guatemala tourism

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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Guatemala Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

The rugged mountains and jungles offer adventurous travelers a chance to get off the beaten path and explore pristine landscapes for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere in the world. And the ruins are underrated and a must-see for history buffs, including the impressive Tikal, an ancient Mayan city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I love this country and have always had an incredible time here. (One of my favorite memories involves camping in Tikal National Park)

In this travel guide to Guatemala, I’ll show you how to make the most of your trip, save money, and stay safe in one of Central America’s most popular destinations!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Guatemala

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Guatemala

1. Visit Lake Atitlán

This spectacular lake is actually a massive volcanic crater. The lake sits 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level and is also one of the deepest lakes in Central America. It should come as no surprise that it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Guatemala. On the northern coast of the lake lies the tourist village of Panajachel, a good base to arrange lake and volcano tours (there are two volcanoes here you can explore, Toliman and San Pedro). The village offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and you can also enjoy restaurants, bars, and nightlife in a rustic lakeside setting here too. Boat tours are available as well.

2. Head to Antigua

Antigua is a picturesque colonial city in a highland valley between three volcanoes. It’s full of colonial Spanish architecture, including cobbled streets, what’s left of the centuries-old San Francisco church, houses, and ruins. There’s a vibrant market with colorful Guatemalan blankets and fabrics as well as lots of crafts and souvenirs. Head to the Plaza Mayor to take in the city’s amazing garden and don’t miss a hike up the Fuego volcano (which is active). There are two routes to choose from: La Soledad and the super high, extremely steep Alotenango Route. Conversely, you can hike the difficult (yet super popular) Acatenango volcano, which offers well-earned views of Fuego spitting lava, fire, and ash into the air. The best time for these hikes is during the dry season from the end of November to early April.

3. Explore Tikal National Park

Tikal is home to the most popular Mayan ruins in the country . Located in Petén Province in the north of Guatemala, this enormous national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans nearly 600 square meters (6,500 square feet), housing centuries of Mayan history and archeology covered in lush vegetation. It is famous for rare animals like pumas, toucans, snakes, monkeys, and many species of birds. Arrive early and stay late as the park empties out in the afternoon when tour groups leave. I also recommend sleeping over in the park to catch the sunrise. You will need to pay extra for a guided tour if you want to see the sunrise or sunset. Ticket prices vary depending on if you buy day tickets, sunrise tickets, or sunset tickets. Admission is 150 GTQ for day hiking before sunset. You can reach Tikal from Flores by shuttle bus or even from neighboring Belize .

4.Visit Semuc Champey

This natural attraction outside the town of Lanquin near Coban consists of 300 meters (984 feet) of limestone bridges over the Cahabòn River that form natural lagoon-like pools. Take a candlelit tour through the Kamba caves, go tubing down the Cahabòn, or swim in the turquoise pools along the bridge. Keep in mind that the caves can only be visited with a guide. It’s possible to get here with local transport, private shuttles, or on a day trip. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. To avoid getting rained on or risk that the area is flooded, visit during the dry season (December-April). Day trips cost 250-300 GTQ.

5. Explore the Chichicastenango Market

Most people who come to Guatemala visit Chichicastenango, the largest indigenous market in North America. Every Thursday and Sunday, thousands of Quiché Mayans come to town to buy and sell handicrafts, flowers, poetry, trinkets, pottery, and colorful textiles. There are plenty of places to eat tasty street food and buy local fruits and veggies, try fresh juices or Guatemalan coffee, and buy delicious handmade tortillas. Don’t forget to bring smaller bills and remember to bargain for the things you buy. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Other Things to See and Do in Guatemala

1. visit the national museum of archaeology and ethnology.

Located in Guatemala City, this museum houses the many artifacts uncovered from the Mayan archaeological sites around the country. Created in 1898, the museum holds over 20,000 items and artifacts and is a good place to visit so you can learn more about the Mayan culture. Admission is 60 GTQ.

2. See the Yaxha ruins

If Tikal is too touristy for you, consider the more secluded Yaxha ruins. Like Tikal, Yaxha is a massive Mesoamerican archaeological site. Located in the northeast, it was the third-largest Mayan city in the region. Home to several huge stone pyramids, the site was “discovered” in 1904 and dates to 250-600 CE. Spend a few hours looking at ancient drawings and intricately carved hieroglyphs. Admission is 80 GTQ.

3. Explore Quirigua

The archaeological site of Quirigua, located in the southeastern corner of the country near the border with Honduras, contains the largest stelae (upright stone columns covered in drawings or carved into shapes) ever discovered in the Mayan world. Nine stelae are arranged around a central plaza, accompanied by altars carved into zoomorphic shapes that date from the 2nd-8th centuries CE. Although the stelae are unrestored, they are a magnificent sight; the largest of these is a whopping 25 feet tall! Admission is 80 GTQ.

4. Hike the Volcán de Pacaya

This active volcano frequently erupts ash clouds over Antigua, however, it makes for a fun day hike (don’t worry, it’s safe). The trail is relatively easy (it’s not that steep) and takes around two hours to hike, giving you lots of time to admire the view before you actually get a chance to peer into the volcano’s cone. Pacaya can only be accessed with an authorized guide so you will need to book a tour. Be aware the cheap tours often just offer transportation and a Spanish-speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish you will need to ask for an English-speaking guide. Guided hikes start at 250 GTQ . Some of the tours also include a visit to a thermal spa where you can soak in the naturally warm waters as well as a chance to roast marshmallows over the volcano.

5. Wander Flores

A small island, Flores sits on Lake Peten Itza, a large lake in the north and the second-largest lake in the country. A narrow man-made causeway connects the island to the mainland and the region is perfect for hiking, swimming, and spotting wildlife. From here, you’re just a short drive away from some of the most untamed jungles in the country (it makes for a good base for exploring the nearby jungles). It’s also close to the ruins at Tikal.

6. Visit the ruins at El Mirador

El Mirador is one of the most undiscovered Mayan sites in Guatemala. Located near the border with Mexico in the northeast, the majority of its complexes lie in the depths of the jungle and remain relatively inaccessible to tourists. It’s the largest of all the Mayan ruins, rivaling even the pyramids in Egypt in size. Though discovered in 1926, researchers didn’t start studying it until 2003! Multi-day tours cost around 2,300-3,100 GTQ since it’s so remote.

7. Explore Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce is a gorgeous river and popular backpacker destination in eastern Guatemala. Two towns, El Relleno and Fronteras, lie on either side of the river and are connected by one of the largest bridges in Central America. The area is famous for its trekking and water activities, including the Finca Paraiso hike, which leads to a hot spring and a waterfall. The Quiriguá ruins (mentioned above) are also nearby and worth a visit.

8. Visit the Antigua Market

This sprawling market is colorful and somewhat chaotic. It’s open-air and filled with everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and poultry to fake DVDs and knock-off jeans. Come here to buy souvenirs, people watch, and take in the bustling chaos!

9. Relax at Monterrico

This is the most popular beach in the country. Located close to Guatemala City and Antigua, this laid-back beach town is a relaxing place to catch some sun and hit the waves. Between June-December, you can also see giant leatherback, green sea, and smaller olive ridley turtles. There are also lots of tours of the nearby mangroves.

10. Hike Acatenango

Located near Antigua, Acatenango is a stratovolcano standing almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). It’s the third-highest volcano in Central America and last erupted in 1972. It offers a strenuous 7-8-hour hike up to a campsite, where you camp overnight before summiting to watch the sunrise. Overnight hiking tours cost around 600-800 GTQ and include cold-weather gear, an English-speaking guide, and park admission.

11. Watch the sunrise from Indian Nose

The sunrise from the Indian Nose volcano is quite possibly one of the most magical sunrises you will ever experience. Located next to Lake Atitlan, you’ll get to look out across the water and the magnificent volcanoes before you (including the Atitlán and San Pedro volcanoes). You can do this hike alone but it is difficult finding the path in the dark so it is much better to go with a guide. Expect to pay around 465 GTQ.

12. Learn to surf

Guatemala isn’t known for its beaches but the small coastal town of El Paredon is a well-kept secret where you can hit the waves. The black sand beach is beautiful and the surf is great. A board rental is around 100-125 GTQ per day and surf lessons cost around 120 GTQ for a private class, including a board.

Guatemala Travel Costs

Budget hotels are plentiful in Guatemala and rooms cost as little as 235-250 GTQ for a double or twin bed with basic amenities. For a mid-range hotel with free breakfast, expect to pay closer to 500 GTQ

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 200 GTQ per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 300 GTQ per night though they average closer to 800 GTQ. Book early to find the best deals.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is not common and not recommended. You can camp in the parks of El Paredon and Tikal though. Camping there costs around 50 GTQ per night.

Food – Guatemalan cuisine leans heavily on traditional Mayan foods with a strong influence from Spain (the Spanish arrived here in 1524). Traditional foods use a lot of corn, chilies, avocados, and beans. Popular dishes include tamales, seafood soup, and meat stews (usually chicken or beef), which are readily available and usually quite affordable. Gallo en perro (spicy stew), tapado (seafood soup with green plantain and coconut milk), and fried rice are other popular dishes.

If you’re on a budget, you can get a large meal of beans, rice, corn, and meat for around 40 GTQ from a comedor (local eateries that usually offer large portions). Another local favorite is a tortilla with beans and eggs with sour cream and fried plantain on the side, which usually cost the equivalent of just a couple of dollars.

Lunch is the main meal of the day here, and many restaurants offer affordable set menus. These usually include soup and grilled meat.

Pre-made plates of food (usually chicken or beef, rice, and tortillas) are often sold on the buses during stops for about 25-30 GTQ. Street food, like hot dogs or tamales, can be found for less than 15 GTQ.

A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant with a drink costs around 250 GTQ. Mexican-style dishes like tacos or enchiladas are a popular evening choice (since dinner is usually a lighter meal).

Fast food like McDonald’s costs around 45 GTQ for a combo meal. For a meal at a Western restaurant (think burger and fries or pizza), expect to pay at least 100 GTQ.

A beer costs 15 GTQ, bottled water is 6 GTQ, and a cappuccino/latte costs around 19 GTQ.

If you plan on buying your own groceries, expect to pay around 200 GTQ per week for staples like vegetables, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Guatemala Suggested Budgets

As a budget backpacker in Guatemala, expect to pay around 250 GTQ per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, sticking to free activities (like hiking and the beach), limiting your drinking, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 650 GTQ, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, use taxis here and there, and visit more attractions such as museums or ruins.

On a “luxury” budget of 1,750 GTQ per day, you can stay in a hotel, take taxis everywhere, book higher-end tours (including private tours and day tours), and eat out every meal at nicer restaurants. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GTQ.

Guatemala Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It’s easy to save money while traveling in Guatemala since the country isn’t that expensive. However, a good budget traveler always looks for ways to maximize value. Here are some of the best ways to save money in Guatemala:

• Take a free walking tour – In some of the larger cities (like Antigua) you can find free walking tours. They’re the best way to get introduced to a new destination. Freetour.com has options you can choose from. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only will you save some money, but you’ll get firsthand knowledge from a local!
• Visit the Mercado – Although eating out is cheap in Guatemala, it makes sense to shop at the markets for your food to take on day trips or to prepare at your hostel. Fruit costs mere pennies and everything is always fresh.
• Eat street food – The local street food is the cheapest food you can eat — and the tastiest. Stick to street food when it comes to eating out.
• Avoid flying – Bus rides are longer, but if you are trying to see the country on a budget you shouldn’t fly. An hour-long flight can cost hundreds of dollars. Avoid flying as much as possible!
• Avoid drinking – Sure, the beer here is cheap but a couple of beers every day will add up. Watch your drinking to keep your budget intact!

Where to Stay in Guatemala

Guatemala has plenty of hostels in all the major cities. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• Maya Papaya (Antigua)
• Barbara’s Boutique Hostel (Antigua)
• La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan)
• Casa de Grethel (Flores)
• Hostal Los Lagos (Guatemala City)
• Hostal Guatefriends (Guatemala City)

How to Get Around Guatemala

Public transportation – The main method of transportation in Guatemala is las camionetas (“chicken buses”). They are old school buses from North America and are the most inexpensive way to get around. Expect to pay around 10 GTQ for a 1-2 hour journey. Shorter journeys can cost as little as 5 GTQ.

If you are traveling between places like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, shuttle buses are the most common form of transport for backpackers. Travel between Antigua and Guatemala City costs around 150 GTQ on a shuttle bus. On a chicken bus, it costs considerably less.

Train – There are no trains in Guatemala.

Bus – Because of the poor condition of the roads in Guatemala large coach buses aren’t available on many routes. You can find night buses between Guatemala City and Flores to take you to countries like Mexico , Belize , and Nicaragua . For most other places, you have to rely on shuttle buses.

You have two options for booking: asking in your hostel to call and book for you and pay in cash, or booking online through guatego.com. Unfortunately, websites like Busbud don’t operate in Guatemala as their transport infrastructure is still developing.

Keep in mind the shuttles are pretty basic. Most don’t have working AC and are not very spacious. Plan for delays as well.

Flying – There are regular flights from Guatemala City to Flores, usually costing around 1,000-1,400 GTQ per person for the one-hour flight. If you are short on time and have plenty of money to spend, I suggest flying. But for most travelers, the bus is the best option.

Car rental – Renting a car costs around 175 GTQ per day. Do take care if you decide to drive in Guatemala as the roads aren’t the best and landslides are common during the rainy season (which can often result in both accidents and road closures). Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) — you’ll need one for any car rental.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Guatemala

Guatemala is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year because of its spring-like climate. As many places are at altitude, you can expect cool mornings and evenings and warm days. Expect temperatures to sit between 18-28°C (65-82°F).

Many choose to avoid Guatemala during the rainy season (May-September) as the rain can be a bit disruptive, especially if you want to do things like hiking. That said, it is during these months that Guatemala is at its most beautiful as the country turns green and the flowers bloom. Prices also drop significantly during the rainy season.

To beat the crowds, visit in the shoulder season (the start or end of the rainy season). You’ll see fewer people and things will be a little cheaper. The weather won’t be perfect but it will still be sunny and warm most days so you’ll still be able to hike.

How to Stay Safe in Guatemala

While Guatemala is generally safe, there’s no denying that certain precautions should be taken as there is a lot of petty crime (and other safety issues) in the country. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night and in big cities. Keep your personal belongings on you while using public transit (especially chicken buses) and night buses.

Additionally, don’t wear flashy jewelry or leave your valuables out in the open. Petty theft is common here so you must be vigilant.

Violent attacks against tourists are rare. Most of the time it’s because the tourist was involved in something drug-related or was where they shouldn’t be at night.

Scams are common in the larger cities so be wary of any overly friendly strangers. You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Whenever possible, share a taxi with friends and avoid walking around alone just to be safe.

Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes so volcanic activity isn’t uncommon. Be sure to check for warnings before you embark on any hikes/activities (especially ones on or around volcanoes).

Additionally, due to its political instability, protests and demonstrations are common. If one is occurring near you, simply head back to your accommodation and avoid taking part.

If you experience an emergency, dial 110 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Guatemala Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Guatemala Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Central America and continue planning your trip:

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 Pre-Columbian
• 4.1.2 Colonial era
• 4.1.3 Post-independence
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Visitor information
• 5.1 Entry requirements
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.5 By boat
• 6.2 By plane
• 8.1 Volcanoes
• 10.2 Shopping
• 17.2 Corruption
• 17.3 Miscellaneous
• 18 Stay healthy
• 19.1 Photography
• 20.1.1 Mobile internet access

Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the extended mixing of elements from Spain and the Maya people who are native to Central America . This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites. Guatemala is very tough land—you can experience volcanic activity, seismic activity (earthquakes, mudslides), and hurricanes.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 14.609861 -90.52525 1 Guatemala City — Capital and largest city with many amenities
• 14.5575 -90.733333 2 Antigua Guatemala — Colonial Spanish capital of Central America, a World Heritage site, and the most popular among tourists
• 16.933333 -89.883333 3 Flores — Island city capital of Petén, good starting point to access Mayan ruins of Tikal .
• 17.066667 -89.15 4 Melchor de Mencos — Border city which is the main crossing point to Belize
• 14.736051 -91.15584 5 Panajachel — Gateway to Lake Atitlán , a beautiful and busy tourist area
• 15.73 -88.6 6 Puerto Barrios — Caribbean seaport with speedboats to and from Belize
• 13.933333 -90.816667 7 Puerto San José — Pacific seaport
• 14.833333 -91.516667 8 Quetzaltenango — Second largest city, in the western highlands. Commonly called "Xela".
• 16.516667 -90.183333 9 Sayaxché — River gateway in Petén

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 16.411944 -90.188333 1 Aguateca — visit some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala, where you're more likely to encounter archaeologists than tourists
• 17.75505 -89.920431 2 El Mirador — still being uncovered, the adventurous few who visit this massive early Maya site will discover a cradle of Mayan civilization
• 14.7358 -90.9962 3 Iximché — these Mayan ruins in the Central Highlands are an easy day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua
• 14.7 -91.2 4 Lake Atitlán — a stunningly beautiful volcanic lake surrounded by picturesque Mayan villages, visitors may find themselves staying longer than anticipated
• 13.892802 -90.481247 5 Monterrico — located on the Pacific coast, Monterrico is known for its volcanic black sand beaches and annual influx of sea turtles
• 17.18 -89.36 6 Nakúm — an impressive Classic Maya site
• 15.533333 -89.961111 8 Semuc Champey — a swimmers paradise; this series of stepped, turquoise pools is perfectly situated atop a natural limestone bridge
• 17.222094 -89.623614 9 Tikal — long considered the largest of Maya ruins, this impressive site is often the reason folks choose to add Guatemala to their itineraries

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ], pre-columbian [ edit ].

The first evidence of human settlers in Guatemala goes back to at least 12,000 BC. Sites dating back to 6500 BC have been found in Quiché in the Central Highlands and Sipacate, Escuintla on the central Pacific coast . Archaeologists divide the pre-Columbian history of Mesoamerica into the Pre-Classic period (2000 BC to 250 AD).

El Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. The El Tigre and Monos pyramids each have a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America.

The Classic period of Mesoamerican civilization corresponds to the height of the Maya civilization, and is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén in the Northern Lowlands . This period is characterized by heavy city-building, the development of independent city-states, and contact with other Mesoamerican cultures. This lasted until around 900 AD, when the Classic Maya civilization collapsed. The Maya abandoned many of the cities of the central lowlands or were killed off by a drought-induced famine. The Post-Classic period is represented by regional kingdoms such as the Itza' and Ko'woj in the lakes area in Petén, and the Mam, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Tz'utujil, Poqomchi', Q'eqchi' and Ch'orti' in the Highlands. These cities preserved many aspects of Mayan culture, but would never equal the size or power of the Classic cities.

Colonial era [ edit ]

After arriving in what was named the New World, the Spanish mounted several expeditions to Guatemala, beginning in 1519. Before long, Spanish contact resulted in an epidemic that devastated native populations. During the colonial period, Guatemala was an Audiencia and a Captaincy General of Spain, and a part of New Spain (Mexico). It extended from the modern Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas to Costa Rica . This region was not as rich in minerals (gold and silver) as Mexico and Peru, and was therefore not considered to be as important. Its main products were sugarcane, cocoa, blue añil dye, red dye from cochineal insects, and precious woods used in artwork for churches and palaces in Spain.

Post-independence [ edit ]

On September 15, 1821, the Captaincy-general of Guatemala (formed by Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras) proclaimed its independence from Spain and its incorporation into the Mexican Empire, which was dissolved two years later. After the collapse of the first Mexican Empire Guatemala formed part of the short-lived United Provinces of Central America. Guatemala's "Liberal Revolution" came in 1871 under the leadership of Justo Rufino Barrios, who worked to modernize the country, improve trade, and introduce new crops and manufacturing. During this era coffee became an important crop for Guatemala. Barrios had ambitions of reuniting Central America and took the country to war in an unsuccessful attempt to attain this, losing his life on the battlefield in 1885 against forces in El Salvador. From 1898 to 1920, Guatemala was ruled by the dictator Manuel Estrada Cabrera, whose access to the presidency was helped by the United Fruit Company.

On July 4, 1944, Dictator Jorge Ubico Castañeda was forced to resign his office in response to a wave of protests and a general strike, and from then until the end of a murderous civil war in 1996, Guatemala was subject to a series of coups with massive attendant civil rights abuses. State-sponsored murders of students, human rights activists and the ethnic Mayan peoples, gained Guatemala a terrible reputation around the world. In 1999, U.S. President Bill Clinton stated that the United States was wrong to have provided support to Guatemalan military forces that took part in the brutal civilian killings.

Since the peace accords in 1996, Guatemala has witnessed successive democratic elections.

