What to do in Guatemala: 20 must-sees and must-dos

Tikal

Antigua Guatemala

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala’s natural jewel, is framed by the majestic volcanoes and picturesque villages of the high plateau region. Its crystal-clear, deep-blue waters are bordered by green mountains and fertile fields. The Mayan villages dotting its shores offer an authentic immersion in local culture and life. Travelers can cruise its tranquil waters by boat, admire breathtaking panoramas from the peaks of the surrounding volcanoes and lose themselves in the colorful markets of the nearby villages. The lake is also an ideal place for relaxation and meditation, with its tranquil beaches and enchanting sunsets. Lake Atitlán is a veritable natural paradise, where the soul can be rejuvenated by the beauty and serenity of Guatemalan nature.

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango, famous for its lively, colorful traditional market, is a must for travelers in search of authentic Guatemalan culture. Nestled in the mountains, this picturesque town is bursting with life on market days, when local artisans display their varied handicrafts, from textiles to pottery to fresh foods. The vibrant atmosphere and explosion of color create a unique sensory experience, where you can lose yourself among stalls filled with handcrafted treasures. In addition to the market, Chichicastenango is also home to the Santo Tomás church, a historic site where Mayan traditions and Catholic influences come together. Visitors can attend ancestral religious ceremonies in this place steeped in history and spirituality. Chichicastenango offers a journey to the heart of Guatemalan culture and tradition, where every street corner reveals a fascinating new story.

Panajachel

Panajachel, nestled on the shores of magnificent Lake Atitlán, is an iconic Guatemalan destination, renowned for its natural beauty and bohemian atmosphere. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and verdant landscapes, this charming town offers a peaceful getaway in an enchanting setting. Visitors can stroll along the lake promenade, admire the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and relax in the quaint cafés and restaurants. Panajachel is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding traditional Mayan villages, which can be reached by boat. The city’s colorful market, featuring a variety of local crafts and regional products, is a must for shoppers and cultural discoverers alike. Panajachel offers an authentic and relaxing experience, where nature and culture blend harmoniously to create a true paradise on earth.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey, a natural gem hidden in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, is a geological wonder that amazes travellers from all over the world. Nestled in the mountainous Alta Verapaz region, this enchanting site is famous for its crystal-blue natural pools, fed by the turquoise waters of the Cahabón River. Visitors can bathe in these natural pools, relax amid lush landscapes and let themselves be enveloped by the tranquility of the surrounding nature. For adventure seekers, Semuc Champey also offers hiking, caving and tubing on the river. Accessible after a journey through winding mountain roads, this isolated paradise rewards courageous travelers with unspoilt beauty and incomparable serenity, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Guatemalan nature.

Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce, literally “sweet river”, is a natural wonder nestled in Guatemala’s lush jungle. This winding river meanders through spectacular scenery, offering travelers an immersive experience in the heart of the wilderness. Bordered by lush vegetation and sheer cliffs, the river offers breathtaking views at every turn. Visitors can explore its calm waters by boat, kayak or canoe, discovering secluded islands, mysterious caves and abundant biodiversity along the way. Along the river, picturesque villages and indigenous communities offer an authentic glimpse of Guatemalan life. Must-see attractions along the river include the famous Rio Dulce bridge, San Felipe fort and Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Rio Dulce is the destination of choice for nature lovers and adventurers in search of unique discoveries in the heart of Central America.

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, often called “Xela” by the locals, is a vibrant city in Guatemala’s western highlands. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and breathtaking mountain scenery, this picturesque town offers a rich and diverse cultural experience. Boasting magnificent colonial architecture, Quetzaltenango seduces visitors with its charming squares, historic churches and lively cobblestone streets. The colorful markets are brimming with local produce, traditional crafts and culinary delights, offering an authentic glimpse of everyday Guatemalan life.

