The largest country in Central America by population, Guatemala is known for its diverse landscapes of volcanoes, rainforests, and Pacific beaches.
Also known as “The Heart of the Mayan World,” Guatemala boasts a rich cultural heritage with many Mayan ruins, including the UNESCO-listed Tikal, traditional Mayan pueblos, where people still practice their traditional way of living and colorful markets where you can buy traditional Mayan crafts like textiles and home goods.
Where is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is located in Central America. It’s bordered by Mexico to the north and east, Belize to the west, and El Salvador and Honduras to the south.
Guatemala is a popular stop on a classic Central America itinerary, with many travelers stopping in places like Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Tikal.
Best Things to Do in Guatemala
Although Guatemala is not a big country, traveling around requires planning and preparation. While you can take public transport, it’s not always reliable and safe, especially in Guatemala City. In this article, we will look at what places you can visit in Guatemala and how you can get there safely.
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is the largest city in the country, with a population of over 3 million people in the metro area. Home to the main international airport, La Aurora International Airport (code: GUA), Guatemala City is a popular transportation point in the country that offers connections to the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
However, most people will advise you to stay away from Guatemala City and head straight to other destinations like Antigua or Lake Atitlan because of the problems with gang violence.
If you look at the statistics, Guatemala City does have a high rate of crime. Yet, it has several landmarks like Museo Popol Vuh, where you can see Mayan Art, or Museo Ixchel del Trade Indigena (Museum of Mayan Costumes).
Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour of Guatemala through Viator.com or on the spot. This way, you will not have to navigate the city and have a professional guide show you around.
Antigua
Antigua is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala, known for its cobble-stoned streets, towering volcanoes, and coffee production. Antigua makes a perfect base for your adventures in Guatemala, as it boasts a strategic location, great restaurants, and plenty of cultures.
You can also hike several volcanoes near Antigua. For a quick trip, you can join a guided tour to Pacaya Volcano, or if you are ready for a more challenging hike, book an overnight tour to Acatenango.
Travel tip! Make the most out of your trip! Plan your itinerary from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (#4 on our list).
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela) is surrounded by green hills and volcanoes and makes for a great cultural trip.
Parque Central is home to one of Guatemala’s most beautiful churches, with a brightly colored ornate facade. While the 1902 earthquake destroyed the church, the facade survived, and the structure behind the face was rebuilt. In addition, Xela is a perfect base to explore many colorful artisan markets in the country.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. In fact, it has a depth of around 320 meters. You can find it in the southwestern Solola department of Guatemala. The lake is surrounded by many volcanoes that offer many opportunities for hiking and spending time in nature.
Lake Atitlan is surrounded by small Mayan villages where you can tour coffee production shops, buy colorful textiles, attend yoga classes, and recharge your batteries.
Lake Atitlan has become one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala, with many visitors flocking to places like San Pedro, Jaibalito, San Juan La Laguna, and Panajachel. You can also book a boat tour of Lake Atitlan.
And if you’re up for discovering new places, get a “lancha” to Panajachel and ride a tuktuk to Santa Catarina Palopo!
Panajachel
Panajachel is one of the most popular towns along Lake Atitlan. While it’s busy and doesn’t have the quiet atmosphere of smaller towns along Lake Atitlan, it offers the best nightlife in the area, plenty of stores, and a great food scene with plenty of options ranging from Guatemala to Western food.
It’s also home to one of the best artisan markets in the area, so if you need to buy souvenirs for your friends and family, this is the right place.
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango (also known as Chichi) is the oldest handicrafts market in Guatemala that offers a wonderfully authentic experience.
Situated in the Western highlands of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is among the most significant places in the country as it is home to the Quiche civilization. This is the largest ethnic group of Mayan descent.
You can buy anything from fresh produce to colorful souvenirs, clothing, and Mayan textiles at the Chichicastenango Central Market. It’s one of the best indigenous markets in Latin America, where you can learn the history and culture and do some shopping at the same time.