Climate [ edit ]

Guatemala's climate is diverse and varies according to the country's geography. In the lowlands, the climate is tropical and hot, with afternoon thunderstorms that usually reduce the heat a little. In Puerto Barrios , on the Caribbean coast, average temperatures range from 20.1 °C (68.3 °F) in January to 29.5 °C in March, reaching 3,075 mm (121.1 inches) of rain per year. In the mountains, the climate is generally slightly cooler and tends to be less rainy, reaching just 802.1 mm (31.59 inches) in Quetzaltenango . In Guatemala City , the average maximum temperatures is 27 ºC (80.6 ºF) in the months of April and May and lows of 13.2 ºC (55.8 ºF) in January and 2.3 ºC (36.1 ºF) in Quetzaltenango. In the highlands, the rainy season runs from May to October. Due to Guatemala's location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country is vulnerable to hurricanes.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Guatemala website

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

The following nationalities do not need a visa to visit Guatemala: Andorra , Argentina , Australia , Austria , Belgium , Belize , Brazil , Canada , Costa Rica , Chile , Czech Republic , Denmark , El Salvador , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Honduras , Ireland , Israel , Italy , Japan , Liechtenstein , Luxembourg , Malaysia , Mexico , Monaco , Netherlands , New Zealand , Nicaragua , Norway , Panama , Paraguay , Portugal , Russia , Singapore , South Korea , Spain , San Marino , Sweden , Switzerland , Taiwan , United States , United Kingdom , Vatican City , Venezuela .

Valid passports are required of everyone except citizens of the following Central American countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador. There is a treaty of free movement between those countries, similar to the Schengen agreement in Europe.

Proof of onward travel is often required by airlines however rarely checked by officials to gain a visa when flying into Guatemala.

By plane [ edit ]

Guatemala's main airport, La Aurora International Airport ( GUA  IATA ), is in Guatemala City . International flights arrive mostly from the other Central American countries, United States, Mexico, Colombia and Spain. The airport is a glass-and-concrete edifice with modern shops and duty-free shops that you might expect in any large city. Food options may be somewhat still limited, however. American Airlines, Avianca, Copa, Delta, and United all offer service to Guatemala, albeit at high prices. Iberia also serves Guatemala City.

Guatemala's secondary airport is situated in Flores ( FRS  IATA ), Petén. This small airport receives flights from Guatemala City and neighboring Belize.

By car [ edit ]

From Mexico , Honduras and El Salvador access is via the Pan-American Highway. Road access is also possible with more difficulty from Belize .

By bus [ edit ]

• From Belize . Multiple companies have express buses from Belize City to Flores (Guatemala) , passing through San Ignacio and Xunantunich, with connections to Guatemala City . A cheaper alternative is a local Belizean bus to the border town of Benque Viejo, a taxi to the border and onward from Melchor de Mencos to Flores by colectivo, or taxi to Tikal.

There are several bus companies connecting Guatemala to neighboring countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Belize. Some of the companies continue onwards towards through the rest of the Central American isthmus towards Panama via San Jose and Managua from San Salvador and Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula. International buses are usually first class pullman services in newer Marcopolo, Mercedes or Volvo type of coaches and operate on limited schedules (usually early morning departures) with limited number of stops. Except Adrenalina Tours and Grupo ADO addresses given are in Guatemala City:

• Grupo ADO and OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colon) ( Autobuses De Oriente (ADO) ), toll-free: +1800-009-9090 (MX) . Grupo ADO & OCC buses do not go into Guatemala from Mexico but they do provide onward connections to Mexico City, Cristobal Colon, Comitan and other places in Mexico from the Mexican side of the border. The nearest ADO/OCC bus stations from Guatemala are in Tapachula, Ciudad Cuauhtemoc and Palenque. There are also various travel agencies in Antigua, Panajachel and San Cristobal de las Casas that sell tickets for various shuttle companies for connections between Mexico and Guatemala in smaller mini-vans or mini-buses. Passengers usually transfer buses/vans at the border. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Adrenalina Tours , 2a Calle Poniente, Casa No, 3, Antigua Guatemala 03001 , ☏ +502 5308-5532 . Operates shuttles between the popular tourist spots within Guatemala and to San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico; Leon, Nicaragua; Tunco, El Salvador; and La Ceiba, Honduras from Antigua. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• Comfort Lines , 4 Ave 13-60 Zona 10 , ☏ +502 2501-1000 . Operates mainly between the Guatemala city and San Salvador.  
• Fuentes Del Norte (FDN) , 17 Calle 8a. y 9a. Avenidas 8-46 Zona 1 , ☏ +502 7497-7070 , +502 7497-1786 . Connect Santa Elena to Belize City via Melchor de Mencos and from Guatemala City to San Salvador and San Pedro Sula. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Hedman Alas , 2a Ave 8-73 Zona 10 , ☏ +502 2362-5072 . Once daily departures to Tegucigalpa via Copan Ruinas, Tela, San Pedro Sula. Onward shuttle connections to Antigua for arrivals from Honduras. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• Linea Dorada , 16 Calle 10-03 Zona 1 , ☏ +502 2415-8900 . Goes up to the Mexican border in La Mesilla. There are taxis and tuk tuks from La Mesilla to the OCC and Mexican immigration in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc ( updated Jun 2018 )
• Platinum Centroamerica ( King Quality ), 4 Ave 13-60 Zona 10 , ☏ +502 2501-1000 . Serves Guatemala City, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and Managua.  
• Pullmantur , 1a Avenida 13-22 Zona 10 ( Hotel Holiday Inn ), ☏ +502 2495-7000 . Operates buses between Guatemala City, Tegucigalpa and San Salvador.  
• Ticabus ( Transportes Internationales Centromaericanos ), Calzada Aguilar Batres, 22-55 Zona 12 , ☏ +502 2473-3737 . departs 06:00 and 14:00 . Major central bus company operating buses across the Central American isthmus between Panama City and Managua. From Managua one route goes to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula in Honduras while another continues along the Pan American Hwy to San Salvador, Guatemala City and Tapachula in Mexico. They also have another north-south route connecting El Salvador to Honduras. .  
• Trans Galgos Inter. , 7a Avenida 19-44 Zona 1 , ☏ +503 2232-3661 , +503 2220-6018 , +503 2230-5058 . departs 13:00 . International services to Tapachula from Guatemala City via Retalhuleau and Coatepeque on one route and twice daily to San Salvador on another. They also operate a third domestic route to Quetzaltenango from Guatemala City. US$17 .  
• Transportes del Sol , Avenida las Américas, adentro del Hotel Las Américas, zona 13 ( Inside the Hotel Las Americas in Zona 13 ), ☏ +502 2422 5000 , +502 4147 3104 . Office hours M-F 08:00-18:00 and Sa-Su 08:00-16:00 . Serves Guatemala City, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, and Managua. US$28 (one-way) .  

By boat [ edit ]

There are several ferries to and from Puerto Barrios and Livingston , and Punta Gorda , Belize .

Get around [ edit ]

If traveling by bus, there are two classes of buses. The pullman (first class) buses ( pullman, expreso, especiales, primera clase ), if available, are usually direct routes and are the best option for most. These buses vary in the quality of vehicles. They range from the older MC coaches (older Greyhound buses from the U.S.) to the newer single or double deck Marcopolo or Volvo coaches and anything similar in between. They are comfortable, have washrooms/toilets and will generally show movies, which may or may not be in English with Spanish subtitles (or vice versa) with reserved seating. Others may even offer a drink and a little snack. They may make limited scheduled stops ( semi-directo ) at specific places en route otherwise they make no stops en-route. They operate on limited schedules and usually from their own offices or terminals rather than from a central bus station in the cities they serve. The first class pullmans are more common on the route between Guatemala City and Flores and on to neighboring countries but also from Guatemala City to Coban, Huehuetenango, Chiquimula and Quetzaltenango (Xelaju) as well.

The most common option are the second class buses ( chicken bus, camionetas, autobuses de parrillas, polleros, mini-bus, microbus ); the more ubiquitous are the decommissioned U.S. school buses painted in all sorts of funky colors and patterns. Other second class buses exist in a Toyota Coaster mini-bus, a smaller Toyota "HiAce" van (referred to as " microbus " or " minibus ") or a pick up truck ( picop ) or some similar type of vehicle that functions the same way as the " chicken bus ". Second class bus routes are more frequent and reach more places for a cheaper fare than first class pullman but they also take considerably longer to travel over longer distances (such as from Todo los Santos to Guatemala City) with multiple stops and maybe multiple transfers. They are the most common way for most to travel in and they get crowded with everything and everyone crammed in. Large cargo and luggage usually get placed on and tied to the roof, including live chickens going to market, hence the term " chicken bus ". To a visitor riding along, the bus may appear to be full but to the driver and his ayudante (helper or conductor) there's always room for another person even if the space is just a sliver between two people. If it's physically impossible to squeeze on more people there's always room up on the roof or cling on from the outside as the bus barrels down the road. The chicken buses operate from a central bus terminal ( Terminal de Autobuses ) which usually is nothing more than open lot next to an informal market with no ticket offices. You just walk into the lot, hop on and grab a seat. Once the bus is underway and start picking up others along the streets an ayudante will eventually come around to collect the fares (usually Q10 per hour) and he's usually very good at knowing who paid and giving change, which may not come right away. Check with fellow passengers on what the fare is to a particular destination as it may be more or less than Q10.

Robberies of the buses are frequent along the highway in the countryside and in the capital itself. Usually several people, one or more in the front, middle and back of the bus get up, take out their guns and announce a robbery or simply a group of people -or even children- surround you and demand your possessions from you. Sometimes this is part of the regular routine of the bus drivers, sometimes even the drivers organize these robberies.

A third option many travelers opt for is the tourist shuttle which costs 5 to 15x more than buses but they are more comfortable to ride in and quicker in getting there. They can be in a Toyota HiAce van, a larger Toyota Coaster minibus or some similar type of vehicle. They can make scheduled stops for bathroom and eating breaks at a restaurant en route but otherwise they run non-stop. They typically connect between different popular tourist destinations such as Antigua, Guatemala City, La Aurora Airport, Panajachel, Chichicastenango (on market days), Lanquin, San Cristobal de las Casas, Ruinas de Copan, etc. Tickets on these are available at the travel agencies in the tourist towns they serve. Pick-up and drop off may be at a their office where everybody meet at or is pre-arranged for pick-up and drop off at hotels and hostels.

See the By bus under Get in in the above and in the Guatemala City article for a list of available bus companies.

Regular domestic flights only operate between Guatemala City GUA  IATA and Flores FRS  IATA on Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG) and Avianca (formerly Taca Regional and Aviateca). TAG also offer flights from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios.

Road safety is poor, especially on highways. Roads are in relatively poor condition, except for main roads. During the rainy season, the condition of roads deteriorates considerably.

Driving at night should be avoided. When driving, doors should be locked and windows closed.

Buses and cars are also being robbed on busy main roads in the middle of the day. Criminals posing as police officers have also committed robberies and rapes.

Guatemalan Traffic Police [dead link] (in Spanish)

Guatemalan Traffic Police on Facebook (in Spanish)

Talk [ edit ]

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala and is spoken by almost everyone in the main tourist destinations. In villages more off the beaten track, most people may only speak a Maya language, perhaps with some broken Spanish. Doctors, teachers, lawyers, police and other professionals in such areas will speak Spanish.

The local vernacular is Guatemalan Spanish , which has extensive loanwords from Mayan languages and has different grammatical rules. The most familiar form of Spanish spoken among good friends is the "tú" and "vos" form, but varies between regions. It is considered rude and very informal if used with someone that you do not know. As a tourist, it is safer to stick with the "usted" form. However, don't be surprised if some homestay families and some language teachers jump right into using the "tú" or "vos" form. If they do, you may respond in kind.

Over twenty-one indigenous languages are spoken, especially in the rural corners of the country. The most commonly spoken indigenous languages are K'iche' (the second most widely spoken language in the country), Q'eqchi' , and Kaqchikel .

See [ edit ]

Maya ruins are the key attractions in the country and the most notable are El Mirador , perhaps the cradle of Maya civilisation, and Tikal .

Volcanoes [ edit ]

Guatemala has a lot of volcanoes , many of them over 3,000 m high.

• Volcán de Pacaya (2500 m) - this is an active volcano about 30 minutes outside of Antigua . Some days it will not be accessible as the volcano may be too active to observe safely. Bring a jacket since it will be windy and cold at the top (although the ground will feel warm) and wear long pants as the volcanic rock can easily give you a nice cut. Tour guides can be organised from Antigua. Until a significant eruption in late May 2010, you were able to walk right up to see real lava and even roast hot dogs and marshmallows over it. Although trips are still common and travel agencies still boast this possibility with pictures of tourist doing so in the past, this is no longer possible.

If you decide to travel to Pacaya alone the prices are quite reasonable. Approximately Q25 (US$3) entrance to the park. At the entrance to Pacaya National Park you will be required to have a local guide, licensed by the park to take you to the top of the volcano. There are two separate entrances to the park, the first located in the town of El Cedro and the second in the town of San Francisco. The El Cedro route is an easier climb, around 2 hours up & 1 hour down the volcano. The San Fracisco entrance is a few miles further past El Cedro. It's a bit of a steeper climb. The entire park is patrolled by local police and soldiers - it is quite safe. Locals also offer horses to bring you for around Q125 (US$15) which if you're not into hiking is a great alternative. These are offered to you when you begin your ascent. There are washrooms, snacks and drinks available for sale at both entrances as well. Secure parking is available for those traveling without a tour group.

Do [ edit ]

Guatemala is rich in natural beauty and travel opportunities, it's a country that offers so much to those willing to step off the beaten track for a little while.

Antigua Guatemala is often regarded as the travellers' hub, a crumbling, picture-perfect Central American town ringed by volcanoes. From here you can take a hike up Volcano Pacaya, take a bus to the bustling market of Chichicastenango, or sip some coffee in a street-side cafe and watch the world go by.

Lake Atitlan (or Lago de Atitlán) is another frequent stop on any visitors itinerary. A volcano-rimmed lake with plenty of backpacker hostels and Mayan villages that dot the shores.

Flores in Guatemala's wild north is a tourist friendly island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. From here you can take a bus ride to one of the best preserved Mayan ruins in the world, Tikal. Howler monkeys and dense jungle make walking around the ruins an adventure.

• Semuc Champey , Lanquin, near Coban, Alta Verapaz . Semuc Champey is a cascade of turquoise limestone pools created by the river plunging below ground for a stretch before rushing back out through a spectacular waterfall. Definitely worth making the trip to Lanquin for, as are the beautiful lodges that have sprung up from the captivating hilly landscape.  

Rio Dulce The Rio Dulce is a majestic emerald river, sandwiched between Belize & Honduras, which sweeps out to the Caribbean. The Rio Dulce area consists of two towns on either side of one of the largest bridges in Central America, Fronteras & El Relleno. Rio Dulce is a haven for sailors and backpackers, with plenty to do and to see. Finca Paraiso is a hot springs waterfall which is like having a spa day in the jungle; Castillo San Felipe de Lara is a historical fort site and an inexpensive way to spend the afternoon touring the castle and swimming in Lake Izabal. The many species of Birds & Animals (including manatees) makes Rio Dulce a great spot for birdwatchers, animal lovers & fishing fans.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The local currency is the quetzal (Q, ISO code: GTQ ) which is named after the national bird, which has ancient and mythic connotations even today. U.S. dollars are widely accepted and can be exchanged in most small towns. ATMs can be found in the major towns but do not expect to find them in every tourist spot. It is fairly easy to find your self in a town without an ATM or a place to change money.

Do not expect to be able to easily exchange travelers checks to Guatemala. You might find a few places willing to accept checks issued by American Express but all other types are universally turned down. Even major banks in Guatemala City do not accept Visa travelers checks.

It is common to use U.S. dollars in tourist areas. You will most likely have difficulties in changing other currencies than U.S. dollars, but euros are becoming increasingly common.

Coins of Guatemala are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and 1 quetzal. Banknotes of Guatemala are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 quetzales.

Shopping [ edit ]

It is common to bargain for most purchases in the open air market. Though you may be able to bargain in other places, be aware that chain-owned shops have fixed prices (you are no more likely to bargain in a Guatemalan Radio Shack than an American one). These are some characteristically Guatemalan things you might consider buying here:

• Ron Zacapa Centenario — Guatemala's prize-winning rum
• Fabrics and traditional textiles — Traditional Mayan blouses are known as huipiles (whi-peel) and skirts as cortes . Be aware that these are almost always entirely handmade and prices for a high-end huipil may be as high as Q1000.
• Jade — there is large jade working factory in Antigua, but it is course a very stone.
• Coffee — touted as one of the best-tasting varieties in the world
• Cardamom — Guatemala is the largest exporter in the world and Coban is the main centre of this trade.
• Worry dolls — These are tiny, handcrafted dolls made by the indigenous Mayan artisans in the Guatemalan Highlands.

Eat [ edit ]

Typical food:

• Tortillas and tortillas de harina . Maize tortillas are served with most meals.
• Frijoles negros - stewed black beans
• Caldos - beef broths
• Tamales - steam-cooked corn meal, with a variety of fillings, wrapped in banana leaves
• Rice 'n beans (Garifunafood in Puerto Barrios)
• Tapado, ceviche and other fishmeals

A typical breakfast is frijoles and rice with coffee of course.

The type of food really depends on how much you want to spend and what type of place you want to spend it at. You can get almost any type of food at the main tourist locations. In the aldeas (small towns) your choices are mostly limited to those items listed above. Guatemalan food differs from Mexican food in that it is a lot less spicy, and chillies are generally served in a separate dish from the main course to be added as desired, rather than included in the food.

Drink [ edit ]

Popular Guatemalan beers are Gallo (lager, by far the most popular with Guatemalans), Victoria, Brahva (a light pilsner style), Moza (dark bock), Cabro, Monte Carlo (premium), and Dorada. Don't be surprised if you get salt and lemon with your beer. It's a custom to put some salt on the toes of the bottle, and screw out the lemon in the beer. Sometimes it is mixed with V8 vegetable juice, and the concoction is called michelada .

Guatemala produces a number of rums, including the superb Ron Zacapa Centenario which is aged up to 30 years.

Tequila is a very popular drink in Guatemala.

If you order a bottled drink, you will normally get a tissue to clean the bottle. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-type products are available, plus many from local soft drink manufacturers.

Sleep [ edit ]

You will likely find cheap hotels (~US$10-15 a night) in every town or village in Guatemala. In the main tourist areas, there are also many high quality hotels (US$200 a night).

Hostels with shared rooms are available in more than 15 towns and villages throughout the country. Very good rated hostels cost about US$6-15 (March 2022).

Learn [ edit ]

Guatemala is a great place to learn Spanish. The prices are low, and Guatemalan Spanish is considered pleasing. Antigua has the most Spanish schools and is also the most popular place for tourists. But if studying Spanish is your main concern, you might be better off elsewhere, because you can actually go around in Antigua for a whole day without hearing anything but English.

Because of this, many language students head towards Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands , where a wide range of language schools also offer Spanish language courses (some quite inexpensive). Another alternative is San Pedro la Laguna , seated by Lake Atitlan .

Work [ edit ]

There are various volunteering opportunities around the country. If you want to be useful to the local community, it is always a better idea to spend some time understanding what are the real needs of said community, instead of paying to help. If an organization only wants your help if you pay them, then what they really want is your money, not your help. Find a grassroots organization, school or community hall that would like your time and help there instead, or leave a small donation in kind or money.

• Asociacion La Alianza Guatemala welcomes enquiries from potential volunteers who want to help provide care and assistance to, and protect the human rights of, the children and adolescents who live on the streets of Latin America.
• CARE is said to organise volunteer projects in Guatemala.
• Casa Guatemala (in Rio Dulce) Houses, cares for and educates over 250 abused, orphaned or impoverished children from the Rio Dulce and surrounding villages. A low-cost volunteer program working with the Children's Village or helping at one of the local businesses which supports the Orphanage is available. Spanish classes are also available. Please visit the website for an application.
• Entremundos is a registered non-profit organization that hosts a database of over 100 local opportunities, accessible for free on their website. They also offer various additional personalized volunteer services for a small donation which includes working with their volunteer coordinator to arrange possible opportunities for you. For more info email: [email protected]
• Global Vision International (GVI), run a number of volunteering programs around Guatemala with indigenous communities. They include home stay, Spanish language classes, and other services.
• Mayan Families Mayan Families is a small non-profit organization operating in the Highlands of Guatemala. Based in Panajachel, they operate a variety of programs to support and empower the Maya people of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding areas. The work of Mayan Families is supported completely through donations, which are tax deductible in the U.S.
• Partners In Development (PID) is a non-profit organization that works to help the extreme poor of Guatemala. They build houses for families, provide small business loans, and offer sponsorship programs for children in need
• Proyecto Mosaico Guatemala [dead link] (PMG), will, for a fee of US$270, set you up with an organisation in Guatemala which needs a volunteer. They also can arrange a home stay, Spanish language classes, and other services.
• Safe Passage/Camino Seguro welcomes enquiries from potential volunteers who want to empower the poorest at risk children whose families make their living at Guatemala's garbage dump by creating opportunities for fostering dignity via the power of education.
• Some schools organise social projects as well. See, for example, the Guate Spanish school's entry under Quetzaltenango .

Cope [ edit ]

If traveling from Mexico, be aware that Guatemala does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Because Guatemala is generally to the east of Mexico, this creates the quite unusual situation of turning the clock back instead of forward while traveling eastward. Both southern Mexico and Guatemala are on the same time when Daylight Savings is not in effect.

