While Guatemala is world-famous for the iconic beauty of Lake Atitlan and the ancient majesty of Tikal, the country holds countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers. From remote Mayan ceremonial centers to pristine tropical rainforests and sacred volcanic peaks, there is much more to explore beyond the traditional tourist trail.
In this guide, we unveil ten spectacular sites in Guatemala that remain off the beaten path. Whether you are seeking adventure in emerald pools, cultural immersion in traditional lakeside towns, or the raw power of nature, these lesser-known destinations offer a unique and authentic perspective on the heart of the Mayan world.
Yaxhá
Tikal may be Guatemala's most famous Mayan ruin, but Yaxhá is also incredible. As the third-largest Mayan ceremonial city in Guatemala, Yaxhá was home to over 20,000 people in its prime. There are more than 400 buildings, five acropolises and three ball courts here and climbing one of the temples allows you to admire impressive views over Lake Yaxhá.
The house of Maximón
Maximón is a local deity, represented by a cloaked, wooden effigy. Once a year, the effigy is moved to a new home within the lake-side town of Santiago Atitlán. Members of the brotherhood give offerings of alcohol and cigarettes and take payments from locals and tourists alike to enter the home. The incense-heavy atmosphere is a part legitimate religious ceremony, part psychedelic freak-out and part decent money-earner. The cult of Maximón is not entirely at odds with the prevalent Catholic religion. The experience reminds us that local populations found a way to mix their beliefs with the dominant religions.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a group of cascading pools perched over a natural limestone bridge deep in the Guatemalan rainforest. This tropical paradise is rather challenging to get to. Still, its emerald green and sapphire blue pools, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, draw thousands of adventurous visitors every year to bathe in its refreshing pools.
Monterrico Nature Reserve
Monterrico wildlife reserve is home to several endangered species, including sea turtles, caimans, iguanas and armadillos. Every year, the wildly scenic beach here sees thousands of newly hatched turtles make their courageous journey to the ocean. With black volcanic sand leading into a maze of mangrove swamps, lakes and canals, and volcanos shimmering on the skyline, this is a whole other side of Guatemala that people do not usually visit.
San Juan La Laguna
The gorgeous town of San Juan La Laguna proves that even the most popular destinations boast hidden treasures. San Juan sits on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the most popular highlight in Guatemala, yet unlike Panajachel and San Pedro la Laguna (the most visited of all the lakeside towns), it sees very few tourists, so you can enjoy all the attractions of this stellar lake and still feel like you are way off the beaten path.
Uaxactún
Uaxactún is a Mayan ceremonial center. While the pyramids and temples here have been excavated, they haven’t been fully restored like Tikal, so it all feels more authentic. Home to the oldest astrological observatory in the Mayan world, the sun appears as though it’s rising out of the central temple during equinoxes and solstices.
Tajumulco Volcano
Most visitors to Guatemala are familiar with Pacaya and Fuego volcanoes, but few people know about Tajumulco Volcano, the highest mountain in Central America. When the skies are clear from their peak, you can see Mexico on one side and El Salvador on the other. You can sometimes even see the Pacific coast glistening in the distance on clear days.
Indian’s Nose
The magnificent Lake Atitlan is home to many beautiful spots, but Indian’s Nose is one of the best. The mountain is called Indian’s Nose because it looks like a man’s profile, and the peak (the ‘nose’) was considered sacred by the Mayans. To appreciate the true beauty of this area, hike up the mountain early in the morning, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the sun rising over the misty, mystical lake.
Laguna Lachua
Deep in the center of a national park northwest of Cobán, Laguna Lachua is home to an ecosystem that includes thousands of different reptiles, birds, mammals and flora species. It became a national park in 1976 and is the perfect spot for relaxing, hiking and adventure activities.
Izabal
In the east of Guatemala lies the Izabal region, a tropical area that is hot and humid. This stunningly beautiful area is home to the Rio Dulce and Lago de Izabal, where you can explore rich wetlands, hot springs, Mayan villages and pristine rainforests before you kick back on the relaxing Caribbean coastline.
Los Amates Waterfall
Created by a river that thunders down a 35-meter-tall rock wall, Los Amates waterfall is stunningly impressive. It takes about three hours to cross the small rivers, but when you reach the main pools, you can refresh and swim in the crystal-clear cascades.