Chichi is known for its wood carvings, especially ceremonial masks, which are used in traditional Mayan ceremonies. You can buy these 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 easiest way to get to Chichi is by taking a guided tour or catching a chicken bus from Lake Atitlan.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is one of the most incredible natural wonders of Guatemala located in the forested mountains of Alta Verapaz, and reaching it takes about 8 hours from Antigua and Flores. Most people visit Semuc Champey by guided tours from Antigua, Flores, or Lake Ativan, as getting here by yourself would be very challenging.
Semuc Champey is a series of 18 limestone pools that were created by the Cahabon River surrounded by tall cliffs on each side.
Tours offer various packages including swimming in the pools, hiking to the overlook, or exploring the caves. Check with your tour operator before booking your adventure, so you understand how much the tour will last and what it costs.
Livingston
Livingston is a small town along the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala, that sits somewhat off the beaten path. The population of Livingston is mostly Garifuna people, the descendants of slaves from the Indies, which means the area has a different culture from the rest of the country.
In Livingston, you can try traditional Garifuna food, enjoy Garifuna dancing and singing, and continue your travel to Honduras or Belize, as Livingston is close to both countries.
Monterrico
Famous for its black sand beaches and nesting turtles, Monterrico sits along the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. While it was a quiet fishing village in the past, it’s becoming increasingly popular with travelers who flock here to enjoy eco-adventures and soak up the special atmosphere of this place.
Monterrico is part of the Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii, a nature reserve that covers 20 km of the coast. The area is a nesting site for thousands of leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles, who come here every year.
The Tortugario Monterrico is a local turtle hatchery where eggs are reburied and allowed to hatch under protection. Visitors can learn about the hatching process and release baby turtles into the sea.
El Boquerón Canyon
A hidden treasure of Guatemala, El Boqueron Canyon is a gorgeous natural landmark near Rio Dulce.
Boqueron Canyon looks like a gorge, and during your tour, you will have a chance to admire it while taking a boat tour. To access the site, you need to hire a local guide or take a colectivo (a small shared van) to El Estor. Not many tourists know about EL Boqueron Canyon, and when you come here, you are likely to have the whole place to yourself.
When traveling to more remote places in Guatemala, always have Quetzales on you (the currency of Guatemala).
Flores
The island of Flores is a popular stop for many travelers because of its proximity to the famous Tikal ruins. While this destination has become more popular in recent years, it offers more than just quick access to the ancient Mayan city.
If you are visiting Flores, stop at The Uaxactun Ruins, catch the sunset from the El Mirador del Rey Canek over the water near the small village of San Miguel, and visit Museo Santa Barbara on the western side of the island.
Tikal
Tikal is one of the main symbols of Guatemala and an unmissable stop on your Guatemala itinerary. Once the most powerful Mayan city in the world, Tikal is part of the Tikal National Park and is about 1.5 hours from Flores.
While you can visit the ruins on your own, it’s a good idea to hire a guide who can tell you about the history of this archaeological area and show you the best way to get around so you don’t miss anything.
This is a big area with dozens of structures, many of which are yet to be excavated. Tikal is one of the most visited places in Guatemala, with millions of tourists coming here every year, so it’s best to visit early.
El Mirador
Everyone knows Tikal, but few people know about El Mirador, one of the largest Mayan sites in the world that’s still covered by the jungle. El Mirador sits near the Mexico border, and getting there from Flores requires a 5-day trek through the uncharted terrain.
It’s a perfect opportunity for adventurous travelers who want to immerse themselves in Mayan history, camp in the wilderness, and find their way through the lush jungle. When spending time in Flores, you can find local tour agencies selling trekking packages to Mirador.
Keep in mind that a typical tour to Mirador requires a certain number of people, so if you have little time, it’s best to hire a private guide which would be more expensive.