Livingston

Livingston, a unique city nestled on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast, offers an enchanting atmosphere with its distinctive blend of Garifuna, Mayan and Creole cultures. Accessible only by boat, this isolated enclave seduces travelers with its relaxed atmosphere, black sand beaches and turquoise waters. Reggae music echoes through the city’s narrow streets, while the tantalizing aromas of Caribbean cuisine waft through the air. Visitors can explore the colorful streets of Livingston, discover the living traditions of the Garifuna communities and relax on the idyllic beaches lining the coast.

Cobán

Cobán, a hidden gem in Guatemala’s highlands, seduces travelers with its picturesque charm, mild climate and verdant landscapes. Nestled in the heart of a lush valley surrounded by majestic mountains, this town offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tikal National Park

Tikal National Park, an archaeological treasure buried deep in the Guatemalan jungle, amazes travellers with its majestic ruins and thousand-year-old history. Nestled in the rainforest of the Mayan Basin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with imposing temples, mysterious pyramids and ancient palaces that bear witness to the grandeur of the Mayan civilization.

Guatemala City

Guatemala City, the vibrant capital of Guatemala, is a harmonious blend of history, culture and modernity. This dynamic metropolis seduces visitors with its striking contrasts, offering both lively neighborhoods brimming with colorful markets and elegant urban centers adorned with contemporary architecture. At the heart of the city, the historic center is home to architectural treasures such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, bearing witness to the country’s rich colonial heritage.

The Pacaya volcano, located near the town of Antigua in Guatemala, offers a captivating experience for nature lovers and intrepid adventurers. With its picturesque hiking trails and impressive volcanic landscapes, the Pacaya promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Guatemalan wilderness. Visitors can marvel at the fumaroles emanating from the volcano’s flanks, testifying to its constant geothermal activity.

Los Volcanes National Park

Los Volcanes National Park, nestled in the heart of Guatemala’s majestic mountains, is a natural wonder for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular scenery. With its towering volcanoes and breathtaking volcanic landscapes, this park offers an unforgettable escape into Guatemala’s wilderness. Visitors can venture out on well-maintained hiking trails, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and verdant valleys.

Rio Dulce National Park

Nestled deep in the Guatemalan jungle, Rio Dulce National Park is an oasis of tranquillity and biodiversity. This enchanting natural sanctuary is home to an incomparable ecological wealth, with lush flora, exotic bird species and teeming aquatic life. The tranquil waters of the Rio Dulce meander through the landscape, offering picturesque views at every turn.

Quiriguá

Located in Guatemala’s eastern region, Quiriguá is a major archaeological site renowned for its impressive Mayan ruins. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a fascinating insight into the ancient Mayan civilization and its monumental architecture. Visitors can admire the impressive sculpted stelae of Quiriguá, including the largest known stela from the Maya era, which testify to the site’s importance as a ceremonial and political center.

Yaxha National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, Yaxha National Park is an archaeological and natural treasure trove that offers visitors an immersive experience of the region’s history and biodiversity. Famous for its well-preserved Mayan ruins, Yaxha is home to a vast architectural complex including pyramids, temples, palaces and plazas, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Mayan civilization.

Semuc Champey National Park

Nestled in Guatemala’s verdant mountains, Semuc Champey National Park is a natural oasis of breathtaking beauty, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise pools and lush landscapes. Located near the town of Lanquín, this natural gem offers visitors an idyllic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The calm, clear waters of the Cahabón River meander across natural limestone bridges, forming a series of natural pools and picturesque waterfalls.

El Mirador

El Mirador, in the heart of Guatemala’s dense Petén jungle, is an enigmatic and majestic ancient Mayan city. Accessible only by jungle trails, this lost city offers an immersive experience of ancient history and wilderness. With its vast pyramids, imposing temples and sculpted monuments, El Mirador bears witness to the grandeur and sophistication of Mayan civilization.

Monterrico

Monterrico, a hidden gem on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, is a picturesque seaside destination offering a relaxed, unspoilt atmosphere. Famous for its volcanic black sand beaches, warm waters and spectacular sunsets, Monterrico is a haven for travelers in search of tranquility. Visitors can relax on stretches of golden sand, swim in the fresh waters of the Pacific Ocean or watch sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach.