The Must See Places in Guatemala

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

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

Guatemala was my first solo travel experience.

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

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

It turned out to be my most memorable travel experience!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

1. Antigua Guatemala

By: Chelsea from Heart of Travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Petén & Tikal National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eventually, the Spanish did colonize the town, giving birth to the cheerfully painted colonial buildings and the narrow cobblestone roads that offer a more vibrant and tropical feel than colonial Antigua.

While in Flores you can enjoy affordable accommodation, international cuisine, handicraft and textile shopping, and upbeat nightlife complete with live music on rooftop terraces looking out over the water.

My personal favorite way to end the night is with a lazy stroll along the malecón accompanied by some street food.

From Flores, you can easily visit the nearby Tikal ruins as well as the lesser-known Mayan archaeological sites Yaxha and Uaxactun which all give you a glimpse into the past of the ancient Mayan civilizations as well as the opportunity to appreciate the jungle and all of its plants and critters.

Tip: book a tour to visit Tikal at sunrise. You’ll avoid most of the crowd this way, but watching the sunrise from the top of a temple is also an unforgettable experience!

If you’ve really got some time on your hands you could go all the way north to El Mirador, a site that many are speculating to be the largest Mayan city in existence.

As of now, however, visiting El Mirador requires entry by helicopter or a fairly gnarly 4-5 day hike in rugged jungle so it’s not for the faint of heart or those low on funds.

In addition to the national parks, the Petén region also has some great lakes and caves to explore and your visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping to zipline through the jungle just outside of the main entrance to Tikal!

3. San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán

Located on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán, the community of San Juan is almost 95% Tz’utujil, one of the 22+ different indigenous Maya groups living in Guatemala today.

The town itself is nothing short of charming with vibrant murals painted along the walls of the steeply inclined road that looks out over Central America’s deepest lake.

Here in San Juan, you can participate in a variety of free workshops to learn more about the local culture, history, and economy be it through a coffee tour, a chocolate-making demonstration, or a tour of a medicinal plant garden.

It is the people, however, that make San Juan La Laguna truly one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. They greet you with a warmth and authenticity that is hard to come by in most parts of the world these days.

And nowhere in the town is this more true than at the women-led textile cooperative Casa Flor Ixcaco.

The women behind this impressive community effort will gladly give you an in-depth presentation on all the steps that go into producing their intricately woven products. From growing and harvesting the cotton to removing the seeds, spinning it out into yard, dying it naturally, and the actual process of weaving with a backstrap loom.

Take a day trip into town or, if you really want to have an immersive experience, do an overnight stay with one of the families from the Casa Flor Ixcaco community!

Also Read: What is Ecotourism & How to Be a More Sustainable Traveler

4. Santiago Atitlan

By: Erin from Pina Travels 

Santiago is one of the larger towns on Lake Atitlan. Like most towns on the lake, it’s easily accessible by water taxi.

This town is known for being a focal point of Indigenous resistance to right-wing government forces during Guatemala’s civil war.

But it’s also famous for being where you can visit the Mayan folk saint, Maximón.

Maximón is a liquor-loving, chain-smoking saint who is recognized in Guatemala within the traditions of Indigenous Mayans.

He’s represented by a wooden statue that is dressed and decorated, seated on a chair. Throughout Guatemala, you’ll notice effigies of him, even in bars and restaurants.

Santiago is a must-visit place in Guatemala because it’s where you can actually visit Maximon.

People from all over the world travel to Santiago to pray to Maximon, typically asking for general things like wealth or protection.

Every year, Maximón is moved to a new ceremonial house in Santiago. He is kept in that home under the care of several men who sit vigil with him all day long. 

To visit Maximon, you’ll need to know what home he’s currently being cared for in. The best way to figure this out is with the help of a local.

Hop in any tuktuk in Santiago, and ask in Spanish to be taken to Maximon’s ceremonial house. If you don’t know Spanish, just say “Maximon.”

