you think of visiting when planning a trip somewhere.

But hear me out: The cemeteries in Guatemala are really cool. They are beautiful places full of color —pink, blue, purple, green, yellow, orange, and red. Any color you can think of. Perfect if you love to take photos.

There are mausoleums for those with some money and simple mounds covered in pine needles and a cross at the head for the poorer residents.

There’s also a lot going on in these cemeteries. I ran into two shamans performing fire ceremonies . One actually sacrificed a chicken.

These cities have cemeteries worth checking out:

• Chichicastenango – This cemetery is a few blocks from the main market. Super easy to visit. For more details, check out this useful guide to Chichi .
• Quetzaltenango – I didn’t get a chance to go to the city cemetery when I was in the city. It was closed due to COVID. But I have heard it’s just as beautiful as the one in Chichi.

Visiting the cemetery during the Day of the Dead

During the Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1 – 2), Guatemalans go to the cemetery to honor their loved ones.

But the people in Santiago at Lake Atitlan go one step further during this religious holiday. They hold a Kite Festival at the local cemetery. Weeks or even months before November, the people of Santiago begin creating these gigantic colorful kites that they then fly over the cemetery. Everyone comes out to see the kites. Visit this jam-packed Lake Atitlan travel guide for info on how to experience the Kite Festival.

5.      Destress in a traditional Mayan sweat lodge

Before leaving Guatemala, try out a traditional Maya sweat lodge called a temazcal . It’s like a sauna in the U.S. but it’s more rustic. Hot volcanic rocks and medical herbs are placed in the center of a small hut-like structure. Then hot water is poured over the hot rocks to produce steam.

The indigenous people of Mexico and Central America have been using temazcals for centuries for medicinal purposes—women who just gave birth or those who are sick. Warriors would use them after returning from a battle.

Not only is visiting one a cultural experience but temazcals can also help you destress , calm your mind , and cure insomnia .

You can find them all over Lake Atitlan, especially in San Juan and San Marcos . Check out this fabulous guide to Lake Atitlan for a list of temazcals.

Cool hotels and hostels with their own temazcal:

• Eco Hotel Mayachik (Lake Atitlan)
• Hotel La Casa del Mundo (Lake Atitlan) – Love this hotel!
• Eagle’s Nest (Lake Atitlan)
• Earth Lodge (Antigua) – Love this hotel!

6.      Study Spanish and stay with a local family

People say that Guatemalans speak the slowest and clearest Spanish in Latin America , making the country a good place for anyone wanting to learn—even beginners.

The other reasons Guatemala’s Spanish courses are so popular are their price and format. You get your own private teacher for only US$6 – $10/hour .

Lessons are usually around 20 hours a week, but you can do fewer. In most cases, you can set your own hours, too. Usually, the minimum length of your course is one week. I recommend doing 2 weeks .

Try staying with a host family while doing your Spanish lessons. This is a great way to learn about the local culture. I did this and although I didn’t have the best experience, I got to eat really good traditional Guatemalan food and I got to experience sexism Guatemalan style (the latter is not something I recommend, however!).

There’s just one problem .

There are so many Spanish language schools in Guatemala that it’s hard to choose.

Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Quetzaltenango all have language schools. From my experience researching and studying in Guatemala, the prices at Lake Atitlan were the cheapest, but the schools in Quetzaltenango seem to have the most interesting classes. One school in Xela has activities or excursions every afternoon! You’d be lucky to get even one outing at a school in Antigua. My only issue with studying in Xela is that, to put it kindly, it’s not a pretty city.

How to find a Spanish school?

I just looked on Google maps and then visited their website or went directly to the school. I didn’t book my course until I got to Guatemala.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: When you’re backpacking in Guatemala , you don’t want to carry too much stuff, but you also don’t want to forget to pack something. I recommend at least packing these items for your trip: a flashlight or headlamp (necessary for overnight hikes and hostels), a pair of tiny scissors (an all-around useful item), a padlock (for staying in a hostel), and a power bank (recharge your phone). You can get a complete list of what to pack for Guatemala .

7.      Shop for the best art and handicrafts in Central America

Guatemala is the best place in Central America for art and handicrafts. I think it’s the fact that Guatemala has such a large indigenous population that still retains its traditional crafts, and the other countries in Central America don’t.

Handwoven textiles, wooden masks, and paintings are the best things to buy.

Where to get handicrafts and paintings in Guatemala?

• Visit the women’s weaving cooperatives in the village of San Juan on the shore of Lake Atitlan to see how the Maya create their beautiful textiles by hand.
• Check out the Mask Museum in Chichicastenango to see how the beautiful wooden masks are made or head to the stalls selling Maya textiles.
• San Juan and San Pedro are famous for the paintings of Lake Atitlan and Maya life—check out the paintings of the bird’s eye view of a vegetable market.
• Shop at N’im Pot in Antigua for a huge variety of handicrafts

8.      Wander through the local markets

Some of the most fascinating markets in Central America can be found in Guatemala. Full of locals in their traditional clothes , fruits and vegetables that you most likely had never seen before (I hadn’t), everyday items that give you an insight into how locals live , and handicrafts from some of the best craftsmen around.

For me, the best part of visiting the markets was trying the different kinds of fruit that I couldn’t get in my own country: passion fruit, ice cream bean, cherimoya, chico zapote (sapodilla), jocote, nisporo, zapote mamey, and of course, mangoes.

You’ll also find that avocados are abundant and super cheap in Guatemala.

The best markets can be found here:

• Chichicastenango Market is the BEST
• Solola Market at Lake Atitlan
• Santiago Marke t at Lake Atitlan
• Antigua Central Market for its exotic fruit and vegetable – do a cooking class with Cuscun and they’ll do a market tour

9.      Experience the Caribbean culture in Livingston

Livingston is a small town on the Caribbean Coast and the Dulce River. The people here have a culture and language that’s very different from the rest of Guatemala. Garifuna culture is an African-Caribbean culture that has its origins in the Caribbean islands.

If you make it to Livingston, make sure to check out the bars in town for the drumming music . Try some of the Garifuna dishes like tapado (a seafood and coconut soup) and coconut bread .

Head to the waterfalls and beaches outside of town.

You can read about it in my guide to Rio Dulce and Livingston .

10.      Celebrate Semana Santa Guatemalan style

Experiencing Semana Santa in Guatemala is as fascinating as celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico and Carnival in Brazil.

Semana Santa means “Holy Week” in Spanish. It’s the week before Easter Sunday . However, festivities begin 40 days beforehand , on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.

By far, the best city to celebrate this holiday is Antigua .

The highlights of Semana Santa are the alfombras and processions . The alfombras are carpets made of sawdust, pine needles, flowers, and fruit. Churches, families, and businesses create these colorful carpets on the cobblestoned streets of the historic center.

Then every Sunday during Lent churches lead religious processions throughout the city. As the processions make their way around Antigua, they trample over the gorgeous carpets.

The grandest procession is on Good Friday. Another one is held on Saturday for the Virgin Mary. And then a final huge celebration takes place on Easter Sunday.

You need to book a place to stay in Antigua months in advance. However, you could avoid this annoyance by visiting another weekend during Lent.

If you love history or architecture, Guatemala has loads to offer. For history, you’ve got lots of ancient Maya ruins and museums. For architecture, Guatemala has some charming colonial architecture in Antigua and some striking churches in Antigua and the Highlands.

• Learn about the history of Guatemala
• Visit the ancient ruins of Tikal
• Explore the remote ruins of El Mirador
• Check out the Mayan ruins of Quirigua
• Admire Guatemala’s beautiful, colonial architecture
• Tour the marvelous ruins of Antigua
• Stop by the fascinating churches of Guatemala

11.      Learn about the history of Guatemala

Guatemala is a land with a long, glorious, but also tragic history—from the ancient Maya to a 36-year civil war. Learning about this history while traveling in Guatemala is a mixed bag . If you want to learn about the good parts of Guatemala’s history, it’s easy. The country has loads of museums and ancient ruins.

But you need to look harder if you want to learn about the civil war and the overthrow of democratically elected President Jacobo Arbenz . I visited a lot of museums in Guatemala, and I found no mention of these two important times in history. The best way is to hire a guide and steer the conversation around to these topics.

If you want to read up on Guatemala’s history, check out this list of books on Guatemala and this list of books on the ancient Maya.

Ancient Maya History

• El Mirador ruins – Flores
• Tikal ruins – Flores
• Yaxha ruins – Flores
• Uaxactun – Flores
• Quirigua ruins – Rio Dulce
• Ceibal ruins – Sayaxche
• Aguateca ruins – Sayaxche
• Dos Pilas ruins – Sayaxche
• Iximche ruins – Kaqchikel capital – Lake Atitlan or Antigua
• K’umaracaaj ruins – Q’iche Maya capital – El Quiche
• Zaculeu ruins – Mam capital – Huehuetenango

My favorite museums in Guatemala:

• Museo Popol Vuh – Guatemala City
• National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology – Guatemala City
• Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena – textiles – Guatemala City
• Hotel Santo Domingo Museums – archaeology – Antigua
• Jade Museum – Antigua
• Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala (MUNAG) – history of Guatemala – Antigua
• Tzunun-ya Museum – local history and culture – Lake Atitlan

Walking Tours

Walking Tours are another great way to learn about Guatemala’s history. Usually, guides are eager to answer your questions about Guatemala.

• Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour of Antigua – Excellent!
• FREE Walking Tour of Antigua with Klaudia G – Excellent!

Guatemala’s latest Civil War lasted from 1960 – 1996. Over 200,000 people died or disappeared. It’s estimated that 83% were Maya. If you want to learn about the Civil War (1960 – 1996), I recommend hiring a guide and heading to Santiago at Lake Atitlan , Quetzaltenango , El Quiche , and Huehuetenango .

• Parque La Paz – a memorial to a massacre of locals by the military in Santiago ( Lake Atitlan )
• Saint James Apostle Church – an American priest was murdered by paramilitary soldiers during the Civil War ( Lake Atitlan )

12.      Visit the magnificent ruins of Tikal

Mexico and Central America are full of ancient ruins—Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, and Palenque. But the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala are maybe the best of them all. It is also one of Guatemala’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tikal was one of the two most powerful cities in the Mayan world from 200 – 900 CE . The rulers of Tikal built magnificent temples, pyramids, and palaces to rival anywhere else in Mesoamerica. The place is so stunning that one of the Star Wars movies was filmed here.

It’s very easy to visit this archaeological site. Head to Flores , a city on an island in the middle of a lake. Tikal is an hour and a half from Flores. Buses and tourist shuttles take people out to the ruins.

You can even watch the sunrise or sunset from the top of one of the pyramids at Tikal.

Check out my travel guide for Flores and Tikal on how to visit the ruins and how to see do a sunrise or sunset tours.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Wondering whether to bring a suitcase or backpack? I recommend using a backpack–easiest to carry across the cobblestoned streets, up and down stairs, and over rough terrain. Plus! If you’re doing the Acatenango hike, El Mirador hike, or the Xela-Lake Atitlan hike, you’ll need a backpack. Check out this Guatemala packing list for some great ideas!

13.      Go on a journey to the remote ruins of El Mirador

The 2,000-year-old El Mirador ruins are the remains of one of the greatest Mayan kingdoms of the pre-classic period (from about the sixth century BCE to the first century CE).

They are pretty much located in the middle of nowhere–in the middle of the jungle. There are no roads going to the ruins. No villages. No convenience stores. Nothing. Just trees, mud, wild animals, and some simple structures for the park rangers.

The easiest but also the most expensive way to get to El Mirador is by helicopter . The hardest and cheapest way is by hiking for 2 days (40 kilometers) into the jungle, staying one day at the archaeological site, and then hiking 2 days (40 kilometers) out of the jungle back to civilization. It’s long but the terrain is relatively flat. You can do a combination helicopter and hike trip as well.

Check out this fabulous guide to Flores for specific info on getting to El Mirador.

14.      Check out Mayan art at the ruins of Quirigua

The Maya ruins of Quirigua are nowhere near as famous as Tikal. They also lack magnificent temples and pyramids.

So why visit them?

However, if you’ve got the time in your Guatemala itinerary , definitely try to squeeze in a visit. Quirigua has some of the most beautiful works of art in the Maya world . The city’s artists erected beautiful and intricately-carved stelae. The stelae stand as tall as  35 feet (10.6 meters). On the front and back sides are carvings of the figures of past rulers. On the sides are the ancient Maya script recounting the history of Quirigua.

Quirigua is also one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala.

Who were the Maya of Quirigua?

For most of Quirigua’s history (426 – 810), the city was a minor trading port and was under the thumb of the powerful Copan. Then in 738, through treachery and deception , Quirigua overthrew its overlord and gained independence from Copan to become one of the wealthiest cities in the Mayan world.

After its victory, Quirigua controlled trade routes between Tikal and the Caribbean Coast. They also controlled the Sierra de las Mines (Mountain Range of the Mines), the home of some of the Mayan world’s most valuable resources: obsidian, cacao, and jade .

Check out this detailed guide on how to get to Quirigua .

15.      Admire the beautiful colonial architecture of Guatemala

Take some time when you first arrive in Antigua and just walk around and admire its colonial architecture. Cobblestoned streets lined with adobe buildings painted red, yellow, orange , and blue and topped with red-tiled roofs. Take away all the cars and motorcycles, and it feels like time stopped 300 years ago.

To understand why Antigua is so beautiful you need to know a bit about its history.

The city was founded in 1542 . Over the next 230 years, Antigua was hit several times by earthquakes. It was always rebuilt. That is until 1773 when a massive earthquake destroyed the city. The leaders of Guatemala decided that this last earthquake was the last straw. They abandoned Antigua and moved their capital and its citizens to present-day Guatemala City.

Antigua became stuck in time. Nobody bothered to tear down the old buildings and replace them with parking lots and shopping malls.

But then in the 1800s during the coffee boom, people slowly returned to Antigua. The poor farm laborers moved into the crumbling mansions and villas.

Finally, In 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . People who cared about the city and those who wanted to make a buck started restoring the neglected buildings. Today they are architectural gems.

There aren’t any other cities in Guatemala with colonial architecture quite like Antigua.

16.      Tour the marvelous ruins of Antigua

When the 1773 earthquake caused the citizens of Antigua to hightail it out of there, the people left their damaged churches as they were. They didn’t bother to tear them down or restore them.

Two hundred fifty years later, these churches , monasteries , and convents are still ruins.

And they are an absolute hoot to visit!

I felt a little like Indiana Jones as I wandered through a church without a roof or as I climbed over a wall and an arch that had fallen down or as I walked up a staircase whose second floor had disappeared or as I entered a tiny cubicle where a cloistered nun had once slept.

It’s a great way to get a sense of how glorious Guatemala’s past must have been.

For more info on the ruins, check out this terrific guide to Antigua .

17.      Stop by the beautiful churches of Guatemala

If you’re into architecture, Guatemala has some beautiful churches. You’ll find ones similar to the baroque churches in Mexico. These are pretty. My favorite is La Merced in Antigua and the yellow church in San Andres Xecul ,

But my absolute favorites are the simple white-washed ones found in the Highlands of Guatemala. These have a beautiful simplicity to them that you can’t find in European or North American cities. I love Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol in Santiago at Lake Atitlan and Santo Tomas in Chichicastenango.

Another reason to visit the churches in the Highlands is the opportunity to see the Mayan folk religion up close. In Chichicastenango, there are 2 churches situated at each end of the market where you’ll find parishioners and shamans involved in rituals that you’ll never see in a church outside of Guatemala or Chiapas in Mexico.

Finally, many of the Catholic churches of Guatemala were involved in the country’s 36-year civil war . As liberation theology took hold, many priests became some of the strongest defenders and protectors of the poor and indigenous people. Visit Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol in Santiago at Lake Atitlan to learn about the murder of an American priest at the hands of the paramilitary.

I highly recommend the book The Art of Political Murder for more about the church’s part in the civil war.

You might be interested in these articles:

• Best Books on Guatemala
• Best Books on the Ancient Maya
• Most Popular Food in Guatemala

Guatemala is a great place for food lovers. It’s got some delicious traditional dishes, great street food, world-class coffee, and exotic and tasty fruit. It’s also where chocolate originated.

Here are a few things to do in Guatemala for food lovers:

• Try traditional Guatemalan food
• Sample the street food of Guatemala
• Delve into Guatemalan coffee
• Experience chocolate the Mayan way

18.      Try traditional Guatemalan food

Guatemalan food might not be as famous as its neighbor Mexico, but it does have some delicious traditional dishes that you must try before leaving the country.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Jocon de pollo
• For a complete list of all the country’s best traditional dishes and recommended restaurants, check out this fabulous Guatemalan food guide .

However, if you really want to dig more deeply into the cuisine of Guatemala, do a cooking class. There are 2 fabulous ones:

• Antigua – Cuscun Tours has a combined market tour and cooking class that I did, and I absolutely adored. BOOK TOUR HERE
• Lake Atitlan – the community organization, Amigos de Atitlan that runs the fabulous restaurant, La Sabor Crucenos in Santa Cruz also offers a cooking class where you can learn how to cook traditional Guatemalan food. READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE

19.      Sample the delicious street food of Guatemala

The street food in Antigua is particularly delicious and inexpensive —schuco, buffalo, chuchitos, tostados, and rellenitos.

Locals in Antigua told me that the food stalls next to La Merced Church are the cleanest, while the food stalls at the central market should be avoided.

But if you really want to indulge yourself in all the street food that Guatemala has to offer, take a street food tour. Here are two that I am aware of.

• Cuscun Tours – I did this tour and I can say it was one of the best things I did in Guatemala. Besides visting a street food market in Antigua, we went to two other nearby towns. BOOK HERE
• Authentic Street Food Tour with Klaudia G – I didn’t take this particular tour, but I took Klaudia’s other free walking tour and it was fabulous, so I suspect this one is also good. It’s tipped-based, which can be both good and bad. BOOK HERE

20.      Delve into Guatemalan coffee

Guatemala has some of the best coffee in the world . Sadly, most of it’s grown for export, so it can actually be hard to find in stores and restaurants in the country.

Coffee Shops

But if you know where to look, you can drink the best cup of coffee in your life. Here are some places to get the perfect cup of coffee.

• San Juan Coffee
• Crossroads Cafe
• Fat Cat Coffee
• Fernando’s Kaffee

Coffee Tours

If you want to delve more deeply into the world of coffee, tour a coffee plantation . You can see where and how the coffee bean grows and then how the bean is processed, dried, and roasted. I enjoyed my tour of Finca Filadelfia in Antigua . At the end of the tour, I got a free cup of the best coffee I’d ever tasted in my life.

Read this amazing Antigua guide and this Lake Atitlan guide on how to have these coffee experiences.

21.      Experience chocolate the Mayan way

Chocolate originated in Central America and Mexico. So, it’s a no-brainer to not just eat or drink chocolate in Guatemala but also learn how to make it from bean to bar.

Chocolate Workshops

Antigua has workshops that teach you all about chocolate’s history and its cultivation process . You’ll learn about the 3 (now 4) different types of cacao beans. But the best parts are the chocolate tasting and the opportunity to make your own chocolate starting from roasting the cacao beans.

Read about how to attend a chocolate workshop in this fabulous Antigua travel guide .

Cacao Ceremonies

Another interesting way to experience chocolate in Guatemala is to take part in a cacao ceremony . Mayans have been drinking cacao in ceremonies for centuries. Today these ceremonies have become popular in the hippie communities around Lake Atitlan.

In a cacao ceremony, participants drink hot chocolate and then do some meditation, sing, or dance . The hot chocolate uses high-grade cacao beans called Criollo. This kind of cacao bean has certain compounds that cacao used in commercial chocolate doesn’t have. The compounds in Criollo can alter your mood and give you a feeling of connectedness or greater peace of mind.

When you’re at Lake Atitlan, stop by Keith’s Cacao to do a cacao ceremony with the Chocolate Shaman.

Guatemala has so much nature and beautiful scenery. Some of my best experiences were just chilling out in a remote jungle, next to a peaceful river, on the shore of a lake, or on a mountain looking down a valley below.

• Take in the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan
• Chill out along the Rio Dulce
• Explore Flores Island and Lake Peten Itza
• Stay in an eco-lodge in the Guatemalan jungle
• Visit the black sand beaches of the Pacific Coast
• Release baby turtles into the ocean
• Relax in the hot springs of Guatemala

22.      Take in the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan

Even if you’re traveling on a shoestring, try to make room in your budget for at least one or two nights at a hotel or Airbnb with views of Lake Atitlan and its three volcanoes,

My favorite times in Guatemala were when I would sit out on my balcony in San Pedro and watch the sun come up over Lake Atitlan .