Newspapers and Magazines for tourists:

• Qué Pasa . Bilingual (English & Spanish) monthly magazine based in La Antigua, with tourism and feature articles, interviews, and calendars of events, cinema, and live music. Print edition is available for free in many places in La Antigua and select locations in Ciudad de Guatemala. Online edition is available at Qué Pasa's website.  
• Revue Magazine , 6a calle poniente No. 2, La Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, Central America . 08:00-17:00 . Guatemala's English-language magazine  
• The EntreMundos . Bilingual magazine about development and human rights issues in Guatemala and Central America, published bimonthly and distributed throughout Quetzaltenango, and other areas.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Guatemala has a reputation for being a dangerous country — a reputation that's not entirely unwarranted, but the average traveller should not be too overly concerned or cautious of their surroundings.

A lot of the crime is drug and gang related, which, to a significant extent, doesn't affect tourists that much. As long as you apply a modicum of common sense and blend in with the locals, your visit will be trouble-free.

Understand that Guatemala is still recovering from a brutal thirty-year civil war and the war has badly impacted Guatemalan society in many ways; many Guatemalans have been pushed into poverty, economic conditions are far from ideal, and the rule of law is still weak. It'll take some time for things to get back to normal.

Crime [ edit ]

Guatemala is one of the most criminalised countries in the world; therefore the crime rate is high . Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Latin America and reports of theft, carjackings, armed robberies, and sexual assault, are depressingly common .

As a visitor, you may instantly attract the attention of Guatemalan criminals because they normally assume that all foreign visitors are "wealthy". To deter the attention of Guatemalan criminals, don't display signs of affluence, don't flash electronic gadgets (cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and the like), and refrain from using electronic gadgets in public. Cell phone theft is the most common crime in Guatemala. Also, it is dangerous to travel at nightime . Doing so significantly increases your risk of being a crime victim.

In the unlikely event you have been threatened by a robber, do not feel tempted to resist or fight back . Cooperate with the robber and give them whatever they want from you. Tourists have been shot and killed for resisting criminals. You should know that many robbers are off-duty police officers.

While it may be tempting to experience a ride on a local bus, refrain from riding on public buses . Buses are routinely targeted by gangs and incidents of armed robbery are not uncommon on public buses. Some countries, such as the United States , forbid their diplomatic staff from using Guatemalan buses.

Express kidnappings are common in Guatemala. As obvious as it may sound, do not hail taxis on the street. Criminal taxi drivers may pick up their associates along the way and force you into doing something you're not comfortable with (e.g. forcing you to withdraw large sums of money from the ATM).

If you must get around a city, only use trusted, pre-arranged modes of transportation. Your hotel can help you out with this. You may also use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo) and Uber.

Do not travel to areas close to Guatemala's borders with Mexico , El Salvador , and Belize . Border areas see high levels of criminal and drug-trafficking activity and passing vehicles are routinely targeted by gangs who take people hostage, rob people at gunpoint, and demand ransom payments. You will immediately stick out like a sore thumb if you're driving a vehicle registered to a foreign country. There's very little law enforcement can do to help out; gangs operating in border areas far too powerful and influential to be dealt with.

Do not go to the most dangerous areas of Guatemala City (zones 3, 6, 12, 18, 19, and 21).

Corruption [ edit ]

Guatemala is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and the problem seems to be getting worse year by year. According to Transparency International, Guatemala is the third most corrupt country in Latin America . The country's rule of law is highly weak and corrupt.

The police are woefully ineffective and they are not to be trusted under any circumstances. Guatemalans themselves distrust the police force and often write them off as inefficient, corrupt, and abusive.

Their response to crimes is severely limited by bureaucracy, inadequate training, corruption, and a lackluster justice system. Don't expect to be taken seriously if you're a crime victim and expect no help if you're not competent in Spanish .

Miscellaneous [ edit ]

One of the best things about Guatemala is the abundance of natural beauty and numerous treks. Some of these are notorious for robberies (Volcan de Agua, trails around Lago de Atitlán, Volcán de Pacaya). Always ask around about the situation before embarking blindly. Inguat, locals, and fellow travelers are safe bets for information. Traveling in groups during daylight sometimes decreases the risk, but not always.

Traffic can be dangerous. You will encounter many one-lane roads (one lane each way) and drivers are apt to swerve back and forth, avoiding potholes and bumps along the way. There are also various multiple lane highways. Traffic in Guatemala City and surrounding metropolitan areas during rush hour is very slow, but general driving everywhere is usually very fast (average speeds of up to 100 km/h (60 mph) in some city roads).

Demonstrations and other forms of political protest frequently turn violent.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Drink only purified water ( Agua Pura Salvavidas is recommended by most of hospitals and hotels ).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control states that malaria risk exists in rural areas at altitudes lower than 1,500 m, with no risk in Antigua or Lake Atitlán. Preventative anti-malarial medication can and should be purchased ahead of visiting malaria-endemic areas.

Dengue fever is endemic throughout Guatemala.

Hepatitis A&B vaccinations are recommended.

Respect [ edit ]

Much of what is considered good manners in Latin and South America is applicable to Guatemala. The various tips found in the respect section of the Latin America article will come in handy when you visit the country.

Address people you don't know in a formal manner (Señor, Señora, Usted), and greet people in the following way:

• day - "buenos dias", "feliz dia"
• night - "feliz noche", "buenas noches"

You'll encounter this in more suburban, rural areas. Native Guatemalans are raised to greet strangers formally.

Photography [ edit ]

Do not take photographs of children and/or women without explicit permission, especially if you're visiting indigenous communities. Doing so would get many Guatemalans to (incorrectly) think that you are either a kidnapper or a rapist. People have been attacked for doing this. In Guatemala, many children have been kidnapped and exploited on the black market, and sexual assault continues to be a heartbreaking social problem in the country.

In major cities, people are somewhat more open towards being photographed, but still, be cautious. If in doubt, always ask and respect the wishes of the person you wish to photograph.

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ]

Internet access is widely available. Even most of the more remote areas have some type of internet access available. Many larger areas also have WiFi. All of the Camperos chicken/pizza restaurants (which are numerous) offer free WiFi, as well as many other restaurants and cafes. Some hotels may also offer computer banks with internet access. Just ask and you eventually will find some sort of free access.

Mobile internet access [ edit ]

Use the local SIM cards (roughly Q25) and the prepaid access plans, which generally come in lots of data and include a number of minutes for domestic (and US) calls. There are only two mobile carriers in Guatemala: Tigo and Claro.

Tigo offers as of March 2022: • 1 week including 3.3GB for Q30 • 15 days including 5GB for Q50 Tigo Website with more options.

Claro has as of March 2022: • 1 week including 4GB for Q30 • 15 days including 6GB for Q50 • 30 days including 4GB for Q50 (without included domestic calls) Claro website [dead link] for other rates.

Here is a table for the settings and activation options for the providers.

Phone [ edit ]

Guatemala's international calling code is 502. There are no area codes. Phone numbers all have eight digits.

The phone system isn't great, but it works. Tourists can call abroad from call centers, where you pay by the minute. It is also easy to purchase a calling card to use at public pay phones. The phones there do not accept money, so to use a public phone on the street you must purchase a telephone card. Typically, the cost is around Q8 for a 10 min call to North America. Cell phones are quite cheap and calling to the U.S. through one can get as low as US$0.08 a min. If you are planning to stay for a while and plan to use the phone, you should consider buying a cheap prepaid phone. Wireless nation-wide internet access for laptops is also available as a service from some companies. Telefónica has good coverage with their PCMCIA EV-DO cards.

Post [ edit ]

The postal system is traditionally not reliable and suspended accepting and delivering of almost all mail starting in 2017. This suspension of mail reportedly ended in April 2019.

As of November 2019, the post office still does not accept international bound mail. The post office does have an arrangement with DHL in which normal sized letters and post cards can be mailed from DHL offices for 20Q (a note from the post office may be required for DHL to honour this price). This mail is handled as regular mail once it leaves the country and is handed off to other countries' post offices.

Go Next [ edit ]

You can cross the land border to Belize , Mexico , El Salvador and Honduras .

Guatemala City has direct low-cost flights to El Salvador , Costa Rica , Mexico and to the United States . (updated March 2022)

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We had an outstanding trip to Guatemala.

Spanning a mountainous slice of Central America immediately south of Mexico, Guatemala is loaded with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal. As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the country is, defined by the legacy of this early civilization.

Guatemala travel facts

Where to go in guatemala, best time to travel to guatemala.

• How to get to Guatemala

How to get around Guatemala

7 best places to visit in guatemala, itineraries for guatemala, accommodation in guatemala, food and drink in guatemala, things to do in guatemala, living and working in guatemala, festivals in guatemala, travel visa requirements for guatemala, guatemala’s best fiestas.

Their rainforest cities were abandoned centuries ago, but Maya people continue to thrive in the Guatemalan highlands , where traditions and religious rituals endure to form the richest and most distinctive indigenous identity in the hemisphere.

Guatemala today is very much a synthesis of Maya and colonial traditions, fused with the influences of twenty-first-century Latin and North American culture. It is still a developing nation, a young democracy with a turbulent and bloody history that’s beset by deep-rooted inequalities.

And yet, despite alarming levels of poverty and unemployment, most Guatemalans are extraordinarily courteous and helpful to travellers, and only too eager to help you catch the right bus or practise your Spanish.

It’s this genuine and profound hospitality combined with the country’s outstanding cultural legacy and astonishing natural beauty that makes Guatemala travel so compelling.

• Language : Spanish (majority of population).
• Official unit of currency : quetzal (GTQ)
• Population : 17.3 million in 2018, with a growth rate of 1.75 percent per annum (one of the highest in the western hemisphere). Ethnically, the population is almost equally divided between indigenous Maya and ladinos (who are mainly of mixed race), although there are tiny numbers of black Garífuna (about eight thousand in all), ethnic Chinese and non-Maya Xinca.
• Tourist numbers : 826,000 in 2000; 2.11 million in 2017.
• Politics : The Republic of Guatemala (capital Guatemala City) is a democratic republic, headed by a president who is head of both state and government. It shares land borders with Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador and comprises of 108,890 square kilometers.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites : Guatemala has three: the city of Antigua, the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua and Tikal National Park.

To travel Guatemala is to experience a country of wonderful contrasts. Take in the colonial beauty of UNESCO-listed Antigua and marvel at the difference to busy, modern Guatemala City.

Get out of the cities and back to nature, along with an insight into Maya culture, in the beautiful and captivating western highlands. Lago de Atitlán is unmissable – think Lake Como with soaring volcanoes – while the Cuchumatanes mountain range offers some excellent walking trails.

East of Guatemala City you’ll find the Oriente and Izabal , where you can cruise down the idyllic Río Dulce and explore its spectacular gorge. It’s also the region to head to for Guatemala’s best beaches. The Pacific coast is not as impressive with its black-sand coast and dangerous undertow, but it’s worth a visit for the lovely seaside town of Monterrico.

Head north to Petén to explore ancient Maya temples and palaces, including Tikal , possibly the most impressive Maya site in all of Latin America.

Indulge in some serious relaxation in the natural bathing pools of Semuc Champey in the Cobán and the Verapaces region, surrounded by lush rainforest.

Discover more places in Guatemala

• Petén Travel Guide
• The western highlands Travel Guide
• Antigua Travel Guide

Guatemala enjoys a warm climate all year round, with temperatures peaking at an average of 32 degrees on the Caribbean coast in April and May. This makes deciding on when to travel to Guatemala a lot easier.

Humidity is determined by altitude: you won’t get hot and bothered in many of the traveller hot spots thanks to their location, including Antigua, Guatemala City and Lago de Atitlán.

There is a rainy season, which runs from May to October, with the worst of the rain falling in September and October. The rain is usually limited to late afternoon downpours, so it needn’t hamper your visit.

Peak season is between December and March and again between July and August, seen as the best time to visit Guatemala in terms of weather, but best to avoid if you want cheaper accommodation.

Here’s the full lowdown on the best time to travel to Guatemala .

There are two international airports in Guatemala. La Aurora International Airport is the biggest and will land you in the capital, Guatemala City. Most flights are routed via US hub cities Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. There are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland, Australasia or South Africa, with most travellers heading via the States.

If you visit Guatemala as part of a bigger Central America trip, a land or boat crossing is a great way to experience more of the region. You’ll find regular bus services from Mexico , El Salvador and Honduras , while a daily boat runs from Belize .

Here’s a bit more about getting to Guatemala , along with a run-down of our favourite tour operators.

Buses are the most common way to travel around Guatemala. Some comfortable coaches run the main routes, while pricey shuttle buses take passengers between the main tourist centres. But for an essential Guatemalan experience, a chicken bus or microbus is the order of the day. Be warned: they are bumpy, busy and fume-filled, but also cheap, convenient and often the only way to get to an off-the-beaten-track destination.

If you can’t face the bus, taxis are available in all the main towns and their rates are pretty low — just make sure you negotiate the fare beforehand. Thai-style tuk-tuks have popped up in a lot of places, if you’re after a cheaper alternative.

There are no passenger trains in Guatemala, and the only internal flight runs from Guatemala City to Flores, gateway to Tikal.

Take a look at our full travel guide to getting around Guatemala .

• Explore the centro histórico in Guatemala City It may be gritty and run-down, but a trip to the capital’s Zona 1 is a rite of passage when you’re in Guatemala City. It houses some impressive, albeit crumbling, nineteenth-century architecture and Parque Central, an imposing plaza that is prime for people watching. The centre is slowly regenerating: walk along pedestrianised streets and stop in some of the new cafes and bars that have sprung up amongst the chaos.
• Trek up Volcán de Pacaya A day-trip from Antigua or Guatemala City, a hike to the top of active volcano Pacaya is an unforgettable experience. One of Central America’s most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky.
• Kick back in Antigua There’s a reason Antigua has become Guatemala’s foremost tourist destination. Wander the beautiful streets, admire the colonial churches and grand houses or relax in one of the many cafes, bars or top-notch restaurants. OK, it could be perceived as a little bourgeois compared to the rest of the country, but aesthetically, it’s like nowhere else in the world. Relax and enjoy.
• Take in Maya ruins and wildlife at Tikal It’s been lauded as the most impressive of all Maya sites, and a visit to Tikal won’t disappoint. Five 60m tall temples dominate the ruins with thousands of other structures around them, many still hidden under mounds of earth and entwined with tree roots. Around the site you’ll find the Parque Nacional Tikal, a protected part of the Reserva de la Biósfera Maya rainforest. Head there are dawn or dusk for the best wildlife spotting opportunities and listen out for the distinct roar of the howler monkeys.
• Bathe in the pools at Semuc Champey The prime attraction in Cobán and the Verapaces, the sublime turquoise pools of Semuc Champey are at the foot of a plunging, jungle-clad river valley. Bring your swimsuit, because this will be the most beautiful bathing spot you’ve ever encountered.
• Kayak the Río Dulce gorge The incomparable Río Dulce gorge is worth taking your time over. Forgo the fast public boat in favour of a slower cruise or, even better, kayak from one of the nearby hotels and explore it at your leisure. If you’re lucky (and an early riser), you might even spot some manatees on a morning paddle.
• Shop ‘til you drop in Chichicastenango Pick up something to help remember your trip to Guatemala at Chichicastenango, a vast twice-weekly market in El Quiché at the heart of the western highlands. It’s on the touristy side, but local people still come here to trade their wares. If you’re after some traditional weaving, be prepared to hunt and haggle for the best quality. For a less touristy market, pay nearby Sololá a visit instead.

Whether you’ve got two weeks or a few months to travel around Guatemala, carefully crafted itineraries will help you make the most of your trip.

Travel ideas 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.

If you’ve got at least a month and want a taste of the cities, Maya culture, natural sites and ancient temples, the Grand Tour is for you. It’s the classic route that aims to give you a flavour of everything that Guatemala has to offer.

Short on time? Don’t try to see it all. Ancient Maya is a jam-packed trip around Petén, Guatemala’s Maya heartland and home to hundreds of ancient sites.

Or you could focus your energy on one diverse region with our Western highlands route, which includes stops at the famous Chichicastenango market and Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Take a look at all our Guatemala itineraries in more detail.

Budget travellers, rejoice: cheap accommodation in Guatemala is plentiful. You should be able to bag a double room for US$15 in any town (Guatemala City will set you back a bit more). Hostels are often run by expats and offer everything even the most discerning backpacker could desire. If you’ve got some cash to splash, it’ll stretch to luxury hotels with impressive colonial decor.

Our guide to accommodation in Guatemala will give you the full lowdown, as well as an option to book hotels and hostels.

You certainly won’t go hungry in Guatemala. The cuisine is a mix of Maya, Latin American and Western traditions, and it’s filling and good value. You’ll find more choice in the touristy spots, where there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

If you’re travelling on a shoestring, or just want a more authentic Guatemalan experience, dine in a comedor — simple eateries that serve big portions of food at inexpensive prices — or head to a street food stall.

Stomach rumbling? Read more about food and drink in Guatemala .

Watch a fútbol game

Guatemalans have a furious appetite for spectator sports and fútbol (soccer) tops the bill. If you get the chance to see a major game it’s a thrilling experience, if only to watch the crowd. The two big local teams, both from Guatemala City, are Municipal and Communications.

Guatemala has great hiking, particularly volcano climbing, which is hard work but almost always worth the effort. There are 37 volcanic peaks; the tallest is Tajumulco in the far west, which at 4220m is a serious undertaking. Pacaya is a fairly easy climb and a dramatic sight. For your personal safety, it’s best to hike in an organised tour group.

There’s excellent ocean and freshwater fishing in Guatemala. The Pacific coast offers exceptional sport-fishing, with some of the best waters in the world for sailfish, as well as dorado, mahi mahi and some blue marlin, jack crevalle, yellow and black tuna, snapper and bonito. The Caribbean side offers excellent opportunities for snook and tarpon. In Petén, the rivers and lakes are packed with sport fish, including snook, tarpon and peacock bass.

Whitewater rafting

Guatemala’s dramatic highland landscape and tumbling rivers provide some excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting. As well as being a thrilling experience, rafting gives you the chance to see some very remote areas and also visit some of the country’s most inaccessible Maya sites.

Caving and tubing

Caving is popular, especially in the area north of Cobán where you can explore great caverns and tube down underground rivers. The northern Alta Verapaz region is the place to head.

Mountain biking

There are terrific mountain bike trails throughout the highlands, with several professional operators organizing trips. Maya Mountain Bike Tours and Old Town Outfitters, both in Antigua, have excellent bikes and tours, staring at about US$35 for a half-day escorted ride. Further west, Atitlán Tours organizes excellent mountain-bike excursions around the crater of Lago de Atitlán.

Two of the best areas for kayakers are the Río Dulce region with its stunning gorge and jungle tributaries, and the sublime shoreline around Lago de Atitlán. Hotels in both these places offer kayaks for rent or contact Los Elementos in Santa Cruz La Laguna for expert advice and guided paddles.

Scuba diving

The seas off Guatemala have little to offer compared with the splendours of the neighbouring Belizean or Honduran coastal waters. Nevertheless, there are some diving possibilities, including Lago de Atitlán.

There is some surfing in Guatemala, but with a strong undertow along much of the Pacific coast, conditions are not ideal. However, there is a growing surf scene at Paredón, near Sipacate, and Iztapa.

If shopping is your thing, visit as many markets as possible, particularly in the highland villages, where the colour and spectacular settings are like nowhere else in Central America.

The large markets of Chichicastenango, Sololá and San Francisco el Alto are all well worth a visit, but equally fascinating are the tiny weekly gatherings in remote villages like San Juan Atitán and Chajul, where the atmosphere is hushed and unhurried.

Guatemalan crafts are known locally as artesanías, and are very much a part of Maya culture. The best place to buy them is in their place of origin, where prices are reasonable and their creators get a greater share of the profit. The most impressive craft has to be textile weaving — each Maya village has its own traditional designs, woven in fantastic patterns and with superbly vivid colours.

Plenty of travellers get seduced by Guatemala’s natural beauty, inexpensive cost of living and the hospitality of its citizens. Many choose to put down roots for a while to study Spanish. Similarly there are myriad opportunities for voluntary workers, and dozens of excellent projects, though little in the way of paid work.

Studying Spanish

Most schools offer a weekly deal that includes four or five hours one-on-one tuition a day, plus full board with a local family. This all-inclusive package works out at between US$120 and US$310 a week (most are in the US$140–180 bracket) depending on the school and location.

The most popular places to study are Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Lago de Atitlán. Beautiful Antigua is undoubtedly an excellent place to base yourself, though the major drawback is that there are so many other students and tourists here that you’ll probably end up spending your evenings speaking English. Quetzaltenango has a different atmosphere, with a stronger Guatemalan character and far fewer tourists, while Lago de Atitlán is popular with younger travellers and has very cheap rates.

Volunteer and paid work

There are dozens of excellent organizations offering voluntary work placements in Guatemala. Medical and health specialists are always desperately needed, though there are always openings in other areas, from work helping to improve the lives of street children to environmental projects and wildlife conservation. Generally, the longer the length of time you can commit to, and the higher your level of Spanish, the more in demand you’ll be. The best place to start a search is on the web (or in Guatemala itself).

As for paid work, teaching English is your best bet, particularly if you have a recognized qualification like TEFL. There are always a few vacancies for staff in the gringo bars of Antigua, and in backpackers’ hostels.

