Guatemala has been gaining worldwide consideration as a prime vacationer vacation spot. If you might be in search of a visit out of the atypical, ensure that so as to add this lovely nation in Central America to your record.
This Guatemala journey information was initially written by Daniel of Destinationless Travel who spent a month exploring the nation. It has been up to date by The Planet D who additionally spent a month in Guatemala and we’ve added some new excursions and sights for 2023 because of our staff.
Best Things to do in Guatemala
As some of the numerous international locations on the earth with 37 volcanoes, 360 microclimates, lakes, seashores, and land on each the pacific ocean and the Caribbean Sea, how are you going to not go to Guatemala? These are one of the best issues to do in Guatemala to go well with each kind of traveler. Are you able to fall in love with this superb Central American nation? Let’s get began.
1. Acatenango Volcano
If you converse to anybody who has accomplished this hike, you’ll possible have heard some rave opinions. Hiking the Acatenango Volcano is a hike not like some other. Guatemala has 37 volcanoes and three of that are lively volcanoes. During this trek, you will note some of the spectacular.
It includes climbing for 4-6 hours to a base camp on one aspect of the Acatenango Volcano. From this camp, it isn’t Acatenango that’s spectacular, it’s the neighboring volcano referred to as Fuego that actually makes the general expertise.
Fuego is a really lively volcano that sits parallel to the camps on Acatenango. It erupts each couple of minutes, placing on a present of exploding lava for the entire excited hikers to see. The volcano erupts roughly each 4 to five years and it was most just lately lively in December of 2022.
Several totally different tour corporations provide two-day excursions from Antigua for as little as $90 USD together with tenting gear, meals, and a information. This extremely rated in a single day tour enables you to observe dawn and sundown from Acatenango the place you’ll sleep at Basecamp in entrance of Fuego Volcano
Breakdown of Trip
- Day one consists of a brief 1-2 hour drive to the bottom of Acatenango adopted by 4-6 hours of climbing up in direction of camp.
- The afternoon and night are spent round a campfire ready for any clouds to half to disclose Fuego’s unbelievable present.
- The following morning begins at 4am for a hike to the height of Acatenango. From right here, the solar rises above the cloud line and the Fuego volcano continues to erupt proper in entrance of your eyes.
- Then, it’s a hike again down the identical approach to the bottom of Acatenango. The quick length, low cost value, and excursions together with all gear make the Acatenangovolcano hike a greatl exercise for many vacationers.
I’d fee the Acatenango Volcano hike as some of the thrilling and distinctive journey experiences I’ve ever had. For extra details about reserving and getting ready for the Acatenango Volcano hike take a look at our weblog right here.
2. Antigua Guatemala
Often known as merely Antigua, Antigua Guatemala might be one of many first stops you’ll make within the nation. Most vacationers are drawn to Antigua Guatemala as it’s the metropolis the place Acatenango Volcano excursions begin, however it’s way more than that. This colonial metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the previous capital metropolis of Guatemala.
Antigua Guatemala means Old Guatemala and immediately, it’s a well-liked vacationer hot-spot for good cause. When visiting Antigua a part of the allure is to get misplaced in its cobblestone streets as you take pleasure in historic excursions of town, museums, purchasing, markets, superb eating places, and road meals.
Iglesia de La Merced interprets to the Church of Our woman of mercy was initially in-built 1545. However, it was destroyed by two earthquakes and was later restored within the 1700s. It is claimed to be the most important in Central America and it’s value visiting for its Spanish baroque type structure with its lovely yellow and white facades.
Where to Stay in Antigua
- Luxury: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santa Domingo is simply 10 minutes stroll from town middle. With 5-star luxurious, it has a pool, spa and fitness center.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Soleil La Antigua is simply minutes from Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. There is a spa, free parking and an out of doors pool. Plus a free shuttle to Antigua Central Park. Breakfast and WIFI included.