Or look out my bedroom window in San Marcos and look at San Pedro Volcano.

Or lie in a hammock at my hotel in Jaibalito and just stare out at the lake and its 3 volcanoes.

Or sit out on my terrace in Tzununa with a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the lake.

The cool thing is that you don’t have to pay an arm and leg for this million-dollar view.

Check out my list of the best places to take in the stunning views at Lake Atitlan.

23.      Chill out along the river in Rio Dulce

If you’re looking for a stop during your travels in Guatemala where you can just chill out in a hammock surrounded by nature for a few days, then Rio Dulce is just about perfect. And what’s even more perfect is that the price for a hotel along the river is pretty reasonable compared to other places in Guatemala.

If you don’t want to just lie in a hammock all day, there’s also kayaking, swimming in waterfalls, soaking in a hot spring, and visiting ancient ruins.

Check out my guide to Rio Dulce and Livingston for a list of hotels and hostels to get away from it all.

24.      Explore Flores Island and Lake Peten Itza

Most people head to Flores in order to tour the Tikal ruins. But don’t leave the area too quickly. There’s a lot to see and do in Flores and around Lake Peten.

Flores was actually the site of the last remaining Maya kingdom —the Itza Maya. Spain was not able to conquer the Itza until 1697. Sadly, all of their temples, pyramids and palaces are gone.  

However, the island of Flores is still an interesting and charming place to explore. And the lake has loads of fun things to do —kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, and sunset watching. You can find a list of things to do in this awesome guide to Flores .

The shore of Lake Peten has some interesting towns to stay in. You can stay on the island of Flores. But I think it’s best to stay in one of the other quieter villages along the lake for a bit more peace and tranquility and opportunities for water sports and jungle treks. Check out this terrific guide on where to stay in Flores .

25.  Stay in an eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle

Another really cool thing to do is to stay at a secluded eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle or high up in the mountains .

Guatemala has a few lodges for every kind of price point: from basic budget ones to luxury ones .

Staying in one of these lodges can be a great way to get away from it all . Except for waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys howling and birds chirping, it’s pretty much all peace, quiet, and serenity. Maybe you’ll be able to spot a quetzal or a jaguar . Because many of the lodges are located next to lakes or rivers, you might also spot a manatee , crocodile , or caiman .

Here are some highly-rated lodges that are all located in remote areas in the middle of a jungle or mountain:

• Chiminos Luxury Island Lodge – $$ – $$$
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel – $$$
• Finca Ixobel – $
• Ecolodge Sombrero – $$
• Earth Lodge – $ – $$
• Utopia Eco Lodge – $
• Rio Dulce has a lot of ecolodges – $ – $$$

26.  Visit the black sand beaches of the Pacific Coast

One part of Guatemala that is getting more love from foreign tourists recently is the black sand beaches of the Pacific Coast.

The two main destinations are the laid-back small towns of El Paredon and Monterrico. There are several backpacker places to rest your head, but they’re not all listed on online booking sites.

Here are just some of the main activities on the Pacific Coast:

• watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean
• walking along the black sand beaches
• whale-watching
• taking a boat tour of the network of mangroves and lagoons
• birdwatching
• spotting turtles lay their eggs
• helping release a baby turtle into the ocean

There is a strong riptide , especially in Monterricio, so it’s not an ideal place for swimming.

27.      Release baby turtles into the ocean

If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable wildlife experience in Guatemala, then head to Montericco on the Pacific Coast.

The endangered leatherback turtles, ridley turtles, and green sea turtles lay their eggs on the black sand beaches not far from Montericco. The nesting takes place from June to November, and the babies usually hatch between September and December.

You can either watch the turtles lay their eggs in the sand at night, or once they hatch, you can help the hatcheries release the baby turtles into the ocean . Both are truly amazing experiences!

If you are in Montericcio during these months, you can visit the hatcheries to sign up for either experience:

• Arcas Hawaii
• Tortugario Monterrico (CECON) – You can also visit the hatchery and see not just turtles but also caimans and iguanas.

28.      Relax in the hot springs of Guatemala

Given the fact that there are so many volcanoes in Guatemala, it should come as no surprise that there are also a lot of hot springs .

What’s lovely about the ones in Guatemala is that they’re found outdoors in unique places like rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The only downside is that the water does not get very hot as it does in the hot springs in Japan.

Here’s where you can find some of Guatemala’s unique hot springs:

• Fuentes Georginas (Quetzaltenango)
• El Paraiso is both a waterfall and a hot spring ( Rio Dulce )
• Hot springs at one small part of the Rio Dulce (river) – most boat tours will stop here
• Hot springs at Lake Atitlan ( Santa Catarina )

I think most travelers visit Guatemala for adventure. The #1 thing to do is a true adventure: climb Acatenango Volcano to see El Fuego erupt.

But there are other adventurous things you can do in Guatemala. Here are a few:

• Climb to the top of a volcano
• Swim in the waterfalls of Semuc Champey
• Hike up Indian nose to watch the sunrise
• Attend a yoga retreat at Lake Atitlan
• Drive an ATV around Guatemala’s mountains and villages
• Kayak along Guatemala’s lakes and rivers
• Get off the beaten path in the Western Highlands

29.      Climb to the top of a volcano

The most thrilling experience for me in Guatemala was climbing to the top of Acatenango Volcano and then seeing and hearing El Fuego erupt and finally the next morning watching the sun rise over the horizon.

Guatemala has 37 volcanoes . Three are still active (El Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito). Even if you’re not in the best of shape , you can still climb to the top of some volcanoes (Pacaya). But for others like Atitlan, Acatenango, and Santa Maria, you need to be in really good shape .

Here are the popular volcanoes you can climb:

• Acatenango (Antigua – 3,976 meters; 13,045 ft) – A strenuous but very worthwhile hike. Many who make it to the top say this is the best thing they’ve ever done in their life. You can see Volcan El Fuego erupt and spew lava out of its top. Visit this amazing Antigua guide for information on how to do the hike.
• El Fuego (Antigua – 3,768 m; 12,362 ft) – This active volcano erupts every 20 minutes . El Fuego and Acatenango are connected to each other. The easiest way to get to El Fuego is first by ascending Acatenango and then crossing over to El Fuego. Check out this amazing Antigua guide for info on El Fuego.
• Pacaya  (Antigua – 2,552 meters; 8,373 ft):  An easier hike that’s not so steep and that most people can do . Pacaya is an active volcano that last erupted in 2019. You can still climb to the top and roast marshmallows and sausages in the vents among the volcanic rock. Check out this amazing Antigua guide for info on Pacaya.
• Agua (Antigua – 3,760 m; 12,340 ft) – This beautiful volcano tours over Antigua like it owns the city. When I was in Antigua, it was considered too dangerous to climb due to the bandits that hang out and rob hikers (even ones with local guides). This might have changed now, so check when you get to Antigua.
• San Pedro (Lake Atitlan – 3,020 m; 9,908 ft) – A challenging hike with great views of Lake Atitlan. When I was at Lake Atitlan, it wasn’t safe to climb it due to bandits hiding out along the route up to the summit. As of December 2022, it’s safe to climb as there are police along the route. You can book a guide here that will take you to the summit.
• Atitlan (Lake Atitlan – 3,535 m; 11,598 ft) – Another strenuous hike with great views of Lake Atitlan. You can camp overnight on the top or just hike up and back down in a day. Visit this fabulous Lake Atitlan guide for information on how to do the hike.
• (Quetzaltenango – 4,230 m; 13,789 ft) – The tallest volcano in Central America – You can do this strenuous hike in a day or camp overnight on the volcano.
• Santa Maria (Quetzaltenango – 3,772 m; 12,375 ft) – You can hike this volcano in half a day, but it is still a very difficult hike as the slope is quite slippery (according to Lonely Planet). You are rewarded with spectacular views of Santaguito erupting . Santa Maria exploded in 1902 causing massive destruction and 10,000 deaths.
• Santiaguito (Quetzaltenango – 2,500 m; 8,202 ft) –This is an active volcano , and erupts 20-30 times a day .  It is considered the most dangerous volcano to climb in Guatemala. I’m not sure whether you can climb up the volcano now or not since in 2016 there was a massive explosion. You might only be able to get to the Santaguito Mirador .

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to climb Acatenango to see El Fuego erupt, you can still see it from Antigua. Just find a rooftop terrace at a bar, restaurant, or hotel and you should be able to see the lava flow from the top on most clear nights. Try to stay in a hotel or hostel in the southern part of the city since this area is closer to the volcanoes than the rest of the city. This practical guide on where to stay in Antigua has info on the best hotels to stay in for views of the volcanoes.

30.      Swim in the waterfalls of Semuc Champey

I warn you: Once you see a photo of Semuc Champey, you’re going to want to visit. The bird’s eye shot of its blue-green waters and its multiple layers of cascades entices even the most jaded traveler .

Semuc Champey is a park with a series of cascades located about an hour outside of the town of Lanquin. You can stay in the town and take a public pickup truck out to the waterfalls. However, I think it’s better to stay at one of the hotels or hostels along the Rio Cahabon river that are within walking distance of the waterfalls.

The waterfalls are super popular with locals, so if you want to avoid the crowds, avoid holidays and weekends.

To capture that iconic shot of Semuc Champey, you can climb to a lookout point high above the falls.

How to get to Lanquin?

You can take a tourist shuttle from Flores, Antigua, or Lake Atitlan. If you’re staying near Semuc Champey, your hotel or hostel should pick you up where the tourist shuttle drops you off in Lanquin.

How about public transportation?

You can take a chicken bus to Coban and then another one to Lanquin.

31.      Hike up Indian Nose to watch the sun rise over Lake Atitlan

One of the most popular things to do in Guatemala is to hike up Indian Nose Mountain (Rostro Maya) to see the sunrise over Lake Atitlan . The hike is short (30 minutes) but steep.

Rostro Maya is located on the outskirts of San Juan, so ideally, stay in San Juan or San Pedro the night before. You’ll have difficulty getting a boat from other villages around the lake so early in the morning.

Book your tour online beforehand or sign up with a tour once you get to Lake Atitlan.

Another way to see the sunrise (and sunset) over Lake Atitlan is by spending the night on the top of Volcano Atitlan .

For more info on how to do these hikes, check out this jam-packed Lake Atitlan travel guide .

What if you don’t want to climb anything to see the sunrise ?

Book accommodations with views of the lake and the volcanoes facing east or west. Check out this detailed guide to the best places to stay at Lake Atitlan .

32.      Attend a yoga retreat at Lake Atitlan

Photo Credit: Agoda ( Eagle’s Nest )

Guatemala is home to some of the coolest yoga retreats in the world . It is worth spending a week or even just a day doing yoga at Lake Atitlan.

A lot of the yoga centers are located on cliffs overlooking the lake. The views are just spectacular ! You might find yourself doing upward dog or cobra while gazing out at a volcano or two or three. 

I’ve met several people who have done yoga retreats at Lake Atitlan and they ALL rave about the experience.

Here are some of the most popular retreats:

• Eagle’s Nest
• The Yoga Forest
• Sacred Paths Yoga
• The Story Teller Within

If you don’t want to do a retreat, you can simply attend a class or two . Contact the yoga retreats to see if you need to register ahead of time or if you can just drop in.

The retreats offer a variety of other activities like meditation, temazcal, and cacao ceremonies. Check out their websites for details.

33.      Drive an ATV around the mountains and villages of Guatemala

The most fun way to explore the mountains and villages around Antigua and Lake Atitlan is by driving an ATV (all-terrain vehicle).

Simoon’s Tours has loads of different tours you can do on an ATV. I did two tours with them.

• Villages around Antigua
• Villages around Lake Atitlan
• Mountains to see the sunset at Hobbitenango
• Coffee plantation

34.      Kayak along the lakes and rivers of Guatemala

With so many fabulous lakes and rivers, Guatemala has loads of opportunities for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

• Los Elementos Adventure Center has a kayaking tour where you kayak from Santa Cruz village to San Marcos village. Go swimming at the Nature Reserve in San Marcos. Then hike back along the trail that runs along the shore. READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Los Elementos has another cool 2-day tour from Antigua that combines kayaking and hiking – READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Another well-known tour operator, Old Town Outfitters , has a really adventurous tour that combines kayaking and mountain biking – READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Kayak on Lake Peten de Itza – On Lake Peten, you can rent a kayak on Flores or get one from your hotel or hostel in El Remate . It’s nice to kayak as the sun sets over the lake.
• Kayak on Rio Dulce and Lago Izabal – especially amongst the mangroves and lagoons that connect to the Rio Dulce . Maybe you’ll be lucky and see a manatee.

35.      Get off the beaten path in the Western Highlands

If you want to see the real Guatemala that hasn’t been impacted by foreign tourists, then your best bet is the Western Highlands. You’ll find dramatic mountain scenery and erupting volcanoes . The area is dotted with traditional villages that are home to the Mam Maya and Q’iche Maya. All of these features make it a great area to visit for those who want to hike and dig deeply into Maya culture.

The two main cities are Quetzaltenango (Xela) and Huehuetenango . Neither are very charming cities. The real gems are outside of the cities.

Things to do in and around Xela:

• Study Spanish
• Fuentes Georgina – hot springs
• Volcano Tajumulco – the highest volcano in Central America
• Volcano Santa Maria – a challenging climb with views of Santiaguito
• Volcano Santiaguito – you can climb to the mirador to see the volcano erupt
• Lake Chicabel – a sacred lake in the crate of Volcano Chicabel
• San Andres Xequl – the church is one of a kind!
• Zunil – home to another Maximon deity called San Simon
• Almolonga – wealthy evangelical Christian town
• San Francisco el Alto – Friday market is huge; beautiful views
• Momostenango – famous for their thick, woolen blankets and ponchos

Things to do in and around Huehuetenango:

• Zaculeu – post-classic archaeological site – Mam capital
• Sierra de Los Chuchumatanes – mountains
• Todos Santos Chuchumatan – stunning scenery, lots of trekking opportunities, colorful horse races, and a fascinating local traditional culture in which the men, as well as the women, wear traditional clothing, a rarity in Guatemala.  
• Lake Brava – a remote lake with crystal clear water

Final Thoughts

So that’s it!

I hope you’ve now got some ideas for your trip to Guatemala.

If you still have questions about the country, check out this jam-packed list of things to know before visiting Guatemala . It’s got loads of info such as:

• Visa requirements
• COVID requirements
• Crossing land borders
• Getting around Guatemala
• Using an ATM
• Getting a SIM card
• and so much more

Where to go after Guatemala?

You can easily cross the border to Belize and stop in San Ignacio . There’s so much to do and see there.

Another cool place to visit during your trip to Guatemala is Copan in Honduras . It’s another quick border crossing.

More Posts on Guatemala:

Top 50 Things to Do at Lake Atitlan (2023)

32 Fun Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala (2023)

Top 20 Things to Do in Flores, Guatemala (2023)

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15 Cool Places to Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a country full of culture, natural beauty and adventure around every corner. There are a lot of cool places to visit in Guatemala that adding this country to the top of your travel bucket list wouldn’t be a bad idea.

What to see in Guatemala? Guatemala is such an underrated travel destination. There’s many reasons to love this country – the food, the volcanos, the culture, the natural wonders and the ancient ruins. I could go on but you get the idea.

In this article , I’ll go over all the top places to see in Guatemala and at the end of the post, I’ll add any necessary tips that will aid you in your travels to beautiful Guatemala.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Are These Places to Visit in Guatemala Worth it?

With so many amazing destinations to travel to in the world, you may be wondering, is Guatemala worth visiting? And the answer is absolutely, Guatemala is worth visiting for a variety of reasons.

The country offers a diverse range of experiences, blending natural beauty, culture and history all into one. I spent just under 2 months here and still had so much more exploring to do. Here are a few of the compelling reasons to consider going to Guatemala.

• 🐒 Mayan Ruins: Guatemala is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world.
• 💦 Natural Beauty: From the stunning Lake Atitlán, to the diverse landscapes of Semuc Champey, Guatemala boasts a wide array of natural wonders.
• ⛪️ Colonial Cities: Antigua, Guatemala is the best example.
• 🧶 Cultural Diversity: Experience traditional Mayan customs, colorful textiles, and unique handcrafts.
• 🌋 Adventure Opportunities: Can we say sleeping atop a volcano to watch an active volcano erupt through the night?
• 🙂 Friendly Locals
• 💰 It’s affordable! Guatemala tends to be more budget-friendly compared to some other Central American destinations.
• 🫔 The food! Local cuisine is diverse and flavorful, influenced by Mayan and Spanish cultures.

Best Places to Visit in Guatemala Quick List

Below I have listed the best places to visit in Guatemala for easy viewing. If you would like more information about a specific place in Guatemala, click on the blue links below for more details.

• Volcán Fuego

Tikal Ruins

Semuc champey, chichicastenango market, volcán tajumulco.

• Lake Atitlan
• El Mirador Ruins

Pacaya Volcano

Lake peten itza, guatemala city.

I couldn’t make a best places to visit in Guatemala post without starting off the list with Antigua. Antigua is the most popular, most loved and best cities in Guatemala.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Cobblestone streets lead to charming colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch.

Beyond its architectural splendors, this charming colonial town is a gateway to outdoor adventures, with opportunities to explore nearby coffee plantations, hike to panoramic viewpoints, or visit the ancient Mayan ruins of the surrounding highlands.

With its timeless allure, Antigua invites travelers to wander through history, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and create memories that will last forever. Check out the guides below to help plan your trip to Antigua.

31 Awesome Things to do in Antigua 15 Best Hotels in Antigua Best Restaurants, Cafes & Bars in Antigua How to Get from Guatemala City to Antigua

Fuego Volcano

The hottest place to see in Guatemala is Fuego Volcano. Volcan Fuego is one of Guatemala’s most active and predictable volcanos, with live eruptions happening about every half hour.

The best way to witness Fuego in all of its glory is by embarking on an overnight trek to hike Acatenango, which you’ll be rewarded with a front row seat the raw forces of nature up close and all night long.

The trek to the summit of Acatenango is challenging, marked by steep ascents through diverse landscapes. This is one of the best things to do in Guatemala and being prepared will dramatically increase the enjoyment level of this journey.

Book a Tour →

🌋 Read Full Post:   Everything you Need to Know About the Overnight Acatenango Trek

The Tikal Ruins is one of the most famous places in Guatemala. This archaeological marvel takes you back in time to the heart of ancient Mayan culture.

Located in the northern jungles of Petén, Tikal stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Mayan civilization. The towering pyramids and temples rise above the lush canopy, providing a glimpse into Guatemala’s ancient past.

The site is renowned for its wildlife, and the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds echo through the ancient ruins. Between the jungle and Indiana Jones vibes, Tikal is one of the coolest places to visit in Guatemala.

🐒 Read Full Post : Tikal Travel Guide | Everything you Need to Know Before you Go 

Semuc Champey is one of the most remote places to visit in Guatemala. Tucked away, deep in the rainforest, this geological marvel consists of a series of terraced limestone pools, each filled with turquoise water.

The natural limestone bridge, invites you to swim in the refreshing waters, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and bask in the tranquility of this remote paradise.

Most travelers visit Semuc Champey in route to Tikal from Guatemala City or Antigua. The journey is long, windy, and bumpy but this natural masterpiece is worth the effort.

💦 Read Guides: How to Get from Antigua to Semuc Champey

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Coming in at the tallest place to visit in Guatemala is Volcan Tajumulco. Did you know that the tallest peak in Guatemala is also the tallest peak in Central America?

Tajumulco Volcano stands at an elevation of 13,845 feet, located in southwestern Guatemala, near the border of Mexico. The gateway town to hiking this impressive volcano is Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela.

It is possible to hike Volcan Tajumulco independently, but I’d recommend hiring a guide as hikers often choose to camp overnight to be able to watch sunrise from the summit. A guide will help arrange this for you.

Book a Private Guide →

The Chichicastenango Market is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala for a taste of indigenous traditions and culture. Every Thursday and Sunday, Chichicastenango often referred to as Chi Chi , hosts one of the most vibrant and largest markets in Central America.

The market is a kaleidoscope of colors, offering an array of textiles, handicrafts, and local produce. When you visit this place in Guatemala, you can immerse yourself in the culture and witness the spiritual ceremonies take place at the Santo Tomás Church.

🏺 Read Full Post: Visiting the Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala

The most isolated place to visit in Guatemala is Livingston. This lively town can be found on the Caribbean coast and can only be accessed by boat.