Traditional fiestas are a highlight of a trip to Guatemala and offer a real insight into the culture. Every town and village, however small, devotes at least one day a year to celebration. The main day is normally prescribed by the local saint’s day, though the celebrations often extend a week or two around that date. With a bit of planning you should be able to witness at least one fiesta – most of them are well worth going out of your way for. All share an astonishing energy and an unbounded enthusiasm for drink, dance and fireworks.

Fiesta dances

In Guatemala’s Maya villages, traditional dances form a pivotal part in the fiesta celebrations. They are all heavily imbued with history and symbolism. The most common dance is the Baile de la Conquista, which re-enacts the victory of the Spanish over the Maya, whilst bringing a touch of ridicule.

Fiesta music

Guatemalan music combines many different influences. For fiestas, bands are always shipped in, complete with a crackling PA system and a strutting lead singer.

Traditional Guatemalan music is dominated by the marimba, a type of wooden xylophone that originated in Africa. Marimba orchestras play at every occasion and in the remotest of villages you sometimes hear them practicing well into the night, particularly around market day. Mainstream music reflects modern Latin American sounds, much of it originating in Miami, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Travel advice for Guatemala

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Guatemala

• Eating and drinking in Guatemala
• Getting around Guatemala: Transportation Tips
• Tips and travel advice for Guatemala
• Best time to visit Guatemala
• 5 days in Guatemala — 4 travel itineraries

Before you travel to Guatemala, it’s worth making sure you have up-to-date travel advice. Our guide to Guatemala travel essentials will bring you up to speed on the climate, time difference, recommended vaccinations, location of embassies and consulates, tips on travelling with children and lots more.

Citizens from most western countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most, but not all, EU states) need only a valid passport to enter Guatemala for up to ninety days.

Passport holders from other countries (including some Eastern European nations) qualify for a Guatemalan visa, but have to get one from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate.

Citizens from most developing world nations, including much of Asia and Africa, need to apply for a visa well in advance.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll need a visa, phone an embassy for the latest entry requirements; Guatemala has embassies in all the region’s capitals.

Although there’s no charge to enter or leave the country, border officials at land crossings commonly ask for a small fee (typically US$2.50), which is destined straight for their back pockets. You might try avoiding such payments by asking for un recibo (a receipt); but prepare yourself for a delay at the border.

Top image © SL-Photography/Shutterstock

Almost all addresses are based on the grid system, with avenidas (Av) running in one direction (north to south) and calles east to west, often numbered. All addresses specify the street first, then the block, and end with the zone. For example, the address “Av la Reforma 3–55, Zona 10” means that house is on Avenida la Reforma, between 3 and 4 calles, at no. 55, in Zona 10. In Antigua calles and avenidas are also divided according to their direction from the central plaza – north, south, east or west (norte, sur, oriente and poniente). Diagonales (diagonals) are what you’d expect – a street that runs in an oblique direction.

Easter Week

Semana Santa processions Antigua.

Maximón confronts Christ in Santiago Atitlán.

July 31–August 6

National Fiesta of Folklore, Cobán.

August 12–15

Marimba-playing marathon Nebaj, in the Ixil region.

September 15

Independence Day nationwide, particularly impressive in Guatemala City

Pagan skull-bearing procession San José, Petén.

Kite-flying festival, Santiago, Sacatepéquez and Sumpango.

Drunken horse race, Todos Santos Cuchumatán.

November 26

Garífuna day, Lívingston.

December 21

Maya-style bungy jump in Chichicastenango.

Overshadowing the southern half of the country, a chain of volcanoes extends in an ominous arc from 4220m-high Tajumulco on the Mexican border to the frontier with Honduras. Depending on how you define a volcano – some vulcanologists do not classify lateral cones in the folds of a larger peak to be volcanoes for example – Guatemala has somewhere between 33 and 40. Three of these, Pacaya , Fuego and Santiaguito are highly active, regularly belching soaring plumes of smoke and ash. An ascent up Pacaya rarely fails to disappoint as it’s usually possible to get up close and personal with the orange lava flows, but there are myriad other incredible climbs.

Lago de Atitlán is actually the former caldera of a giant volcano that cataclysmically blew its top some 85,000 years ago. So much magma was expelled that most of the vast cone collapsed, and centuries of rainwater filled the depression, creating today’s lake.

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updated 26.04.2021

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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.

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Where to Visit in Guatemala

Faqs about the best places to visit in guatemala, final thoughts on where to go 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.
• Discover the magic of the ancient city of Tikal on a full day tour that includes a visit to Tikal National Park. Explore ancient archaeological wonders such as the Central Acropolis, various temples, the Great Plaza and other significant sites.

#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!

Discover Guatemala’s vibrant highland culture and breathtaking scenery on a 12-hour excursion from Guatemala City to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan. Begin your journey by exploring the historic architecture and bustling market of Chichicastenango.

• 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 – Where to Visit in Guatemala for 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 where to go 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.

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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Last updated on January 29, 2024 by Shannon

Guatemala ranks as one of my favorite places in the world. I planned to travel Guatemala for three weeks—instead I stayed for nearly three months. There is something uniquely calm and charming about the country. The culture is rich and accessible and the landscape is just gorgeous—perhaps that’s why I fangirl over it so hard.

Guatemala is one of the best spots in Central America for travelers of all types and stripes, and knew I needed to write a complete Guatemala travel guide so others could discover the nuances that make this country so memorable.

If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Central America, you will surely hear about the dangers. As a region, the dangers are both founded and unfounded. There are legitimate safety issues around transportation, specifically, and Central America in general is a place where you don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But in Guatemala, the violence is not as pervasive in the places travelers visit.

Although I heard some stories, I never encountered violence in the two and half months I traveled the country. Instead, I found traveling in Guatemala featured incredibly warm people who are open and happy for the tourism coming to their country. The indigenous Mayan culture is alive and full, and Guatemala is home to the most beautiful natural and Mayan sites in the world.

It’s worth planning to spend several weeks in Guatemala if you’re backpacking the region, or know that you could easily fill a two-week vacation if you’re planning a short trip just to Guatemala. This Guatemala travel guide includes city recommendations for my favorite experiences in the country, as well as a socially responsible section with volunteer recommendations.

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to Guatemala

Many of the most notable sites in the Guatemala mark the height of the Maya civilization. The two most populated Maya cities were located here, El Mirador and Tikal. These sites alone make Guatemala one of the more fascinating and unique Central American destinations.

Guatemala’s history dates back as far as 18,000 BC, and from that time onward the country carved a fascinating path through history. This pre-Columbian history is evident in the range of sights in the northern and central highlands of Guatemala. Many of the most notable sights in the country mark the height of the Maya civilization. In fact, the two most populated Maya cities were located here: El Mirador and Tikal.

Though Tikal is the most famous of the two, this is merely because it’s better excavated and easier to visit. El Mirador is thought to have been the central point of the Maya world. By 900 AD, however, the Maya civilization had collapsed and this gave rise later to the colonial history visibly present throughout Guatemala.

The country’s colonial history contributes a lot to its modern charm. Antigua is picturesque, with cobbled streets and a rainbow of colors staggering across the city’s buildings. Like nearby Mexico , Guatemala was occupied by the Spanish until the early 1800s. It’s at this point that more complicated political history begins.

A series of dictators controlled the country, and civil wars raged in efforts to both keep control, as well as to better unite the Central American nations. In 1996, the bloodiest time in the country’s history came to a close, the Guatemalan Civil War , as peace accords were signed with the help of the United Nations.

Since then, the country has more government stability than before, and many war crimes from the civil war are still being tried in court.

And as was the case throughout the war, and throughout Guatemalan-specific politics, rides the overarching issue of the Central American drug trade. This situation fluctuates as new policies and politics shift and change.

In general, the drug route through Honduras has a small effect on Guatemala too, as this has brought increased crime, but the country has done a better job than neighboring countries in containing the drug violence to isolated areas outside of the main tourist routes.

The additional readings below provide more information on both the regional drug issues, as well as the country’s complicated political history.

Is it Safe to Travel to Guatemala?

Guatemala is one of the least safe areas of Central America, mostly because of the drug routes northward. Importantly, however, this violence is not targeted at tourists —it’s for this reason that most western governments haven’t issued the highest alerts. That being said, it’s significantly safer than nearby Honduras and El Salvador.

How do you maximize your safety in Guatemala? Well, like many places in the region, night travel has higher risk factors. And understand all that it entails to practice safety while traveling —there’s more to it than you think.

Above all, exercise caution and stay on the tourist route. Guatemala is not a place where you want to let your guard down, particularly on a travel day. You would have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time to experience more than petty crime. Anything can happen on the road. I am a firm advocate of travel insurance like IMG Global ; these are my top tips to pick a good travel insurance .

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

Fast Facts About Guatemala Travel

Quetzal (GTQ) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Guatemala’s Primary Airports

La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA), Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores (FRS)

Can You Drink the Water in Guatemala?

No, you cannot drink the water in Guatemala, it’s not safe for travelers. Drink bottled, or consider the merits of carrying a water bottle and using a  SteriPen or LifeStraw on your trip.

How’s the wifi in Guatemala?

Wondering if there is wifi in Guatemala? Oh yes. You can find internet everywhere in Guatemala and it is decent-to-good. You can upload photos and information and could run a virtual business from nearly any Guatemalan city.

Internet cafes abound and your accommodation will offer free wifi. You’ll need a VPN if you plan to access many U.S. sites and to stream U.S. Netflix, and to protect your public browsing at cafes. I’ve used NordVPN since 2016 and it’s never failed me yet.

How to Get a SIM Card in Guatemala?

SIMs are super easy to procure and coverage is widespread. Go with Tigo over the other two. About $20 US will get you a SIM card and a month of data. Full SIM card guide here —this covers all the Guate specifics you might need. You might also need a VPN on your phone— NordVPN works there too.

Getting a Guatemala Visa

American, EU. and British passport holders enter for free and can stay for up to 90 days. Guatemala is a part of the CA-4 agreement , however, so that entry gives you a total of 90s in the four countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Other nationalities can check the visa requirements here .

Where to Learn Spanish

Guatemala may very well be the cheapest country in Central and South America to study Spanish. Even better, the country is well set up for this task.

You have three main options: Xela, San Pedro, and Antigua. Xela is by far the best option, there is very little English spoken around the city and it’s conducive to total immersion.

You’ll find slower progress if you take classes in either of the other touristy spots where you can cheat and easily chat with other Westerners for the bulk of every day.

Food Considerations

Traveling as a vegetarian in Guatemala is, well, boring on occasion. Rice and beans will be a staple of your diet (if you’re a strict vegetarian be aware that some refried beans are off-limits).

It can be tough at times to find quick veggie food so bring your granola bars. Meals are often complemented with plantains and avocado and they will nearly always substitute scrambled eggs for the meat in any dish if you ask! 

Accommodation

Guatemala has an extensive tourism network of guesthouses, homestays, and hostels. The country has rock-bottom budget accommodation as low as $4 per night in some areas.

For backpackers,  Booking.com is perfect for pre-booking hostels; in high season the bigger towns book up fast. Everything can be easily reserved online. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

Festivals of Note

• Semana Santa  takes place most notably in Antigua and occurs in the week before Easter each year (April).
• Dia de los Muertos is celebrated across Guatemala and takes places on and around October 31st (October).

How Much Does Traveling Guatemala Cost?

Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. A mid-range couple’s budget will run about $90 for nicer digs.

When to Visit Guatemala

Year-round is a pretty good time to visit. Dry season is high season and runs from October through April. Wet season usually just has a couple hours of rain each day and is still lovely, particularly because there are fewer people.

Possible Issues

Keep your belongings close, and probably best to ensure you have both travel and gear insurance —I use and recommend IMG Global for most travelers, and SafetyWing for digital nomads or those on a long trip. Be alert and cautious. 

How to Get Around Guatemala

For getting around Guatemala, you’ll likely use a combination of chicken buses (these are retired U.S. school buses transformed into public transport) and shuttle buses.

It’s super easy to book shuttles to and from every city. Bookaway is the easy way to plan and book—you can see each type of transport between the cities you’re visiting and book online. You can also arrange with your guesthouse/hostel.

Keep in mind though: Transportation is the most dangerous aspect of traveling because the drivers hug corners and drive far faster than is safe. If riding on chicken buses, always  keep your purse/daypack on your lap— never put it above you in the buses, nor under your seat.

Your bigger pack may have to go above or below the bus, but it’s worth asking if you can take it on with you. Sometimes they let you shove your big bag under your feet and you can relax a bit more knowing that your pack is safe.

And don’t fall asleep on buses—basically, understand that you will get robbed if it’s easy to do so. This is the same for pickpocketing, walking in dark alleys late at night, etc.

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Guatemala

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Guatemala:

• When the Ground Turns in Its Sleep : This is a beautiful novel that will give you a sense of time, place, and history—all woven together into a compelling narrative that makes it endlessly readable.
• Popol Vuh: The Mayan Book of The Dawn of Life and The Glories of Gods and Kings ( Kindle Edition) : If Maya history is your thing, then this is the definitive guide. It will give you all the backstory you need to fully enjoy the numerous Maya temples you’ll visit while traveling Central America.
• A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya : Descend into the Mayan culture throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala in this travel narrative that dives deep into the regional culture, ancient Mayan beliefs about time, as well as a look at modern Mayan culture.
• Jungle of Stone: The True Story of Two Men, Their Extraordinary Journey, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya : A fascinating tale chronicling the two men who traveled through the Yucatán and Central America in search of the Maya Kingdom, and brought this ancient civilization back to the world.

Guatemala Podcasts and Online Reads:

• Guatemala Travel : The Amateur Traveler Podcast covers Guatemala recently and looks at the highs, the lows, and what it’s like to travel this country right now.
• The Reality in Guatemala : NPR pairs up with a Guatemalan documentary filmmaker to take a close look at the child refugee crisis. It’s a quick listen.
• What Happened At Dos Erres : Understand the complicated relationship between the military and the people in this fascinating episode of This American Life.
• Cracking the Maya Code — NOVA : This PBS program is the best way to watch the history of the Maya unfold, as the NOVA program deep dives into what it took to finally decipher Maya script.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads  and you can read all  my Guatemala travel stories .

Recommended Guidebook

I love the Lonely Planet Guatemala for traveling this part of Central America—the transportation details in the guidebook are super useful.

Socially Responsible Travel in Guatemala

Guatemala has a large indigenous population, particularly in the northern and central highlands. There are a ton of opportunities to immerse in this culture through home-stays or treks. This indigenous culture also means there are unique considerations.

Guatemala has a wide range of socioeconomic levels. You will find wealthier and middle class Guatemalans in Antigua, Guate City, and other parts, and the more rural areas are often marked by stark poverty and high rates of illiteracy.

There is also a rising level of responsible travel awareness. You can find fair-trade businesses in most any sector, as well as ecolodges and socially responsible tour operators. Use these travel tips throughout all regions of Guatemala to ensure you’re the most responsible traveler possible.

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Explore Indigenous Cultures

You’ll want to dress respectfully when visiting rural markets and trekking in remote areas. These cultures are more conservative than the more predominant Hispanic culture in Guatemala and other areas of this region. Also be considerate when taking photos—always ask before taking photos of the locals or of children.

One of the best ways to support these regions of Guatemala is through respectful and responsible tourism. Consider taking a hike and spreading money into the villages, or visiting the fascinating markets (like Chichicastenango) in more remote areas of the country.

Bargain Respectfully

Bargaining is a part of Guatemalan culture, and you will definitely receive a tourist price when you initially ask for the price of an item. But, remember that the small fluctuations in your price make a comparatively huge difference in the lives of those selling you goods and services. Keep your cool, use your Spanish if you have it, and stay friendly.

There are places in the world where the goal is to bilk tourists—Guatemala is not one of them. The prices are often a bit higher than a local would pay, but not obscene. And if you prefer to shop without bargaining, head to a fair-trade cooperative. The textiles (rugs, scarves, jewelry, etc) are priced fairly for all involved and you know your money is funneled responsibly into more rural communities.

Support Local Businesses

Travel and tourism in Guatemala are pretty well developed. Local tour operators can help you do and find most any activity you can imagine. Using local businesses, as opposed to booking things through foreign operators, leaves money behind in the communities. This is an important part of responsible travel.

Some businesses may exaggerate their level of support for some sort of social issue, but even those are still at the very least paying local wages and supporting the local economy. Even more, check through these  Guatemala social enterprises  to find vetted local businesses that support a social mission that makes your money’s impact travel even further.

Volunteer in Guatemala

There are no shortage of volunteering opportunities in Guatemala. This is a mecca of volunteering. Most language schools throughout the country—from Antigua, to Panajachel, to Xela—offer affiliated volunteer opportunities.

There are also amble organizations running separate from the language schools. You can work with everything from agriculture to street children to education. And a lot in between. Start here for researching  volunteer projects in Guatemala .

Maintain a Low Trash Impact

Trekking through the indigenous highlands between Lake Átitlan and Xela is popular—don’t liter, even if the locals do. Your guides should help you dispose of this responsibly, particularly if you are using a sustainable trekking company like Quetzaltrekkers .  And for women, use a menstrual cup for not only easy of travel, but it’s eco-friendly, too.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Best Things to Do in Guatemala

Guatemala is a larger country than you might assume at first glance, and the topography makes for incredibly long travel days between some popular locations. Getting from Flores to Antigua is a loooong travel day if you do it in one shot, for example—it’s through mountainous terrain and covers a lot of mileage. For that reason, many travelers break up the trip with time visiting the waterfalls of Semuc Champey—a real highlight and beauty during Guatemala travels.

Also, as you read through the city guides below, each one shares several of the great social projects and organizations that you can support on your Guatemala travels.

My Favorite Travel Experiences in Guatemala

• Spending several weeks around Easter learning the  life cycle of a Semana Santa carpet .
• Endless days spent wandering the charming streets of Antigua .
• Taking a day trip to  see the red hot lava at Pacaya Volcano .
• Riding a  Guatemalan Chicken Bus .
• Learning how to relax and enjoy the sweet life on the Rio Dulce .

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is the hub of traveling in Guatemala. It’s a mere 45 minutes from Guatemala City, it’s a lot safer. It also has connections everywhere else in Guatemala, as well as all nearby countries. You should never have to stay in Guate City, even for your flight. Antigua is so close and it’s a much safer option than Guate City.

The town is touristy, but I love it. It has gorgeous architecture and it’s a nice pit stop if you get burned out at any point. I spent many weeks here throughout my months in Guate. It has good food, lots of English, and it’s affordable (although a bit pricier than other Guatemalan cities).

What to See and Do

Climb a volcano to see active lava..

Hiking a volcano is the top-billed activity in Antigua, and for just reason—it’s neat. It can be dangerous, however, so be careful. When booking, ask around to find out if there is visible lava at the site that week.

This post shares my Pacaya Volcano trip  and tips on what to bring.

If you are a more adventurous hiker, then a trip to the top of Acatenango Volcano might be a good option. Josh shared about his sunrise hike here .

Enjoy pancakes at Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm.

A mere 15 minute chicken bus ride out of town. This is a great way to spend a morning. They also have a commitment to sustainability and a fantastic mission to help lift locals out of poverty. The owners have lived in the community for decades. So worth a morning. They have delicious macadamia pancakes—go for breakfast and go hungry! I wrote about my  visit to Valhalla’s Macadamia Farm  and you can find directions on their site .

Visit the Finca Filadelfia coffee plantation.

This is well worth the price (around US $20)  if you’ve never toured a coffee plantation. The tour takes you from coffee cheerier to darkly roasted coffee. They include a complimentary coffee or espresso at the end! It’s just outside of town. Recent reports from readers indicate that they also offer birding, paintballing, and ziplines. I shared a bit  about the tour . You can  book services directly through Finca , or through your accommodation.

Where to Seep

• Budget : Yellow House Hostel (Casa Amarilla) should be your first choice when visiting in Antigua. The place is impeccably clean, breakfast is a big buffet, and it’s cheaper than some of the other “top” picks you hear about. (It’s cheaper than both Black Cat and Jungle Party). It’s walkable to the bars but not a party hostel in the least. Also has a hostel kitchen and cable in the cheap private rooms.
• Midrange : Consider Hotel Casa Cristina for a midrange budget—a nice place to stay thats safe and nice but wont break the bank.
• Stay in a nice spot : There’s a heap of accommodation in Antigua and  Meson Panza Verde is a nice place from which to organize your search.

Where to Eat

• Hops & Tales: 3 Calle Oriente #19.  Good craft beer scene from recent travelers reporting in.
• Café Boheme: Calle Poniente #5a.  Good spot with clean food and you can surely find some good vegetarian options.
• Rainbow Cafe: Ave Sur #6 at 6a Calle.  Long term travelers in Antigua camp-out for breakfast and lunch at this tiny little restaurant. It’s just two tables but serves fantastic falafel, shawarma, and other Israeli favorites.
• La Luna Miel : 6 Avenida Norte N19A.  I could wax poetic about the fresh spinach salads here. They “do” crepes, but I come for the fresh cold salads, an anomaly in Guatemala.
• Bagel Barn : 5a Calle Poniente #2.  Free wifi and a variety of fun toppings on your bagels. A good choice for breakfast and the coffee is pretty good to boot!
• Reilly’s Irish Pub : 5a ave. nte. #31.  An institution at this point it is good fun. They have a Sunday pub quiz, which is always a blast if you have a group with you, or a group going from your hostel.
• El Mono Loco : Parque Central on 5a ave. sur.  Gringo-fied for sure but it’s also filled with locals enjoying the sports-bar atmosphere.