When visiting Maximon it’s important to be respectful. Dress modestly and bring an offering of candles, cigarettes, or liquor. If you’d like to take photos, pay the small photo fee to Maximon’s caretakers.

5. San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan

By: Andrew from Flights and Footsteps

If you’re walking the streets of San Marcos and ask anyone you see what makes San Marcos special, they’ll certainly tell you that it’s the energy.

It might sound a little new age to some people, but once you get there, there’s no denying that San Marcos feels special.

The locals both native and relocated (and there are a LOT of relocated locals) will tell you that the town’s position on the shore of the lake, and amidst the volcanoes make it an energetic vortex.

This being the case, it attracts a certain type of person to visit or live here. It’s incredibly easy to approach people and talk to them in San Marcos. There are a lot of English speakers and the town is full of genuinely kind people, many of them you’ll see walking around barefoot.

Walking down the streets of San Marcos you’ll come across a lot of vendors selling locally-grown produce. This will be some of the freshest you’ll eat while in Guatemala.

Then, make sure to stop by Circles Cafe for a coffee and sampling of local food.

If you’re looking for something to do, San Marcos is a great place to take a yoga class. From beginner classes to advanced retreats where you can learn to be a teacher, there is something for everyone, no matter where you are on the yoga spectrum.

Even if this doesn’t sound appealing to you, I’d still recommend visiting San Marcos for a half day and opening yourself to San Marcos and what it has to offer.

6. Río Dulce

If peace, tranquility, and being one with nature are what you seek then look no further than Guatemala’s expansive Río Dulce.

Flowing out of Lake Izabal and ultimately spilling into the Caribbean Sea, a boat ride down the river and through its impressive gorge is nothing short of idyllic. Make sure to spend an entire day out on the water stopping along the way to visit the area’s attractions.

Start by visiting the Castillo de San Felipe, a former fortress designed to fight off pillaging pirates that was later used as a prison before becoming a historical landmark.

Next up you can cruise by the Island of the Birds to observe a variety of different species before taking a leisurely ride through the mangroves adorned by thick fields of lily pads.

Here, you will get a first-hand look at life on the Río Dulce for most of its inhabitants as they sit on the porches of their wooden homes perched on stilts just feet above the water.

Women and children will paddle up to you in wooden canoes in hopes of selling handicrafts while the men cast their fishing nets where the river widens further downstream. The wooden crafts and woven baskets being sold are fairly unique to this area so it’s a good opportunity for those who like to get their shopping on.

Another must-see along the river is the natural hot springs where you can pop off to drink fresh coconut juice (order a coco-loco if you want them to add some rum) while you relax riverside in the steamy hot springs.

Finally, make sure you stop in the Garifuna town of Livingston, close to Belize. A former British slave-trading port, Livingston has a unique history and is unlike any other town in Guatemala.

Learn about Garifuna language and culture in Livingston and enjoy Afro-Caribbean drum music. Try the local dish “tapado” which is a coconut milk based seafood stew served with a side of freshly made coconut rolls!

A good place to stay on the Rio Dulce is Boatique Hotel and Marina, from where you can organize a boat ride down the river.

I’d highly recommend spending at least one night in Livingston. Hotel Villa Caribe is a popular place to stay in Livingston.

7. Semuc Champey

Are you a lover of adventure, nature, stunning turquoise water pools, and meeting new people over a couple of beers at Guatemala’s coolest lodge?

If yes, then Semuc Champey is the place for you.

Located in the department of Alta Verapaz, Semuc Champey is definitely one of the more off-the-beaten-path places in Guatemala with the last leg of the journey requiring piling into the back of a pickup truck for an off-roading adventure.

You’ll soon discover that the bumpy ride is well worth it when your trek through the sticky hot jungle rewards you with a spectacular view of cascading waterfalls and sparkling natural pools. It’s paradise!

After a few hours splashing around with new friends or a nice spiritual solo float session, you can really ramp up the adventure factor by spelunking in the nearby caves.

Equipped with a long dimly lit candle in one hand you’ll start out walking through the bat-filled caves as the water slowly rises to your knees.

Before you know it you’ll really get your workout on as you paddle through the cave and keep your head, and light source, above water.

Bats, climbing up rickety old ladders, unsure footing, and flickering candlelight that’s bound to blow out at least once definitely don’t make the caves at Semuc Champey the most relaxing, or safe, destination but man is it a fun adventure and a great story to take home.

As long as you’re a good swimmer and reasonably fit you should make it out feeling more alive than ever.

Be sure to finish your time in Semuc tubing down the river, bridge jumping or rope swinging from the trees into cool fresh waters.

Semuc Champey is one of the places in Guatemala where it’s highly advisable to plan ahead in order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

So take the time and the extra cash to book a shuttle and lodging in advance and get a local guide for the cave exploration part of your day, it’ll be well worth it. Check out Zephyr Lodge for accommodations, tours, and transportation options!

7.1 Use Lanquín as a Base

By: Daniel from Layer Culture

Lanquín is a small town located in the northern lowlands. It is a base for visiting popular Semuc Champey which is located around 7 kilometers away (4.3 miles), and a pit stop before or after visiting Cobán.

With the issue of travel safety in Guatemala when doing long road trips or excursions, rest assured that you can relax traveling to Lanquín because it is located on one of the country’s most popular backpacking circuits.

Some of the things to do in Lanquin include a visit to Grutas de Lanquin which are large limestone caves that you can visit at dusk, as well as river tubing (often combined with a tour of Semuc Champey).

To get to Semuc Champey from Lanquín, there are no buses, only pickup trucks that are easily found from around town. The ride is a bumpy one and costs around 15GTQ each way.

Most visitors to Lanquin look forward to a stay at El Retiro Lodge which offers a series of straw huts to stay in, located next to the river and in the middle of the lushest landscape.

With a restaurant and bar on-site, the surroundings are perfect for those who want to rest and relax, or, organize a day tour through the property.

From Lanquín, there are regular mini-buses to Cobán so if you want to get to the Parque Nacional Las Victorias or spend a night in one of the centrally located hotels, the guys at El Retiro will help you organize your transport.”

8. Chichicastenango

By: Daria from The Discovery Nut

Located in Guatemala’s Western highlands, Chichicastenango is a popular day trip from Lake Atitlan.

Shortly called Chichi, this town is one of the most important places in Guatemala because it’s home to the Quiché civilization, the largest ethnic group of Mayan descent.

Chichicastenango Central Market is a place where you can buy anything from fresh produce to souvenirs, clothing, and Mayan textiles. It’s often called one of the best indigenous markets in Latin America, and when you come here, you will quickly realize that it’s true.

The town is also known for its wood carvings, especially ceremonial masks used in traditional Mayan ceremonies which you can also buy at the market.

Chichicastenango was a main trading center before the conquistadors arrived in the Americas, and to this day the ancient traditions are alive and well here.

The pre-Colombian rituals still take place here, as Quiche people are deeply connected to their roots.

If you want to watch the ancient rituals, you can do it in several places: the Church of Santo Tomás and Chichicastenango cemetery along the western end of 8a Calle Street.

If you are visiting the area for the first time, it’s a good idea to hire a guide who can give you an overview of the history and culture of this place.

9. The Acatenango Volcano

By: David & Intan from The World Travel Guy

The Acatenango volcano hike is an amazing trek in the Soledad area of Guatemala, not far from Antigua.

It’s a tough hike that requires some fitness and determination, but at the top of Acatenango you get to see an erupting volcano up close!

The Volcan De Fuego puts on a spectacular show, with small eruptions every 15-30 minutes, and you can watch them safely from your overnight camp at Acatenango base camp, which is located on the adjacent mountain.

You can do the Acatenango trek in 1, 2, or 3 days, although most people do it in 2 days and 1 night, since this is usually plenty of time to see some eruptions from the Fuego volcano in the daytime and also at night, when you can see it shooting out red lava.