The town is nestled at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, surrounded by rainforests and mangrove swamps. As you navigate the waterways to reach Livingston, you’ll pass by wooden houses, lively markets, and the rhythmic beats of Garifuna music.

The town’s laid back atmosphere invites you to kick back, relax and get your groove on. Don’t leave town without trying the local dish tapado  (seafood coconut soup) and experiencing the lively Garifuna drumming and dance.

This is where to go in Guatemala for an off-the-beaten path adventure. Book a three day tour and experience all that the Caribbean side of Guatemala has to offer.

Lake Atitlan | Beautiful Guatemala

Next on our Guatemala places to visit list is Guatemala’s second most visited destination behind Antigua, Lake Atitlán. Get ready for unparalleled natural beauty of the Western Highlands.

Surrounded by three towering volcanoes – San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán – the beautiful lake is often hailed as one of the most stunning places in the world.

The shores of Lake Atitlan are dotted with adorable towns, and each lakeside village, such as Panajachel, San Pedro la Laguna, and Santiago Atitlan, has its own unique character.

Boat rides across the lake provide epic views of volcanoes, while hiking trails lead to elevated viewpoints and panoramic vistas. Lake Atitlan is a must visit destination in Guatemala for healthy retreats, cultural charm, and a beautiful setting.

🛶 Lake Atitlan Travel Guides:

10 Thrilling Things to do on Lake Atitlan How to Get to Lake Atitlan Best Places to Stay in Lake Atitlan

One of the best places to go in Guatemala for a coastal escape is El Paredon. Located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, El Paredon is a charming seaside town and where to go surfing in Guatemala.

The main reason to visit this sleepy beach town is for the waves, but there are a handful of other things to do in town if surfing isn’t your thing.  Whether you kayak the mangroves, party at a beach front hostel or simply to relax and soak up the sun, the sunsets of El Paredon won’t disappoint.

🏄‍♀️ El Paredon Travel Guides:

El Paredon Travel Guide | What to do, Where to Eat, Stay & More 11 Charming Places to Stay in El Paredon

Speaking of the waterway that connects Livingston to the rest of the country. The Rio Dulce, meaning “Sweet River,” flows gracefully from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea, carving a stunning route through dense rainforests and limestone cliffs.

This is not only one of the best places to go in Guatemala but it’s a boat journey to hidden hot springs, old colonial forts along the river banks, and a chance to spot wildlife.

This riverine adventure unveils a side of Guatemala where nature, history, and local traditions converge along the enchanting waters of the Rio Dulce. Consider a homestay in one of the Mayan villages along the river.

El Mirador Ruins | Remote Places in Guatemala

If you have ample time to travel Guatemala and don’t mind putting in the steps, trekking to the remote El Mirador Ruins are a must visit in Guatemala. A journey into the heart of ancient Mayan civilizations, offering a rare archaeological adventure.

Located deep in the northern Petén jungle, El Mirdor is home to some of the largest and earliest Mayan structures, including the iconic La Danta pyramid.

The multi-day trek requires an expedition through dense, pristine rainforests, where howler monkeys and exotic birds accompany your journey. The perfect place to visit in Guatemala for the archaeology enthusiasts and adventures spirits alike.

Pacaya Volcano, or Volcán Pacaya , is one of the coolest places to visit in Antigua Guatemala. It’s also one of the most popular places to visit due to its proximity to Antigua and that it can be hiked in a half a day.

Volcan Pacaya is one of three active volcanoes that surround Antigua. The trail up the volcano eventually turns into lava rock. Don’t forget to bring your marshmallows so you can roast them over the volcano when you reach the lava field.

🥾 Read the Full Guide:  Hiking Volcán Pacaya

Lake Petén Itzá is the second largest lake in Guatemala and is a tranquil oasis in the northern Peten region. Flores is the gateway town for exploring Tikal National Park and Flores Island sits within the lake.

Flores Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and has some of the most colorful buildings in the country. There are many ways to explore the lake, kayaking, a boat tour, jet skis, and even paddle boarding.

Visit this Guatemala destination for vibrant sunsets, natural beauty, and adventure at your fingertips.

📍 Read Next:

Best Things to do in Flores 15 Charming Hotel on Lake Peten Itza

The most popular town on the shores of Lake Atitlan is San Marcos. This adorable town is a tranquil and spiritual haven, drawing travelers seeking a serene escape.

Known for its laid-back vibes and stunning lake views, San Marcos has earned a reputation as the “hippie” town of Lake Atitlan. The village is dotted with yoga studios, holistic healing centers, and meditation spaces.

The town’s narrow pathways lead to charming cafes, artisan shops, and holistic retreats, all framed by the majestic backdrop of the lake surrounded by volcanos. Don’t miss out on this Guatemala place to visit if you are seeking relaxation or self-discovery.

☕️ Read Full Guide: San Marcos Travel Guide

Finishing off our 15 cool places to visit in Guatemala list is Guatemala City. If you are traveling to Guatemala, chances are very high that you’ll be passing through the city at one point.

Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of Guatemala. Known for its culture, historic sites, and modern amenities, Guatemala City will more than likely be your entry and exit point.

The city’s historic center, Zona 1, features the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture. Whether you explore the city or fly in and out, Guatemala City provides a gateway to explore all the best places to see in Guatemala.

🛵 Read Next: 10 Best Day Trips from Guatemala City

Guatemala Travel Vlogs

Would you rather see what traveling Guatemala is like? Joe and I spent 7 weeks in Guatemala eating, exploring ancient ruins and hiking volcanos. It was an epic adventure.

Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our Guatemala Series on YouTube

Guatemala Tours

Guatemala is a smaller country and you can cover a lot of ground in a couple weeks, especially if you have someone work out the transportation, accommodations and logistics for you.

Going on a group tour through Guatemala is a great way to see the highlights, meet a group of alike minded travelers and experience the culture of Guatemala.

📌   Here are a few great Guatemala Tours to check out:

• 14 Days Private Sightseeing Tour in Guatemala
• 11-Day Mayan Ruins Tour: Guatemala and Copán
• Visit Guatemala 9 Days
• Guatemala: See & Experience it ALL in 8 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Guatemala Travel Tips

• Sunscreen – This is my go to reef safe sunscreen I use daily.
• Mosquitos are swarming, make sure to apply mosquito spray if you don’t want to get eaten alive.
• Book your accommodations in advance if you are traveling here during high season.
• Get an eSIM for your phone to stay connected with a local high-speed data network while you travel.
• Tap water is not safe to drink in Guatemala (or most Central American countries for that matter).
• Travel Insurance – It’s very affordable when you consider the alternative.

📌 Read Next: 30 Guatemala Travel Tips to Know Before you Go

Final Thoughts on these Places to Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a hidden gem, but I have a feeling that it won’t stay hidden much longer. From remote waterfalls tucked away in the rainforest to trekking through the jungle to the tallest pyramid in the world, its safe to say that there are some incredible places to visit in Guatemala.

Make Guatemala your next vacation destination for the affordability, outdoor adventures, and tasty cuisine. Colonial cities, ancient Mayan ruins, and natural wonders are a few of the many surprises that await you.

If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.

 Guatemala Travel Guides ↓

The Ultimate Guide to Guatemala (coming soon) 

22 Epic Things to do in Guatemala 

What to Pack for Guatemala (coming soon) 

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The Must See Places in Guatemala

Guatemala is a beautiful country with a rich history. It is a great travel destination with a lot to offer and incredible places to visit.

In this article, I want to highlight the most beautiful places in Guatemala that you really don’t want to miss.

Guatemala was my first solo travel experience.

I was 17 years old and decided I wanted to learn Spanish somewhere unique. Back then, almost 20 years ago, nobody I knew had ever been to Guatemala so that sounded exotic enough to me!

So off I went: to Guatemala for 6 weeks with 2 weeks of Spanish classes planned and 4 weeks to explore, maybe volunteer somewhere or who knows…

It turned out to be my most memorable travel experience !

My first time leaving Europe, my first time in a developing country with a culture so different from my own. It’s an experience I will never forget.

That young, naive 17-year-old girl got a quick lesson about how different life can be, how welcoming people can be even if they have very little, and how happy and fulfilling life can be no matter how much or how little you have.

Guatemala and its people will forever have a special place in my heart.

But, because this was so many years ago I never felt I could write about the main places to visit in Guatemala.

So to create this article I’m working with other passionate travelers and travel bloggers who have been to Guatemala recently.

I asked them what the best places to visit in Guatemala are, and to write down what exactly makes them must-see places.

This has created a great list with a lot of practical travel tips for anyone visiting Guatemala.

If you’re looking for somewhere friendly, beautiful, interesting, exotic, and affordable to explore then you don’t want to miss out on Guatemala!

The Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

1. antigua guatemala.

By: Chelsea from Heart of Travel .

Antigua is high on most travelers’ lists of places to visit in Guatemala.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , it’s almost impossible to escape cliché when describing La Antigua Guatemala: it’s that storybook of a place.

Sitting 5029 feet (1535 meters) above sea level and surrounded by three volcanoes, La Antigua Guatemala was the former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala which encompassed the present-day nations of Costa Rica , Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Guatemala, along with Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas.

Antigua initially draws people in for its cobblestone roads, beautiful examples of Spanish-Baroque architecture, and former churches and palaces left in ruins after various earthquakes.

Its beauty, safety and close proximity to the Guatemala City airport make Antigua a logical starting point for most travelers in Guatemala.

And you can easily book a tour to anywhere else in the country through one of the town’s many travel agencies.

As you meet fellow travelers and Guatemala City transplants, you will find that beyond the charm of the superficial characteristics of the town Antigua possesses an inexplicable magic.

Like a vortex, this town tends to suck people in and keep them there for much longer than they anticipated.

Perhaps it’s the sound of marimba music that floats through town on Sunday afternoons, the taste of mezcal inside local bars, or the smiling faces of women selling chuchitos, tostadas and pan con chile on the sidewalk.

Go and see for yourself, just don’t be surprised if three years from now you’re fluent in Spanish and own a bar with your Guatemala lover. It’s been known to happen once or twice 😉

2. Petén & Tikal National Park

Tikal is world famous and will be on every list of best places to visit in Guatemala.

Unfortunately though, most travelers breezing through Guatemala on limited time make the long journey to the Petén region to visit the famous Mayan ruins inside the Tikal National Park only to turn around and move on to the next place.

However, there’s much more to see and there are more places to visit in the department of Petén.

And, since it’s a bit of a journey getting there, it’s worth lingering around a while longer to explore.

An easy way to see all that the region has to offer is to set up a home base in the island town of Flores .

Originally inhabited by the Mayan Itza ethnic group, who had come down from the Yucatan region, they were able to resist the Spanish Conquista all the way up until 1697.

Eventually, the Spanish did colonize the town, giving birth to the cheerfully painted colonial buildings and the narrow cobblestone roads that offer a more vibrant and tropical feel than colonial Antigua.

While in Flores you can enjoy affordable accommodation, international cuisine, handicraft and textile shopping, and upbeat nightlife complete with live music on rooftop terraces looking out over the water.

My personal favorite way to end the night is with a lazy stroll along the malecón accompanied by some street food .

From Flores, you can easily visit the nearby Tikal ruins as well as the lesser-known Mayan archaeological sites Yaxha and Uaxactun which all give you a glimpse into the past of the ancient Mayan civilizations as well as the opportunity to appreciate the jungle and all of its plants and critters.

Tip: book a tour to visit Tikal at sunrise . You’ll avoid most of the crowd this way, but watching the sunrise from the top of a temple is also an unforgettable experience!

If you’ve really got some time on your hands you could go all the way north to El Mirador, a site that many are speculating to be the largest Mayan city in existence .

As of now, however, visiting El Mirador requires entry by helicopter or a fairly gnarly 3-4 day hike in rugged jungle so it’s not for the faint of heart or those low on funds.

In addition to the national parks, the Petén region also has some great lakes and caves to explore and your visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping to zipline through the jungle just outside of the main entrance to Tikal!

3. San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán

Located on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán, the community of San Juan is almost 95% Tz’utujil, one of the 22+ different indigenous Maya groups living in Guatemala today.

The town itself is nothing short of charming with vibrant murals painted along the walls of the steeply inclined road that looks out over Central America’s deepest lake.

Here in San Juan, you can participate in a variety of free workshops to learn more about the local culture, history, and economy be it through a coffee tour, a chocolate-making demonstration, or a tour of a medicinal plant garden.

It is the people, however, that make San Juan La Laguna truly one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. They greet you with a warmth and authenticity that is hard to come by in most parts of the world these days.

And nowhere in the town is this more true than at the women-led textile cooperative Casa Flor Ixcaco .

The women behind this impressive community effort will gladly give you an in-depth presentation on all the steps that go into producing their intricately woven products. From growing and harvesting the cotton to removing the seeds, spinning it out into yard, dying it naturally, and the actual process of weaving with a backstrap loom.

Take a day trip into town or, if you really want to have an immersive experience, do an overnight stay with one of the families from the Casa Flor Ixcaco community!

Also Read: What is Ecotourism & How to Be a More Sustainable Traveler

4. Santiago Atitlan

By: Erin from Pina Travels 

Santiago is one of the larger towns on Lake Atitlan . Like most towns on the lake, it’s easily accessible by water taxi.

This town is known for being a focal point of Indigenous resistance to right-wing government forces during Guatemala’s civil war.

But it’s also famous for being where you can visit the Mayan folk saint, Maximón .

Maximón is a liquor-loving, chain-smoking saint who is recognized in Guatemala within the traditions of Indigenous Mayans.

He’s represented by a wooden statue that is dressed and decorated, seated on a chair. Throughout Guatemala, you’ll notice effigies of him all over the place, even in bars and restaurants.

Santiago is a must-visit place in Guatemala because it’s where you can actually visit Maximon.

People from all over the world travel to Santiago to pray to Maximon, typically asking for general things like wealth or protection.

Every year, Maximón is moved to a new ceremonial house in Santiago. He is kept in that home under the care of several men who sit vigil with him all day long. 

To visit Maximon, you’ll need to know what home he’s currently being cared for in. The best way to figure this out is with the help of a local.

Hop in any tuktuk in Santiago, and ask in Spanish to be taken to Maximon’s ceremonial house. If you don’t know Spanish, just say “Maximon.”

When visiting Maximon it’s important to be respectful. Dress modestly and bring an offering of candles, cigarettes, or liquor. If you’d like to take photos, pay the small photo fee to Maximon’s caretakers.

5. San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan

By: Andrew from Flights and Footsteps

If you’re walking the streets of San Marcos and ask anyone you see what makes San Marcos special, they’ll certainly tell you that it’s the energy.

It might sound a little new age to some people, but once you get there, there’s no denying that San Marcos feels special.

The locals both native and relocated (and there are a LOT of relocated locals) will tell you that the town’s position on the shore of the lake, and amidst the volcanoes make it an energetic vortex.

This being the case, it attracts a certain type of person to visit or live here. It’s incredibly easy to approach people and talk to them in San Marcos. There are a lot of English speakers and the town is full of genuinely kind people, many of them you’ll see walking around barefoot.

Walking down the streets of San Marcos you’ll come across a lot of vendors selling locally-grown produce. This will be some of the freshest you’ll eat while in Guatemala.

Then, make sure to stop by Circles cafe for a coffee and sampling of local food.

If you’re looking for something to do, San Marcos is a great place to take a yoga class . From beginner classes to advanced retreats where you can learn to be a teacher, there is something for everyone, no matter where you are on the yoga spectrum.

Even if this doesn’t sound appealing to you, I’d still recommend visiting San Marcos for a half day and opening yourself to San Marcos and what it has to offer.

6. Río Dulce

If peace, tranquility, and being one with nature are what you seek then look no further than Guatemala’s expansive Río Dulce.

Flowing out of Lake Izabal and ultimately spilling into the Caribbean Sea, a boat ride down the river and through its impressive gorge is nothing short of idyllic. Make sure to spend an entire day out on the water stopping along the way to visit the area’s attractions.

Start by visiting the Castillo de San Felipe, a former fortress designed to fight off pillaging pirates that was later used as a prison before becoming a historical landmark.

Next up you can cruise by the Island of the Birds to observe a variety of different species before taking a leisurely ride through the mangroves adorned by thick fields of lily pads.

Here, you will get a first-hand look at life on the Río Dulce for most of its inhabitants as they sit on the porches of their wooden homes perched on stilts just feet above the water.

Women and children will paddle up to you in wooden canoes in hopes of selling handicrafts while the men cast their fishing nets where the river widens further downstream. The wooden crafts and woven baskets being sold are fairly unique to this area so it’s a good opportunity for those who like to get their shopping on.

Another must-see along the river are the natural hot springs where you can pop off to drink fresh coconut juice (order a coco-loco if you want them to fill it up with rum) while you relax riverside in the steamy hot springs.

Finally, make sure you stop in the Garifuna town of Livingston , close to Belize. A former British slave-trading port, Livingston has a unique history and is unlike any other town in Guatemala.

Learn about Garifuna language and culture in Livingston and enjoy Afro-Caribbean drum music. Try the local dish “tapado” which is a coconut milk based seafood stew served with a side of freshly made coconut rolls!

A good place to stay on the Rio Dulce is Boatique Hotel and Marina , from where you can organize a boat ride down the river.

I’d highly recommend spending at least one night in Livingston. Hotel Villa Caribe is a popular place to stay in Livingston.

7. Semuc Champey

Are you a lover of adventure, nature, stunning turquoise water pools, and meeting new people over a couple of beers at Guatemala’s coolest lodge?

If yes, then Semuc Champey is the place for you.

Located in the department of Alta Verapaz, Semuc Champey is definitely one of the more off-the-beaten-path places in Guatemala with the last leg of the journey requiring piling into the back of a pickup truck for an off-roading adventure.

You’ll soon discover that the bumpy ride is well worth it when your trek through the sticky hot jungle rewards you with a spectacular view of cascading waterfalls and sparkling natural pools . It’s paradise!

After a few hours splashing around with new friends or a nice spiritual solo float session, you can really ramp up the adventure factor by spelunking in the nearby caves.

Equipped with a long dimly lit candle in one hand you’ll start out walking through the bat-filled caves as the water slowly rises to your knees.

Before you know it you’ll really get your workout on as you paddle through the cave and keep your head, and light source, above water.

Bats, climbing up rickety old ladders, unsure footing, and flickering candlelight that’s bound to blow out at least once definitely don’t make the caves at Semuc Champey the most relaxing, or safe, destination but man is it a fun adventure and a great story to take home.

As long as you’re a good swimmer and reasonably fit you should make it out feeling more alive than ever.

Be sure to finish your time in Semuc tubing down the river, bridge jumping or rope swinging from the trees into cool fresh waters.

Semuc Champey is one of the places in Guatemala where it’s highly advisable to plan ahead in order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

So take the time and the extra cash to book a shuttle and lodging in advance and get a local guide for the cave exploration part of your day, it’ll be well worth it. Check out Zephyr Lodge for accommodations, tours, and transportation options!

7.1 Use Lanquín as a Base

By: Daniel from Layer Culture

Lanquín is a small town located in the northern lowlands. It is a base for visiting popular Semuc Champey which is located around 7 kilometers away (4.3 miles), and a pit stop before or after visiting Cobán.

With the issue of travel safety in Guatemala when doing long road trips or excursions, rest assured that you can relax traveling to Lanquín because it is located on one of the country’s most popular backpacking circuits.

Some of the things to do in Lanquin include a visit to Grutas de Lanquin which are large limestone caves that you can visit at dusk, as well as river tubing (often combined with a tour of Semuc Champey).

To get to Semuc Champey from Lanquín, there are no buses, only pickup trucks that are easily found from around town. The ride is a bumpy one and costs around 15GTQ each way.

Most visitors to Lanquin look forward to a stay at El Retiro lodge which offers a series of straw huts to stay in, located next to the river and in the middle of the lushest landscape.

With a restaurant and bar on-site, the surroundings are perfect for those who want to rest and relax, or, organize a day tour through the property.

From Lanquín, there are regular mini-buses to Cobán so if you want to get to the Parque Nacional Las Victorias or spend a night in one of the centrally located hotels, the guys at El Retiro will help you organize your transport.”

8. Chichicastenango

By: Daria from The Discovery Nut

Located in Guatemala’s Western highlands, Chichicastenango is a popular day trip from Lake Atitlan .

Shortly called Chichi, this town is one of the most important places in Guatemala because it’s home to the Quiché civilization , the largest ethnic group of Mayan descent.