Xela (Quetzaltenango)

Xela (Quetzaltenango) is the center of volunteer activity and Spanish language learning in Guatemala. It’s less than five hours north of Antigua/Guatemala City and there is very little English spoken throughout the city. It’s the perfect spot for reasonably priced Spanish language lessons, home-stays, and most schools also have volunteer opportunities. There’s great trekking here too.

This town is far enough north that it’s not fully on the backpacker route, except for those busing in from the Mexico border. There is little partying to be had here, although if you’re a part of a school they will organize fun evenings out and dancing. Shuttles leave from the Lake Atitlan cities, as well as Antigua, but the chicken buses are much cheaper and will get you there too.

Most travelers come to Xela to either volunteer or learn Spanish—or both. Literally, that’s what you do here. It’s a big city so it’s best to have a purpose for visiting or you might not enjoy all of your time here as much as other cities.

Money Warning : Only use ATMs inside of banks with a guard and during daylight hours. There are have long been issues with some ATMS near the parque central .

Improve your Spanish classes.

There are dozens of Spanish Language schools to pick from and all of them offer a huge range of types of Spanish classes. And you could be a super newbie, or be looking to perfect and fine-tune.

I used and loved Pop Wuj . They offer one-on-one Spanish lessons, a home-stay if you want it, and several volunteer programs you can be a part of when not in classes. Medical students will particularly benefit from Pop Wuj’s specialized program. Individual is the best way to go and you’ll progress quickly in Xela because so little Spanish is spoken. This piece covers  my personal experience learning Spanish in Xela with Pop Wuj .

Volunteer for a cause you care about.

I volunteered through my Spanish language school. This is the easiest way if you’re already there taking classes. Nearly every language school has an affiliated volunteer program.

Additionally, if you’re just wanting to volunteer, sans the classes, ask the schools. I know that Pop Wuj  allows non-students to participate in its bi-weekly stove building volunteer project outside of Xela . There are also plenty of medical volunteer opportunities, teaching English, and other options.

Do some online research but it’s actually easiest to show up in Xela and ask once you’re there—most have programs starting weekly, and often the very next day! Find a list of vetted Guatemala volunteer programs here , or a huge list of them here too.

Hike the Guatemala highlands.

The altitude in Xela and surrounding countryside make this spot amazing for day and weekend trips outside of the city. Again, many schools will organize these trips for you, but if not, then use Quetzaltrekkers —reliable and good food and they participate in social good.

Attend a local football game.

Xela is in a huge rivalry with Guate City over their football teams and these weekly games (during the season) are a blast. Ask around for the next game and once you’re there enjoy the fiercely patriotic fanaticism on Xelaju football enthusiasts. I had a great  experience at a Xela football game  with the other language students.

Enjoy movie night with new friends.

Your Spanish language school will host these on a weekly basis. Otherwise (or in addition!) head to the Blue Angel Video Cafe  (7a Calle Zona 1), this is a hot spot for meeting other language students and backpackers and they regularly show movies.

Engage in organized social activities.

Most of the activities in Xela are organized by the schools. If you’re a part of a language school, it will have a calendar of daily and weekly activities to meet others.

Find a nice place to sleep.

Many Xela hostels have serious bed-bug problems so be aware and check your mattress!

Budget : Huellas Hostal is a great budget option with clean rooms and decent amenities. You can’t go wrong and it’s likely walkable to your language school.

Hostel Don Diego is also a solid choice. I stayed here rather than a home-stay because I needed wifi to work. It’s near the Parque Central, but a solid 15 minute from Pop Wuj, my Spanish language school. Cheap private rooms, decent internet access, but they do nickel and dime you on using the kitchen, wifi, and other generally free hostel amenities. There are likely better now, but it’s not a bad place.

Homestays : Ask questions and outline your expectations to your language school before you do a home-stay! Some home-stays have you eating nightly with the family and they interact a lot with you, others organize separate meals and are more hands-off with the language students. Home-stays can be an amazing way to force you into learning Spanish faster—just know which kind you’re expecting and tell your school :)

Stay in a nice spot . Consider  Hotel Modelo for a nice place from which to organize your search.

Seek out great Guatemalan food.

These were my favorite places to eat in Xela.

• Giardino: 6 Calle (btwn 14 & 15 av) Zona 3. The pizza and Italian food here is pretty legitimate and tasty. Pricey, comparatively, but worth a visit if you’re looking for some non-local food.
• Rosario’s Comedor: Corner of 13a Av & 5a Calle Town Center. A great spot for local food. They serve breakfast and lunch and the menu changes daily.
• Sabor de La India : 15 Avenida 3-64, Zona 1. A good spot for when you just need something different than Guatemalan fare.
• Local Eats: Ladies selling fruit by the bag wander the city around lunch time (and all day really) so this is a great way to snack. Also, check out the food stalls near the Casa de la Cultura. Small comedores abound, so ask a local for their favorite for a meal under $3.

Flores Travel Guide

Flores is the gateway to Tikal, so you’ll need to stay here likely two nights. The best Tikal excursions are the dawn trips that allow you to enter the park for a beautiful sunrise.

Transport comes to Flores from Belize , and also most of the shuttles and buses will leave from Antigua and Guate City. There is also a small airport if the mega-killer bus rides are not your thing. This post has a good overview of getting to Flores .

• Stay at Amigos Hostel . This is the number one backpacker spot and it’s a cute and well-appointed place. They have the routine down pat and will get you to and from Tikal, and onto your shuttle, without issue.
• Stay at Hotel Casa Amelia . This spot is a bit nicer but still affordable and distinctly lacking that busy backpacker vibe.
• Visit Tikal . If you book through Amigos it will be a pretty huge group. Still fun though. You can also stay in the park at one of the lodges for a one-of-a-kind experience as you are the only ones in the park at dawn. This is a big business for Flores, so it’s easy to book either large or small group trips out to the ruins. It usually includes transport and a guide.
• Try Fonda Ixobel for lunch or dinner.  On the corner of Avenida Santa Ana and Calle Central, this spot has delicious and clean food and you will leave full.
• Find street eats near Santa Elena Bus Station . There is a huge range of budget street eats near here each evening, so plan on a budget dinner in this area if you’re so inclined.

Semuc Champey

This is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It was still off-the-path in January 2010 when I was there, but friends who were there in early 2016 report that there are a heap more adventure activities. It’s a fun spot and a great way to break up the drive between Flores and Antigua. You’ll likely want to stay in Lanquin and then take a daytrip to the waterfalls. It’s a short drive and there’s much more to do in Lanquin. More on getting to Lanquin here .

• Stay at El Retiro . This is a gorgeous spot and it’s socially responsible. They are committed to the community. There’s also just a heck of a lot to do here with a well built out grounds with fun activities.
• Consider  Utopia Eco-Hotel . This spot is much more remote, and a bit like a retreat. Travelers report that it’s a great spot from which you can head to the waterfalls, while also experiencing the other nature in this area.
• Visit Semuc Champey . Book a trip through your guesthouse and plan on a full day out at the caves and waterfalls. Most of the trips all include the caves, some tubing, and then the waterfalls. Best to pack your water clothes, as well as water shoes if possible. You will be grateful for your Chacos or sports sandals on a daytrip like this one.

Lake Atitlán

This is a hugely popular spot in Guatemala, and for good reason. It’s stunningly pretty, fantastically affordable, and has a range of fun activities. Many travelers are there to learn Spanish, other just to relax.

Be warned that there is a bit of a drug culture in some of the towns, backpackers smoking pot. This is not recommended. When I was at San Pedro on Lake Atitlán, there was a huge drug raid that saw many foreigners in jail. Beyond that though, there are several towns on the lake, each with a different vibe, so read up on each before you decide which is a good fit for your travel plans.

• Hike the extinct volcano at sunrise .
• Go shopping or volunteer at Maya Traditions in Panajachel . This is a fair-trade shop with a bit of everything you might want to buy. They also need long-term volunteers if you’re keen to help out and live on the lake for a bit.
• Buy a good book and relax by the lake . The lake is gorgeous and the towns were built for quiet days of rest and relaxation.
• Study Spanish . There are heaps of schools in Panajachel and San Pedro if you’d like this sort of vibe alongside your Spanish learning.
• Stay in a nice spot . There are a few great accommodations in Atitlan. Consider Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan  a midrange hotel with a private jetty and free kayaks for guests to use. Posada de Santiago is also exceedingly lovely and it has several price points.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Guatemala Travel Guide: Stories from the Blog

Read and research your trip using all of my travel stories from Guatemala—each story was written live on my travel blog as I traveled through the region. I share detailed guides and stories about cultural quirks, fun activities, and things I enjoyed doing in every area of Guatemala.

A Little Podcast… Stories of Traveling Through Guatemala

A Little Travel Memory… Firelight, Stoves, and Big Smiles in Rural Guatemala

A Little Relaxation… Finding the Unexpected Sweet Life on the Rio Dulce

A Little Travel Memory… Street Mime in Antigua

A Little Culture… Unlocking Culture at the Bustling Chichicastenango Market

A Little Questionable… Yep, a Guatemalan Drug Bust

A little volunteering… building stoves in rural guatemala.

A Little Travel Memory… Children Being Children in Guatemala

A Little Bargaining… Navigating the Cultural Nuances of Respectful Haggling

A Little Football… Guatemala’s All Enthusiasm

A Little Volunteering… Sweet Faces of Xela’s Children

A Little Language… Learning Spanish in Xela, Guatemala

A Little Spectacle… Yes, Gringos Grow That Tall

A Little Learning… Finding Authenticity in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Tour… Macadamia Nuts and Social Good in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Hike… Finding Red Hot Lava on Pacaya, an Active Volcano in Guatemala

A Little Authenticity… Local Life and Transportation on a Guatemalan Chicken Bus

A Little Aroma… Learning the Art of Coffee in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Explanation… Why I’m a “Don’t Ask” Vegetarian

A Little Fascination… Semana Santa (Holy Week) Rituals & Carpets in Guatemala

A Little Welcome… Expected Warmth While Learning Guatemalan Easter Traditions

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Guatemala: Prepping for Easter Madness

A Little Adventure… Visit Guatemala’s Stunning Semuc Champey Waterfalls & Caves

A Little Lesson… Eventually, We All Surrender to the Más o Menos

A Little Transportation… You’d Never Do that Back Home!

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Guatemala: First Impressions & Travel Plans

A Little Wander… Exploring Guatemala’s Tikal Ruins & Wildlife

Guatemala Travel Guide and Reservation Services

Guatemala is a Central American country that stands out due to its vivid culture, intriguing history and fascinating nature. Volcanoes, natural lakes, turquoise waters, a lush jungle and colorful indigenous markets combine in one place! Discover Guatemala and plan your next vacation with the assistance of our Guatemala Travel Guide. You will find information about the main highlights, best recommended hotels, insider tips and the advice of our expert travel consultants.

Enjoy Guatemala consolidates passion and enthusiasm with a group of skilled professionals ready to give you the attention you deserve. We have worked together as a team to offer you the best Guatemala Travel Guide that will expand your knowledge about the main touristic destinations of our country. Additionally, our personalized attention in putting together the perfect vacation goes hand in hand. We will make your travel arrangements including quality lodging, air and ground transfers, guided tours, workshops and any other service you may need while you visit Guatemala.

The best part? We work closely with local communities and service providers to assure we all give back and make each traveler’s experience even more gratifying. Supporting local economies and reducing our ecological footprint are among our main goals. Through conscious travel we impact Guatemala in a positive way and make each vacation more meaningful to you and the local people involved in it.

Whereas you are a solo traveler, a family or would like to join a guided group - we have what you are looking for! Choose from our pre-arranged packages or create your own custom itinerary by filling out our custom vacation planner . Enhance your Guatemala visit and opt for traveling with one of our certified bilingual Tour Guides. Learn interesting facts about Guatemala every day, discover the beloved local places and benefit from the insider tips your Guide will be happy to share with you.

Enjoy Guatemala is a full-service travel agency committed to creating an unforgettable experience for you. A big part of our goal is also to create a positive impact at a local level. Caring for our clients, for Guatemalan communities and for the environment is our daily motivation to provide you with an excellent service!

Venture to a new destination and discover Guatemala. Try the blend of flavors and textures our gastronomy offers, live the mysticism of our culture, enjoy nature and uncover Guatemala.

Contact our Guatemala Vacation experts today by visiting our Guatemala Trip Planner !

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A Glimpse Into Guatemala

Experience Guatemala's main attractions

Voices Of The Past

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Guatemala From A to Z

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Guatemala

Chichi's Market

Visit the most colorful market of Guatemala any Thursday or Sunday

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10 Days in Guatemala: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guatemala Itinerary

last Updated: December 5, 2023 antigua flores guatemala lake atitlan

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning 10 days in Guatemala and looking for the best Guatemala itinerary out there?! Read on for everything you need to know – how to get around, where to stay, my favorite volcano views, and of course a crazy comprehensive 10 day Guatemala itinerary!

Imagine wandering around tiny colonial towns full of colorful homes and quaint, cobblestone streets. Sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace while watching the sunset over a horizon full of volcanoes. Learning how to make traditional textiles and then finding the perfect pieces at a local market.

Listening to howler monkeys in the jungle at sunrise after climbing up a Mayan temple. Swimming in the clearest blue waters you’ve ever seen (true story). Zipping from colorful village to colorful village by lancha boat. 

That’s Guatemala in a nutshell. And it’s absolutely glorious.

If gorgeous natural lakes, delicious coffee, bustling outdoor markets, towering and impressive Mayan ruins, and hiking active volcanoes are your thing, I can guarantee that you’ll love Guatemala just as much as I did. Oh – you can’t forget about that Guatemalan cacao tea, all the fresh fruit juices you could want, and that sweet, sweet Guatemalan chocolate. Delish! Such a rich cultural heritage we couldn’t get enough.

I recently came home from 10 days in Guatemala and am urging everyone I know to get there sooner than later. Everyone heads to Panama and Costa Rica; Guatemala is unfortunately kinda forgotten about. But I have a feeling this Central American country is about to get a whole lot more popular!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the absolute best Guatemala itinerary, promise!

10 Days in Guatemala Itinerary Logistics

Main regions visited on this guatemala itinerary.

• Lake Atitlan (plus Chichicastenago)
• Antigua (plus Pacaya Volcano)
• Flores (with a side trip to Tikal, obviously)
• Guatemala City (for a delicious dinner)

This Guatemala itinerary starts in Guatemala City (since it’s where most international flights arrive), heads over to Lake Atitlan for a few days, then makes its way back to charming Antigua.

With 10 days in Guatemala, you can also visit Flores and Tikal – the most impressive of the Mayan Ruins in all of Latin America.

If you’ve got your heart set on visiting Semuc Champey, you’ll need to add on an extra few days as getting there takes quite some time. I decided not to tackle the hella long bus ride on this trip – just gives me an excuse to visit Guatemala again in the future!

So let’s get to it – the most perfect 10 day Guatemala itinerary coming right up! But first, some important logistics!

Where is Guatemala and How to Get There 

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Honduras to the east and southeast, and El Salvador to the south. 

Flying Internationally

You of course gotta get yourself to Guatemala! Flying is the most common and convenient way to get to the country, with two main international airports:

• La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City
• Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores

Many major airlines offer direct flights to Guatemala from the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and Europe. 

For the sake of this 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll wanna fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (the airport in Flores is about 10 hours away, haha). However, if you wanna do the itinerary in reverse, feel free to fly into Flores, although I suspect it’ll be way more expensive (if you’re not already in Central America).

Coming from San Francisco , my flight connected in Mexico City first, then we continued on to Guatemala. For reference, I chose to fly basic economy (the cheapest ticket you can possibly buy), and paid around $350 on AeroMexico round trip from the West Coast USA during Guatemala’s prime busy season of January/February. 

I thought flights were super economical, although I saw flights rise in price a week or so later. My advice – see a flight price you like? Buy it ASAP, like that very minute (then decide within 24 hours if you want to keep it). 

Coming from Elsewhere in Central America or Mexico

If you’re traveling from a neighboring country, you can also drive or take a bus to Guatemala. Guatemala shares borders with Mexico (you can easily take the ADO bus), Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, so there’s plenty of border crossings available.

On my last trip to Guatemala, I actually took a shuttle bus from Belize City to Flores (a very common route)!

Visas : No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 90 days or less.

How to Get Around During Your 10 Days in Guatemala

For our Guatemala itinerary, we used quite a few methods of transportation! Shuttles, taxis, Ubers, back of rickety pickup trucks (yup!), tuk-tuks, lanchas (boats), and our own two feet. You may even need to fly between some destinations that are terribly far by road.

Despite its small size, Guatemala’s infrastructure and transportation system are not up to par. Because of this, it’ll likely take longer than expected to get from one area to another, even if they look close on a map.

I’ll explain in detail how to get from place to place in the Guatemala Itinerary below, but here’s some info on each: 

• Tourist shuttles: Shared shuttles run all throughout the country, and are readily available to all major tourist destinations, including Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Flores. Find schedules and pricing info on GuateGo .
• Lanchas (water taxis): You’ll be using lanchas to get around both Lake Atitlan and Lake Peten in Flores.
• Uber : Uber operates in both Antigua and Guatemala City.
• Private transfer: This is how we primarily traveled around Guatemala – perfect if you’re traveling with a few others as the cost is obviously higher than booking yourself on a shared shuttle.
• Tuk-tuks: These are small, 3-wheeled vehicles used in the small towns/villages of Guatemala. You’ll see them around Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Flores.
• Chicken buses: These are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Guatemala, used mainly by locals. They’re essentially retired American school buses that’ve been brightly painted and decorated with various designs and slogans. They’re called “chicken buses” because they’re often used to transport not only people, but also livestock, including chickens! However, chicken buses are usually pretty crowded, so they’re not the most comfortable. Plus, safety can be a concern. If you can afford another way of getting from Point A to Point B, skip the chicken buses.
• Domestic flights: If you wanna squeeze Tikal and Flores into your 10 day Guatemala itinerary, it’s highly recommended to take a short 45-minute flight from Guatemala City.

When to Plan Your Guatemala Itinerary (Weather and Crowds)

Before planning your Guatemala itinerary, it’s important to understand the country’s weather patterns. Like other spots in Latin America, Guatemala experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Guatemala’s winter. Don’t be put off by “winter”, as the temperatures are still quite pleasant almost every day! 

Also, it’s worth noting that temps can vary depending on the region, so it’s important to pack smartly. The highlands (including Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Guatemala City) can be quite cool, especially at night, while the lowlands (including Flores and Tikal) can be hot and humid year-round.

Dry season (November to April): Dry season is high season for a reason – the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it easier to travel and explore the country’s outdoor attractions, like hiking volcanoes and sightseeing around the colonial cities.

This is the busiest time of year in Guatemala (although it never feels crazy crowded), and there’s definitely higher prices for accommodations and tours (but nothing is crazy expensive in Guatemala so don’t worry).

The town is especially crowded over Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week), so you’ll definitely want to book accommodations and tours in advance. A few friends I met in Flores were headed to Antigua during Semana Santa and they had suuuuch a hard time finding rooms at the last minute. Book ahead of time (at least a month or so out) and you should be ok. 

For reference, I visited in February/March, and had almost perfect weather.

I was able to see the volcanoes in both Antigua and Lake Atitlan each and every day (they’re sometimes covered by low-hanging clouds/overcast skies), and temps were really comfy (never too hot nor too cold). Jacaranda trees (with those gorgeous purple flowers) were in full bloom in Antigua, and I couldn’t get enough. Absolutely perfect!

Rainy Season (May to October): It ain’t called rainy season for nothing! During these months (particularly June through August), frequent afternoon rain showers and occasional thunderstorms are common, with high levels of humidity. Thankfully these don’t last all day, and are typically followed by some sunshine!

While the rain can make some areas more difficult to access (think mudslides and flooding), it also means that the landscape is greener and the waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest. 

But honestly? If this is your first time to the country, I’d plan your Guatemala itinerary in the dry season to stay on the safe side. Can’t beat near perfect weather!

Are 10 Days in Guatemala Enough?

Yes…. but no?! The country isn’t very large (it’s about the same size as Tennessee, and slightly smaller than Ohio), so you can really see a whole lot within just 10 days in Guatemala.

It’s double the size of Costa Rica, and almost quadruple the size of Belize. So you’ll definitely want to allocate at least 10 days in Guatemala to see the main highlights. 4 or 5 days won’t cut it, unless you’re only visiting one (or max 2) region/s.

This Guatemala itinerary includes big city life in Guatemala City, sunsets over the lake in Flores , walks in the colorful colonial town of Antigua , village exploring in Lake Atitlan , and impressive Mayan ruins in Tikal. You can also visit Hobbitenango and Chichicastenango as day trips.

But with that being said, there’s SO much to see in Guatemala, you’ll 1000% wanna come back. I already have a list of spots I missed on this trip that I wanna see next time, including both Semuc Champey and the challenging Acatenango hike.

