Best Things to do in Guatemala

Exploring Ancient Mayan Ruins

The remnants of the once-glorious Mayan civilization are scattered throughout Guatemala, whispering tales of a bygone era. Visiting these sites is akin to stepping into a time machine, only without the pesky paradoxes.

Tikal National Park

Among the country’s top-tier attractions, Tikal National Park is a place where the jungle and ancient stones compete for dominance. With temples that claw at the sky and howler monkeys that provide a free-of-charge dawn chorus, it’s an experience that would make Indiana Jones green with envy.

Yaxha

Slightly less crowded but no less majestic, Yaxha is a serene sister site to Tikal. Perched beside a lagoon, it’s the perfect spot for a sunset that’ll make your social media followers seethe with jealousy.

Quirigua

For a change of pace, and for those who appreciate carvings so intricate they would make a Swiss watchmaker blink, Quirigua boasts some of the most impressive stelae and zoomorphic sculptures this side of the Milky Way.

Adventure Activities

Guatemala is an adventure junkie’s delight, offering activities that could give Red Bull a run for their money.

Volcano Hiking

Strap on your boots and hike up one of Guatemala’s numerous volcanoes. Pacaya Volcano, for instance, offers a hike that ends with roasting marshmallows over lava-heated rocks. How’s that for a hot culinary tip?

Ziplining in the Jungles

Transform into a modern-day Tarzan or Jane as you zipline through the emerald canopies. The jungles around Lake Atitlan provide a stunning backdrop for high-flying antics.

Caving in Lanquin

The Lanquin Caves are nature’s own cathedral, with stalactites and stalagmites that took millennia to create. Just remember, no touching—or you’ll be subjected to the eternal guilt of spoiling something older than your civilization.

Natural Wonders

Guatemala’s natural beauty could make even the most experienced traveler weep with joy.

Lake Atitlan

Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with quaint villages, Lake Atitlan is a place where beauty and tranquility have a love affair.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a limestone bridge with a series of tiered pools above a rushing river. It’s basically Mother Nature’s take on a waterpark, with better landscaping.

Pacaya Volcano

For those who didn’t get their fill of volcanic adventures, Pacaya Volcano offers hikes that are as accessible as they are impressive. The views from the top are quite literally explosive.

Cultural Experiences

Immersing in Guatemala’s culture is like diving into a vibrant tapestry of traditions, colors, and flavors.

Chichicastenango Market

At Chichicastenango Market, shopping becomes an extreme sport. This is where you haggle over handcrafted goods, inhale the pungent aromas of exotic spices, and probably buy one too many hand-woven bags.

Antigua Guatemala City Tour

Stroll through Antigua with its cobblestone streets and colonial charm. This city is Instagram’s dream, with every building seemingly competing for the title of ‘Most Photogenic’.

Ixil Triangle Villages

The Ixil Triangle is a trio of villages that offer an unfiltered glimpse into indigenous life. It’s like stepping into a living museum, except the exhibits can talk back.

Relaxation Spots

Sometimes, the best action is inaction, and Guatemala offers spots perfect for practicing the art of relaxation.

Hot Springs at Fuentes Georginas

The Fuentes Georginas hot springs are nature’s spa, with thermal waters that are perfect for soothing those adventure-weary muscles.

Monterrico Beach

Bask in the sun at Monterrico Beach, where the sand is volcanic, and the turtles are just adorable. It’s relaxation with a side of cuteness.

Culinary Journey

Guatemala’s cuisine is a smorgasbord of flavors waiting to assault your taste buds—in the nicest possible way.

Street Food in Guatemala City

Dive into the bustling streets of Guatemala City for a street food scene that’s as vibrant as the city itself. From tostadas to tamales, your stomach will thank you.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Coffee aficionados can embark on a caffeinated pilgrimage to one of Guatemala’s many coffee plantations. Witness the journey from bean to cup, and sip on some of the world’s best brews.

Art and Museums

Art buffs, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life will find a treasure trove in Guatemala’s museums.

Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing

The Ixchel Museum showcases traditional textiles that make your average fabric store look like a joke. It’s a riot of colors and patterns that tell a story of heritage and skill.

Popol Vuh Museum

The Popol Vuh Museum is where you go to get up close and personal with ancient Mayan artifacts. It’s a history lesson without the monotone voice of your old school professor.

Festivals and Events

Guatemalans know how to throw a party, and the country’s festivals are a testament to this fact.

Semana Santa in Antigua

Semana Santa in Antigua is a religious spectacle with processions so elaborate they could upstage a Broadway show.

Day of the Dead Kite Festivals

The Day of the Dead Kite Festivals are where kites become canvases for the soul, painting the sky with messages for the dearly departed. It’s a poignant beauty that’s hard to forget.