Chichicastenango Central Market is a place where you can buy anything from fresh produce to souvenirs, clothing, and Mayan textiles. It’s often called one of the best indigenous markets in Latin America , and when you come here, you will quickly realize that it’s true.

The town is also known for its wood carvings, especially ceremonial masks used in traditional Mayan ceremonies which you can also buy at the market.

Chichicastenango was a main trading center before the conquistadors arrived in the Americas, and to this day the ancient traditions are alive and well here.

The Pre-Colombian rituals still take place here, as Quiche people are deeply connected to their roots.

If you want to watch the ancient rituals , you can do it in several places: the Church of Santo Tomás and Chichicastenango cemetery along the western end of 8a Calle street.

If you are visiting the area for the first time, it’s a good idea to hire a guide who can give you an overview of the history and culture of this place.

9. The Acatenango Volcano

By: David & Intan from The World Travel Guy

The Acatenango volcano hike is an amazing trek in the Soledad area of Guatemala, not far from Antigua.

It’s a tough hike that requires some fitness and determination, but at the top of Acatenango you get to see an erupting volcano up close!

The Volcan De Fuego puts on a spectacular show, with small eruptions every 15-30 minutes, and you can watch them safely from your overnight camp at Acatenango base camp, which is located on the adjacent mountain.

You can do the Acatenango trek in 1, 2, or 3 days , although most people do it in 2 days and 1 night, since this is usually plenty of time to see some eruptions from the Fuego volcano in the daytime and also at night, when you can see it shooting out red lava.

If you do a 2 or 3-day Acatenango hike, you also have time to hike over to the main saddle of the Fuego volcano, where you can see the eruptions from even closer!

It sounds dangerous, but the guides have a lot of experience doing this trek, and they know all the safest places to stand and take pictures.

For Acatenango base camp, you’ll want to bring plenty of snacks and water. For an extra charge, you can also hire a porter to help carry your supplies to the top of the mountain, which gives employment to the local community and also makes the hike a bit easier since you don’t have to carry as much.

All in all, it’s one of the best things to do in Guatemala!

10. El Paredon

By: Zoe from Zoe Goes Places

El Paredon is Guatemala’s go-to destination for lovers of the outdoors, surfing, and partying .

Just two hours from Antigua, the town is popular with both domestic and international visitors.

Aside from surfing and partying, there isn’t loads to do in El Paredon. But, that is all part of the charm of this rustic Pacific coast town. And if you’re visiting for less than a week, you probably won’t get bored.

During the week, El Paredon is a quiet little town with nothing out of the ordinary. But, on the weekends, the party scene really comes to life.

Given the small size of the town, it’s easy to find parties. Simply follow the music and lights! And if in doubt, head to the beach where there always seems to be a party.

However, if you’re seeking a quieter time, there are cooking and craft classes available . Plus, you can go out on a boat with locals to fish in the Pacific.

Other popular activities include watching the sunset, releasing newly hatched turtles, and dowsing yourself in bug spray. Yes, unfortunately, El Paredon is full of mosquitos and sandflies that love the wet and hot coastal conditions.

But, if you come prepared with repellent, use mosquito nets and cover up around sunset, it shouldn’t ruin your experience, and El Pardeon really is a great place to visit in Guatemala.

Also Read: Surfing Tips for Beginners

11. Biotopo Del Quetzal

By: Tanya Korteling from Can Travel Will Travel

Biotopo del Quetzal is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala because the reserve is home to the resplendent quetzal bird, the reserves namesake, and the beautiful national bird of Guatemala.

Located between Antigua and Semuc Champey , the reserve is the perfect spot to break up the long bus journey between the two.

Biotopo del Quetzal covers 2,580 acres of protected cloud forest and aims to protect its endangered, rapidly shrinking cloud forest and inhabitants.

Spotting the elusive quetzal bird with its iridescent green and red plumage and spiky hairstyle (and the male with its very long streamer-like tail feathers) is the highlight of a visit to the reserve, although a sighting isn’t guaranteed.

Even if you don’t spot a quetzal bird, the reserve is still worth a visit. There are all kinds of other fauna and flora including lots of other species of birds, butterflies, insects, trees, orchids, and ferns.

Visitors can only explore a small area of Biotopo del Quetzal, but, there are two well-maintained trails that circuit through the cloud forest. There are also a couple of waterfalls , one that you can swim in.

Being a bit out of the way, accommodation near Biotopo del Quetzal is limited. However, I recommend Ranchitos del Quetzal, the family-run lodge where we stayed. It’s right next door to the reserve and also runs interactive workshops, serves traditional food, and has two hiking circuits that pass by waterfalls you can take a dip in.

The added bonus of staying here is there’s a good chance of spotting quetzal birds above the restaurant in trees.

Biotopo del Quetzal is definitely worth a visit especially if you’re interested in wildlife or seek out more off-the-beaten-track places.

12. San Andrés Xecul

By: Bella from Passport & Pixels

The quirky little town of San Andrés Xecul was completely off the tourist radar until Lonely Planet decided to put it on the front cover of their 2010 Guatemala travel guide, and catapulted it to fame.

The reason they did this is because of its church. Not just any grey old house of worship, the church at San Andres Xecul is probably the most quirky, colorful, and memorable religious building in the whole of Guatemala, if not Central America.

The now-famous church is an eye-bending confection of vivid yellow, covered with brightly-painted moldings featuring iconography from both Catholic and Maya cultures.

There are saints, angels, flowers and fruits, and even a pair of jaguars – all highlighting the fascinating way in which Guatemala’s Maya heritage mixes with later Spanish and Catholic influences.

But this church is not the only reason to visit .

San Andres Xecul is an unspoiled, vibrant Guatemalan town, full of friendly people wearing traditional Maya dress.

What’s more, there are actually two churches, with a second, much smaller, painted yellow church, like a Russian doll version of the first one, about a ten-minute walk up the main street.

From here, you can then hike uphill for another hour, through fragrant forest, to a magnificent viewpoint with a Maya altar where you may see local people performing Maya ceremonies, and stunning views over the town and the valley behind.

The best way to get to San Andres Xecul is on a day trip from Xela (Quetzaltenango).

Despite its new-found fame, most tourists still don’t bother to visit because it’s a little out of the way. But if you can spare a bit longer in Guatemala, it’s definitely worth a visit.

13. Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala

By: Nina from Where in the World is Nina

While most people flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or Tikal on their Guatemala itinerary , they miss out on Xela!

Located in Guatemala’s highlands, you’ll see volcanoes in every direction you turn.

Quetzaltenango, better known by its Mayan name Xela, is the country’s second-largest city, and while it’s big, it’s nothing like Guatemala City.

From here, you have access to tons of volcano hikes, sulfur hot springs, and hundreds of years of history.

For anyone visiting the best places in Guatemala, you should tack on a couple of extra days in Xela. One of the best things to do from here is a hike up a volcano. Santa Maria is a great choice, although while your calves are screaming on the way up, you might think differently!

The burn is worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with an epic vista of the surrounding volcanoes, including Santiaguito. Santiaguito will be in view just below the summit, and you can safely peep over this bubbling active volcano . It’s actually one of the most active volcanoes in the country and one of the most dangerous.

After you get your heart pumping, you might want a day to relax and chill, and the best place to do that is to head to Fuentes Georginas. This is a beautiful spot in the mountains with pools of soothing sulfur water to bathe and bask in while surrounded by the Guatemalan jungle.

While Xela might not be first on your list, leaving it off would be a crying shame!

14. Hobbitenango

By: Brodi Cole from Our Offbeat Life

Have you ever dreamed of visiting The Shire? Well, if you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, you don’t have to dream anymore.

Hobbitenango is an eco-friendly activity center that offers visitors a unique experience that is out of this world.

Located on the edge of a volcano near Antigua , this amazing eco park provides visitors with unforgettable experiences and activities, including staying overnight in real Hobbit Houses!

There are several different activities available at the park depending on your interests.

For nature lovers , there are plenty of trails perfect for exploring and birdwatching. For those who want to relax, there are plenty of hammocks and loungers where you can sit back and enjoy the view.

And for thrill seekers , there is axe throwing and a swing over the edge of the volcano! Whatever you fancy, make sure you head to “The Hand” as soon as you arrive (and arrive early!) so that you can get some truly breathtaking photos overlooking multiple volcanoes!

In addition to all these activities, guests can also enjoy some delicious food from one of Hobbitenango’s many restaurants or grab a drink from its bar – all while taking in the stunning landscape that surrounds the park.

One of the most unique things about Hobbitenango is that it offers guests the opportunity to stay overnight in real hobbit houses .

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax in a cozy hobbit house surrounded by nature – Hobbitenango is a fun place to visit.

Enjoy Exploring These Must See Places in Guatemala!

I really hope you’ll visit Guatemala some day and if you do, take your time, get to know the people, and fall in love with this country as much as I did!

• How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Anywhere in the World
• How to Stay Safe While Traveling
• 10 Reasons You Should Travel
• Volunteering Abroad: Why You Should or Shouldn’t – Including a volunteer project in Guatemala

Want to See More of Latin America? Then Also Check Out:

• Travel articles about Mexico
• Travel articles about Peru
• Travel articles about Colombia

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13 thoughts on “The Must See Places in Guatemala”

Nice Lists.Great post, interesting and informative detail and your photographs are great – I enjoyed reading this!

I travelled to Guatemala last month and had a great experience! Everything you say in your article is absolutely true. I explored the city and went to places that no tourists go to

Hi Sanne, I love this, your passion for Guatemala shines through. I have shared it on my website and pinned it to my travel map.

Hi Matt, thanks a lot, I really appreciate that! 🙂

Great post and lovely photos! Guatemala sounds like a really amazing and beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

The people here sound absolutely amazing and the views aren’t half bad either 😉 I especially loved the “Rio Dolce”! I am going to pin this so I have it for a later reference.

Thanks for this. I used to live in the Us and I worked with a chap from Guatemala, since then I’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t really thought too much about it. Your love of the place really shines through in your writing and I can’t wait to visit, thanks for the tips.

Incredible photos, the San Juan Laguna photo is out of this world. Never made it to Guatemala, hoping we can go based on your photos and experience!

I got my first taste of Central America a year ago when we went to Nicaragua. I would love to get to Guatemala and your photos and descriptions definitely made me want to go soon.

Wow your photos are stunning! Rio Dulce looks like the perfect place to chill.

Great article. I have family from Guatamala and have never been myself. But these gorgeous pictures and descriptions make me want to explore all the natural beauty that this country has to offer. Thank you!! And so cool that you went before it was popular, and when you were so young too!!!

Really useful information about Guatemala. I am thinking of travelling there on my way to Cuba in August.

Yes! Río Dulce is my happy place, you would love it! I don’t know anybody who doesn’t.

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20 Incredible Places to Visit in Guatemala

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When most people think of traveling to Central America, places like Costa Rica and Panama may first come to mind. However, while those countries have plenty of their own appeal, one place that is worth your attention is Guatemala. Indeed, I’d go so far as to say that it is one of the best places in the region to visit, full of history, culture, amazing sights, and filled with so many incredible places to visit in Guatemala.

If you haven’t considered Guatemala for your next travels, now is the perfect time to start planning something – I promise that you won’t be disappointed by Guatemala. Here are 20 places that make this country both fresh and exciting, and why it is one of the best places in Central America ( and also one of the safest ).

Tikal National Park

One of the primary reasons to visit Guatemala is because of its rich history. As an epicenter of Mayan activity, there are several incredible spots where you can see the ancient ruins of this once mighty empire.

The most well-known of these is at Tikal, where the stone buildings sit, relatively untouched, surrounded by miles of dense jungle. If you’re a fan of the original Star Wars film, then you’ll recognize the massive pyramid, as it was featured in A New Hope.

Although as far as Hollywood films go, it felt much more reminiscent of Indiana Jones with dense jungle and steep pyramids at over 200 feet high — it’s impressive no matter what.

Compared to other Mayan ruins in Central America, particularly those in Mexico such as Chichen Itza , Tikal is much less crowded and touristy. Although it’s the most-visited in Guatemala, you don’t really feel it because the complex is so expansive and the country has managed to preserve much of the surrounding wilderness.

This preservation also means that you can get a glimpse (or hear a snippet) of a variety of wild animals in the surrounding foliage, whether it is coates or howler monkeys.

After traveling through all of Latin America, I still think that Tikal was the most impressive ruins we visited, much of which is simply due to the setting among the jungle… And yes, I’d personally consider Tikal to be more impressive than Machu Picchu .

When it comes to unique and memorable places in Guatemala, many spots vie for the top spot, but I’d have to say that Flores is among the best. As a town, it has a distinct allure, both because of its location and its history.

Flores is located in Lake Peten Itza. It’s an island connected to the mainland by a causeway, making it a prime destination for tourists who want to relax along the water. The town’s history is notable because it was one of the last places conquered by the Spanish, as the Mayans held out thanks to the natural barrier provided by the lake.

Speaking of the Mayans, Tikal is close by, so if you want to hit the ruins, Flores is one of the best places to stay as a jumping off point. Although Flores used to be a Mayan hideout, it was eventually taken over by the Spanish, which is where much of the architectural and cultural influences originate.

Overall, if you like the idea of staying in a colonial town and spending your days relaxing on the water, Flores is one of the most entrancing spots in all of Guatemala and it makes the best stopping point if you’re doing the Belize Guatemala border crossing (also check out the best places to visit in Belize here).

However, if that sounds exciting to you (akin to being a famous explorer), then these ruins will be a welcome addition to your trip.

To venture out to El Mirador, you have to stay in the nearby town of Carmelita. Saying it’s nearby is a bit misleading though. From the city, it will take about four nights and five days to trek through the dense jungle to reach the ruins. As we said, you will want to hire a guide to take you out there, even if you have a wilderness survival merit badge.

In the end, though, making it to El Mirador is a significant achievement that few people can claim. Although the ruins are not as spectacular or as grand as other spots like Tikal (mostly because the jungle still obscures them), it will feel like a momentous accomplishment. You should be sure that your plan with the guide includes at least one night camping out by the ruins before trekking back to civilization.

Laguna Lachua

Compared to some of its Central American neighbors, Guatemala is not as inundated by tourists. Part of that is because the region hasn’t always had the best reputation for safety (although that is one of the biggest myths about Central America , because it’s become a lot better in recent years), but that also means that most of the best spots are still unspoiled gems.

Nowhere is this more evident than at Lake Lachua. It can take about half a day to get there, riding on rough terrain and hiking into the center of the protected area, but once you arrive, you will be glad you made it.

A significant part of the appeal to this lake is the fact that most tourists don’t come here (mostly because of the trek). Thus, if you want to be surrounded by the jungle and its natural beauty, this is one of the prime destinations to visit.

Hiking and swimming are essential parts of this journey if you make it, so plan accordingly. The hike to and around the lake takes about an hour, but it’s not too difficult. Also, shampoos and other chemicals are banned from the water, so it’s still a pristine and vibrant blue.

Semuc Champey

While you’re in Laguna Lachua National Park, you will want to take a day and visit the natural pools of the famous Semuc Champey. As with most of the other places on this list, getting there can be a bit of a trek, but it’s well worth the time and effort once you see these spectacularly colored waters below you.

You can explore all around the pools and even swim in some. The pools were created by the Cahabon river, which currently runs underneath the site.

Because the area is made of limestone, there are dozens of caves nearby, some of which you can explore. Only the adventurous can reach the caves that have flooded entrances, meaning that you have to swim underwater to reach them.

As the former capital of the Guatemalan kingdom, Antigua is another city with a rich and colorful history. When the Spanish took over the region, they settled in Antigua and made it one of the central hubs for trading and exploration. Currently, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which should tell you something about how captivating this place is.

Because of its significance, here is where you can see a lot of Spanish baroque architecture. One of the reasons for Antigua’s fall from grace was the fact that the city is prone to earthquakes, but that also means that you can see the ruins of many of the churches that dotted the landscape.

Overall, Antigua is a fascinating place for tourists to stay, and it’s a lot more exciting and safer than the current capital, Guatemala City.

In terms of the best cities in Guatemala, I’d definitely say that Antigua is the most appealing, even if it one of the more touristy places here. There’s just something undeniably charming about the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and massive volcanoes rising around you.

Here is also one of the best places to learn Spanish from one of many affordable schools, or you can find one of many other outdoor tours, including coffee, chocolate, or jungle exploration (including zip lining).

Read More: Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

In Spanish, this is called the “Sweet River,” and once you cruise along it, it’s easy to see why it has the name.

There are plenty of places to relax and unwind in Guatemala, but Rio Dulce is unique because it delivers access to a variety of towns and ports that are worth exploring. Here are a couple of highlights you can see on a boat tour.

Castillo de San Felipe de Lara – this is an old Spanish fort that warded off Caribbean pirates from raiding the river.

Livingston – although there isn’t much to do in Livingston, it can be nice to visit and meet the locals. This town is only accessible by boat, so its local culture (the Garifuna people) are unique to this spot alone in Guatemala.

This part of Guatemala along the Caribbean coast is almost totally different from what you will see and experience in the rest of Guatemala, so it provides a nice bit of diversity on your travels.

Chichicastenango’s Market

If you’re like most travelers, then you may want to buy some souvenirs from your journey (I always try to, unless I’ve still got lots of travels left to do). There are many quality places to buy trinkets and handcrafted items in Guatemala, but why not do it at the largest outdoor market in Central America?

The market is open on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s almost impossible to see all of the different shops and stands in one day, so you may be tempted to come back if you can manage it.

If you’ve never been to a big market like this, then you will be entranced by all of the vibrant colors, smells, and sounds coming from the market. Vendors from across the country come to Chichicastenango to sell their wares, which also means that the selection rotates throughout the year.

This city is also a spectacular place to experience a more authentic (but modern) Mayan culture, as most of the residents are direct descendants of the ancient empire. One of my favorite ways to experience a different culture is through food, and you can find a lot here that is rooted in ancient Mayan traditions. Be sure to come with a bit of money and an empty stomach.

Quetzaltenango (AKA Xela)

As the second largest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango (or Xela as the locals call it) is a great place to stay during your trip. It’s a beautiful mix of modern and antique decor and architecture, so you can explore the city and get a taste of all that Guatemala has to offer.

Better yet, Xela is also much safer than the capital of Guatemala City, so it makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable big city experience. As with Antigua, you can find plenty of things to do, including learning Spanish from one of the local schools, hiking the mountains nearby, or taking a day tour to explore some of the highlights of the region.

Xela is also a perfect starting point if you want to see some of Guatemala’s many volcanoes. The Santa Maria and Laguna Chicabal volcanoes are close by, although Santa Maria is the only active one.

El Boqueron Canyon

If you’re planning on going to Rio Dulce, then you should also take half a day and explore the Boqueron Canyon. As with some of the other spots on this list (i.e., Lake Lachua), it’s virtually untouched by tourists.

The canyon is made of limestone, so it offers a wide array of colors and plant life along its walls. You will have to pay a guide to take you here, but once you arrive, you won’t regret the added expense. Also, because the canyon isn’t touristy (yet), the boat tours are on canoes, which adds to the experience.

Seeing the canyon is breathtaking, and you can swim in the pristine blue waters as well. Here is a place where you can almost certainly be alone and one with nature.

We still have a couple of Mayan ruins to discuss in our overview of Guatemala, and Quirigua is one of them.

Although not as flashy as Tikal or as hidden as El Mirador, the site is one of the most critical from a historical perspective. It has the largest Mayan plaza in Central America as well, making it even more notable.

Those who want to better understand the ancient history of the region should make the journey to this site, where you can see several important monuments and religious sites.

It only takes a few hours to go through the place, so adding it to your itinerary shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re in the area.

Volcan Pacaya

As we mentioned, Guatemala has many different volcanoes, although not all of them are active. If you want to see some lava during your vacation, then Pacaya Volcano is the best place to do it.

Pacaya has erupted over 23 times in the last 500 years, making the most active one in the region. Even though the last eruption was in 2014, lava still flows from the surface, so you can see it (and feel the heat) during your hike to the summit.

One thing people like most about Pacaya (besides the lava) is the fact that the hike is not as strenuous as other volcanoes. Simply put, you don’t have to be in incredible shape to make the climb, so almost anyone can enjoy the scenery. Also, supposedly the view of the surrounding area is jaw-dropping (unless you’re fogged in), and we highly recommend heading up in the early morning to watch the sunrise.

Todos Santos Cuchumatan

For the most part, the local culture of Guatemala permeates the region, but one of the best places to experience it in all of its glory is Todos Santos. This city is one of the places where the locals dress traditionally (and not just for tourists), and most of them are also native Mayan.