Guatemala Itinerary FAQS

Currency and Exchange Rates in Guatemala 

The local currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). At the time of writing (April 2023), the quetzal is equivalent to 12 cents USD (or 1 USD = ~ 7.7Q). At first I found it kinda difficult to convert, but semi-figured it out within a few days. I thought of prices in 100Q’s and used that as my base, so for example: 

• 50Q ~ $6 USD
• 100Q ~ $12 USD
• 200Q ~ $25 USD

It takes a bit of practice but after a day or two you’ll be able to do the conversion quickly in your head. And if not, there’s always currency conversion apps (no shame).

I was surprised that a lot of market vendors and transport services accepted US dollars.

However, I strongly urge you to always pay in Guatemalan Quetzales – you’ll get the best price, no matter what. Most times, the price will be highly inflated if you pay in US dollars, and you’ll wildly overpay for the same exact service/good. If you get quoted in USD, always ask for the price in Q.

Cards vs. Cash in Guatemala: For this 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll wanna have a mixture of both credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and cash on hand.

You’ll need cash for street food, for shopping in the handicraft markets, to pay for taxis/shuttles/lanchas, for tips, and in remote villages. Look for the yellow 5B ATM machines – they’re common around Guatemala and typically accept foreign debit cards (while some others do not).

Plus, not all businesses accept cards, especially in more remote areas, so it’s a good idea to carry around some cash as a backup. Also, those that do accept cards sometimes impose a fee to use them (upwards of 5-8%), making the overall bill higher. I used cash whenever I could, and honestly spent way less than I initially thought. 

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate: I always take out cash at an ATM upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting, and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in my home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always. 

If you want to avoid those pesky ATM fees every time you take out cash, simply look into a no-fee debit card, such as through Charles Schwab (which I have and love).

Language in Guatemala

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and I always recommend knowing some basic Spanish phrases when visiting the country. Make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! I tried brushing up on my Spanish before I left, and found it super handy.

Many individuals in tourism (at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) speak some degree of English, and many younger locals speak some level of English as well.

However, don’t expect everyone to speak English, as some taxi/Uber drivers, local residents, and market/street food vendors only spoke Spanish (or Mayan). Even most staff at the main bank in Antigua didn’t speak a word of English.

A few helpful phrases to start you off:

• Hola = Hello
• Adios = Goodbye
• Buenos dias = Good morning
• Buenas tardes = Good afternoon 
• Buenas noches = Good night
• Cuanto cuesta? = How much does it cost?
• Cómo te llamas? = What is your name?
• Me llamo… = My name is…
• Soy de… = I am from…
• Cerveza = Beer
• Margarita = Margarita
• La cuenta, por favor? = The check, please?
• Muchas gracias = Thank you so much
• Para llevar = take away

In addition, there’s also 22 (!!!) different Mayan languages plus two other Indigenous languages (Garífuna and Xinca) spoken in various parts of Guatemala. Since many indigenous Maya people live in the country, you’ll hear some of these Mayan languages as well (although Spanish is the primary language spoken in the country). 

For reference, we heard the most Mayan at Lake Atitlan. A few times that I attempted to use my broken Spanish, I later realized the person possibly spoke Mayan, whoops! 

Safety in Guatemala

I know what you’re thinking – is it even safe to travel to Guatemala?! What’s the point of this whole Guatemala itinerary anyways?! 

That was the #1 concern of my friends and family when I told them I’d be traveling there. Understandably, since Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with high levels of poverty, violence, and social unrest.

Unfortunately, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings do happen quite frequently, including to tourists.

I’m not gonna lie – it’s not the safest country in the world, but I didn’t feel threatened or concerned about my safety once while there. As always, use normal precautions like elsewhere in the world. A few tips to help ensure your safety, which make sense no matter where you’re traveling:

• Let friends/family back home know where you’re traveling
• If you’re taking a taxi/Uber alone, send the taxi # and/or license plate to a friend/family member.
• Be extra cautious when visiting local bars and nightclubs. Know your alcohol limit.
• Don’t make yourself an easy target. Keep expensive jewelry/watches at home, and keep those electronics hidden. Ladies – wear your bags cross-body, and men – keep your wallets in your front pockets.
• Be extra careful and observant at banks and ATMs.
• Don’t buy or do drugs, ever – plain and simple.

Also, before traveling anywhere, I always check safety warnings and scams on travel.state.gov . This is not to scare you or deter you from going on your trip, but knowledge is power my friends.

If you do find yourself in danger, get in contact with Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program ( PROATUR ). They provide 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists.

PROATUR also provides additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

Is Guatemala safe for a solo female traveler? After my few times in the country, I’d say yes, but for experienced solo travelers only. I wouldn’t make Guatemala the first place you ever travel solo. 

For reference, I traveled with a group of friends for part of my Guatemala itinerary ( Lake Atitlan and Antigua ), and then solo for the remaining bit ( to Flores and Tikal ). During my time solo in Guatemala, I met over a half dozen females traveling by themselves.

If you stay on the main backpacker trail (Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Flores, and Semuc Champey), you’ll undoubtedly run into tons of other solo travelers. Would I go back to Guatemala solo? Totally.

Health and Food in Guatemala

First of all, know that you absolutely cannot drink the water here in Guatemala – you’ll need to stick to bottled/purified water, which most restaurants and hotels have. Also, make sure all ice is purified (which it typically is in tourist areas, but it never hurts to double check if you’re not positive). 

In terms of food, know that normal stomach problems are unfortunately pretty common here. I have a bunch of friends who traveled to Guatemala before me and they all had stomach issues… I didn’t want that happening so I was very particular about what I ate.

My friends and I were extra, extra careful – probably overkill, but we didn’t get sick once. We stuck to restaurants with high reviews, didn’t eat many uncooked veggies, and ate relatively healthy in general.

When it comes to street food, you always wanna look for vendors that are busy and have a high turnover of food. Always avoid food if it’s been sitting out in the sun for a while.

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 10 days in Guatemala itinerary!

The Perfect 10 Days in Guatemala Itinerary

A few notes about this Guatemala itinerary: 

• This Guatemala itinerary assumes you have a full 10 days in Guatemala. Meaning if your flight arrives mid-day or late at night, you’ll want an extra day in order to see and do all the things on this itinerary.
• It’s very GO GO GO and busy. I tend to travel quite fast. If you’d prefer a more relaxed type of trip, I recommend leaving off an entire region entirely (skip Tikal and Flores). While the country isn’t huge, it does take time to get from place to place, which can sometimes mean waking up early to get to the next destination with enough time to explore a bit afterwards.
• Most people visiting Guatemala start in Antigua and make their way to Lake Atitlan afterwards. While you can technically go from Guatemala City → Antigua → Lake Atitlan, I chose to head to Lake Atitlan before Antigua. Why? To get the long drive out of the way first. I think it just makes more sense this way, especially when you’re battling jet lag and/or are tired from a long travel day.
• These 10 days in Guatemala don’t account for any long hikes, including the popular Acatenango Volcano Hike. If you’ve got this on your bucket list and wanna see everything else on this itinerary, consider spending an additional day or two in Antigua (where the hike begins).

10 Day Guatemala Itinerary At-A-Glance

This classic 10 day Guatemala itinerary packs in the key highlights of the country, including Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Antigua, Flores, and Tikal. 

• Day 1: Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
• Day 2: Lake Atitlan
• Day 3: Lake Atitlan
• Day 4: Antigua

Day 5: Antigua

• Day 6: Antigua 
• Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City; fly to Flores
• Day 8: Tikal
• Day 9: Flores
• Day 10: fly to Guatemala City; depart home

Part 1: Lake Atitlan!

Ah, Lake Atitlan! One of the most beautiful and enchanting places in Guatemala. Picture this: you’re standing on the shore of Lake Atitlan, the sun is shining, and the water is crystal-clear. There’s volcanoes and colorful villages and it’s such a good time. It’s a breathtaking sight and one of my favorite places in all of Guatemala!

Lake Atitlan is located in the highlands of Guatemala, about 1500 meters above sea level. It’s a large volcanic lake, formed thousands of years ago, and it’s considered one of the deepest lakes in Central America.

It’s full of natural beauty, surrounded by lush green hills and VOLCANOES – makes sense that it’s considered one of the most scenic destinations in the entire country. I visited for 3 days and wished I had at least a week!

And while the lake itself is impressive, it’s the traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake that really got my attention. Each has its own unique charm and character, distinct cultures and traditions, and personality and vibe. You’ll wanna visit quite a few!

Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan

When deciding where to stay in Lake Atitlan, there’s lots of things to consider! All the towns have their own unique feel, and where you stay makes a huge difference. 

Do you wanna be closer to all the action in Panajachel, have a more remote/romantic stay in a small hotel right on the lakefront, or spend your few nights in a buzzy, eclectic town with lots of backpackers?

Do you want your choice of restaurants for dinner and be able to easily take cheap, public lanchas or want some privacy and romance with your partner? All questions you gotta ask yourself.

We stayed at La Fortuna at Atitlan , a gorgeous eco-hotel right on the lake with only 5 suites/bungalows. We loved the private dock, eco-luxury bungalows, fantastic dinners, sauna inside an old-school VW bus (yup, really), and impressive pool overlooking the lake. It’s great for photography and chilling out in the sun for a few mornings.  

While we loved our stay overall, there were definitely a few cons. Since La Fortuna’s pretty remote, there were no restaurants/food options nearby; thankfully we loved all the meals at the hotel. Also, it was difficult to get public lanchas to pick us up, so we relied on using private boats which were more expensive. Nothing too horrible for a short stay!

Hotel Options in Panajachel: Pana has all the facilities any traveler could want or need and tons of restaurant options, but it’s much more chaotic than the other villages surrounding the lake. You likely won’t need to take a lancha to your hotel as shuttles and private transfers go directly to Pana. 

There’s loads of hotel options here, with Selina Atitlan being one of the best hostels (my friend stayed there so of course I had to peek in), and Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago , Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán , and Porta Hotel del Lago being some great affordable luxury spots!

Hotel Options in/near Santa Cruz: This village is way more peaceful, and doesn’t really see many tourists since there’s honestly not tons to do here. Get a hotel right on the lakefront and you’ll get great views of all three volcanoes! Note that you’ll need to plan in advance for food/make restaurant reservations here since it’s pretty remote. 

• La Casa del Mundo : Technically in Jaibalito, this resort is perched on a secluded cliff, has gorgeous gardens, and even has a hot tub hanging over the lake. I heard SUCH good things about it and kinda wanna stay here on my next trip to Lake Atitlan.
• Casa Prana Hotel : A STUNNING luxury hotel located next to the town of Santa Cruz, but crazy expensive by Guatemala standards (~$300/night). Probably one of the bougiest spots on the lake – I’m sure my husband would love it, haha. And who wouldn’t? There’s panoramic views of the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes, a saltwater pool with plenty of sun beds, wellness facilities, and even a helipad! 

I also heard good things about Atitlan Sunset Lodge and La Iguana Perdida !

Hotel Options in San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is Lake Atitlan’s backpacker hub, with many amenities like Pana has, but it’s a tad more relaxed and not as chaotic (although still very busy). It’s also on the other side of the lake, with lots of nightlife and cheap places to stay. There’s always something going on here.

• Sababa Resort : Ready for a high-end resort with trendy, boho-chic decor? Stay here! We wandered through, had one look at the pool, and never wanted to leave. There’s dorm beds as well as private rooms, all with access to the hotel’s stunning outdoor pool and hammocks. Book early as it’s easily the most popular hotel in San Pedro. I can totally see myself staying here next time I visit Lake Atitlan.

Other great options include Hotel Mikaso , Amigos (great for solo travelers), and El Delfin Hotel .

How to Get Around Lake Atitlan

Lanchas : Since there’s no road that connects all the villages, you’ll be relying on lanchas. These are public water taxis in Lake Atitlan, and you’ll use them to get between the different villages on the lake.

They’re cheap, only a few quetzales (15-30Q), and while they don’t really have a set schedule, they generally run between 8am and 6pm.

Do note the lake is quite large, and it takes about 45 minutes to get from one end to the other (Pana to San Pedro). Lanchas are not always the most comfortable and can be quite choppy and bumpy (especially later in the day), but they’re cheap and efficient.

Tuk-tuk: We took a tuk-tuk between Panajachel and Santa Catarina, and it was only a few quetzales. You can also take tuk-tuks around the larger villages themselves.

Walk : Many of the villages are quite small, so you can easily walk around to all the attractions once you get there.

A few things to know about Lake Atitlan

• Don’t hike between villages without a local – the pathways between them are not always the safest (although there are a few exceptions). Armed robberies have occurred.
• Cash is king here; I don’t think I used a credit card once in Lake Atitlan! You’ll wanna stock up on cash in either Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting other towns though, since not all towns have ATMs! 
• Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenous community. You’ll hear a few Mayan languages spoken all throughout the villages – so don’t assume everyone speaks Spanish. Also, Mayan men never catcall or hit on non-Mayan women.

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City and Transfer to Lake Atitlan

Depending on when you arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, kinda determines when you’ll transfer to Lake Atitlan. If you land at night, you’ll wanna wait until the next morning (roads are safest during daylight hours).

Our flight landed at around 11am, and after all was said and done, we didn’t get to our hotel in Lake Atitlan until a bit before sunset. 

Unfortunately, traffic is kinda a gamble. It took us FIVE hours (yes, 5) to get from the airport in Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, although it’s only supposed to take about 3 hours with private transport. We sat in over 2 hours of traffic (it literally didn’t move for almost the full 2 hours), and we were ready to pull our hair out. 

Thankfully, once we made it there, Lake Atitlan was well worth the drive, but I say this so you’re well prepared. Bring snacks, ask your driver for bathroom breaks if you need it, and stay patient. It’s best not to plan too much on this first day of your Guatemala itinerary just in case you find yourself in our shoes sitting in crazy amounts of traffic.

You’ll most likely arrive in Panajachel (the main village in Lake Atitlan and where most of the shuttles/private transport end), and then need to take a lancha (local boat) over to where your hotel is. You’ll find these at the public dock waiting for tourists for only a few Q (15-35Q depending where you’re going).

If you’ve traveled to Lake Atitlan the day before, you’ve got the entire day to explore (look at days 2 and 3 for ideas)! And if you made it here this afternoon, well, maybe you’ve still got some time to hang out.

Settle in to your hotel, wander around your village/resort, and have dinner while watching the sunset over Lake Atitlan. You’ve certainly earned it!

Days 2 and 3: Explore Lake Atitlan

You’ve made it to the lake (one of my favorite in the world) – now time to explore!

Explore the Villages!

Besides relaxing and taking in views of the volcanoes, the main draw of Lake Atitlan is exploring all the villages surrounding the lake . And there’s quite a few – we LOVED exploring a whole bunch, and since they’re all so unique, our exploring never got old! We somehow managed to visit 6 different villages in only a few short days.

You can easily visit 1-2 villages a day, possibly 3 if you really wanna squeeze them in. With two full days exploring the villages, I recommend the following: visit Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopo, and San Marcos in one day, and San Pedro, San Juan, and Santiago Atitlan the next.

You can easily get between Pana and Santa Catarina Palopo by tuk-tuk, and San Pedro and San Juan are super close to each other.

Here’s a brief overview of each:

Panajachel : Panajachel (commonly known as Pana) is the largest town on the lake and is a great starting point for exploring the area. It’s known as the gateway to Lake Atitlan, and you’ll probably get dropped off here upon arrival in Lake Atitlan. Pana is also where you’ll find most of the ATMs and banks in the area.

Here you’ll find a thriving tourist town, filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes, plus shops selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, and textiles. We loved wandering the stalls – so much beautiful, colorful stuff! I should have totally brought an extra suitcase because I wanted to buy IT ALL. 

Definitely go shopping on Calle Santander (the main street in Pana), take a walk on the lakefront boardwalk, have a coffee at Crossroads Cafe (the best coffee in Pana), and take pictures with views of the lake. If you’re up for some adventure, you can even go paragliding! 

Have more time? Take a short tuk-tuk ride to Reserva Natural Atitlán and Mirador del Lago Atitlán – two spots I missed that are high on my list for next time!

Santa Catarina Palopo: This village is a great place to escape the crowds and experience a more traditional way of life in the Mayan highlands. It’s smaller than the other villages and there’s honestly not tons to do here, so it’s perfect for a quick wander through town.

We loved walking around Santa Catarina Palopo with no plan, and photographing all the blue buildings with their traditional Mayan motifs. 

Don’t miss the Pintado el Cambio, Central Culturo, and nearby Mirador Santa Catarina (a 15 minute hike for great views of the blue town). I recommend heading here before/after Pana, as it’s easily accessible by tuk-tuk for a few Q’s.

I loved this tiny village so much that I wrote an entire post on it! Come check out everything you need to know about Santa Catarina Palopo .

San Pedro La Laguna: San Pedro is a popular backpacker destination with a lively nightlife scene – there’s always something going on here! It’s one of the buzziest towns around the lake, and I kinda wish I stayed here! The main street is lined with restaurants and bars, and there’s plenty of affordable accommodation options.

The town is known for its many Spanish language schools, Los Termales (heated thermal pools overlooking the lake you can soak in), and La Sababa resort (looks super fun and where I’d stay in San Pedro). 

You can also hike Indian’s Nose at sunrise (for spectacular views of the lake), relax at Parque Puerta Hermosa (don’t miss the charming white church over here), and even swim at a black sand beach (easy to get there by tuk-tuk). 

San Juan La Laguna: Ohh… San Juan. One of the most colorful villages on Lake Atitlan; and one I was most excited to visit. Everywhere you look you’ll see vibrant murals, funky art pieces, and tons of Mayan culture. 

The village is full of weaving associations, hidden cafes, and tons of color (after a walk down La Calle de los Sombreros I was in heaven!). I loved watching the tuk-tuks drive down the instagram-worthy umbrella street – what a scene that was! 

It’s known for its traditional textiles, art galleries, and organic coffee farms (which you can tour). Don’t miss a weaving demonstration (at either Casa Flor Ixcaco or the Lema Association), a visit to Liccor Marron Chocolate Factory for a chocolate demonstration, and an information session on Mayan bees and honey (at Abejas Nativas). 

I learned so much in San Juan, and wish I had longer to explore. You can easily visit San Juan from San Pedro, as they’re a short distance away from each other.

Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a quiet village located on the northern shore of the lake. While there’s honestly not a ton to do here, it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon of lake viewing, SUPing/kayaking, and taking in the stunning scenery. 

It’s true – Santa Cruz may just have the best views of all the villages in Lake Atitlan. The village is built on a hill, and there’s only a few small shops and restaurants.

Santiago Atitlan: Santiago Atitlan is a traditional Mayan town located on the southwestern shore of the lake. It’s actually the largest of all the towns, and has a much more local feel (it’s not visited by many international tourists – we only saw one other group of tourists besides us).

I appreciated getting a glimpse into the more traditional way of life of the Mayas, and felt it was authentically different from the other villages around the lake (there’s nothing purposefully attracting visitors here).

We visited a bustling local market (full of possibly everything and anything you can think of), and were able to see both women and MEN in their traditional outfits (not super common anymore). You can also visit the main church, Saint James the Apostle, visit the deity Maximón inside a local family’s home, and do a lot of people-watching.

San Marcos: San Marcos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – and I can see why. It’s got an active meditation and New Age community, and it’s kinda over the top all-things-hippie. You’ll see tons of flyers advertising unity circles, tarot card and chakra readings, reiki massages, and lots, lots more.

Makes sense since San Marcos is known for its spiritual and healing centers, yoga centers (Eagle’s Nest is a popular spot), and there’s plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from. I swear I had the best energy ball of my life at Samsara’s Garden (honestly, I thought that thing had magical powers…).  

You can also swim at Cerro Tzankujil Preserve, a natural reserve with hiking trails and stunning views of the lake. Instead, we had sunset drinks at Kula Maya, a boutique hotel right on the lake since the mirador and preserve were unfortunately closed that day.

Read Next: 10 Epic Lake Atitlan Towns You Need to Visit

Optional day trip to Chichicastenango: If you’re interested, you can also take a day trip to the Chichicastenango Market, the largest and most colorful outdoor market in all of Latin America. If you’re looking for some culture and don’t mind a lot of chaos, this is the place to be! 

Chichi (as it’s commonly called), is a little over an hour away from Panajachel, meaning you can easily visit for a half day or so. 

Make sure to visit on famous market days – Thursday and Sunday mornings. Vendors sell everything under the sun (figuratively and literally), including (but not limited to) candles, handicrafts, food, spices, masks, pottery, medicinal plants, machetes, pigs, chickens, and baby kittens. Yes, you read that right. Nothing will surprise you after walking through the market a few times.

It honestly doesn’t get more authentic than this! Visiting Chichicastenango was one of the most epic days of my life — it’s just so, so, so hectic! 

Part 2: Antigua

Up next — the cute colonial city of Antigua !

Antigua is full of Spanish colonial architecture (gorgeous red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden doors), a vibrant cultural heritage, stunningly beautiful churches, quirky Hobbitenango , and tons of gastronomic delights.

There’s also a whole bunch of amazing coffee shops and cafes (many with volcano views!), the iconic yellow Santa Catalina arch, vibrant markets and street performers, and leafy green gardens and plazas.

There’s a reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site afterall!

There’s just something so electrifying and unique about Antigua – maybe it’s the romantic atmosphere, lush gardens, or colorful artisanal crafts (I couldn’t get enough). Or just the fact that there’s volcano views everywhere around town. You’ll love it, I promise!

Where to Stay in Antigua

Antigua’s got a wide range of accommodation options, from colonial-style luxury hotels to cute trendy boutiques to inexpensive yet design-forward hostels. If your aim is to check off a bunch of fun things to do in Antigua, stay in the center of town. Thankfully, there’s tons of choices!

We stayed in a private room at Ojala Hostel , which was honestly more like a boutique hotel, and loved our King size bed, steamy showers (with amazing water pressure I might add), and flower-filled gardens. 

The fact that we could see the fiery red lava from volcano eruptions at night from the common space right outside our room made it all that much more special. Ojala also has dorm beds, which is perfect if you’re rocking solo and on a budget.

Other affordable luxury hotels on my list were Good Hotel Antigua , Porta Hotel , El Convento Boutique Hotel , and Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo – but we booked too late and those were all already sold out! If you’re coming between February and April, I’d make sure to book a few months in advance. I was honestly really surprised just how fast accommodations sold out.

On a budget? I’d also look at Selina Antigua , Maya Papaya (Ojala’s sister hostel), Casi Casa , and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel . So many amazing options!

How to get around Antigua

Easy — On your own two feet! We were able to walk practically everywhere during our 3 days in Antigua, besides a few spots further afield. 

The town is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the major attractions located within walking distance of each other. I loved wandering around town, soaking up the atmosphere of Antigua’s colorful streets and colonial architecture. Bring comfy shoes – we walked a ton! 

You’ll also see some tuk-tuks and thankfully, Uber works in Antigua which we used to head to Hobbitenango and El Hato Verde one morning (although it’s not always the most reliable).

Day 4: Transfer to Antigua, then spend the rest of the day exploring 

It’s time to head to the little colonial city of Antigua! Many visitors head to Antigua from Lake Atitlan, which is actually what we did! It should take about 2 to 3 hours to get from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, depending on traffic (and sometimes there’s lots of it).

But if you get an early-morning transfer from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, you’ll have lots of time to explore! 

Note that Uber DOES NOT operate in Lake Atitlan (like it does in Antigua and Guatemala City), so don’t rely on that to get to Antigua.

How to get to Antigua from Lake Atitlan:

There’s private and public shuttles from Panajachel (the main tourist village in Lake Atitlan), and which you decide to use solely depends on how many people you’re traveling with. Since we were a group of 5, we opted for a private shuttle (since it was actually less expensive than each of us paying for a seat on a public shuttle). 

For reference, we paid about $100USD (total) to get from Pana in Lake Atitlan to our hotel in Antigua, Guatemala. Our hotel in Lake Atitlan was able to set up a private shuttle for us – ask your hotel; they’ve typically got reliable drivers they work with. A great option if you’re splitting the cost with a few friends like I was. 

You can also pre-book a private minivan from Lake Atitlan to Antigua ahead of time if you’re not comfortable waiting until you arrive in Guatemala like we did. You can also take a chicken bus but it’s not as comfortable and safe, and takes much longer.

On your first official day in Antigua, I recommend the following:

Hill of the Cross

Why not start off your few days in Antigua with one of the best panoramic views in all of the city? Head on over to Cerro de la Cruz (also known as Hill of the Cross in English). From up here, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Antigua, the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, and even the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. 

The trailhead is located just a few blocks from the main park in Antigua, and you can either walk or take a taxi to reach the start of the trail. To reach the top of the hill, you’ll need to walk up a semi-steep trail (only ½ mile out-and-back), taking about 20-30 minutes roundtrip. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of lookout points along the way if you get tired! 

Wander around Historic Antigua

One of my fondest memories of Antigua was simply wandering around the old colonial streets, camera in hand. I swear, around every bend there was something to photograph in this charming city.

As I was wandering the cobblestone streets, I felt like I was transported back in time to the colonial era, with beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and stunning colonial-style buildings around every corner.

Exploring the historic center can be easily done in an afternoon since it’s relatively small. To gain deeper insights into the city’s distinctive history and geography, I suggest signing up for a walking tour on your first day in Antigua.

Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and their ornate facades and intricate details are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll see everything from brightly colored colonial-style homes and shops to grand churches and public buildings, all with their own unique stories to tell. 

A few special spots not to miss:

• Santa Catalina Arch (obviously!)
• Parque Central
• La Merced Church
• The Santa Clara Convent
• San Francisco Church
• Tanque la Union

Rooftop Terrace in Antigua for Sunset

End your first night in Antigua with drinks at sunset on a rooftop terrace. Trust me, there’s no better way to soak up the beauty of this charming colonial city than by grabbing a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views from above. There’s plenty around the city, many with volcano and city views. 

I recommend Antigua Brewing Company (a craft brewery with volcano views – get a flight to sample a few beers), Cafe Sky (easily the most popular rooftop in the city), and Rooftop Antigua (such a lovely space with views of the ruins and volcanoes).

Keep your eyes peeled – you may even see Fuego, one of those magnificent volcanoes, erupting right before your eyes.

Morning: Hobbitenango and/or El Hato Verde

Hobbitenango is a really cool and unique attraction located just outside of Antigua, Guatemala! If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings,” you’ll definitely want to add this spot to your 10 day Guatemala itinerary.

Hobbitenango is truly where fantasy meets reality. It’s perfect for Middle Earth fans, and seriously one of the quirkiest spots I’ve ever been to. So enchanting and off-the-grid; it totally feels like stepping into another world. Such a great little escape from the city. 

What is it exactly?! A hobbit-themed eco-park (!!!) that’s nestled in the lush green hills overlooking Antigua. The park features a few hobbit-style houses built into the hillsides that you can explore – we loved going inside; it had such a magical and whimsical atmosphere!

There’s also plenty of hikes (with lots of scenic views), fun and quirky photo spots (including the famous Hobbitenango hand – don’t miss a photo on it!), a giant tree swing, and some archery games.

​​I loved Hobbitenango so much I wrote an entire post on it – check that out over here (including how to take the shuttle to Hobbitenango, ATV tours that head there, the #1 mistake you don’t wanna make – that I made, haha, and way more).

On the flip side, El Hato Verde is a chic space up in the hills –  you get to hang out and relax in cool nets and tree houses overlooking the volcanoes! And it was super spectacular to say the least – I’ve never done anything like it in my life.

We had a perfect view of the lush, green countryside and it felt absolutely wild sitting/relaxing on the nets staring at the volcanoes in the distance. Wow! What an incredible view and place they have created. Such a special memory. 

Getting to El Hato Verde is a tad confusing. You first need to call an Uber or taxi which will take you up the mountain to their parking area (or drive yourself), and then you’ll be greeted by El Hato Verde staff who take you up in golf carts to the viewpoints and restaurant. We didn’t know this at first so we were kinda confused!

Afternoon: Markets, Ruins, and Cafes 

Once you’re back from your morning adventures, it’s time to explore the markets, check out some ruins, and relax at some cafes ! And thankfully, Antigua has plenty of each! 

They’re all scattered around the city, and there’s quite a few so you won’t have time to visit each and every one, but here’s a quick sampling of my favorites (find even more info in my huge guide to Antigua ).

• El Gran Cafe: A super aesthetically pleasing little shop, with baristas who are super passionate about their job. I picked up a bag of beans here!
• 12 Onzas: Another gorgeous spot, and they have a full brunch and lunch menu with super friendly staff. Really beautiful interior with turquoise tiles and a gorgeous back courtyard.
• Artista de Cafe: Great ambiance and great coffee! I unfortunately didn’t make it here, but it’s firmly planted on my list for next time!

Interested in Antigua’s cafe culture? I wrote an entire post on the best coffee shops and cafes in Antigua – check that out for lots of caffeine!

• Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market): This is a popular market filled with stalls selling a wide variety of products, from textiles to leather goods, and it’s a great spot to bargain with local artisans for the best prices. Don’t miss the beautiful fountain in the middle! 
• Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen (Carmen Market): El Carmen is a lesser-known artisan market in Antigua, but definitely worth checking out. We actually liked this one much better than the Mercado de Artesanias, as it seemed much cleaner and easier to navigate. 
• Mercado Central: This large open air market is jam-packed with all sorts of vendors selling EVERYTHING under the sun — fresh produce and meats, flowers, spices, electronics, clothes, and tons more! I won’t lie, it was a bit overwhelming to navigate since it’s so huge, but trust me, it’s worth it!

• Convento Santa Clara: This convent and church, founded in 1699 by nuns from Puebla in Mexico, is known for its amazingly beautiful ornate facade and the amazing courtyard with its fountain in the middle. 
• Catedral San Jose: If you make it to one ruin, make it this one. It was completed in the 1680s, and damaged by earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s now a popular tourist attraction known for its towering columns, picturesque giant pillars, intricate stonework, and collapsed ceiling. Psst – it’s also called “Antigua Guatemala Cathedral” and “Catedral de Santiago” – this confused me a whole lot!
• Casa Santo Domingo Hotel: This hotel is located in a former convent and monastery, which was founded in the 16th century and partially destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th century. Casa Santo Domingo features a museum of colonial-era artifacts, and we loved wandering around the property. 

Night: Dinner at Frida’s and Drinks at Ulew

Head over to Frida’s for dinner – we loved this trendy spot and everything we ordered was top notch! Plus, the bar area was oh so fun!

Afterwards, head to Ulew. A spot I don’t think I ever could forget. I absolutely loved this place – the vibe, the atmosphere, the wacky decor, the bartenders, and of course the drinks. It’s by far the best speakeasy in all of Antigua, and I could have come here every single night of my trip. 

Here’s the kicker – there’s no menu, so the bartenders make you whatever you’re in the mood for. The cocktails are some of the most creative and innovative I’ve ever seen, and the presentation was second to none. My drink was even served on a snow globe coaster!

Day 6: Antigua

Morning: Caoba Farms for Breakfast

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ve got to get yourself over to Caoba Farms. This special spot is a sustainable organic farm known for its delicious farm-to-table dining and DIY farm tour.

We came here for breakfast one morning and absolutely LOVED our visit – our dishes used the freshest ingredients and the beautiful surroundings of the farm just made our visit even more exceptional!

We loved wandering around the farm, admiring all the colorful flowers, leafy green plants, and plenty of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Plus, those tiny piglets were oh so cute!

Do note that Caoba Farms is located just outside of the city center of Antigua. We walked there (only about a 20 minute walk or so), but you can also take a tuk-tuk or quick taxi/Uber ride.

Early Afternoon: Chocolate Making Class

Guatemala is known for their chocolate, so what better way than to lean into this by making your own chocolate IN Guatemala itself?! 

The chocolate making class at ChocoMuseo is an incredible experience, and was one of my favorite things we did in Antigua! We learned all about the history of chocolate and how it’s made, from the cacao tree to the final product. Our class was led by an expert chocolatier who guided us through the process step-by-step.

The class took about two hours, and at the end, we got to take home our own handmade chocolates. Book a class in advance as they do in fact sell out – they’re popular for a reason. I took home the most delicious bag of chocolates, plus some cacao tea (which I now drink on the regular). Reason enough to visit Antigua in my opinion!

Late Afternoon/Night: Sunset Hike to Pacaya Volcano

One of the most popular day trips from Antigua is to Pacaya Volcano , and lemme tell you, it’s an absolute blast! I did this on my first trip to Antigua, and if I had more time, I would have totally done it again. 

Plus, how many of your friends can say they’ve been hiking on an active volcano?! Yup, you read that right – you’ll be hiking on an ACTIVE volcano. 

Pacaya Volcano is located about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Antigua and is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Thankfully, the volcano hike isn’t too strenuous, but it can be steep and rocky in some parts, so definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The hike usually takes around 1 ½ to 2 hours (with the hardest portion being a 15-20 minute steady incline). You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

As you get closer to the top, you’ll be able to see steam rising from the volcanic vents, and you might even be able to feel the heat coming from the ground. Whoa! Something you don’t see every day!

And the best part? Roasting marshmallows over the hot volcanic rocks! How cool is that? Trust me; they taste amazing with that smoky flavor from the volcanic heat.

Since you can’t hike Volcano Pacaya independently (you need a certified guide with you at all times, because, ya know, it’s an active volcano and all…), it’s best to book a tour in advance.

I recommend this Small-Group Sunset Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua . My friends climbed up the volcano just before sunset – and their photos were absolutely beautiful. Plus, you get to stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango! Doesn’t get better than that!

Part 3: Flores and Tikal

Next stop on this 10 day Guatemala itinerary — Flores and Tikal !

As soon as I got to Flores, I was in love. Located in the heart of Lake Peten, this tiny island (known as Isla de Flores) is full of colorful colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back attitude – three of my favorite things. It actually reminded me a bit of Guatape in Colombia , another colorful town set on a lake that has so much character.

It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world.

During your few days in Flores, you can explore ancient ruins (hello Tikal National Park!), take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and simply sit back and enjoy a cold beer or two at the plenty of waterfront restaurants and bars (or in my case – a whole lot of watermelon juice).

But whatever you do, don’t miss the island’s sunsets as they’re simply breathtaking! I loved wandering the town – it’s got such a charming atmosphere. 

Where to Stay in Flores:

For such a tiny island, there’s quite a lot of accommodation options!

I booked a private room at Los Amigos Hostel (with a stunning view of sunrise over the lake), and I swear it’s the most eclectic hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Oh so colorful and hip and fun. 

The garden restaurant looks straight out of a jungle – don’t miss one of their famous smoothie concoctions here! Los Amigos gets booked up fast (it’s crazy popular for a reason), so reserve your bed or private room ASAP. There’s also a travel agency right inside the hostel if you’ve got time for extra activities. 

I originally wanted to stay at the hip and trendy Hotel Isla de Flores , but the rooms were already all sold out. If you want beautiful lake views, check out Hotel Peten and Casazul (I almost stayed here!). 

Hotel Casa Turquesa is another great option that doesn’t break the bank, but do note it’s next to a nightclub with music blasting for hours so keep that in mind. 

How to get around Flores:

• Lanchas : If you want to explore the lake (which you should), you can hire a lancha (water taxi) to take you around the island, making stops at the different tourist attractions nearby.
• Walk : Isla de Flores is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot. The streets are paved with cobblestones, so I’d recommend having comfy shoes.
• Tuk-tuks and taxis : There’s also motorized tuk-tuks and taxis (you can usually find them parked near the main square) that can take you around the island quickly and affordably.

A few things to know about Flores:

• There’s only a few ATMs on the island, and they frequently run out of cash. Aim to carry enough cash with you for your few days in Flores, juuuust in case. If all else fails, there’s more ATMs across the causeway at the Maya Mall.
• While the infrastructure is decent, it’s not uncommon for the island to lose power. During my 3 days in Flores, the entire island lost electricity a few times. Just something to keep in mind. They’re all very used to it, and the power typically comes back within an hour or so.
• Skip the night market on the bridge connecting Isla de Flores to the mainland. I heard it’s not very sanitary and I wouldn’t risk the possibility of getting sick.

Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City; Fly to Flores

If you’ve only got time for 10 days in Guatemala (and wanna see the impressive Tikal ruins in the northern part of the country), you’ll need a quick way to get there. Driving takes over 10 hours, on a good day (it’s usually more like 12-13). But thankfully, there’s quick and easy nonstop flights! Phew!

Today’s a travel day, and you’ll need to get yourself back to Guatemala City (easy from Antigua), and then onto a flight to Flores. If I had an extra day to allocate to your Guatemala itinerary, this is where I’d add it – juuuust in case something happens with your flight (like if it’s canceled or delayed).

Look at TAG airlines and Avianca – there’s a few flights per day, so if you book early you’ll have some options.

Think you’ll want more time in Antigua? Book a late afternoon flight. Want to get a head start on exploring Flores? Schedule an early morning flight to Flores to spend the bulk of the day there.

Regardless of when you arrive in Flores, have some dinner and sunset drinks on the lake – you’ve surely earned it! I recommend Sky Bar, Terrazzo, and the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Isla de Flores.

Day 8: Explore the colorful town of Flores and Lake Peten

After a somewhat hectic and tiring travel day yesterday, take today to rest up a bit and explore the colorful town of Flores. Most people head to Flores en route to Tikal (on tomorrow’s agenda, don’tchu worry!), but the colorful island and its surroundings are definitely worth checking out too!

To say I loved this tiny island (Isla de Flores) is an understatement – I could have easily stayed a week and gotten into a routine of wandering the cobblestoned streets, having brunch overlooking the lake, and watching the sunset with a watermelon juice in hand every single night.

There’s just something so special about this tiny island, I can’t put my finger on it.

Morning: Wander Isla de Flores

The tiny island of Flores (Isla de Flores) is super small so you can practically see all of it in a single day. I must’ve walked every single street a few times!

This morning, take a stroll around the charming island, checking out the colonial-style architecture, all the colorful doors and buildings, and of course admiring the beautiful views of the lake from the malecon (the lakefront boardwalk surrounding the island).

There’s no reason to really plan out your walk in advance – just take your camera, throw on some comfy shoes, and start walking.

A few of my favorite foodie spots not to miss:

• Maracuya : The best place on the island to stop for some brunch, or simply a smoothie and/or snack. I sat on the airy terrace overlooking the lake, but there’s also a bunch of other spaces to hang out in, including a real-life butterfly exhibit!
• Delirio Bakery : As soon as I saw this soft-pink cafe, I knew I had to pop in. And what a great choice I made – indulging in some passion fruit pie was the perfect break from all my exploring. 
• Maple y Tocino: Another favorite of mine – a great spot for a lazy lunch with a perfect view of the lake. My avocado toast with beans and plantains was delish; next time I wanna try the epic Four Seasons waffle.

Afternoon: Scenic boat trip on Lake Petan

You’re on an island – get out on the lake itself for a few hours! You’ll find plenty of exciting things to see and do surrounding Isla de Flores, so I recommend hiring a lancha for a few hours to take you around.

The cost depends on how many stops you want to make, and will typically cost less per person the more people joining you! I took a scenic trip on Lake Peten with a few girls I met at my hostel, and we each paid about 200Q ($25) to go to Jorge’s Rope Swing, the mirador, and Playa Chechenal with a local on his boat. 

For a PRIVATE 5 hour “tour”, we thought this wasn’t bad at all! We even watched the sunset on the boat as we were heading back to the island – so super spectacular. 

You can also visit ARCAS (an animal sanctuary) and the Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten (Flores Zoo), but we decided to skip these as I had heard mixed reviews and I don’t find zoos of any nature to be ethical. 

A few stops not to miss:

Jorge’s Rope Swing: What’s better than swinging out over the water on a rope swing, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding jungle. The entire establishment is actually a family’s business, and they sleep there at night! Just imagine waking up to peaceful sunrises on the lake every morning, without a soul in sight. 

And don’t worry – it’s still super fun even if you don’t jump into the lake. Watching all those brave souls was good enough for me! There’s hammocks and areas to chill out, plus beers and snacks for purchase. And only a five minute lancha ride from Flores!

Mirador de Canek: This scenic lookout point/observation deck has panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza and the surrounding jungle, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. You’ll need to do a short hike to get up here (don’t be like me and wear sandals…), but it’s not too bad! The views from the top are well worth the effort!

Playa Chechenal: This is one of the only true beaches near Isla de Flores, and it’s packed with locals enjoying the sun. I was honestly a bit disappointed with Playa Chechenal, as it was crazy crowded when we visited and there were no picnic tables near the water left for us. 

Plus, the beach was super rocky and it really hurt walking into the water! We loved hanging out on the rainbow dock taking pictures though, haha. If you just want a quick look at it and aren’t planning to swim for long, I’d say an hour or so at Playa Chechenal is enough.

Day 9: Sunrise at Tikal; relax in town 

Ohhhh Tikal – the main reason for heading all the way up to Northern Guatemala.

Imagine this: Towering ancient temples amongst the thick jungle landscape. Listening to howler monkeys wake up and then watching them play in the trees. Climbing up ruins before sunrise in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Watching colorful toucans and parrots fly from tree to tree. That’s Tikal for you, and you cannot miss it.

This complex of over 3,000 Mayan ruins deep in the rainforests of northern Guatemala is 100% pure magic. It’s one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. 

I’m sorry Chichen Itza, but Tikal is easily one of the best sights in all of Latin America, and a definite highlight of Guatemala. I can’t imagine a complete Guatemala itinerary that didn’t include the impressive Tikal. 

Tikal is absolutely enormous, and you can spend hours exploring and climbing the temples, plazas, and other ruins that date back to over a thousand years ago. One of the most iconic structures is the Temple of the Giant Jaguar (Templo 1), which towers over the jungle (but you unfortunately cannot climb this one).

I also checked out the Gran Plaza, surrounded by impressive ruins such as Templo II (Temple of the Masks) and the central and north acropolis. I loved the Plaza of the Lost World and feeling so tiny beneath Templo 5.

But Tikal isn’t just about the history – it’s also a nature lover’s paradise! The surrounding jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and colorful parrots (I saw a whole bunch!). You might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar or a puma if you’re lucky.

And while there’s lots of day trip options, if you want a magical experience like no other, I highly recommend heading to Tikal for sunrise.

Yes, we had to wake up at 3am and were exhausted the rest of the day, but listening to those howler monkeys wake up in the jungle and wandering around the almost-completely empty sites was simply breathtaking. An experience I’ll never forget. 