Vibrant Culture of Guatemala
A good way to immerse within the tradition of Guatemala is thru meals. This half day cultural tour takes you on a gastronomy and historical past tour abruptly. Walk by way of its cobblestone streets as you admire its colonial structure. You will then go to a meals market earlier than tasting native dishes and as you find out about Guatemala’s delicacies. Other sights you will note on this tour embody the Santa Catalina Arch, and the Baroque Church, La Merced Church, some of the recognizable buildings in Antigua.
Antigua has change into very touristy, however that’s not a foul factor, the excessive quantity of vacationers has made town a lot wealthier, and subsequently safer, than the likes of Guatemala City or different locations within the nation.
How to Get to Antigua
Antigua is only one.5 hours from Guatemala City and there are even frequent Collectivos from the Guatemala City worldwide airport to Antigua. Because Antigua is such a preferred vacationer vacation spot getting there’s quite simple. Colectivos in Guatemala is frequent and low cost, permitting one to entry town from just about some other metropolis within the close by neighborhood.
3. Chocolate museum / ChocoMuseo
No go to to Guatemala could be full with out tasting some chocolate. Learn in regards to the historical past and cultural elements of chocolate on the ChocoMuseo positioned in Colonial Antigua . A enjoyable interactive hands-on expertise that takes you thru the method of remodeling cocoa beans into scrumptious superb chocolate. The chocolate museum has its chocolate processing manufacturing unit the place they make chocolate from Guatemalan cocoa beans.
They additionally provide a chocolate making workshop the place you get to play, eat and be taught in regards to the lovely artwork of constructing chocolate. Taste uncooked and roasted cocoa beans, drink chocolate tea, and different several types of chocolate drinks. A enjoyable expertise that the entire household will love.
4. Tikal Mayan Ruins
Located in northern Guatemala sits what many take into account to be the “best Mayan Ruins in the world.” I do know we did! This is fascinating contemplating Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins are only some hours from Tikal and have been named one of many new Seven Wonders of the World.
After visiting Tikal and Chichen Itza, I and Dave and Deb would agree that Tikal has extra to supply vacationers. One cause is that the ruins are inside the protected Tikal National Park. This is a particular place crammed with excavated and unexcavated ruins which can be thick within the jungle. Because it’s inside a protected space, there are many animals roaming round.
But the temples themselves are astounding. The North Acropolis 1 is the best and most spectacular, whereas the Plaza of the Seven Temples is among the largest plazas in Tikal courting again to 600 and 900 AD.
People are additionally allowed to climb nearly the entire ruins and we extremely suggest going up for dawn to hearken to the sounds of howler monkeys roaring within the mist. The views are spectacular from above the jungle cover. The entire expertise feels genuine and is way more adventurous then most different historical smash websites I’ve visited prior to now with lots of the pyramids nonetheless buried beneath the earth.
How to Get to Tikal
Tikal is positioned solely about an hour’s drive from the vacationer city of Flores and might simply be visited on a day journey.
Day excursions are low cost and simply organized from Flores for about $10USD. Flores has many funds hostels for backpackers in addition to good waterfront lodges for these in search of a bit extra luxurious.
I’d suggest a information as they are going to make the expertise extra vital providing plenty of info and ensuring you don’t get misplaced. It can also be greatest to go to Tikal early within the morning when the animals are lively. When I used to be there at 7am I noticed Toucans, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, and Peacocks.
Flores is 8 hours by ;Collectivo from Laquin(Semuc Champey) or 4 hours from Belize City making it simple to get to.
5. Lake Peten Itza
Located close to Tikal is Lago Peten Itza (Lake Peten Itza), a scenic lake positioned in Northern Guatemala. Its most well-known for town of Flores which is an efficient jumping-off level to discover the Mayan ruins of Tikal. When we visited Guatemala, we appeared to spend so much of time on this laid-back city of cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are seashores and different Maya ruins positioned alongside its shores.
Today there are some luxurious resorts on Lake Peten Itza making for a fantastic cease in your Guatemalan adventures to sit down again, calm down and benefit from the surroundings.
Paseo Cayala is simply 20 minutes from Guatemala City and this small city attracts numerous guests as a consequence of its distinctive city design. Designed to imitate European neighborhoods with plenty of walkable areas, lodges, lodges, and different residential services. Paseo Cayala is fashionable, cozy, and secure always. You can spend an entire day strolling round. Lots of eateries to select from all serving totally different cuisines.
6. Maya biosphere reserve
Maya biosphere reserve is the second-largest rainforest in Central America and the most important in Guatemala. Tikal is positioned inside the huge reserve. This reserve is among the most necessary tropical forests outdoors the Amazon.
It consists of 4 nationwide parks and three wildlife reserves. There is just one approach to describe the reserve – nature at its greatest. Spanning greater than 2.5 million acres, it’s house to elusive animals equivalent to jaguars and pumas.
Expect to see plenty of howling monkeys, spiders, parrots, crocodiles, and spider monkeys. If you’re fortunate, you may even encounter a jaguar. Set apart a day or two for a full expertise.
Spend an evening on the jungle lodge and sleep to the sounds of nature and howling monkeys. A really magical expertise. This can also be one of the simplest ways to make sure you don’t miss out on the dawn hike to the temple.
7. Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlan is a singular spot in Guatemala. It is actually an enormous lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Small cities are positioned alongside its shores, making for a chilled-out space for vacationers to calm down for a few days.
The larger altitude of 1500m means it isn’t fairly so sweltering sizzling. It remains to be heat sufficient for a day swim within the lake although. Other well-liked actions across the lake embody boat excursions, kayaking, climbing, yoga lessons, watching sunsets, and guided tuk-tuk excursions.
Where to Stay at Lake Atitlan
There are loads of villages positioned alongside Lake Atitlán and they’re simple to journey inside. Here are a number of selections to assist get you began.
Lush Atitlan is a boutique lodge in a ravishing setting with lake and volcano views. Rooms are fundamental however good worth for the cash.
8. San pedro la laguna
The city of San Pedro is the most important “backpacker-oriented town” with low cost meals (plenty of it), good purchasing, and funds locations to celebration at evening. It isn’t essentially the most enjoyable space however undoubtedly has a enjoyable vibe. This small city positioned within the Southwest of Lake Atitlán has tons to supply for outside fans. Take Spanish language lessons or a cooking class in a locals house.
Take a horseback experience as you discover espresso plantations, or take the Indian Nose hike for scenic views of Lake Atitlán, and store at native markets for contemporary produce or handcrafted souvenirs. Spend a full day exploring and taking within the sights and sounds of the Lake.
This vacation house has a fantastic location on the lake and inside strolling distance to eating places and outlets. Newly renovated condo with non-public balcony and shared kitchen.
9. Towns Around Lake Atitlán
San Marcos can also be positioned. on Lake Atitlan and is well-liked with vacationers however is far smaller than San Pedro and extra relaxed. San Marcos is often referred to as the “hippie town” which has attracted many yoga-enthusiast ex-pats.
The different much less widespread choices are Santa Cruz, which is principally inhabited by locals with solely a few lodging choices or eating places, or Panajachel which is the most important metropolis with out an excessive amount of to supply vacationers. You also can go to Santiago Atitlén and San Antonio which you’ll go to by boat.
Getting Around Lake Atitlan
The wonderful thing about Lake Atitlan is that regardless of the place you select to remain, it’s simple and cheap to get across the lake. Transport across the lake is for locals and vacationers alike within the type of boats that function very like public buses in cities.
There are set fares from one vacation spot to the following and set schedules. Locals leap on the boats with baskets of produce and typically dwell chickens whereas vacationers lug on suitcases. The entire boat system as the principle type of public transport is a enjoyable and fascinating expertise in itself.