All of Guatemala celebrates the occasion, but Todos Santos (which translates to All Saints) is one of the highlights of the country. You can see horse racing, as well as get plenty of booze from the locals. It’s the party of the year, so don’t miss out if you’re traveling during that time.

Sacatepequez

Speaking of All Saints Day, another great celebration is in the highlands of Sacatepequez where the locals celebrate by constructing giant and elaborate “kites” of wood and colorful paper… We are talking huge, though, too big to fly, which are then propped up throughout the local cemetery as smaller kites fly through the sky.

This celebration is a big deal here too, and thousands of locals take to the streets in town and to the cemetery, basically having a party. You’ll see people clambering over tombs, dancing to live music, drinking, and eating – a wholly different sort of experience than what we are used to in the United States, at least, in terms of relation with the dead.

We made the drive here to this little town specifically for this celebration and we were not disappointed. But be sure to plan in advance in terms of where to stay, as it can be difficult to find accommodation thanks to all the locals who visit.

Monterrico and Paredon

We could separate Monterrico and Paredon as two different locales, but the fact is that they are both pretty similar, and they aren’t too far apart, so you can hit both of them in one day or explore the ocean-front stretch between them.

Monterrico is unique because it’s nestled within a mangrove swamp. If you’re not familiar with mangroves, be sure to read up on them as they can be toxic if you’re not careful. However, the added element of danger also means that few tourists visit the beach, so you can enjoy the surf without having to share the sand.

Paredon is a tiny village on the coast, and it’s well-known for high-quality surfing. Even if you’re not a pro, there are a couple of surf schools, so now is a perfect time (and place) to learn.

Overall, there isn’t much to do in either place, but if you’re looking for gorgeous sand and surf (and seafood), they are worth the trip. One of our highlights from the time on Guatemala’s coast was being able to release baby sea turtles into the ocean in Monterrico – such a cool experience! We were able to partake thanks to staying at Johnny’s Place which is a cool hostel with multiple pools, located right on the ocean.

Finca Paraiso

We covered some of the highlights along the Rio Dulce, but we didn’t mention Finca Paraiso, which is a local hot spring and waterfall. This area is on private land, but tourists can visit as long as you have a guide.

Most of the locals come before noon, so you can enjoy the falls in the afternoon and evening if you want them all to yourself. What makes the water so enjoyable is that the hot springs create the waterfall, which cascades into icy cold water. So, it’s like having a natural hot tub and pool next to each other.

As the third largest Mayan ruins in Guatemala, Yaxha is another highlight if you’re trying to discover as much about the country’s ancient past. This area is kind of a mix between the dense jungle of El Mirador and the pomp and circumstance of Tikal.

Exploring these ruins can take a whole day, partly because there are over 500 buildings to see, including 13 altars and pyramids.

Currently, you can climb on most of them (something you can’t do at most of the ruins in Mexico, nor Tikal), which enables you to get spectacular views of the surrounding areas. The site is also next to a lake if you want to dip your feet and get the perfect selfie.

Sierra Del Lacandon National Park

We’ve covered a lot of different territories in Guatemala, and the fact is that the whole country is relatively unspoiled by humans. However, if you want to get some more pictures of exotic animals on your trip, then you need to make a stop at Sierra Del Lacandon National Park.

Guatemala itself is well-known for its biodiversity, but this is where it hits its climax. The park boasts the most biodiverse jungle in the country, so you’re sure to see plenty of colorful birds and other animals during your stay.

The park is also home to some ruins (can’t seem to get too far away from those), so feel free to explore to your heart’s content.

One other highlight of the park is the abundance of Cenotes (sunken water holes), so plan to swim during your adventure. The park itself covers over 20,000 acres, so you won’t be able to see it all in one trip.

Lake Atitlan

Going through this list, your vacation in Guatemala can take you all over the country. However, if you want to pick a specific location and stay there for the duration, then we highly recommend Lake Atitlan.

Not only is this one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (and the deepest in Central America), but it has a variety of towns on all sides of the like, each of which has a different vibe and are worthwhile to visit. The largest is Panajachel, but we don’t recommend staying there, only weaving through the markets to buy some souvenirs.

Along the lake are many different Mayan villages, as well as the towns of San Juan and San Marcos. Both places are excellent for exploring or staying overnight. While parts of Atitlan may be super-touristy, it’s hard not to deny the beauty of the area, particularly the prominent peaks that rise above this massive lake.

It’s also a good place to hang out, learn Spanish, and grab some falafel and kombucha from Israelis that set up shop here, hah, not a very authentic Guatemala experience, but still fun nonetheless.

Guatemala City

Considering that you’ll have to go through Guatemala City to get to and from the country (as it’s the only place with an international airport) or to go between major parts of the country, you might as well take in some sights while you’re here.

Guatemala City has a rough reputation, but overall, the city is safe enough to explore during the day, but just try to avoid staying out on the streets at night. During the day, you’ll see that plenty of police patrol the area and the city is broken up into different zones, some of which hold much more appeal than others.

Zones One and Four are our top picks. Four is where you can experience most of the art culture of the country, and Zone One is where most of the city’s history lies. You can also venture out into Zone One at night, as the nightlife is incredible – you can check out various bars, clubs, and restaurants, but keep your wallet or purse close by at all times and only carry what you need for the evening, nothing more.

More Places to Visit in Guatemala

Honestly, that’s just an overview of the highlights to visit in this amazing country, but there are plenty more incredible places to visit in Guatemala that we didn’t get into…

Don’t let the country’s old reputation dissuade you from coming here. If anything, the myth of an unsafe Guatemala has helped to keep it from becoming overrun with tourists, meaning that you can enjoy most of the sights without having to stand in line or fight crowds to get there.

Overall, as long as you take precautions, exercise common sense, and be vigilant of your surroundings in the cities, visiting Guatemala will be one of the best trips you take, full of incredible natural wonders, amazing history, and nice locals. It’s perfect for nature lovers and anyone who loves hiking and other outdoor activities. Let Guatemala surprise you on your next trip and explore at least a few of these places to visit in Guatemala.

Traveling to Guatemala soon? Book your lodging in advance and save money by using Booking.com . And don’t leave home without purchasing backpacker travel insurance for Guatemala to protect yourself against theft, injury, and illness. I use and recommend World Nomads for its combination of affordability and coverage.

Read Next: The Biggest Myths About Traveling to Central America

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The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

Guatemala highlights & best places to visit

Guatemala is a country that seems to contain several different worlds within its borders – from steamy jungles and ancient Mayan ruins to quaint colonial towns and landscapes dotted with volcanoes.

I spent six weeks exploring Guatemala and had the most amazing time getting to know its beautiful nature, history and culture. This small Central American country is full of exciting places to visit and has something to offer to every type of traveler. In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of the top 12 Guatemala highlights to help you plan your own dream trip to this captivating country.

At the end of this blog post, I’ve also included a map of the highlights of Guatemala, which gives you an easy overview of where each of these destinations is located.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Top 12 highlights of Guatemala:

1) tikal national park.

Tikal National Park is undeniably one of the top attractions in Guatemala and it’s easy to see why.

Nestled in the tropical rainforests of northern Guatemala, Tikal was one of the most important cities of the Mayan Empire. Home to thousands of years old ruins, it’s a fascinating archaeological site where you can walk among incredibly well-preserved temples and pyramids. 

In addition to exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, you can also spot a variety of exotic wildlife in Tikal. During my visit, I saw different types of monkeys, coatis, toucans, macaws, deer and several other animals – it was like being in a nature documentary!

Read my ultimate guide to visiting Tikal , which includes all the information you need to plan your visit – from tips on how to get there and where to stay to which ruins to visit and much more. 

Where to stay: Jungle Lodge Tikal

The beautiful colonial town of Antigua is the former capital of Guatemala and one of the most visited places in the country. 

Located in a scenic valley surrounded by volcanoes, this charming historical town is definitely one of the highlights of Guatemala. I totally fell in love with Antigua and ended up visiting it several times during my Guatemala trip.

Despite its popularity among tourists, Antigua has managed to maintain its authentic charm. Thanks to its gorgeous colonial architecture, countless ruins and cobblestone streets, the whole town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s like one big open-air museum with something exciting to explore around every corner.

Some of the most notable attractions in Antigua are Santa Catalina Arch, the ruins of Antigua Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Merced church. Be sure to also visit Casa Santo Domingo , a museum and a hotel set on the ruins of an old convent. You can explore the beautiful hotel grounds even if you’re not staying in the hotel.

Where to stay: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo

3) Acatenango Volcano

Hiking to the summit of Acatenango Volcano is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Guatemala and an experience that should be on every adventure lover’s bucket list. 

Standing 3,976m (13,000 ft) tall, the majestic volcano towers over the town of Antigua and is usually visited on a guided two-day trek . It’s a challenging and steep hike to the summit, but once you reach it, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the highlands of Guatemala. 

The most exhilarating part about the hike though is seeing the highly active neighboring Volcan Fuego , which frequently spews lava and giant columns of ash into the air. Sitting at our camp and watching a volcano erupt in front of me was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay in my memories forever!

In my detailed guide to the Acatenango hike , you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for this epic trek, including what to expect, best time to do it and what to pack.

Where to stay: Before the trek, stay in Antigua since that’s where most of the tours depart from. During the trek, you’ll stay at a cabin at Acatenango Base Camp (organized by your tour company).

4) Lake Atitlan

Situated in a giant volcanic crater in the Guatemalan Highlands, this picturesque lake sits at 1550m (5085 ft) above sea level and is the deepest lake in Central America. With its shimmering blue waters and cone-shaped volcanoes dominating the scenery, Lake Atitlan is a place of great natural beauty and a wonderful addition to any Guatemala itinerary .

Around the lake, there are several traditional Mayan towns, each with its own character and charm. For colorful street art and handicrafts, visit San Juan La Laguna. For yoga and wellness, head to San Marcos La Laguna. Looking to party and meet other backpackers? Then San Pedro La Laguna is your place.

One of the experiences you definitely shouldn’t miss at Lake Atitlan is doing the Indian Nose hike . It’s a short hike that leads you to the best sunrise viewpoint over the lake and offers an epic panorama of the surrounding volcanoes and towns below.

Where to stay: Kula Maya

5) Flores & Lake Peten Itza

Another one of the best things to do in Guatemala is to explore the colorful little town of Flores. Set on an island on Lake Peten Itza in northern Guatemala, Flores is mostly known as the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Tikal but the town itself is also worth a visit.

Characterized by well-preserved colonial buildings, cobblestone streets and a peaceful atmosphere, this tiny lakeside town is the perfect place to spend a few relaxed days. Wander around the picturesque streets, marvel at the vibrant facades and enjoy a meal with a sunset view in one of the town’s waterfront restaurants. 

While you’re here, you should also explore Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala’s third-largest lake, and take a dip in its clear warm waters. There are boat tours that take you to the best spots around the lake but you can also rent kayaks or SUPs to discover the lake on your own.

Where to stay: Hotel Isla de Flores

6) Semuc Champey

Misty waterfalls, mountains covered with jungle and a series of natural pools full of turquoise water – this is what you can expect when visiting Semuc Champey, another one of Guatemala’s highlights. Thanks to its unique and idyllic setting, this remote nature reserve is often considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Guatemala.

The most outstanding feature of Semuc Champey is its 300m (980 ft) limestone bridge under which the Cahabón River flows. On top of the natural bridge, there are several tiered pools full of crystal clear water perfect for swimming. There’s also a viewpoint and a network of caves that you can visit.

Because of the time-consuming and somewhat difficult journey to get to Semuc Champey, many travelers decide to skip it. But if you have the time and patience to take the trip there, you’ll be rewarded with a blissful day in this little slice of paradise.

Where to stay: Guayaha

7) El Paredon

If you’re looking to spend some time by the beach, then El Paredon is where you should go. This tiny laid-back surf town lies on Guatemala’s Pacific coast and features a long beach with black volcanic sand, hotels with a tropical vibe, cool beach bars and mesmerizing sunsets. 

It is known as the surfing capital of Guatemala and has some of the most consistent waves in all of Central America. If you’re not into surfing, there’s still plenty to do in El Paredon – from mangrove tours and Guatemalan cooking workshops to baby turtle releases and yoga classes. 

Be sure to read my complete El Paredon travel guide , where I’m sharing all of the top things to see and do in this little beach town, the best hotels to stay, general travel tips and more.

Where to stay: Swell

8) Pacaya Volcano

The 2,552m (8.400 ft) tall Pacaya Volcano is one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in Guatemala. Located just an hour’s drive from Antigua and Guatemala City, it’s a popular day trip destination that most people visit on a guided tour.

While the hike to Pacaya Volcano is one of the least challenging volcano hikes in Guatemala, it’s still a great adventure and offers wonderful views of otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

During a Pacaya Volcano tour , you’ll get to walk through vast dried lava fields, see clouds of smoke emerge from the crater and the ground around you, toast marshmallows above volcanic vents and enjoy fantastic views of the nearby Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.

Where to stay: Since most Pacaya Volcano tours depart from Antigua, I recommend staying there.

9) Chichicastenango

For those looking to immerse themselves in the traditional Maya culture, one of the most interesting places to visit in Guatemala is Chichicastenango. This small town in the western highlands of Guatemala is home to the indigenous Mayan K’iche population and hosts Central America’s largest open-air market. 

Bursting with bright colors, sounds, and smells, the Chichicastenango market is a real feast for the senses. You’ll be surrounded by fresh produce, flowers, traditional medicine and all kinds of art and handicrafts – from vibrant textiles and jewelry to ceramics, paintings and carved masks.

If you want to buy some souvenirs during your Guatemala trip, Chichicastnenago is definitely the place for this. Don’t forget to haggle! It’s a totally normal thing to do here and expected by vendors.

The Chichicastenango market is held every Thursday and Sunday and is usually visited on a full-day tour from Antigua , Guatemala City or Lake Atitlan.

Where to stay: If you’d like to spend the night at Chichicastenango, I’d choose Hotel Museo Mayan Inn .

10) Rio Dulce

If you enjoy being surrounded by lush tropical greenery and want to see a different side of Guatemala, far from the typical tourist trail, then consider visiting Rio Dulce.

Located in eastern Guatemala, Rio Dulce is a small town and a river with the same name. While the town of Rio Dulce is not particularly charming, it’s the natural setting around it that makes this place attractive.

Here you can unwind on one of the area’s tranquil eco-lodges or jungle retreats, explore the peaceful waterways on a kayak or an SUP, go for refreshing dips in the river and, if you’re lucky, spot some wildlife. The region is home to a variety of birds, monkeys and even manatees.

Other popular activities in the area include visiting a hot spring waterfall , exploring the San Felipe Castle and taking a boat to the Afro-Caribbean town of Livingston.

Where to stay: Boatique Hotel and Marina

11) Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala and the largest city in Central America. It was founded in 1776 after the previous capital Antigua was destroyed by a series of earthquakes. While the city doesn’t have the best safety reputation , it is still possible to visit it safely by simply avoiding the dangerous neighborhoods and not walking around at night.

In Guatemala City’s historic downtown, you can visit Plaza de la Constitucion, the city’s main square, and see the beautiful colonial architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture. The nearby Mercado Central is also worth checking out for an authentic market experience.

However, my favorite place in all of Guatemala City is the Cayala district . It’s a relatively new, clean and very safe neighborhood with lovely architecture, cobbled pedestrian-friendly streets, great restaurants and cafes, and just a really charming atmosphere overall. It kinda reminded me of the historical towns in southern Europe. 

Where to stay: Good Hotel

12) El Mirador

Hidden deep in the dense jungles of northern Guatemala, the ancient ruins of El Mirador is a destination for true adventurers. Built more than 2000 years ago, it is one of the largest known Maya sites and is often called the cradle of Maya civilization. 

The archaeological site boasts several thousand ancient structures, many of which are still largely overgrown by thick vegetation. The most outstanding monument in El Mirador is the colossal La Danta pyramid, towering 72m (236 ft) above the ground.

Because of El Mirador’s remote location, you can only get there by either hiking for two days through the jungle or taking a helicopter tour . 

The trek there and back takes around 5 days to complete and is only recommended if you’re in good physical shape. Along the way, you’ll camp in the jungle with your tour group. If I ever return to Guatemala, I would absolutely love to do this epic trek!

Guatemala highlights map

On the map below, you can find the locations of all the Guatemala highlights listed in this blog post. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Best places to visit in Guatemala: Final thoughts

And that’s it! These were the best places to visit and things to do in Guatemala. I hope that this post gave you some ideas for planning your holiday in this beautiful and diverse country. 

Don’t forget to also read my Guatemala itinerary post where I’m sharing the perfect 10-day travel route through the country.

For more useful Guatemala travel tips, check out my other blog posts:

• How to visit Tikal
• Travel guide to El Paredon
• Indian Nose hike at Lake Atitlan
• Staying at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo (Antigua)
• Acatenango volcano overnight hike

Have you been to Guatemala and would you add anything else to this list? Let me know in the comments.

Enjoyed reading about Guatemala highlights? Pin it!

Volcan Acatenango hike: A bucket list adventure in Guatemala

Guatemala highlights & best places to visit

10 days in Guatemala: An unforgettable Guatemala itinerary

Indian Nose hike in Guatemala: Best sunrise view at Lake Atitlan

Why you should visit El Paredon, Guatemala + best things to do

Visiting Tikal in Guatemala: Everything you need to know

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23 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala for the First Time

Posted on Last updated: March 19, 2024

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Are you thinking about planning a trip to Guatemala but aren’t sure what to see? Keep scrolling to check out the best places to visit in Guatemala that are worth checking out!

This list of the best places to visit in guatemala was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

The best places to visit in Guatemala are scattered around the Latin American country, so it might be hard to catch them all in one trip.

But if you’re traveling to Guatemala and want some inspiration for your travels, you’re in the right place! You can explore Tikal National Park’s ancient ruins , kay around the beautiful Lake Atitlan, walk the cobblestone streets of Antigua, and do so much more in this beautiful country.

Guatemala has a shocking range of climates, too. The beaches and jungle are warmer and more tropical. At the same time, the Guatemalan highlands are cooler, and the tropical jungles around the lakes are usually warm and sunny during the day and breezy at night.

If you’re wondering where to go in Guatemala, check out these 23 best places in Guatemala to help you plan your next adventure.

23 Best Places to Go in Guatemala

Antigua guatemala.

Antigua, Guatemala, is a quintessential town with narrow cobblestone streets and charming colonial architecture. And there’s a lot to do in Antigua , from the incredible volcano hikes to the neighboring coffee plantations to visiting local markets.

The small town of Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s an important historical piece of Guatemala. The colorful colonial buildings characterize it. The Spanish colonial town has maintained most of its charm over the years despite a surprising number of fast-food chains in the city center.

The Santa Catalina Arch is the most recognizable part of Antigua. Not only is the Santa Catalina Arch the perfect spot for a photo session but it’s also lined with handicraft stores and souvenir shops.

The Antigua Guatemala Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago) is another important monument in Antigua and a Guatemala must-see while exploring this small town.

Cerro de la Cruz

Cerro de la Cruz is a must-visit while in Guatemala. It’s a hill overlooking Antigua, with Volcano Agua in the town’s backdrop.

There’s a large cross at the top of the hill, benches, local vendors, and small trails to different viewpoints.

You can walk up the hill from the center of Antigua or take a taxi or tuk-tuk straight to the top. There are stairs at the base of the hill leading up to the central point. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the top of the hill from Antigua. Otherwise, it’s a quick 5 or 10-minute taxi ride.

Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano is another popular excursion from Antigua and the best volcano hike for families. Although it’s an active volcano, it’s relatively safe as you don’t get too close to the eruptions.

Pacaya volcano is considered medium difficulty. The hike has no technical portions, but it’s rather steep for much of the 3.2-mile (5.1 km) trek. However, horses are usually for rent at the beginning of the hike.

The horses can’t go to the top, where it gets sandy and more complex, but they’ll carry you most of the way. This is what my friends and I did and it was such a unique experience.

There are some great Guatemala sights and views beyond throughout the hike, but the top of the hike treats you to even better ones, complete with roasted marshmallows off the hot lava rocks.

Whether or not you see lava depends on the day you go and the volcano’s activity. Some days, you’ll only be walking on hot lava rocks. On other days, you may see the lava stream slowly flowing down from the volcano’s peak.

Acatenango Volcano

Acatenango is the more challenging volcano hike near Antigua. It’s not as popular with families and children as Pacaya Volcano, as it’s significantly more difficult and requires staying overnight on the volcano. That said, some people may feel adventurous and energetic enough.