Book your sunrise tour to Tikal here (don’t wait on this – this is a small-group tour with space for a max of 9 guests).

If your idea of fun doesn’t include an early morning wake up call, you can certainly visit later in the morning or midday. Just note it’ll undoubtedly be much, much more crowded, and a lot hotter and stickier. Because of that I recommend taking a sunset tour to Tikal – you’ll get the best of both worlds; no waking up early, fewer tourists, and even cooler temperatures.

Once you’re done at Tikal, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel and wandering the town – I was so tired I even took a midday nap! Something I NEVER do!

Day 10: fly to Guatemala City, depart home

Phew, what a jam-packed 10 days! You’re most likely flying home from Guatemala City, so on the last day of your 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll need to get yourself back to Guatemala City of course!

Thankfully, the flight from Flores to Guatemala City is less than an hour, so you can make it back to the city in no time. This means you can either spend an extra morning or so in Flores, or head back to Guatemala City in the AM.

TAG has numerous nonstop flights a day, and last I checked, Avianca has at least one. If you’re flexible on time and book in advance, you may even be able to get a flight for $50! Can’t beat that!

If you catch a morning flight and your flight home doesn’t depart until later that night, I highly recommend having a meal at Sublime Restaurante or Flor de Lis in Guatemala City. Both are super inventive spots with impeccable tasting menus. 

Our 12-course tasting menu at Sublime was easily one of the best 10 meals I’ve ever had… in my life. Yes, it actually beat out all those wondrous tasting menus in Mexico City – I was shocked! And it costs us less than $90, drinks and well-deserved tip included.

Psst – If you’ve got an extra day to spare, you could totally spend it in Flores and the surrounding areas. I took a day trip to Crater Azul , and was seriously stunned at just how turquoise blue the water was.

Hope this helps you plan the best possible 10 day Guatemala itinerary! Are you traveling there soon?!

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March 9, 2024 at 11:23 am

I sponsor a girl in Guatemala city and have been wondering if I should visit. Guatemala is so colourful and inspiring. Thank you so much for this very informative article Caroline ❤

March 10, 2024 at 11:01 am

Wow that is so special — you should definitely go visit! Guatemala is so underrated and such a special place.

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Guatemala

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The historic country of Guatemala is a testament to the ancient world. Home to some of Central America’s oldest Mesoamerican civilizations, Guatemala is dotted with crumbling ruins, stone temples, and age-old villages.

While many people come to explore the multitudes of archeological sites, Guatemala is also known for its spectacular landscape and natural tourist attractions. With black sand beaches, molten volcanoes, and dense, tree-lined jungles, you’ll be amazed at the diverse list of things to do in Guatemala.

The country also has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. Whether you’re interested in history or outdoor adventure, be prepared to be blown away by Guatemala.

15. El Mirador

Nestled deep in the heart of the Petén Jungle are the mysterious ruins of El Mirador. Many of the structures date back to the 6th-century BC, including the world’s largest pyramid from pre-Columbian America. Covered in a shroud of vines and dense vegetation, El Mirador is a rare glimpse into the history of the Mayan culture .

Due to its remote location, traveling to El Mirador requires a bit of planning. The village of Carmelita is the nearest point to the ruins that you can go by car. From there it takes a grueling trek of at least five days and four nights through the jungle with ants, ticks and mosquitoes that never relent. That said, people who make this journey will never forget it.

It’s recommended to visit El Mirador with a tour that can organize mule or horse transportation, as well as camping accommodation.

14. Livingston

The colorful beachside town of Lívingston is the perfect destination for a bit of relaxation. Lívingston is unlike other cities in Guatemala because of its laid-back tropical atmosphere, which is more reminiscent of a village in the Caribbean.

Besides sunbathing on the beach, you’ll have an entire outdoor world to explore during your visit. Explore the lush jungles on the banks of the Rio Dulce, cool off in the emerald pools of the Los Siete Altares waterfalls, or go snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Zapotillo Cayes.

Make sure to spend some time in the town itself, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the unique blend of these two different cultures.

The impressive structures at Nakúm are some of the best-preserved examples of Mesoamerican architecture. Although it’s one of the largest Mayan communities in the country, it’s often the least crowded due to its secluded location on the Holmul River. Because of the rough conditions, the road leading to Nakúm is only open several months out of the year and requires a 4×4 to reach.

The highlight of Nakúm is the South Acropolis. This raised platform consists of 12 courtyards and 33 individual buildings that were once used as homes during the Late Classic Period. You can also visit the different pyramids surrounding the courtyard of the Central Plaza.

12. Monterrico

Guatemala might not be known for its sun-soaked beaches, but Monterrico proves to be the exception. This laid-back town is world-renowned for its stark black volcanic sand beaches.

If you happen to visit Monterrico between June and December, then you have a good chance of spotting sea turtles, who come to the beaches to breed and lay their eggs. You can also visit Tortugario Monterrico (Monterrico’s turtle conservation center) to get up close and personal with the newly hatched babies. Every day before sunset, you can watch as Tortugario Monterrico releases the turtles back into the ocean.

11. Todos Santos Cuchumatan

Dive headfirst into local Mayan traditions with a visit to Todos Santos Cuchumatán. Due to the village’s remote location in the Western Highlands, it has managed to preserve century-old Mayan and indigenous traditions that have disappeared throughout the rest of the country. Most residents in the town are of Mayan descent. Not only do they still speak the rare Mam language, but they also tend to dress in traditional clothing.

The best time to visit Todos Santos Cuchumatán is in early November for the All Saints’ Day festival. This celebration is full of dancing, music, and traditional horse racing.

The colorful islet of Flores is marked by bright red roofs, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful colonial buildings. It’s located in Lago Petén Itzá and can be reached by the connecting road next to Santa Elena and San Benito.

You can walk around the entire island in just 20-30 minutes, although most tourists prefer to rent a bike or canoe and explore the area at their leisure. Besides admiring the historic architecture, don’t forget to stop by the Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá. This bright white cathedral is the highlight of the island.

9. Semana Santa

Guatemala during Semana Santa is one of the most festive times of the year. Also known as Holy Week, Semana Santa is celebrated widely throughout Latin American; however, the biggest celebration takes place right in Antigua.

The city is transformed by colorful decorations, live music, and endless amounts of food and drink. The main attraction of the festival is the Palm Sunday parade. During the processional, you’ll see dozens of parade floats, as well as people dressed up in purple robes with white waistbands.

8. Pacaya Volcano

The active Pacaya Volcano is one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Guatemala. After it’s 70-year dormant period, the volcano has been erupting continuously since the early 1960s, with the largest eruption occurring just in 2014. Despite the perceived danger, it remains one of the biggest tourist attractions in Guatemala.

A hike to the top of the volcano takes just around two hours and provides sweeping views of the entire surrounding area. You’ll even find food stands along the way selling marshmallows that you can roast over the heat of the volcanic rock!

7. Rio Dulce

One of Guatemala’s most beloved natural gems is the Rio Dulce. The river flows out of Lake Izabal, site of the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, an old Spanish colonial fort built in 1644 to keep Caribbean pirates from the river.

The river today boasts one of the largest bridges in Central America. On one side of the bridge is Frontera, known for a vegetable market where many shoppers arrive in dugout canoes. On its journey to the Caribbean, the river flows through a high-walled spectacular gorge. The river enters near Livingston, a Garifuna town which can only be reached by boat.

6. Semuc Champey

Hidden among the limestone mountains and dense forest shrubs is one of Guatemala’s most breathtaking sights – Semuc Champey. With cascading turquoise pools, underground caves, and flowing waterfalls, Semuc Champey is a slice of paradise in the middle of the jungle.

Getting to Semuc Champey can be difficult. From the town of Lanquin, it’s either a 2.5-hour walk or a 4×4 taxi drive to the entrance of the falls. Along with your swimsuit, don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes, as the entire area can be rugged and slippery.

5. Chichicastenango Market

Every Thursday and Sunday, Guatemala throws the largest market in all of Central America. Located in the heart of Chichicastenango, this market is your one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs.

Stacked back to back are hundreds of stalls selling different Mayan handicrafts, like textiles, wood carvings, leather goods, and other souvenirs. You can also find a variety of snacks, fresh produce, and even livestock. It’s important to practice your bargaining skills and pay no more than 50% of the asking price.

If El Mirador piqued your passion for archeological sites, then you’ll want to add Yaxha to your Guatemala bucket list. It’s smaller than the more famous Tikal, but still the third largest Mayan ruins in Guatemala . Yaxha was the ceremonial center of the pre-Columbian Mayan kingdom. Its indigenous name translates as blue-green water, appropriate since it overlooks a lake.

From 250 – 600 AD, Yaxhá was one of the largest ruling civilizations in Mesoamerica. It was believed to have over 40,000 inhabitants living just within the kingdom itself. Nowadays, you can visit Yaxhá and explore more than 500 ruins that tell the story of this ceremonial and influential ancient city.

While you could easily spend an entire day in Yaxhá, there are a few sights you shouldn’t miss. The South Acropolis was considered the heart of the city and contains ball courts, elite residences, and several temples. You should also see Plaza A, which has one of the last remaining twin-peaked pyramids outside of Tikal.

3. Antigua Guatemala

The charming Spanish Baroque buildings and colorful colonial churches make the mountainous city of Antigua one of the most visited destinations in Guatemala. Marvel at The Catedral de Santiago, shop at the Handicrafts Market or hang out with locals in Parque Central.

Antigua was once the capitol city of Guatemala, up until the year 1773 when a massive earthquake decimated the town. In 1776, it was ordered abandoned and what had once been a buzzing and vibrant capitol city took on the aura of a quiet provincial town.

Make sure also to snap a few photos of the iconic el Arco de Santa Catarina. This bright yellow building was built in the 17th-century as a way for nuns to cross the street without going outside. With the cloud covered mountains in the background, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Guatemala.

2. Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán was described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world. Situated in the Guatemalan highlands, the lake is a stunning exhibition of natural splendor and offers plenty of things to do in the outdoors.

Rent a boat and sail across the deepest lake in Central America, or strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails to explore the depths of the surrounding landscape. For something more adventurous, you can also soar high above the lake and valleys by paragliding off the cliffs of the mountains.

The lake is also near to several rural villages, including San Pedro and San Juan. Stop by for lunch, or simply to mingle with a few of the friendly locals.

The archeological site of Tikal is possible the most important attraction to visit in Guatemala . As one of the most powerful civilizations in the Mayan Kingdom, Tikal dominated the region for over 700 years, with most of the buildings dating back to the 4th-century BC.

Comprised of towering temples , massive royal palaces, and limestone pyramids, there are hundreds of structures to explore during your visit. The North Acropolis and Plaza of Seven Temples are two of the most impressive buildings on site. You should also visit Tikal Temple I, which was the tomb for King Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I.

Map of Things to Do in Guatemala

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Reader interactions.

May 10, 2017 at 1:51 pm

“Chichicastenango Market is gorgeous. It would be amazing to go there someday” (Alex). Amen to that! I love Chichicastenango Market with its vibrant colors.

November 5, 2016 at 7:19 pm

For kids, the Irtra attraction parks is a must to do. There’s no other place where you can find attractions with that mayan identity. There is a representation of the Great Jaguar, on Tikal. Also the San Felipe de Lara but with boats for kids and the hotels are relaxing for adults. Recently they open a local flight to save time travelling.

June 5, 2016 at 12:29 pm

I’m planning my first trip to Guatemala next summer with my 9 year old son. I plan to visit the ruins and other attractions. Especially looking forward to indulge in their culture and food.

August 29, 2015 at 7:15 pm

I spent a summer in Guatemala back in 85 as a foreign exchange student. So I not only did the tourist thing but my hosts took me all over the place and we did things like fishing in a beautiful river/stream off the beaten path. We also climbed volcano Agua 12,340 feet. More of a good hike than mountain climbing. Didn’t go to Tikal but went to most of the other places. The entire country is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with its natural beauty. I’ll never forget it and want to go back some day when I have the time.

May 20, 2015 at 9:25 pm

I was born and raised in the south of Guatemala and I have been living in California for 25 years. Guatemala is a beautiful country, I definitely recommend to visit Lake Amatitlan in Panajachel, the ruins in Tikal, Antigua Guatemala, Belice, Semuc champey, Esquipulas Temple, Xocomil in Retauleu.. Guatemala is an amazing country to visit and it will be a great experience for anyone who visits 🙂

February 15, 2015 at 6:51 pm

I love guatemala it is to me one of the most beutiful countries in the world

February 10, 2015 at 5:01 pm

Planning to backpack in Guatemala for a month next January. Is it safe? Areas to avoid?

April 22, 2014 at 4:14 pm

Chichicastenango Market is gorgeous. It would be amazing to go there someday.

September 15, 2013 at 12:05 pm

Great selections and definitely places to see, but you left out what is possibly the most beautiful place to see in Guatemala. Semuc Champey in Coban. If anyone is coming, definitely need to do some research and get there.

December 16, 2012 at 10:52 pm

I like beaches, the best time to capture beach image is sunset. This is an informative blog, sharing the Livingston and most visited spot in Guatemala are great.

December 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm

I lived in Guatemala for about a year when I was a kid. I returned about 30 years later. It was the happiest year of my childhood, and 30 years later, it was everything that I remembered. My trip to Tikal will go down in memory as one of the most exciting trips ever.

November 26, 2012 at 12:10 pm

Wow. That picture of Santa Catalina Arch reminds me so much of Leon, Nicaragua. I guess it must be the Spanish-type architechture. Looks amazing. Never been to Guatemala, but that place along with Lago de Atitlan look spectacular and definitely worthy of a visit!

October 1, 2012 at 7:48 am

Visiting Tikal is always been something I’ve wanted to do. I actually plan on heading there next year and can hardly wait for that to come. I’ll have to make sure I hit most of these other attractions as well.

September 17, 2012 at 12:23 pm

Would love to visit Volcan Pacaya. I’ve always wanted to see an active volcano erupt.

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Las experiencias más emocionantes de tu vida las puedes vivir en Guatemala. Te esperamos para cautivarte con todo lo que Guatemala tiene para ti, su cultura, sus volcanes, sus hermosos lagos, su diversidad de flora y fauna y sobre todo su gente

¡guatemala, te espera, declaración electrónica del viajero.

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How to get front-row seats to an active volcano in Guatemala

This challenging hike offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most active geologic wonders.

Frequent and dramatic eruptions make Guatemala’s 12,346-foot-tall Volcán de Fuego one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Adventurers seeking an up-close encounter with this pyroclastic marvel head to the summit of neighboring Acatenango Volcano—at 13,045 feet, the third highest in Guatemala—which provides an unparalleled vantage point. The strenuous hike goes from lush coffee plantations at the mountain’s base to the cloud forests on the mountainside, up to the otherworldly terrain near the peak. Here’s what to know about this awe-inspiring trek.

Acclimatize in Antigua

Before embarking on the journey to witness Fuego’s eruptions, acclimatize to the altitude in Antigua Guatemala . Just over an hour west from the country’s capital and sitting in the shadow of volcanoes Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego, the charming colonial town of Antigua has cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and picturesque plazas.

While exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can find local flavors at Café Condesa ; experience traditional barbecue and live music at Restaurante Las Antorchas ; and absorb the tranquility of the baroque La Merced Church, built in 1767. Accommodations range from the convenient Posada del Angel to the luxurious Casa Santo Domingo, located in a former late-17th-century convent.

Choose a one- or two-day hike

Hikes usually start at the village of La Soledad, where the path to Acatenango begins. From here, climbers can expect a challenging but rewarding ascent, passing through different ecosystems, from farmlands to coniferous forests. The hike to the top can take from 5 to 6 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions. There’s an option to go on horseback for the initial segment of the journey, as the final stretch to the top must be done by foot.

At Acatenango’s crater, amid the clouds and above the canopy, the explosive power of Fuego is on full display. Many adventurers opt for a two-day expedition to be able to overnight at the summit, experiencing the spectacular sights and sounds of glowing lava and pyroclastic material set against the starlit night skies.

Be prepared for a dramatic range in temperatures due to the high elevation, with daytime temperatures over 68°F and below freezing at night. Whereas the two-day hike allows for a paced journey, the Acatenango day trip packs the ascent and descent into a single, more strenuous day. Offered by Casa Santo Domingo and outfitters like Antigua Tours and OX Expeditions , this trip starts early at 5 a.m. to ensure hikers return by dusk, usually taking between 10 to 12 hours, including a shuttle to and from Antigua.

(What you’ll discover on a journey through Guatemala’s Western Highlands.)

What to know

Trekking to Acatenango is not for the faint-hearted. This adventure requires physical fitness, preparation, and a spirit of adventure. Pack warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, water, and snacks. The dry season, from November to April, typically offers clearer views of the volcano.

For safety, it is important to stay informed about the volcano’s activity through official sources, hiring a local guide for the trek, and following the guide’s instructions. Outfitters like OX Expeditions lead overnight hikes that include a bilingual guide, meals, tents, and shuttle to and from Antigua.

Trekkers are encouraged to leave-no-trace and preserve the beauty of this natural wonder.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

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Blinken to travel to Guatemala for regional migration talks as 2024 election looms

G uatemala City, Guatemala - US top diplomat Antony Blinken will travel to Guatemala this week for regional talks on migration , the State Department said Sunday.

Washington has been wooing the Central American nation's new administration as a partner on migration, with presidents Joe Biden and Bernardo Arevalo meeting in March. That visit also saw the announcement of $170 million in US aid.

The month before, Guatemala also agreed to three-way cooperation with the United States and Mexico on migration.

On Tuesday, Blinken will lead the US delegation gathering in Guatemala for the regional meeting of the 2022 Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

The hemisphere-wide framework for cooperation on migration was reached during a summit in the California metropolis led by Biden in 2022.

"Secretary Blinken will underscore our advances over the past two years and look ahead to next joint steps to bolster humane migration management and robust enforcement, lawful pathways and access to protection, and increasing refugee and migrant integration in the Americas," Miller said in a statement.

Blinken is also set to meet with Arevalo, as well as other regional leaders, Miller said.

Migration becomes a top issue as Biden-Trump rematch looms

Tuesday's migration talks come as record numbers of migrants have been seeking to enter the United States, largely from Central America and Venezuela, as they flee poverty, violence, and disasters exacerbated by climate change as well as decades of US intervention and destabilization .

Nearly 130,000 Guatemalans crossed the US-Mexico border without documentation from October to February, according to the US Border Patrol.

Immigration and border policy has emerged as a top political issue as Biden eyes a rematch with former president Donald Trump in the November elections.

Trump has spouted racist vitriol against migrants and pledged the biggest-ever deportation program if he returns to the White House. Meanwhile, Biden had to apologize for referring to migrants as "illegals" during his March State of the Union address. The Democratic president has also threatened to shut down the border , which advocates warn will lead to further human rights abuses.

Arevalo took office in January, following unsuccessful attempts by Guatemala's political establishment to block the inauguration of the underdog anti-corruption campaigner.

The United States – as well as the European Union, Latin American countries, and international organizations including the UN – repeatedly spoke out against moves to bar Arevalo from assuming office and hailed his anti-corruption platform.

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From August 1 Onward: Required Documents for Bringing a Dog into the United States

The documents on this website are specific to the importation of dogs under CDC’s updated dog and cat regulation, effective August 1, 2024. All suspension rules remain in effect through July 31, 2024. If your dog is entering the United States before August 1, 2024, you must follow the rules of the temporary suspension. Please find relevant information (and use the DogBot) at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States . On August 1, the new requirements become effective.

The documents required depend upon where your dog has been vaccinated for rabies, and what countries they have been in during the six months before traveling to the United States.

Required documents for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry:

• The CDC Dog Import Form will be accessible beginning July 15, 2024. Check back at that time for travel occurring on or after August 1, 2024.
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed by a U.S.-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States. U.S.-accredited veterinarians can access the form and its instructions at Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) Help Page
• Instructions for veterinarians are available here: Instructions to complete the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Form [PDF – 4 pages] .
• This document can be shown instead of the  Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination  form.
• The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Required documents for dogs that departed the United States and have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry:

AND one of the following:

• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed by a U.S.-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the Unites States. U.S.-accredited veterinarians can access the form and its instructions at Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) Help Page
• Lists the destination as the dog rabies-free or low-risk country from which the dog is returning (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information) (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).

Required forms for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry (and do not have Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form)

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form [PDF – 2 pages] Fillable Adobe PDF forms don’t function properly within web browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, etc). You should download fillable PDFs and complete them using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.
• Instructions to complete the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form [PDF – 2 pages]
• For information on CDC-registered animal facilities, see: CDC-registered animal care facilities .

Optional, in addition to above forms, to avoid 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility:

• For information on CDC-approved laboratories, see: Approved Rabies Serology Laboratories for Testing Dogs .

Required documents for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry (and do not have Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA-endorsed export health certificate)

• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form [PDF – 2 pages] Fillable Adobe PDF forms don’t function properly within web browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, etc). You should download fillable PDFs and complete them using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.
• Instructions to complete the Certification of Dog Arriving from DRMVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form [PDF – 2 pages]
• Veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous 6 months
• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form
• Valid rabies serology titer OR veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous 6 months
• Contact your local veterinarian in the country of export for assistance obtaining this form.
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