Guatemala, a land with a rich culture and stunning landscapes. On In Between Travels, I’ve been laying out a bunch of travel guides on the different destinations you can’t miss when visiting Guatemala. The country offers a diverse array of experiences and a large number of key attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins in the jungle to vibrant towns and volcanic landscapes. Certainly, I can tell this beautiful country in Central America is a must-visit destination. Still in doubt or crafting your travel plan? This is an overview of the 10 best things to do in Guatemala.
If you want to see most of the highlights covered in a travel route - check out my 2-week Guatemala Itinerary.
One of the most amazing experiences in Guatemala is climbing the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. This overnight adventure takes you to the base camp of Acatenango first, offering stunning views of the active Fuego volcano, releasing ash and lava. From the ‘base camp’, you can continue the hike to Fuego, witnessing the eruptions from close by. Afterwards, you will stay the night camping in one of the cabins, waking up from continuous eruptions. In the early morning, you can visit the summit of Acatenango for sunrise. It was an amazing experience and on top of my list of the best things to do in Guatemala. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will never forget!
Read everything you need to know before climbing the Acatenango here.
With the Mayan culture being one of the main cultures in Guatemala (they have one of the largest Mayan civilisation in the world), no visit is complete without exploring the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal and Yaxha. In the national park, you can wander and explore the towering structures and temples while enjoying the wildlife in the jungle. Tikal is the main historical sight and can be perfectly visited with the Early Bird tour. Moreover, Yaxha is a relatively smaller park but offers the most amazing sunsets over the lagoon.
Antigua is the traveller’s capital of Guatemala, as most travellers skip Guatemala City. This beautiful town is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture AND amazing food scene. Behind almost every beautiful building that hosts a bar or restaurant, you can find a wonderful courtyard. Next to that, you can relax on one of the many rooftop bars the city has to offer, such as Antigua Brewery. My favourite food places were Por Que No? And Cactus.
Explore more about the food & bar scene in Antigua in my bar & restaurant guide.
Lake Atitlán is a special place. The lake, surrounded by volcanoes, offers a spectacular view, and the villages surrounding the lake all have their vibe. In general, Lake Atitlan is a perfect place to experience more of the Guatemalan culture while enjoying time to rest. Additionally, one of the best things to do in Guatemala is hiking Indian Nose for some of the best views over the lake (on a clear day). The hike is relatively short but steep. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the lake, including the peaks of, for example, the San Pedro Volcano.
Read my complete travel guide about Lake Atitlan for more information.
Hotelito Perdido is a real gem in the Rio Dulce area. The hotel is nestled in the jungle, located at a small branching of the Rio Dulce River. Due to its location and facilities (hammocks), it is the perfect place for a nature retreat. You can explore the surroundings by kayaking to the nearby hot springs or waterfall or take a boat trip to Livingston and Playa Blanca. Every night, dinner is served at 19, and all travellers eat their dinner together. Afterwards, some play a game, and most of the time, the lights turn off at 9:30 pm. It is the perfect place to relax and build new connections (with nature or other travellers).
You can book your stay at Hotelito Perdido here.
Playa Blanca is located on the Caribbean coast and is the most beautiful white-sand beach in Guatemala. When we were at Lake Atitlan, we met a girl from Guatemala, and her favourite destination in the country was Playa Blanca. The turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, and the chairs on the beach make it the perfect place to relax. You can reach Playa Blanca by boat from Livingston (there will be plenty of taxi boats) or from your accommodation along the Rio Dulce River. When we visited, we spent the morning at Playa Blanca, as the currents and sea get rough in the afternoon, we left around 1 pm for Livingston for lunch and a stroll around town. There is a small entry fee to the beach in return for consumption.
Flores is the charming island in Lake Petén Itzá that serves as the main gateway to Tikal and Yaxha. Even though some might opt to stay close to the park, most travellers will base themselves in Flores, and for a reason! The cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and lakeside setting make it a delightful place to explore. Moreover, there is a laid-back vibe; you can indulge in local cuisine at the amazing bars and restaurants and stroll around the island.
Read the full travel guide about Flores here.
Casa Maya Itza (we stayed here!) for €40 a night. You cannot book this place far in advance.
Zapote Tree House Inn for a remote stay on the other side of the water (€40 a night)
Los Amigos Hostel for a social stay, bunk beds are available (€55 a night for a 2-person room)
Hotel Isla de Flores for a more luxurious stay, including a swimming pool! (€120 for a room)
Semuc Champey is a paradise hidden in the Guatemalan jungle known for its limestone pools filled with turquoise water. From Lanquin, you can take a guided tour to explore the pools, hike to the viewpoint for a panorama and visit the nearby K’an Ba caves.
Note: During our visit to Guatemala, we skipped Semuc Champey due to the long travel times and our preference to visit Rio Dulce.
Before travelling to Guatemala, I had no idea the food would be THIS good. The rich culinary tradition combined with Mexican influences (tacos, tortillas!) creates a wide range of great meals. Don’t miss out on street food favourites like tamales and pupusas, and visit local markets to enjoy handmade tortillas. When visiting Livingston, you have to try Tapado – a coconut fish soup.
One of the most rewarding adventures in Guatemala is the multi-day trek from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Lake Atitlán. This hike takes you through diverse landscapes such as forests, highland plateaus and Mayan villages. It offers a wide range of views and cultural experiences along the way. The hike takes 3 days, and your luggage can be sent to Lake Atitlan.
Other travelers have recommended Quetzaltrekkers for this experience.