If you do a 2 or 3-day Acatenango hike, you also have time to hike over to the main saddle of the Fuego volcano, where you can see the eruptions from even closer!

It sounds dangerous, but the guides have a lot of experience doing this trek, and they know all the safest places to stand and take pictures.

For Acatenango base camp, you’ll want to bring plenty of snacks and water. For an extra charge, you can also hire a porter to help carry your supplies to the top of the mountain, which gives employment to the local community and also makes the hike a bit easier since you don’t have to carry as much.

All in all, it’s one of the best things to do in Guatemala!

10. El Paredon

By: Zoe from Zoe Goes Places

El Paredon is Guatemala’s go-to destination for lovers of the outdoors, surfing, and partying.

Just two hours from Antigua, the town is popular with both domestic and international visitors.

Aside from surfing and partying, there isn’t loads to do in El Paredon. But, that is all part of the charm of this rustic Pacific coast town. And if you’re visiting for less than a week, you probably won’t get bored.

During the week, El Paredon is a quiet little town with nothing out of the ordinary. But, on the weekends, the party scene really comes to life.

Given the small size of the town, it’s easy to find parties. Simply follow the music and lights! And if in doubt, head to the beach where there always seems to be a party.

However, if you’re seeking a quieter time, there are cooking and craft classes available. Plus, you can go out on a boat with locals to fish in the Pacific.

Other popular activities include watching the sunset, releasing newly hatched turtles, and dowsing yourself in bug spray. Yes, unfortunately, El Paredon is full of mosquitos and sandflies that love the wet and hot coastal conditions.

But, if you come prepared with repellent, use mosquito nets, and cover up around sunset, it shouldn’t ruin your experience, and El Pardeon really is a great place to visit in Guatemala.

Also Read: Surfing Tips for Beginners

11. Biotopo Del Quetzal

By: Tanya Korteling from Can Travel Will Travel

Biotopo del Quetzal is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala because the reserve is home to the resplendent quetzal bird, the reserve’s namesake, and the beautiful national bird of Guatemala.

Located between Antigua and Semuc Champey, the reserve is the perfect spot to break up the long bus journey between the two.

Biotopo del Quetzal covers 2,580 acres of protected cloud forest and aims to protect its endangered, rapidly shrinking cloud forest and inhabitants.

Spotting the elusive quetzal bird with its iridescent green and red plumage and spiky hairstyle (and the male with its very long streamer-like tail feathers) is the highlight of a visit to the reserve, although a sighting isn’t guaranteed.

Even if you don’t spot a quetzal bird, the reserve is still worth a visit. There are all kinds of other fauna and flora including lots of other species of birds, butterflies, insects, trees, orchids, and ferns.

Visitors can only explore a small area of Biotopo del Quetzal, but, there are two well-maintained trails that circuit through the cloud forest. There are also a couple of waterfalls, one that you can swim in.

Being a bit out of the way, accommodation near Biotopo del Quetzal is limited. However, I recommend Ranchitos del Quetzal, the family-run lodge where we stayed. It’s right next door to the reserve and also runs interactive workshops, serves traditional food, and has two hiking circuits that pass by waterfalls you can take a dip in.

The added bonus of staying here is there’s a good chance of spotting quetzal birds above the restaurant in trees.

Biotopo del Quetzal is definitely worth a visit especially if you’re interested in wildlife or seek out more off-the-beaten-track places.

12. San Andrés Xecul

By: Bella from Passport & Pixels

The quirky little town of San Andrés Xecul was completely off the tourist radar until Lonely Planet decided to put it on the front cover of their 2010 Guatemala travel guide, and catapulted it to fame.

The reason they did this is because of its church. Not just any grey old house of worship, the church at San Andres Xecul is probably the most quirky, colorful, and memorable religious building in the whole of Guatemala, if not Central America.

The now-famous church is an eye-bending confection of vivid yellow, covered with brightly painted moldings featuring iconography from both Catholic and Maya cultures.