Acatenango is an active volcano, with the last eruption in 1986. Its sister volcano, El Fuego, is an active volcano with frequent eruptions every 15 to 30 minutes.

You can hike up Acatenango, stay the night at the top, and admire El Fuego’s marvelous volcanic eruptions. If you go with a tour company, you can hike up to El Fuego and get closer to the action.

This isn’t entirely recommended for families, as it can be dangerous. However, tour companies are going up every day, and there are rarely any problems.

Just keep in mind that it’s also a challenging hike. You’ll have to prepare for 6-8 hours of hiking at high elevation, going straight up almost the entire time. But if you decide to go this route, either with your family or on a solo trip, the absolute magnificence of El Fuego is worth the effort.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations, with many of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala, and there isn’t anything like it in Central America. There are tons of things to do in Lake Atitlan .

Lake Atitlan spans over 50 square kilometers and reaches a depth of over 1,000 feet (340 meters). It’s a volcanic lake created by the past eruptions of the nearby volcanos towering around the lake.

Around twelve distinct villages around the lake, some more popular for tourists than others. And there are dozens of great hikes and fun activities.

Panajachel is considered the “city” of Lake Atitlán, located on the northeastern side of the lake. It’s an enjoyable place with coffee shops, markets, and other activities.

Most people don’t like to stay in Panajachel, even though it’s the main arrival and departure port around Lake Atitlan, because of the “city” vibes. But it’s worth a visit, even if you don’t plan to stay there.

San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro la Laguna is one of the most popular small villages along the lake. It’s on the opposite side of the lake as Panajachel and is about a 30-minute boat ride.

San Pedro la Laguna is one of the most “tourist-friendly” towns, with many restaurants, shops, and artisan shops. There are also many places to rent kayaks, hostels, and hotels.

The village is close to some fantastic hikes, as well. Not surprisingly, it’s the closest village to San Pedro volcano, making it a great starting point. But there are several other nearby hikes, as well.

Indian Nose (La Nariz del Indio) is the best sunrise hike around Lake Atitlan, with unbeatable views. The hike itself is only about 30-45 minutes. While it’s straight up the entire time, it’s still doable for families and children with a guide.

If you’re hiking around Lake Atitlan, it’s strongly suggested to go with a local guide for safety reasons.

San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos La Laguna is another popular village for tourists. It’s on the same side of the lake as San Pedro, about a 10-minute boat trip from San Pedro.

This town is known more as a “hippy” town, as it’s home to some of the best yoga studios, hostels, cafes, and handicraft shops.

There’s a narrow alleyway from the boat dock into town filled with great shopping points. Next to the docks is a small park called Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. This is an excellent spot for swimming, walking, and lounging.

You can also join boat tours to explore the rest of the lake. It’s worth exploring every corner, as each village has a unique personality and vibe. You’ll quickly find, the villages around the lake are one of the top things to see in Guatemala.

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is the perfect small village for culture seekers and explorers. It’s located in west-central Guatemala, in the Guatemalan highlands.

Chichicastenango (often shortened to Chichi) is a unique place where Christianity and Mayan cultures blend more than in other Guatemala areas.

The Chichicastenango market is the most famous place in Guatemala for markets, but there are a few other things to do, possibly making a night or two here worth it.

There’s a small archeological museum of the region, beautiful murals in the main plaza, and a haunting, yet mesmerizing, cemetery near the town center.

Chichicastenango Market

Whether or not you spend a night or two in Chichi, you should try to visit the Chichicastenango Market. It’s an easy trip from Lake Atitlán, only taking about two hours by car.

This is one of the largest markets in Guatemala and likely the most colorful market. The market has great cultural significance, as it was a central market for the Mayan civilizations long before Spanish colonization.

You can find almost anything here, so bring plenty of money and space to bring trinkets back home.

The market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays.

Lake Peten Itza & Flores

Lake Peten is in northern Guatemala, in the Guatemalan lowlands. It’s not too far from the Mexican border (albeit it’s nothing but lush jungle on this side of the border) and the Belize border.

The lake is one of the calmest lakes in the country, making it an excellent spot for swimming. But it was also the home base of the Maya Itza, the very last indigenous group conquered by the Spanish.

This region is full of so much Mayan culture and some of the best Mayan ruins in the country, making it perfect for those looking to explore temples and learn about the intricate history.

Other popular activities around Lake Peten Itza include walking the quiet streets, kayaking around the mellow lake and over to the little island, and visiting museums and local artisan shops.

The best place to stay around Lake Peten Itza is Flores. Flores is a small island connected to the Peten region via one short bridge.

Flores has several hotels, restaurants, and shops. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk around the island, and it has a very laid-back vibe.

There usually aren’t many people around Flores during the door, and most are embarking on day trips to nearby Mayan ruins or other Guatemala top attractions.

Tikal National Park

If you’re in Peten, visiting Tikal National Park is one of the top things to do in Guatemala, as it’s one of the most famous places in Guatemala.

El Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating Mayan ruins, rich with Mayan history, magnificent pyramids, and nature.

Tikal dates back to the 1st century A.D., though it flourished from 200 to 850 A.D. It’s believed to have been the largest city in the Maya lowlands.

Today, the site’s major structures include five pyramids and three large complexes (often called acropolis).

Tikal is thoroughly excavated, and it’ll take at least a few hours to explore every open piece of these Mayan ruins. But it’s worth it.

Temple IV is the largest temple in Tikal, standing at 212 ft (64 meters) high. Temple IV is one of the three major temples you can climb.

The Plaza of Seven Temples is another major complex in Tikal. This complex is southwest of the Great Plaza and west of the South Acropolis. There are some immaculately preserved masks, temples, and intricate history.

The Temple of the Great Jaguar is one of Tikal’s most iconic images. It’s located on the eastern side of the Great Plaza in the North Acropolis of Tikal.

Visiting Tikal is one of the best things to do in the country and a must-do in Guatemala for culture and nature lovers.

After all, the Mayan ruins are surrounded by lush rainforests, with the chance to spot wild monkeys and other animals roaming the national parks in Guatemala.

El Mirador is less suited for children and families, but it’s one of the most exciting excursions in Guatemala for outdoor lovers.

El Mirador is one of the most recently discovered Mayan ruins deep in the jungle canopy of northern Guatemala. To reach El Mirador, you’ll have to trek five days through the jungle for hours daily.

The jungle trek includes more Mayan ruins, lots of Mayan culture, and a chance to get off the beaten path in Guatemala.

You’ll climb several more pyramids, wake up to howler monkeys every morning, and even hike alongside monkeys in the trees throughout the journey.

This is a challenging 5-day adventure, but worth it if you want to get lost in the lush jungle (with a guide, of course).

The trek isn’t recommended for kids, as it’s physically challenging to walk through the jungle 6-8 hours a day with mosquitos, mud, and other animals.

Cobán

Cobán is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala, about four hours from Guatemala City.

Cobán was once the center of a large colony of German settlers who came to Guatemala to grow coffee. It was also one of the major hubs in northern Guatemala for Mayan trade and settlement. Because of this, the city boasts a unique culture mixed with Mayan ruins not too far from small coffee plantations.

The city is also a nice escape from the active volcanoes in western Guatemala. Instead of hiking volcanoes, Cobán is just a few hours from Guatemala’s stunning surrounding mountains and tropical jungle.

Cobán is a popular starting point for more remote tourist destinations in Guatemala, like Semuc Champey, Candelaria Caves, Rio Dulce, and Laguna Lachua National Park.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is one of the best Guatemala beautiful places and a must-see for anyone visiting the country. It has blue pools, small waterfalls, caves, a significant limestone bridge, and several lookouts to take it all in.

Semuc Champey is most known for its layers of striking turquoise and emerald pools that flow through the jungle canopy. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and exploring the beautiful country of Guatemala.

You should consider visiting Semuc Champey, as certain areas of the beautiful region can be dangerous. A tour group can also take you to more hidden gems around the area, where you can make the most of the long journey here.

Semuc Champey is about 45 minutes from the nearest town, Lanquín. Lanquín is about eight hours from Antigua and Flores and five hours from Cobán.

It’s one of the most remote places to visit in Guatemala, but it’s worth the travel time due to the stunning beauty and isolation of the pools.

Rio Dulce is another amazing hidden gem in the remote jungle of Guatemala. Rio Dulce, which translates to “Sweet River” in English, is often considered a natural jewel of the Caribbean coast.

The river serves as a gateway to the Caribbean Sea. Near the gateway, there are beautiful canyons and extraordinary wildlife surrounding the river. You might even be lucky and spot a few local spider monkeys swinging through the trees.

The river runs 26 miles(43 km), and one of the best activities is to join a boat ride down the river’s length. You’ll be able to spot some of the local wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and dozens of different bird species.

You’ll also pass by some indigenous villages, which allow a unique peek into this vibrant culture in Central America.

This region has been thriving for many years and remains relatively untouched. Mayan culture is prevalent in rural communities in architecture, art, and traditions.

Like Semuc Champey, Rio Dulce is pretty isolated. Despite being one of the major tourist attractions in Guatemala, it’s four hours from Flores and five hours from Cobán.

El Boqueron Canyon

El Boqueron Canyon is another beautiful destination in Guatemala, often overlooked by travelers. But it’s one of Central America’s most unique and memorable canyons, so it’s worth the visit if you have the time.

El Boqueron Canyon is more of a large gorge than a canyon, and most people choose to explore by boat down the narrow pathways and rapids. You can also go tubing, hike the surrounding trails to various lookouts, or picnic at one of the recreational areas in the large park.

El Boqueron Canyon is north of Lake Izabel, and visiting from the small town of Rio Dulce is best. It’s about an hour from Rio Dulce but fairly far from other popular places in Guatemala.

Candelaria Caves

The Candelaria Caves are set within Guatemala’s limestone mountains in northern Alta Verapaz. The flow of Rio Candelaria formed the caves, stretching over 18 miles (29km). You can explore the caves on foot or with a raft down some portions.

This is more of an adventure, not for the faint of heart, as cave exploring can be dangerous and exhilarating simultaneously.

However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll get lost in the mesmerizing beauty of Candelaria Caves, with their neverending length, great height, and unique rock formations.

The caves were also sacred to the Q’eqchi Mayans, so it’s one of the best places to visit in Guatemala to learn more about their culture. The caves were considered an opening to the underworld, and Mayans used the caves as a prominent place of worship.

The caves are only a few hours from Cobán, so it’s best to visit on a day trip from the city.

Laguna Lachua National Park

Laguna Lachua National Park is a hidden gem and one of the best places to visit in Guatemala for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and “off-the-beaten-path” travelers.

Laguna Lachua is often called “a little piece of the Caribbean coast” because of the turquoise waters and natural swimming pools. But there’s so much more. Howler monkeys are roaming the trees, over 300 bird species, well-maintained jungle trails, and even some great camping near the lake.

Laguna Lachua is only about three hours from Cobán, so visiting on a day trip or for a few days after exploring the city is best. There’s a small town near Laguna Lachua National Park, but if you plan on staying the night, you should consider camping within the park.

Pacific Beaches

Most people don’t set aside much time for Guatemala’s Pacific coast, but it’s a great rest stop for ocean lovers.

The Pacific coast isn’t as striking as Guatemala’s Caribbean coast, but it’s still home to beautiful black-sand beaches, small beach towns, and some great surfing spots that make it home to the ultimate Guatemala vacation spots.

Monterrico and Paredon are the two most popular Pacific beaches in Guatemala, and they are easy to get to from Antigua or Guatemala City. They aren’t super popular amongst international tourists, but they are very popular Guatemala tourist attractions for locals.

Monterrico is a small beach town known for its black-sand beaches and the annual arrival of sea turtles along the coast. It’s also a popular destination for Guatemala City residents during long breaks and holidays.

Monterrico is only about two and a half hours from Antigua and Guatemala City.

El Paredon is another beautiful beach spot in Guatemala. The small fishing village has rustic charm, a quintessential city center growing each year, and some of the best wave breaks for advanced surfers.

El Paredon is about two hours west of Monterrico. But it’s also only about two hours from Guatemala City and Antigua.

Quetzaltenango (Xela)

Quetzaltenango (locals call it Xela) is a small city in Guatemala. It has a cute town center, with a central park and plenty of restaurants and shops. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Guatemala because of the authentic feel.

Fewer tourists visit Quetzaltenango than places like Antigua, so it also feels more authentic and cultural.

This city is known for its outstanding Guatemala scenery, rich culture, and neoclassical architecture, much of which it has preserved.

There are also some great day trips from Xela, making it a good home base for those who want to explore the volcanos or hot springs nearby.

Xela is also very popular for Spanish schools, so consider this small city a home base if you want to practice your Spanish more.

Georginas Hot Springs

Georginas Hot Springs is another popular tourist destination. It consists of four thermal pools warmed by the nearby volcano Zunil.

The springs are located in the western Guatemalan highlands and are most accessible to visit on a day trip from Quetzaltenango (otherwise known as Xela).

There are walking trails around the hot springs, as well. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the tropical jungle, just walking distance from endless lush vegetation and great views of the nearby mountains.

Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital city of Guatemala and is not known as a great tourist destination. It’s a large, bustling city, similar to any other in Central America.

However, you’ll likely fly in and out of Guatemala City, and there are still some interesting points of interest in the capital city.

Guatemala City is divided into zones, which represent various neighborhoods. The best places to visit in Guatemala City are Zone 1, Zone 4, Zone 10, and Zone 13.

Zone 1 is home to the historic city center, where you’ll find many of the best museums, parks, and street food. It also has more affordable accommodation and hostels. Zone 10 is the commercial district in Guatemala and is a little more upscale and comfortable for families.

You can still admire the colonial architecture around Guatemala City and learn even more about the Mayan culture and history of the country.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Guatemala FAQs

What are some of the best places to visit in guatemala for history lovers.

Almost all of Guatemala is perfect for history lovers. I’d recommend at least one day exploring Guatemala City and some museums around the city, as this is an excellent introduction to Guatemalan history.

Afterward, Tikal National Park is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala to learn about Mayan history and its significance. However, there’s a lot of history and culture in every corner of the country, so you can’t go wrong.

Are there hidden gems among the best places to visit in Guatemala?

Some might say that all of Guatemala is a hidden gem, as it isn’t as popular for tourists as its neighbors, Mexico and Belize. Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan are the most beautiful places in Guatemala.

If you go to any other place in Guatemala, you likely won’t see too many other tourists. Rio Dulce, Candelaria Caves, and Laguna Lachua National Park are some of the most underrated places to visit in Guatemala, however.

What are the best cultural sites in Guatemala?

El Tikal is the best cultural site in Guatemala. Many are around the area, but Tikal is nicely excavated and easy to explore. You can climb up pyramids, walk up steps to some incredible viewpoints, and learn all about the intriguing history of this Mayan civilization.

What are the best places to visit in Guatemala to hike active volcanoes?

Antigua Guatemala is the best place to visit in Guatemala to hike volcanoes. The best one for families and day hikes is Pacaya Volcano. Acatanengo is also a popular overnight hike, though it’s much more challenging, especially for families.

Is it safe to travel to popular tourist destinations in Guatemala?

Generally speaking, it is safe to travel to popular places in Guatemala. Guatemala is not the safest place in Central America; it has its problems related to crime and drugs, but it’s relatively safe if you’re a savvy traveler.

The U.S. Department of State lists several travel advisories and tips for people who plan to visit Guatemala. For example, they advise against going to Zone 18 in Guatemala City, warn travelers not to swim in the Pacific Ocean because of currents, and encourage travelers to go to Guatemala with a tour agency or travel around the country with tours.

That said, the popular tourist hot spots are usually safe for travelers.

What are the best places to visit in Guatemala for a family vacation?

Guatemala is not your traditional family vacation location, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make for a great family vacation. Antigua Guatemala is one of the best locations in Guatemala. There are some great hikes, day trips, and coffee plantations that are all popular for families.

Lake Atitlán is another great spot for families, depending on where you stay.

Top Places to Visit in Guatemala Wrap-Up

Guatemala is the place to go for adventure. Antigua is a beautiful town with colorful colonial architecture and amazing hikes.

Lake Atitlán is also a popular spot for swimming and hiking, with one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. Flores, Guatemala, is another unique location and a great starting point to learn about Mayan history.

But there’s even more than that. There are hidden gems tucked away in the Guatemalan highlands and many underrated places to explore and travel.

If you take the time to explore, you’ll find your most beautiful place in Guatemala (because it’s different for everyone)! If you’re having a hard time deciding where to visit in Guatemala, just know, you can’t really go wrong.

Most things to do in Guatemala are active and fast-paced, and living is very different from what you might be used to. For this reason, it isn’t as popular for family vacations and travel. But it’s perfect for those who want something different, more eye-opening, and challenging.

Looking for more Guatemala travel resources? Check out 39 Incredible Things to Do in Lake Atitlan Guatemala , 10 Helpful Guatemala Travel Tips for First-Timers , 24 Things to Know Before Visiting Tikal National Park in Guatemala , 5 Best Hotels in Antigua Guatemala Worth Booking , and 25 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala for First-Timers !

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• Disclaimers 

Uncover the Best Places to Visit in Guatemala: A Travel Guide

25 October 2023

Guatemala, a country known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers an array of captivating destinations that are perfect for adventurous travelers. From the vibrant markets and ancient ruins to the lush jungles and tranquil lakes, Guatemala has something for everyone. In this travel guide, I will take you on a virtual journey to the best places to visit in Guatemala , providing you with insights into the top tourist attractions and must-see sights.

Discover the urban charm of Antigua , a city with cobblestone streets and breathtaking views of towering volcanoes . Immerse yourself in the Mayan culture at Chichicastenango , a town famous for its vibrant market and traditional rituals. Embark on river adventures at Río Dulce and Livingston , where you can explore geothermally heated waterfalls and experience the vibrant Garifuna culture . And don’t miss the opportunity to trek through the uncrowded hiking trails in Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle , where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and marvel at the natural beauty of the Cuchumatanes Mountains.

As you explore Guatemala, you will encounter picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins, and friendly locals who will warmly welcome you into their vibrant culture. Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of Lake Atitlán, relax in the jungle pools of Semuc Champey , and escape the tourist trail at the idyllic Laguna Lachuá . With each destination offering its own unique experiences, Guatemala promises to be a truly memorable travel experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Guatemala is known for its dramatic volcanoes , biodiverse jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins .
• Antigua is a charming city with colonial architecture and stunning views of volcanoes .
• Lake Atitlán offers turquoise waters and a chance to explore the vibrant villages around the lake.
• Chichicastenango is a must-visit for experiencing the rich Mayan culture and vibrant market.
• Río Dulce and Livingston provide opportunities for river adventures and immersing in the local Garifuna culture .

Explore the Urban Charm of Antigua

Antigua is a charming city nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Guatemala. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant architecture , and breathtaking views of towering volcanoes, Antigua offers a unique blend of history , culture, and natural beauty . This picturesque city is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an immersive experience in Guatemala.

As you wander through the narrow streets of Antigua, you’ll be enchanted by the colorful homes and colonial buildings that line the way. The iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, an impressive archway, welcomes you into the heart of the city. Take your time to explore the many architectural wonders, from grand churches to elegant ruins, which are testaments to Antigua’s rich history .

Beyond its architectural treasures, Antigua is also known for its excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars. Indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene, where you can savor both global cuisine and traditional Guatemalan dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a cup of locally sourced coffee or savoring the flavors of traditional street food, Antigua offers a feast for the senses.

“Antigua is a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with a vibrant and modern ambiance. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in history , take in breathtaking views of volcanoes, and experience the warm hospitality of the Guatemalan people.”

Exploring the Surrounding Nature

Antigua is not only a city of architectural wonders, but it also serves as a gateway to Guatemala’s natural beauty. Venture beyond the cobblestone streets and embark on a hiking adventure to one of the nearby volcanoes. A trek up one of these majestic giants will reward you with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes and a sense of accomplishment.

If you prefer a more leisurely experience, take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. These tranquil oases provide a peaceful escape, where you can unwind amidst the vibrant flora and enjoy moments of serenity.

Antigua’s natural beauty and urban charm make it a destination that appeals to both culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re exploring the city’s fascinating history, indulging in delectable cuisine, or venturing into the wilderness, Antigua offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and longing for more.

Relax at Lago de Atitlán

Lago de Atitlán , also known as Lake Atitlán, is a breathtaking destination in Guatemala that offers a tranquil retreat amidst volcanic scenery . The lake is surrounded by towering volcanoes, creating a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, taking in the stunning views and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities .

One of the highlights of Lago de Atitlán is swimming in its turquoise waters. The lake’s calm and clear waters provide the perfect opportunity to cool off and take a refreshing dip. Whether you choose to swim near the shores or venture out to explore the deeper areas of the lake, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.

Aside from swimming , there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy at Lago de Atitlán . Hiking enthusiasts can explore the surrounding trails, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, boat tours are available to explore the different villages dotted along the lake’s shores. Each village has its own unique charm and atmosphere, providing a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Table: Outdoor Activities at Lago de Atitlán

Whether you prefer to relax by the lakeside, engage in outdoor activities , or simply immerse yourself in the stunning volcanic scenery , Lago de Atitlán offers a peaceful retreat that is sure to leave you rejuvenated and inspired.

Immerse in Mayan Culture at Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango , a town nestled in the highlands of Guatemala, is a captivating destination that offers a rich and immersive experience of Mayan culture . Known for its vibrant market and ancient traditions, Chichicastenango provides a glimpse into the heart and soul of this indigenous community.

Aside from the market, Chichicastenango boasts several cultural landmarks. The Iglesia de Santo Tomás is a colonial church where one can witness fascinating Mayan rituals taking place alongside Catholic ceremonies. The church stands as a testament to the fusion of Mayan spirituality and Spanish influence in the region. For those interested in delving deeper into the history and archaeology of the area, a visit to the small but intriguing archaeological museum is a must.

The Chichicastenango Market: A Glimpse into Mayan Traditions

Chichicastenango is a treasure trove of Mayan culture, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of traditions, folklore, and craftsmanship. The town’s market, with its kaleidoscope of colors and bustling atmosphere, provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and gain insight into their way of life. Whether exploring the market, witnessing ancient rituals, or admiring the artistry of the Mayan textiles, a visit to Chichicastenango is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage.

Embark on River Adventures at Río Dulce and Livingston

Experience the thrill of river adventures in the stunning destinations of Río Dulce and Livingston . Río Dulce, known for its geothermally heated waterfalls, fringing mangroves, and abundant wildlife, offers a unique and exciting experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Explore the largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Izabal, by hiring a boat and navigating through its scenic waters. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, including lush greenery and towering cliffs. The captivating town of Livingston, located on the Caribbean coast, is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the vibrant Garifuna culture . Discover traditional music, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and witness the captivating Garifuna dance.

While in Río Dulce, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Castillo de San Felipe, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the river. Learn about the fascinating history of the region and admire the impressive architecture . The nearby hot, humid, and lush environment provides an ideal setting for relaxation and tranquility. Whether you choose to stay at boutique guesthouses or remote riverside jungle hostels, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature’s beauty.

“Río Dulce and Livingston offer a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the diverse landscapes, relax in the hot springs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Garifuna culture. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.”

Table: River Adventures at Río Dulce and Livingston

Embarking on river adventures at Río Dulce and Livingston is an incredible way to explore the natural wonders and cultural richness of Guatemala. Whether you’re seeking thrilling boat tours, serene hot springs, or an immersion into the vibrant Garifuna culture, these destinations have it all. Indulge in the beauty of the surroundings, embrace the warmth of the locals, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Discover Mayan Ruins in El Petén and Tikal

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins in the region of El Petén is a captivating experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Guatemala. The lush and biodiverse nature of El Petén sets the stage for the awe-inspiring Mayan temples of Tikal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through the dense jungle, visitors can’t help but feel a sense of wonder as the imposing structures of Tikal emerge from the foliage. These towering temples provide a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once thrived in this area. The intricate carvings and architectural mastery of the Mayans are truly remarkable, showcasing their advanced knowledge and artistic skill.

Aside from the impressive ruins, El Petén also boasts a remarkable biodiversity . The region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds. Nature enthusiasts will be in paradise as they explore the trails and encounter the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this environment.

Table: Comparison of Mayan Ruins in El Petén and Tikal

The experience of exploring Mayan ruins in El Petén and Tikal is a journey back in time, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient past of the region. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and rich biodiversity make this area a must-visit for travelers seeking a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience.

Read More Explore the Best Places to Visit in Utah During Winter

Trek Uncrowded Hiking Trails in Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle

If you’re looking for a hiking adventure off the beaten path, Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle in Guatemala offer uncrowded trails and a unique cultural immersion experience. Nestled in the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, Nebaj is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and breathtaking natural beauty.

The hiking trails in Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle take you through verdant peaks and valleys, offering stunning views of subtropical forests and sweeping shrublands. As you trek through this untouched landscape, you’ll encounter local communities that welcome visitors with open arms, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and immersion.

One popular trek is from Nebaj to Todos Santos, which not only offers picturesque scenery but also provides a chance to experience the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in November. For those who prefer guided hikes, Quetzaltrekkers organizes treks from Nebaj twice a month, ensuring you have experienced and knowledgeable guides to lead the way.

Whether you choose a shorter hike or an extended trek, exploring Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle will give you a true sense of adventure and a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage. So pack your hiking boots, embrace the tranquility of these uncrowded trails, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural diversity that Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle have to offer.

Splash in Jungle Pools at Semuc Champey and Lanquín

Located deep in the Guatemalan jungle, Semuc Champey is a natural paradise that should not be missed. This hidden gem features a series of turquoise pools atop a natural limestone bridge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the jungle.

Visiting Semuc Champey is not just about enjoying the natural beauty of the jungle pools . It’s also an opportunity to explore the surrounding area and discover the unique flora and fauna of Guatemala. From guided hikes through the dense rainforest to exciting cave explorations, there are plenty of adventures to embark on in this region.

Table: Comparison of Semuc Champey and Lanquín

Whether you’re seeking a serene swimming experience, thrilling adventures in the jungle, or a combination of both, Semuc Champey and Lanquín have it all. With their natural beauty and unique offerings, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler fortunate enough to visit.

Escape the Tourist Trail at Laguna Lachuá

Located in the heart of the tropical rainforest in Alta Verapaz, Laguna Lachuá is a hidden gem that offers a serene and off-the-beaten-track experience for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This idyllic lagoon is nestled within Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá and is surrounded by dense vegetation, vibrant flowers, and a diverse range of wildlife. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the lagoon are incredibly inviting, making it the perfect spot for swimming and cooling off amidst the lush greenery.

To reach Laguna Lachuá, visitors can embark on a scenic hike through the tropical rainforest , immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of nature along the way. The interpretive trails that surround the lagoon provide an opportunity to spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees, tarantulas hiding in crevices, and a variety of colorful birds flitting about. As you explore the trails, you’ll be captivated by the untouched beauty of the tropical rainforest , making it a truly unforgettable experience.

“Laguna Lachuá is a true hidden gem that offers a peaceful and secluded escape from the tourist crowds. The untouched natural beauty of this idyllic lagoon is awe-inspiring, and it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.”

It’s important to note that Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá does not have any restaurants or food vendors, so visitors are advised to bring their own food and water for the day. This ensures that the park remains pristine and undisturbed, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the untouched natural environment. As you relax by the lagoon, you can enjoy a picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings, taking in the beauty of Laguna Lachuá and immersing yourself in the serenity of nature.

Discover the Beauty of Laguna Lachuá , a Hidden Paradise in Guatemala

Escape the tourist trail and venture into the heart of the tropical rainforest to discover the hidden paradise of Laguna Lachuá. This off-the-beaten-track destination offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the lagoon or a captivating hike through the lush rainforest, Laguna Lachuá has it all.

Take the time to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this idyllic lagoon , and let the serenity of nature wash over you. With its vibrant flora and fauna, interpretive trails, and crystal-clear waters, Laguna Lachuá is a true gem that will leave you in awe of Guatemala’s natural splendor.

As I conclude this travel guide, I must emphasize that Guatemala is a country with an abundance of must-visit places. From the urban charm of Antigua to the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán and the ancient ruins of Tikal, this Central American gem offers something for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion , Guatemala has it all.

For those who appreciate history and culture, the vibrant market of Chichicastenango and the Mayan ruins in El Petén and Nebaj are not to be missed. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the river adventures in Río Dulce and Livingston, the jungle pools of Semuc Champey, and the tranquil beauty of Laguna Lachuá will captivate you.

Guatemala is a true vacation spot, offering a diverse range of experiences and sightseeing opportunities. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Antigua, hiking through the lush landscapes of Nebaj, or swimming in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of this remarkable country.

So, if you’re planning your next getaway, consider Guatemala as your destination. With its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. Start making your travel plans today and embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Guatemala.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Guatemala?

A: Guatemala offers a variety of attractions, including Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Río Dulce and Livingston, El Petén and Tikal, Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle, Semuc Champey and Lanquín, and Laguna Lachuá.

Q: What can I expect to see in Antigua?

A: Antigua is a charming city known for its cobblestone streets, colorful homes, and breathtaking views of towering volcanoes. Visitors can explore the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, shop for Mayan handicrafts, admire colonial architecture, and enjoy the city’s excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Q: What is there to do at Lago de Atitlán?

A: Lago de Atitlán is considered one of the most spectacular lakes in the world, surrounded by towering volcanoes and picturesque villages. Travelers can relax and enjoy the turquoise waters of the lake, explore the different villages with their distinct vibes, and engage in activities such as paragliding, paddleboarding, and hiking.

Q: Why should I visit Chichicastenango?

A: Chichicastenango is a town known for its rich Mayan culture and vibrant market. Visitors can explore the labyrinth of stalls filled with local products, handicrafts, and traditional textiles. The town also has a small archeological museum and the Iglesia de Santo Tomás, where visitors can observe traditional Mayan rituals.

Q: What are the river adventures in Río Dulce and Livingston?

A: Río Dulce is known for its geothermally heated waterfalls, fringing mangroves, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hire a boat and explore the largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Izabal, which is connected to Río Dulce. The town of Livingston, located on the Caribbean coast, is a hub for the Garifuna culture and offers opportunities to experience local music, food, and dance.

Q: What can I see in El Petén and Tikal?

A: El Petén is a biodiverse region in Guatemala, home to the towering Mayan temples of Tikal. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins buried deep in the jungle and observe the abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds. The island town of Flores is a popular base for visiting Tikal.

Q: What are the hiking trails in Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle?

A: Nebaj, located in the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, is a hub for hiking off the tourist trail. Visitors can explore the tallest mountain chain in Central America, hiking through verdant peaks and valleys with subtropical forests and sweeping shrublands. Trekking from Nebaj to Todos Santos is a popular option.

Q: What are Semuc Champey and Lanquín known for?

A: Semuc Champey, located deep in the jungle, is a natural wonder featuring turquoise pools atop a natural limestone bridge. Visitors can relax and swim in these stunning pools surrounded by tranquil natural beauty. Lanquín, a nearby village, offers amenities and excellent hostels for accommodation.

Q: Where is Laguna Lachuá and what is it known for?

A: Laguna Lachuá is located in the middle of Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá, a hidden gem in Alta Verapaz. Visitors can hike through dense tropical rainforest to reach this idyllic lagoon with its turquoise waters. The lagoon is surrounded by interpretive trails, offering opportunities to spot howler monkeys, tarantulas, colorful birds, and flowers.

Q: What are the must-visit places in Guatemala?

A: Guatemala offers a diverse range of destinations, each with its unique attractions. Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Río Dulce and Livingston, El Petén and Tikal, Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle, Semuc Champey and Lanquín, and Laguna Lachuá are all highly recommended for their cultural, historical, and natural wonders.

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10 Best Places To Visit In Belize In 2024

B elize is a magnificent country tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, with a long stretch of coastline along the Caribbean Sea. We spent a week in Belize during our Central America backpacking trip and could’ve easily stayed much longer! 

I was blown away by the kindness of the local people and their vibrant energy. Not to mention the stunning beaches and relaxed island lifestyles. I loved nature and wildlife and just how welcoming Belize felt.

Belize is not only a perfect destination to visit on its own and spend a week or two exploring but you could also easily combine it with a longer trip from Mexico to Guatemala for example, thanks to its relatively small size. 

With so many incredible places to visit in Belize, this list will give you all of the best options to choose the perfect destinations for you.

Best Places To Visit In Belize

Belize may be a small country but there are so many great places in this beautiful country.

Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Belize.

1 – Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island with a very relaxed and laid-back vibe . In fact, it is more correct to describe it as 2 islands since it was hit by a hurricane in 1961 and torn in two. Naturally, the locals took this in their stride and this narrow channel of sea between the 2 islands is now named ‘The Split’.

The Split is a popular place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful clear waters. There is a great beach bar by the split called the Lazy Lizard, where I highly recommend spending an afternoon. 

Caye Caulker is well known for being a backpacker hub , especially around the main town. You will find plenty of hostels and bars to meet fellow travelers. We loved the beachside coffee shack called Ice & Beans. They do great coffee and have hammocks on the beach so you can swing while you sip.

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, on the other side of The Split you will find more resor t s and hotels that are geared more toward families visiting Belize with kids .

2 – Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is one of the best Caribbean islands for families . The largest of the Belizean islands, and one of the most popular places to visit in Belize, Ambergris Caye is around 25 miles long but no wider than 1 mile .

The main town is San Pedro, towards the south of the island. There are a lot of things to do in San Pedro , as it is a bustling hub with a much more authentic feel than Caye Caulker. 

In this town, you will find more local people going about their day-to-day lives than you will tourists.

We stayed at the Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and this was one of the best hostels we found in Central America . Located right on the beach they have a private pier over the water, a great pool and the restaurant makes the best pizzas!

If you head further north along Ambergris Caye you will find many quiet and stunning beaches with breathtaking turquoise waters. From the shores of the island, you can even see the Barrier Reef that runs alongside Belize.

3 – San Ignacio

Found just a short drive from the Belize-Guatemala border is the town of San Ignacio. Located in far western Belize , it is often used as a stopover by travelers heading from one country to the other. But the town of San Ignacio actually has an awful lot to offer.

San Ignacio is a small town and can be explored on foot , you can take a stroll along the river or head to the big local market for some fresh fruit or homemade local delicacies. 

San Ignacio has a lot to do , and is a great place to base yourself if you want to visit the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave) or explore some of the other places mentioned on this list such as Caracol or Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

San Ignacio is also home to its very own Mayan Ruins site called Cahal Pech .

Cahal Pech is only $5 USD to enter and when we visited we had the entire site to ourselves for hours! You are even allowed to climb the Pyramids still at this site.

If you are heading from Belize to Guatemala, it is worth spending a couple of days in San Ignacio before moving on to Guatemala .

ALSO READ: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING GUATEMALA WITH KIDS

4 – Hopkins

Hopkins is a quiet and peaceful beach village located in the south of the country. It is steadily growing in popularity among travelers but this south Belize gem still maintains its authentic nature, food and culture . This is what visitors love most about Hopkins. 

You can enjoy the quiet, pristine beaches in peace and get a real experience of the way of life in this area. One of the most special things to do while in Hopkins is experience the Garifuna drumming . An art that is only practiced in a handful of places still, so it is not to be missed. 

The Garifuna people are of mixed Afro-Caribbean descent. They immigrated from the island of Saint Vincent to Belize, settling primarily in the coastal areas, like Hopkins, where Garifuna culture is a celebrated part of the visitor experience.

Hopkins is also the best place to stay if you want to explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve . This is one of the only Jaguar reserves in the world.

You can join a tour to hike through the reserve , swimming in beautiful waterfalls as you keep your eyes peeled for a rare glimpse of a Jaguar.

5 – Belize City

If you are flying directly to Belize then you will be landing in Belize City as this is the only international airport in the country . It then makes sense that you may want to spend a day or two exploring the country’s capital city. 

There is a surprising amount of colonial history and architecture to be found throughout the city and the best way to experience it all is on a guided tour of the city . This way you will have a local guide who can explain more about what you are seeing as well as advising on the safe areas to stick to around the city.

Some more great spots to have on your itinerary in Belize City are the government buildings, St John’s Cathedral and the Museum of Belize.

Spend a day exploring these sites before you head out to the Cayes and you will really be able to appreciate the contrast between city and island life.

6 – The Blue Hole

Perhaps one of the most iconic and well-known places to visit in Belize is the magnificent Blue Hole . This incredibly unique sinkhole is a natural wonder that is located around 43 miles off the coast of Belize.

It is possible to experience the Blue Hole by boat or from above in a helicopter or small plane. Boat trips are best from Ambergris Caye as this is closer to the hole and the journey will be 3-4 hours each way.

Flights also leave from the small airstrip in San Pedro each day to take tourists on an hour-long flight over the hole .

It is also known to be one of the most sought-after dive sites in the world , drawing experienced divers from far and wide to experience its mysterious depths.

7 – Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Belize is located right next to the second-largest barrier reef in the world . If you are an ocean lover then no trip to Belize should be complete without taking a diving or snorkeling trip out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef.

The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising seven protected areas, including the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and stretching as far south as the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, located off the shores of Placencia. 

We did a combination of snorkeling and diving and were blown away. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to hundreds of colorful fish, rays and sea turtles and the water visibility is great.

Shark Ray Alley is an incredible spot that is now home to hundreds of friendly nurse sharks and rays. You can jump right in and swim amongst them. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These waters are also home to Manatees .

We were lucky enough to see one and they are much larger than we expected.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve can be accessed by boat from either Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker .

8 – Caracol Mayan Ruins

Belize is known for its impressive Mayan ruins. The ancient Mayan archeological site of Caracol is pretty special.

It’s no secret that there are hundreds of Maya sites in Belize , as well as sprinkled across Mexico and Guatemala. While there are a few more famous than Caracol, like Tikal in Guatemala and Chichén Itzá in Mexico, Caracol is seriously underrated.

This impressive site is buried deep within the Belize jungles, 2 hours from the nearest town and no public transport goes there. Making this one of the most off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Belize.

You will need to join a tour or rent a 4×4 to get there as there is an hour of driving off road before you reach the site.

Caracol was once one of the major Maya hubs, covering an area of 55 square miles. Now the main pyramids have been uncovered and tower over the jungle.

9 – Placencia

Placencia is the most southern beach destination on this list, located a little further south along the coast from Hopkins. 

This sleepy fishing village is slowly becoming a favorite among travelers thanks to its small and charming main street, lack of traffic and incredible beaches.

Placencia is the name of the village that sits at the end of the 16 mile-long Placencia Peninsula. The narrow strip of land is only half a mile wide at its widest point making it very much feel like a remote caye.

Luckily for us, it has all the vibes of a gorgeous caye but we can drive there. It is still largely undeveloped and mostly inhabited by locals. You will find no high rises here.

Each morning the local fishermen still head out in their boats around the peninsula and during the summer months, this is an ideal spot to head out on a snorkeling tour find Whale sharks.

10 – Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a unique landscape in Belize. You won’t find the iconic pine trees in the other jungles across the country.

This entrance to the reserve is around a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio . It is possible to drive yourself however the roads inside the reserve can get treacherous after rainfall. The best way to visit the pine forest reserve is on a guided tour . 

A tour can take you to multiple spots in a day so you make the most out of your time there. The reserve is home to beautiful towering waterfalls as well as smaller rock pools like Rio On Pools which are perfect for swimming. 

It is also where you can find the impressive Rio Frio cave . An enormous cave that leads to a huge underground river system. It is well worth a trip to this wonderful nature spot if you enjoy time in the great outdoors.

BOOK A TOUR TO RIO ON POOLS, RIO FRIO CAVE, AND THE CARACOL MAYAN RUINS

Best Places To Visit In Belize FAQs

If you’re planning a trip to any of the best places to visit in Belize, you likely have some other questions about this Central American destination.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Belize.

What part of Belize is best to stay in?

If you are looking for beautiful beaches and to meet lots of fellow travelers then you should stay on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The water around the cayes is shallow and calm, which is ideal if visiting on a Belize family vacation . 

If you want beaches but peace and quiet then you should stay along the beaches in the south of the country. If you are looking to experience the jungles and Mayan ruins then you should stay in San Ignacio.

The jungles around San Ignacio are also home to some beautiful eco-lodges that are great for a peaceful escape.

How long do you need in Belize?

I would recommend spending no less than one week in Belize to get the most out of your time there.

Ten days or more would be the ideal amount of time if you want to experience the islands and the coastal area along the mainland, as well as see the Mayan ruins and the jungles in western Belize.

If you have less than a week then I recommend spending your time on the Cayes and not moving around too much.

When is the best time of year to visit Belize?

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season from January to May. This is when you will have the best temperatures and the least rainfall.

From August to December there is a low risk of hurricanes so always check before you travel.

Is Belize safe to visit?