10. San Juan La Laguna
Not so far-off from San Pedro is San Juan La Laguna additionally positioned Southwest of Lake Atitlán. This charming city is value a go to when in Guatemala. San Juan La Laguna is commonly described as an artsy city as its filled with streets with lovely artwork murals painted in placing colours.
Lots of actions to do right here equivalent to; visiting Cerro de la Cruz for scenic views of the cities, having fun with regionally grown artisanal espresso, visiting the native market, purchasing for textiles, cooking lessons, and visiting different native communities round Lake Atitlán.
You can e-book this extremely rated tour to go to the mountain villages and the villages of Guatemala’s indigenous individuals. Tale a public boat throughout the lake to the colourful village of San Juan La Laguna. You’ll go to Santiago the place individuals nonetheless dwell the Mayan tradition and life-style wearing conventional clothes. And the city nonetheless practices Mayan rituals. You’ll then head to Panajachel, a pre-Columbian city for lunch and extra sightseeing.
11. Sign up for Spanish classes
Learning Spanish is among the greatest issues you are able to do to make your journey memorable. Having a grasp of fundamental Spanish will make your interactions with locals way more nice and simpler. There are plenty of Spanish faculties for foreigners. If you need you can even join and be taught with locals of their houses. Besides, understanding Spanish is step one to understanding Mayan tradition.
Popular locations to take Spanish lessons are in Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, and Quetzaltenango (Xela). It’s simple to discover a course as soon as you might be there.
12. Atitlan Nature Reserve
Located simply outdoors Panajachel is the Atitlan Nature Reserve, a sanctuary was constructed to assist unfold consciousness and lift help for the conservation work being accomplished by scientists and college students.
Outdoor lovers will take pleasure in ziplining over waterfalls and low plantations. There is a butterfly dome for nature lovers. The strolling trails are simple, well-maintained, and really enjoyable. Walk all the way down to the waterfall, or the seaside. You also can arrange camp on the grounds and sleep to the gorgeous sounds of nature.
13. Semuc Champey Natural Monument
On the opposite aspect of the nation is the well-known National Park referred to as Semuc Champey. Many vacationers skip it as a result of lengthy bus experience from different locations near the Antigua space, which is a disgrace as a result of it’s unbelievable!
Semuc Champey is an space of vivid turquoise water which flows by way of a whole bunch of small waterfalls and pure swimming pools.. Between these waterfalls guests can swim in pure swimming pools, leap off waterfalls, slide down them, or discover small caves. There can also be a brief one-hour lengthy hike to a viewpoint in regards to the swimming swimming pools providing some superior photograph alternatives.
One of the nice issues about Semuc Champey is that it might probably simply be loved on a tour or independently. Tours run from lodges, hostels, or the closest city of Lanquin.
Information and Costs for the Park
Tours provide transport to the park, a information to discover the falls, a information for the hike, and a caving expertise. They are fairly inexpensive at $25 USD for a full day journey. However, for these on a tighter funds, it’s doable to get public transport to the park for $2 and pay the doorway charge of $7.
The park is simple to discover independently as it’s well-marked with English indicators.
Accommodation choices close to the park additionally make for an thrilling expertise. There are a number of funds eco-lodge-type locations inside strolling distance of Semuc Champey.
These locations are enjoyable as they’ve little to no electrical energy and do family-style dinners and video games. For these happier to remain in a city, the city referred to as Lanquin is simply over an hour’s drive from the park. Here there are inexpensive lodges with swimming pools or funds backpacker lodging. For extra info on visiting Semuc Champey take a look at our weblog right here.
14. Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano is one other lively volcano that isn’t fairly as troublesome because the Acatenango hike, and also you don’t want to remain in a single day on the mountain. It is simply a 2 hour stroll to the summit supplying you with lovely views of the volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, the pacific lowlands, and even neighboring El Salvador. You might even see small eruptions and even flowing lava.
Some individuals have been identified to roast marshmallows within the steaming vents and warmed pizza on the new lava rocks.