There are saints, angels, flowers and fruits, and even a pair of jaguars – all highlighting the fascinating way in which Guatemala’s Maya heritage mixes with later Spanish and Catholic influences.

But this church is not the only reason to visit.

San Andres Xecul is an unspoiled, vibrant Guatemalan town, full of friendly people wearing traditional Maya dress.

What’s more, there are actually two churches, with a second, much smaller, painted yellow church, like a Russian doll version of the first one, about a ten-minute walk up the main street.

From here, you can then hike uphill for another hour, through fragrant forest, to a magnificent viewpoint with a Maya altar where you may see local people performing Maya ceremonies, and stunning views over the town and the valley behind.

The best way to get to San Andres Xecul is on a day trip from Xela (Quetzaltenango).

Despite its new-found fame, most tourists still don’t bother to visit because it’s a little out of the way. But if you can spare a bit longer in Guatemala, it’s definitely worth a visit.

13. Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala

By: Nina from Where in the World is Nina

While most people flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or Tikal on their Guatemala itinerary, they miss out on Xela!

Located in Guatemala’s highlands, you’ll see volcanoes in every direction you turn.

Quetzaltenango, better known by its Mayan name Xela, is the country’s second-largest city, and while it’s big, it’s nothing like Guatemala City.

From here, you have access to tons of volcano hikes, sulfur hot springs, and hundreds of years of history.

For anyone visiting the best places in Guatemala, you should tack on a couple of extra days in Xela. One of the best things to do from here is a hike up a volcano. Santa Maria is a great choice, although while your calves are screaming on the way up, you might think differently!

The burn is worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with an epic vista of the surrounding volcanoes, including Santiaguito. Santiaguito will be in view just below the summit, and you can safely peep over this bubbling active volcano. It’s actually one of the most active volcanoes in the country and one of the most dangerous.

After you get your heart pumping, you might want a day to relax and chill, and the best place to do that is to head to Fuentes Georginas. This is a beautiful spot in the mountains with pools of soothing sulfur water to bathe and bask in while surrounded by the Guatemalan jungle.

While Xela might not be first on your list, leaving it off would be a crying shame!

14. Hobbitenango

By: Brodi Cole from Our Offbeat Life

Have you ever dreamed of visiting The Shire? Well, if you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, you don’t have to dream anymore.

Hobbitenango is an eco-friendly activity center that offers visitors a unique experience that is out of this world.

Located on the edge of a volcano near Antigua, this amazing eco park provides visitors with unforgettable experiences and activities, including staying overnight in real Hobbit Houses!

There are several different activities available at the park depending on your interests.

For nature lovers, there are plenty of trails perfect for exploring and birdwatching. For those who want to relax, there are plenty of hammocks and loungers where you can sit back and enjoy the view.

And for thrill seekers, there is axe throwing and a swing over the edge of the volcano! Whatever you fancy, make sure you head to “The Hand” as soon as you arrive (and arrive early!) so that you can get some truly breathtaking photos overlooking multiple volcanoes!

In addition to all these activities, guests can also enjoy some delicious food from one of Hobbitenango’s many restaurants or grab a drink from its bar – all while taking in the stunning landscape that surrounds the park.

One of the most unique things about Hobbitenango is that it offers guests the opportunity to stay overnight in real hobbit houses.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax in a cozy hobbit house surrounded by nature – Hobbitenango is a fun place to visit.

Enjoy Exploring These Must See Places in Guatemala!

I really hope you’ll visit Guatemala some day and if you do, take your time, get to know the people, and fall in love with this country as much as I did!

Also Read:

• How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Anywhere in the World
• How to Stay Safe While Traveling
• 10 Reasons You Should Travel
• Volunteering Abroad: Why You Should or Shouldn’t – Including a volunteer project in Guatemala

Want to See More of Latin America? Then Also Check Out:

• Travel articles about Mexico
• Travel articles about Peru
• Travel articles about Colombia
• Travel articles about Panama

 

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