Belize is generally known to be a safe country for tourists to visit. Belize City has a bit of a reputation for being unsafe in certain areas but crime is rarely directed towards tourists. If in doubt there are plenty of great group tours you can join to explore the city with a local who knows the area.

Regardless of where you visit, it is always best to leave your valuables at home and not wander around alone at night time.

Is Belize cheap or expensive?

Belize is not typically a budget travel destination. It is possible to find cheaper hostel beds, take public buses and eat street food. However, there are far more luxury resorts and activities in Belize which are usually pretty expensive.

A Summary of the Best Places to Visit in Belize

So, this concludes our list of the best places to visit in Belize and hopefully, you now have all the information you need to decide which places to visit on your next trip to Belize. 

From the beautiful Cayes to the lush jungles, Belize is home to some of the best places to visit in Central America for families , couples, or even solo travelers. It is such a wonderful country that it feels like visiting a true gem, hidden in plain sight.

Like it? Pin this list of the best places to visit in Belize to save it for later!

Do you have a question or comment about any of these best places to visit in Belize? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Weekly News Quiz: April 11, 2024

By Alexandra Banner and James Grant

A lavish dinner. A controversial bill. A bug emergence. What do you remember from the week that was?

Keep up with the news you need. Sign up for the 5 Things newsletter.

Which global leader was invited to the White House this week for a lavish state visit?

President Joe Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit Wednesday . The agenda included a glitzy dinner aimed at intertwining and highlighting American and Japanese cultures.

What type of weather impacted millions across the Southern US this week?

A powerful storm system that caused flooding and spawned tornadoes swept through the South and the Mississippi Valley.

Which car company has come under intense scrutiny for its Autopilot technology?

Tesla’s Autopilot system has faced widespread criticism from prominent safety groups. This week, the embattled company settled a major lawsuit filed by the family of a former Apple engineer who died after his Tesla Model X crashed while the Autopilot feature was engaged.

OJ Simpson, one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century, died of cancer this week. His 1995 trial captivated national attention and eclipsed his athletic achievements in which sport?

While Simpson was a highly decorated football star, he became even more of a household name during his 1995 trial . Simpson was ultimately acquitted in the brutal killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

Which prestigious tournament kicked off this week?

The 88th edition of The Masters is underway at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

Which political figure joined TikTok this week — but promised not to dance?

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he created a TikTok account to connect with a younger audience — and he vowed he would not dance on it. “I don’t dance. Promise,” Scholz said in a statement.

Which airline announced it intends to furlough around 260 pilots this fall?

In a move to save cash, Spirit Airlines is furloughing around 260 pilots effective September 1.

Which state Senate passed a controversial bill that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns at K-12 schools?

Tennessee teachers would be allowed to carry concealed handguns at K-12 schools under a bill passed this week by the state Senate.

Which type of bug will emerge in record numbers across the US this spring?

Billions of noisy cicadas will soon dig their way out from underground in a massive emergence that won’t happen again until 2245.

A lone lottery ticket recently won the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. Where was the ticket sold?

A single ticket sold in Oregon won what's believed to be the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the game.

Things to know before visiting Guatemala

Nov 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Guatemala is a fascinating country with so much to see – here are tips that will help you make the most out of your trip © Fernanda Reyes / Getty Images

Guatemala has been my second home for nearly two decades, and the country still captivates me: the landscape with its volcanoes and coffee trees, the lakes and rivers and tropical beaches, Mayan ruins peeking out above the treetops. 

Mayan traditions are still alive and well, and the weather’s almost always fine in the Land of Eternal Spring. However, there's information travelers to Guatemala should know before visiting if you really want to enjoy all it has to offer. 

Get your shots before you leave

If you come in from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you’ll need to be vaccinated against this mosquito-borne disease. It’s also recommended that you’re up to date with your typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, flu and TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) shots. It’s best to visit a travel clinic at least a month before your trip if you need to get vaccinated so there’s enough time to give you full protection. Some vaccines, like hepatitis B and rabies, require follow-up doses.

Bring your own bug spray if you like it DEET free

Most of the things you may have forgotten at home are available in Guatemala, but some items are more difficult to find or very expensive. Bug spray is easy to find but usually contains DEET. The locally produced DEET-free repellents aren’t very effective, so you’ll want to bring a good brand from home. The mosquito-borne diseases of malaria, zika, dengue fever and chikungunya are all endemic in parts of Guatemala. 

Don't go without sunscreen

Sunburn is a real risk if you spend time outside. Some of the larger stores and pharmacies sell chemical sunscreens, but these generally don’t have an SPF higher than 25. The stronger stuff and natural mineral sunscreens are normally only available in a handful of specialty health stores, with limited options and much higher prices. Pack enough of your favorite sunscreen, and remember to use it.

Your preferred feminine hygiene products might be hard to find

In terms of feminine hygiene products, most shops stock pads only. Some larger stores and pharmacies stock tampons with applicators. You might find the kind without an applicator, as well as menstrual cups, in specialty health stores, but the price will reflect the fact that they’re imported.

Pack lightweight clothing

Because Guatemala’s weather is mainly warm and humid, light clothing that dries quickly is more useful than jeans, which are heavy, too warm for the climate and take forever to dry. For cooler days, a light sweater or jacket is generally sufficient. If you need more clothes than you brought or just a wardrobe revamp, most towns have a paca , a place where you can buy secondhand clothing for as little as Q5 (less than US$1). 

When in doubt, cover up

Guatemalans tend to be religious: practicing Catholic, evangelical or, to a smaller extent, traditional Mayan belief systems. That deep-rooted faith also means that they are generally more socially conservative, especially in Maya-dominated communities. 

Men don’t go shirtless unless they’re at the beach. Women prefer knee-length shorts and oversized T-shirts to bathing suits. In the large cities and Ladino-dominated areas, people are more open to shorts, shorter skirts and tank tops. In the Maya communities, however, the women usually wear traditional clothing in public, and their cortes – a garment worn as a skirt – always fall below the knee.

If you’re not sure whether your clothing is appropriate, it’s best to cover up: put on a shirt and don’t wear anything shorter than mid-thigh. If you visit a church or other spiritual site, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and arms.  

Avoid illegal drugs

Some bars and hostels turn a blind eye to the use of marijuana and other illegal drugs. However, police raids on bars and hostels aren’t uncommon, and if you’re found with any illegal substances in your possession, you will be arrested. 

Don’t drink the water

Tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. To reduce your risk of getting parasites, stick to purified water: bottled water is readily available everywhere. Hostels and restaurants will usually let you refill your water bottle, sometimes for a small fee. You may also want to skip the raw salad unless you’re sure that purified water was used for washing produce. 

If you do contract parasites, a trip to the pharmacy is often all you need to get the right treatment.

Guatemalans can get personal but don’t mean harm

It’s not unusual in Guatemalan culture to call people by some physical attribute. Being called guapo or guapa (attractive one) can feel uncomfortable at worst, but being called gordo or gorda (fat one) may sting. If you don’t like the nickname you’ve been given, try not to act offended; the trick is to let it slide and to tell the person your name instead. 

You may also find that Guatemalans like to ask personal questions: how old you are, how many children you have, where you are going. If you answer in the negative as to whether you have a spouse, this may even lead to questions about the status of your virginity, no matter your age. If you feel uncomfortable, remain polite, joke, and change the subject. 

Politeness goes a long way – most of the time

Guatemalans appreciate politeness. A friendly buenas  (good morning/afternoon/evening) or hola  (hello) creates a good first impression. Por favor  or simply porfa  (please) and gracias  (thank you) show that you were raised right. If you learn to say thank you in the Mayan dialect spoken at your destination, it’s guaranteed to elicit a smile. Ask locals how to say thank you in their language, repeat the phrase back to them and then use it for as long as you’re in that town.

One area where being too polite will do you no good, though, is standing in line. People will patiently wait in line in a more formal setting, such as at the clinic or a government office. At the market or in a neighborhood tienda (corner store)? If you don’t speak up, somebody may very well step in front of you as if it’s the most normal thing in the world – and in Guatemala, it is. 

The travel experience might be different for female visitors 

The culture of machismo is rife in Guatemala. Local women generally don’t frequent bars and cantinas on their own because of the risk of sexual harassment and violence. Even in pairs, women may face harassment. If you want to go out drinking, it’s best to do it in a mixed group: the presence of men in your group will deter those who won’t take no for an answer.

Women travelers may also encounter micro-aggressions like being talked over or ignored in favor of the men in their group. They’re also held to a higher standard than male travelers when it comes to dress or how they behave in bars and at parties. Sexual harassment and violence are real risks, and the conviction rate for offenders is low. 

However, as a woman traveler, you may find real solidarity – local women tend to be protective of female tourists traveling on their own. If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, try to move closer to groups of other women. And who knows: you might make some real connections and make some new friends!

The LGBTQI+ scene is small   

Same-sex relationships are legal in Guatemala but frowned upon. The LGBTIQ+ scene in the country is small and mostly confined to the largest cities and tourist areas. While violence against LGBTIQ+ tourists is rare, local activists have been attacked. Take your cues from your surroundings and watch how the local community behaves towards transgender people or public displays of affection between same-sex couples, for instance. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. 

Always hike with a local guide

Some tourists who come to Guatemala climb volcanoes on their own with no issues. However, hiking alone is not a good idea because of the risk of getting robbed, injured or lost. Use local guides and follow their instructions: if they say they’re not going any farther, turn around with them. Guides know what the risks are, and the risks are very real – Guatemala has seen several high-profile deaths of hikers in recent years. Rescue teams are normally made up of volunteers using donated gear. When they have to risk their lives to rescue you, the decent thing to do is to reimburse them for their trouble.   

To stay safe, don't take unnecessary chances

Is Guatemala safe? As a tourist, you’re unlikely to run into serious trouble. That said, listen to local advice about areas to avoid, always be aware of your surroundings and never leave your belongings or your drinks unattended. 

Guatemala has a reputation for corruption and poor enforcement of laws. You may hear of travelers who bribed officials and got away with it. You may also hear of travelers who weren’t so lucky, so just don’t do it. 

This article was first published March 2022 and updated November 2023

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No college degree? See the best and worst places in the US for a job

Employers are increasingly ditching the college degree requirement for jobs, but competition varies greatly in different parts of the country.

Billionaire Peter Thiels $100K offer to skip college gains popularity

Americas career coach Ken Coleman reacts to billionaire Peter Thiel offering entrepreneurs $100K to skip college and start their own business on The Big Money Show.

U.S. employers – both public and private – are increasingly ditching college degrees as a job requirement across an array of roles amid a nationwide shortage of workers, but the opportunities for good-paying jobs can vary greatly depending on where a candidate lives.

That is according to a new study ranking the best and worst job markets in the U.S. for job-seekers that do not hold degrees, indicating some areas are lagging behind in catching up with the trend.

More employers are scrapping college degree requirements, but the competition for nondegree roles varies greatly depending on where a job-seeker lives. (iStock / iStock)

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Indeed, CashNetUSA found that New York is "by far the worst state to look for a job" without a degree, with 21.94 local nondegree holders for every open position. 

New York City was named the worst city in the nation for finding a job without a degree, with 41.48 nondegree holders for each available job.

YOU DON'T NEED TO GO TO COLLEGE TO FIND YOUR DREAM JOB, ‘DEGREE FREE’ ENTREPRENEUR SAYS

California is the second-worst state for finding a job without a college degree, with 13.58 nondegree holders per entry-level position.

The Manhattan skyline is seen at sunrise from the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building on April 3, 2021 in New York City. The Big Apple is the toughest city in the U.S. for people to find a job without a college degree. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The report suggested both states earned their rankings due to stiff competition in their respective job markets, noting that New York City is the most attractive city in the country for younger professionals to work, while California was named the best place to work last year by Oxfam.

HIGHER ED IS FACING A ‘GIANT RECKONING’ AS BLUE-COLLAR JOBS PREVAIL, MIKE ROWE WARNS

New Jersey was ranked the third-toughest state to find a job without a degree, with 12.59 nondegree holders for every open entry-level position.

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On the other end of the spectrum, the state ranked No. 1 for nondegree jobseekers was Maine , with only 3.05 non-graduates per entry-level job, followed by West Virginia (3.37), and South Carolina (3.49).

BIG US EMPLOYERS LIKE GOOGLE, TESLA END COLLEGE DEGREE REQUIREMENT

Although the competition can be stiff in large cities with highly-educated workforces, the study found many cities in the U.S. where those without a college degree can find well-paying jobs.

Fort Myers, Florida, is the best place in the country to find a job without a degree requirement, according to a new study. (iStock / iStock)

The top city in the U.S. for job-seekers without a degree is Fort Myers, Florida , where there are 1.2 nondegree holders per open entry-level role. 

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The second-best city to look for a job without a degree is Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, followed by No. 3 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, No. 4 Annapolis, Maryland, and No. 5 Scottsdale, Arizona.

IRS reprieve: Places granted tax relief due to natural disasters

Tax Day is Monday but the Internal Revenue Service does have a bit of grace for those Americans dealing with the worst of nature.

Some taxpayers have been granted automatic extensions to file and pay their 2023 tax returns due to emergency declarations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The extensions were triggered by disasters ranging from wildfires to tornadoes.

The extensions apply to people who live in or own businesses in declared disaster areas.

The IRS also considers taxpayers affected if records necessary to meet a filing or payment deadline or a tax preparer are located in a covered disaster area.

Individuals and businesses affected by  Hamas' attacks in Israel  now have until Oct. 7 to file their taxes.

These extensions are separate from the extensions taxpayers can request by the Monday deadline .

Here are the places granted tax extensions due to declared disasters.

To see extensions in your state, click on the state name to go directly to the state or scroll through the list below :

Alaska | California | Connecticut | Hawaii | Maine | Michigan | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Washington | West Virginia

Areas with federal tax extensions

Individuals and businesses in the Wrangell Cooperative Association of Alaska Tribal Nation have until July 15 to file and pay after the area was hit by severe storms in November.

Individuals and businesses in San Diego County have until June 17 to file and pay due to the spate of atmospheric river storms that hit the county starting in January.

Connecticut

Individuals and businesses in New London County as well as the Tribal Nations of Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot have until June 17 to file and pay after storms caused a partial dam breach in January.

Residents of Hawaii have until Aug. 7 to file and pay after the devastating wildfires that burned across Maui.

In addition, individuals, businesses and tax-exempt organizations who had valid extensions to file their 2022 returns will now have until Aug. 7 to file them.

Some counties in Maine were provided emergency extensions after severe flooding occurred in January. Those counties are:

Individuals and businesses in those counties have until July 15 to file and pay.

Other counties in Maine received extensions due to flooding that occurred in December .

Those counties are:

• Androscoggin
• Piscataquis

Individuals in these counties have until June 17 to file and pay.

Michigan taxpayers hit by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding last August have until June 17  to file and pay.

Counties covered under the extension include:

Rhode Island

Individuals and businesses in Kent, Providence and Washington counties have until July 15 to file and pay after the area was hit by severe storms in December.

Some Tennessee taxpayers were granted an extension after parts of the state were hit by severe tornados in December.

The counties covered under the extension include:

Individuals and businesses in Spokane and Whitman counties have until June 17 to file and pay after wildfires burned in the area.

West Virginia

Some West Virginia taxpayers were granted an extension after the area was hit by severe storms in August.

Individuals and businesses in these counties have until June 17 to file and pay.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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Though Earth Day doesn’t have the same sort of mass appeal as Memorial Day or Labor Day, it has become another opportunity for stores to put things on sale. That’s especially true at Amazon, where there are deals on AeroPress’s reusable coffee maker , celeb-approved “clean” mascara , and fragrance-free cleaning products from Seventh Generation. And at Nordstrom, some summer essentials, like tank tops and swim shorts , are up to 60 percent off.

An extra-large version of the  AeroPress  is 30 percent off. It can produce six shots of espresso -style or two cups of regular coffee in one go.

Bagsmart makes some of our favorite packing cubes , so I trust that this portable, reversible jewelry organizer will also be an excellent addition to your carry-on. (Or just your closet door.)

Another value-size deal: A nine-and-a-half-ounce bottle of this Rio-approved toner is just $16. “It’s affordable and a humectant without creating that sticky, tacky feel,” she writes, adding that it does an “equally good job of calming inflammation and redness (whether that be breakouts or just cold-weather flaky bits) as it does moisturizing my skin.”

Many of us may have moved on from using Thayers’ witch-hazel toner on our faces, but it’s actually a really good treatment to prevent razor bumps .

Lots of Seventh Generation’s ecofriendly cleaning products are on sale at Amazon. This is the best plant-based laundry detergent — and it’s also safe for sensitive skin as it’s fragrance-free.

I’m eyeing these dishwasher pods, which are just $11 per pack (or just over 24 cents per load).

Continuing on the “clean”-beauty train, this Aly and AJ Michalka–approved mascara is 30 percent off. Self-described “ mascara  freak” AJ says it “has a great wand” and “gives a lot of coverage because one side is a primer and the other side is the mascara .”

A summer staple to stock up on.

I spotted a lot of Nike on sale at Nordstrom. Here’s a surprisingly nice-looking polo that you can use as your subway shirt on the way to the gym, or to complete a “blokette” ensemble.

The classic Air Max 90s are beloved by cool teens and celebrities alike. They’re on sale in black and white at Nordstrom, and if you want a few more colors options, head on over to the brand’s website, where they’re also on sale — just not as on sale.

If Nikes aren’t your jam, I also noticed these Hokas for nearly 30 percent off.

Cute swim shorts for tweens are 50 to 60 percent off, depending on which pattern you choose.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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Double SpaceX Starlink rocket launches this week: Where to watch in Sebastian, Vero Beach

Anyone up for back-to-back rocket launches this week? Two SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets will potentially lift off this week, carrying Starlink internet satellites.

Weather permitting, the rocket launches will be visible in the night sky above the Treasure Coast on Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18. Below is a calendar for upcoming rocket launches and how to watch the SpaceX rocket launches this week.

Is there a rocket launch in Florida today? Rocket launch calendar for Florida

Here's what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in  FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar  for the month, which is updated frequently. (Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates because they are routinely subject to change for a variety of reasons.)

FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, provides interactive launch coverage at  floridatoday.com/space  with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission. For questions or comments, email  Space Reporter Rick Neale  at [email protected] or tweet him  @rickneale1  on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.

Is SpaceX launching from Florida? Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18: SpaceX Starlink

Though SpaceX has not publicly confirmed this mission's existence, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency navigational warning indicates rocket launch windows will open Wednesday afternoon and Thursday night.

Here are some details about the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches:

Wednesday, April 17:

• Mission:  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of Starlink internet satellites from the Space Coast.
• Launch window:  5:24 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 17.
• Trajectory:  Southeast.
• Local sonic boom:  No.
• Booster landing:  Drone ship out on the Atlantic Ocean.
• Live coverage:  Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at  floridatoday.com/space .

Thursday, April 18:

• Launch window:  6:40 p.m. to 11:11 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 18.

Where can I watch SpaceX rocket launches online?

If you want to watch live rocket launch coverage,  FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team  will provide updates at  floridatoday.com/space , starting about 90 minutes before launch time. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Where can I see a Florida rocket launch in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County?

The best views to watch a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County, aka the Space Coast, is here along the beach. Visibility in Indian River County,  St. Lucie County  and Martin County, part of the Treasure Coast, will depend on weather conditions, and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. Look due north. Here are some recommended spots, from closest to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center to farthest:

• Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch. That includes  Melbourne Beach , which borders Indian River County, or from Grant-Valkaria along the Indian River Lagoon.

•  Sebastian Inlet Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)

•  Wabasso Beach Park , 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso

•  Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)

•  South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)

•  Merrill Barber Bridge  in Vero Beach

•  Alma Lee Loy Bridge  in Vero Beach 

•  Fort Pierce Inlet , 905 Shorewinds Drive

•  Blind Creek Beachside  North and South, South Ocean Drive or SR A1A on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce

•  Blue Heron Beach , 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce

•  Frederick Douglass Memorial Park , 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

•  Dollman Park Beachside , 9200 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

•  Herman's Bay Beach , 7880 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

•  John Brooks Park Beachside , 3300 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

•  Middle Cove Beach , 4600 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

•  Normandy Beach  in Jensen Beach

•  Pepper Park Beachside , 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce,

•  Walton Rocks Beach , which has a dog park, 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

•  Waveland Beach , 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

•  House of Refuge and beach , 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart

•  State Road A1A causeway in Stuart

Rick Neale  is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories,  click here .) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or  [email protected] . Twitter/X:  @RickNeale1

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .