Guatemala Travel Guide

Guatemala is a treasure chest of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural richness. The diverse landscape offers a perfect backdrop for many adventures, from exploring ancient Mayan ruins to trekking in lush jungles and relaxing in serene lakeside towns.

Here are ten handpicked highlights that encapsulate the enchanting allure of Guatemala.

Tikal National Park

In the heart of Guatemala’s jungle, the archaeological site of Tikal National Park unfolds like a voyage back in time. Tikal, once a powerful city of the ancient Maya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 3,000 structures including temples, palaces, and plazas.

Its majestic pyramids protrude above the rainforest canopy, with Temple IV being the highest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas at 70 meters tall. The site is also a haven for biodiversity, home to howler monkeys, jaguars, and over 300 bird species.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, often simply called Antigua, is a city of rare beauty, outstanding historical significance, and well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture.

Walking its cobblestone streets, you can’t help but be enchanted by the colorfully painted colonial buildings, beautiful courtyards, and stunning vistas of volcanoes looming in the distance. The city’s signature landmark is the ruined church of El Carmen, where local artisans sell traditional handicrafts. For a remarkable sunrise view, hike up the Cerro de la Cruz.

Lake Atitlán

Enveloped by steep, verdant hills and three dramatic volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is mesmerizing. Each of the dozen or so towns and villages around the lake has its own distinctive vibe and character.

Visit Santiago Atitlán for its vibrant Maya culture, San Pedro La Laguna for hiking opportunities, and San Marcos La Laguna for holistic therapies. The lake itself, the deepest in Central America, is ideal for kayaking and swimming.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey, a hidden gem in the thick jungles of Alta Verapaz, is a natural monument consisting of a 300m limestone bridge under which the Cahabón River passes.

On top, a series of stepped, turquoise pools offer an idyllic setting for a refreshing swim. Trek to the El Mirador viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the site. Nearby, you can also explore the Lanquin Caves, known for their impressive stalactite formations.

Chichicastenango Market

Experience the riotous color and fervor of Chichicastenango Market, the biggest outdoor market in Central America. Known locally as “Chichi”, the market is a testament to Guatemala’s rich and vibrant culture.

Every Thursday and Sunday, indigenous K’iche’ Maya people come from the surrounding hills to sell their goods. This is the place to buy intricate textiles, wooden masks, ceramics, and traditional Maya clothing.

Pacaya Volcano

If you’re in for a thrilling adventure, trek up the Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. A two-hour hike brings you to the lava fields where, with luck, you can see small eruptions or flowing lava.

The surrounding landscapes are surreal and moon-like, often covered in a layer of black ash. Some tours offer a unique experience: roasting marshmallows over volcanic heat!

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, also known by its indigenous name, Xela, is a beautiful blend of Indigenous Maya and Spanish cultures. It’s a city where traditional markets coexist with neo-classical architecture.

Xela’s Parque Central is a great place to start exploring, and don’t miss the ornate Municipal Theatre. Nearby, the Fuentes Georginas hot springs offer a soothing dip amidst a lush mountain landscape.

Rio Dulce and Livingston

Traveling down the Rio Dulce river is a journey of natural beauty, passing bird-rich wetlands, hot springs, and a lake-bound castle, the Castillo de San Felipe.

At the river’s mouth lies Livingston, a town with a distinctly Caribbean feel due to its Garifuna population. Their culture, with unique music, dance, and cuisine, significantly differs from the Maya and Spanish influences seen in the rest of Guatemala.

Flores

The island town of Flores, with its red-roofed houses and cobblestone streets, is charming and picturesque. Sitting on Lake Petén Itzá, it’s connected to the mainland by a causeway.

The town is a gateway to the famous Tikal, but also a destination in its own right with lake activities, local cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Yaxha

Yaxha is the third-largest Mayan site in Guatemala, yet receives far fewer tourists than Tikal. The site, nestled between two lakes, encompasses 500 structures including nine temples and two ball courts.

Climbing to the top of Temple 216 at sunset is a magical experience as the forest canopy turns into a sea of green beneath you, pierced by the tops of distant temples and the shimmering lakes.