15. Xela (Quetzaltenango)
Quetzaltenango is also known as Xela (pronounced Shel-ha). This is the right place to get off the crushed path and discover the Guatemalan Highlands. There are loads of volcano hikes right here together with the Tajumulco Volcano which is the best peak in Central America.
The metropolis itself is the second largest metropolis in Guatemala after Guatemala City the place you possibly can take pleasure in loads of outside markets together with Chichicastenango Market, the most important outside market in Central America. Make certain to cease to see the Quetzaltenango Cathedral in Central Park (Parque Centro)
One of the preferred locations to go to in Xela is Fuentes Georginas sizzling springs positioned within the city of Zunil.
16. Explore the Rio Dulce
In Rio dulce, you might have two issues. Water and an opportunity to discover native life inland. Start by visiting Castillo de san Felipe, a fortress that was constructed to guard Rio dulce in opposition to pirates. Interact with locals, be taught in regards to the native tradition, and admire the wildlife and city earlier than heading out to the river.
The river Rio Dulce also called the candy river is thought for its calm waters and delightful surroundings. It additionally connects Lake Izabel, the most important lake in Guatemala to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. Lots of birds equivalent to pelicans overhead as you take pleasure in a ship experience. There are additionally sizzling springs contained in the caves close by. Rio Dulce ought to be on prime of your record when visiting Guatemala.
The greatest approach to expertise Rio Dulce is to e-book a hut on the river. Boutique Hotel is a lodge and marina positioned on the river with water sports activities, and jungle actions. There’s a terrace and bar and rooms vary from non-public tree tents to jungle view rooms.
17. Monterrico Beach
If you might be in search of some seaside time in Guatemala, Monterrico Beach on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is among the hottest seaside cities within the nation.
The black sand seaside makes for a fantastic change of tempo from exploring the highlands. You can benefit from the surf, look ahead to sea turtles or go for a paddle amongst the mangrove forest of Hawaii-Monterrico Biotopo. It’s a distinct vibe from the Caribbean Sea that’s extra wild and never precisely nice for swimming. But it’s a good escape from the rugged volcanoes and treks you’ll be used to inside the nation.
18. Guatemala City
Lots of people don’t put Guatemala City on their greatest issues to-do lists, however likelihood is you’ll be flying into Guatemala City, so why not spend a day or two within the capital metropolis earlier than taking off to discover Guatemala?
This Guatemala City tour is a extremely rated tour that permits you to uncover the entire highlights in a single afternoon. Explore La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, the cultural, enterprise and non secular middle of Guatemala. Your information will take you thru the colonial structure combined with its fashionable constructing. There are loads of museums and monuments to see. As the most important metropolis in Central America, you’ll start at Las Americas Avenue to Berlin Plaza and a view of the Pacaya volcano. More fashionable buildings embody the Supreme Court, City Hall and the Bank of Guatemala.
Other stops embody National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Centenarian Park,, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Central Market.
Spending time doing metropolis excursions is certainly one of our favourite issues when touring to a brand new nation and Guatemala City has loads of sights which can be value seeing.
18. Ride in a hen bus
A go to to Guatemala won’t be full with a experience on the hen bus. It’s simple to identify these buses with their loud music and vivid colours. Also referred to as a Colectivo, for a lot of Guatemalans, that is the preferred mode of native transport. As a customer, this can be a nice approach to expertise modern-day Mayan tradition.
The buses are identified by foreigners as hen buses as they typically carry hen as a part of their cargo. Read extra: Night Bus Travel: 11 Tips for Safety, Survival and Sleep
Why Visit Guatemala
From volcanoes to historical ruins to beautiful cities, Guatemala is essentially the most numerous nation in Central America with one thing to please everybody. I can see why it’s changing into a preferred journey spot.
I beloved my time spent in Guatemala and can encourage anyone who’s contemplating a visit to Latin America to plan for period of time in Guatemala. It remains to be a vacation spot that feels untouched and also you’ll have many genuine experiences. If you wish to get off the crushed path, Guatemala is the place to journey.
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