GUATEMALAN OUTDOORS

Guatemala deserves all the hype when it comes to the outdoors, from scrambling up smoking volcanos to trekking through thick jungles and floating in idyllic wild lakes and rivers, Guatemala has it all! The country is physically stunning, with different spectacular sights of natural beauty scattered all over the place. Here is our pick of the best outdoor adventures in the Great Guatemalan Outdoors.

 

Jungle Waterfall, Guatemala

 

Semuc Champey

 

The series of tiered pools at Semuc Champey tempts visitors into idyllic dips, waterfall showers, and hours basking in the sun. Leap from a bridge at the park’s entrance for a real adrenalin blast, or head into the caves for a subterranean swim by candlelight. Semuc Champey is Mother Natures' impressive natural waterpark for an unforgettable experience by the water.

 

Semuc Champey

 

Acatenango Volcano

 

Head to the massive Acatenango volcano, close to the colonial picture-perfect city of Antigua. Overnight hikes up this dramatic volcano are the subject of travel legends. It’s worth noting, all of Guatemala’s volcanos should be hiked with a guide and Acatenango is no exception.

 

Acatenango Volcano

Pacaya Volcano

 

A hike up the active Pacaya volcano is a must-do in Guatemala and you can toast marshmallows on the hot rock walls. It’s a popular hike, so don’t expect to walk alone. And prepare to be a little short of breath as you ascend more than 500m in a matter of hours.

 

Pacaya Lava Flow

Flores

 

Most travelers spend the evening here on a trip to the extraordinary site of Tikal, one of Guatemala´s signature sights, however, Flores Island, suspended in Lake Petén Itzá, has a number of outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place for lakeside dips, backcountry horse riding, and zip-lining through Ixpanpajul Natural Park. As well as the wonders of Tikal on your doorstep, the Mayan ruins of Yaxha are just as captivating but far quieter; and the ceremonial center of Uaxactun is the place to go for impressive sunsets.

 

Tikal, Flores

Lake Atitlan 

 

Lake Atitlan has a reputation for being a more laid-back traveler however the outdoor activities are second to none on this magnificent lake. Adventurous souls flock here to kayak, climb volcanos, zipline, dive, and mountain bike. Lake Atitlan is a great spot for adventure. There is even wildlife spotting at the Reserva Natural Atitlan. Panajachel is the most built up, with plenty of ferries to the other villages, and transport links to the rest of the country. San Pedro is a hub for backpackers, known for its parties and Spanish schools, and San Marcos is a more laidback, spiritual Mecca. For those seeking an authentic local experience, alternatives include Santa Cruz, which is known for hiking trails and good swimming spots, and Santiago, a local village famous for its worship of the Mayan God, Maximón. 

 

Atitlan Sunset

 

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)

 

Lake Atitlán is the perfect place to head out on a paddle board, as the water is so calm and peaceful and there is very little traffic around. It is wonderful paddling further and further away from the shore to the peaceful beauty of the Atitlan lake and the surrounding mountains. But do be careful, as there are ferries that pass by occasionally. To make the most of paddle boarding here, it is a good idea to stay at a hotel or resort that has its own private dock. They will likely also provide free paddle boards so it’s a cheap and fun activity to try.

 

SUP!

Rio Dulce

 

For a  more watery adventure, take a trip to Rio Dulce, a destination that’s increasingly more popular on the tourist trail. The spectacular emerald green waters, waterfalls, jungle, and wildlife of the Rio Dulce offer the perfect outdoor setting for visitors, and on this jungle-fringed waterway, you can take a gentle boat trip, spotting monkeys, toucans, and lizards along the way. Later, step beneath the Finca Paraiso hot springs waterfall for a refreshing blast then trek through a tangle of the rainforest before relaxing on the area’s Caribbean beaches. Rio Dulce is nature at its most authentic.

 

Rio Dulce

Candelaria Caves

Just north of Semuc Champey, Guatemala’s mountains are honeycombed with limestone caverns, and none more so than Alta Verapaz, home to the incredible Candelaria caves. These caves feature a series of caverns and passages that have been eroded by the Rio Candelaria over millennia. The best way to explore the caverns and see the stalactites is by floating along the river in an inner tube, occasionally breaking out of the caves into bright sunlight and tropical jungle before plunging back into the darkness.

 

Candelaria Caves

 

Explore Mayan History

Guatemala was at the center of Mayan civilization, so there are many sites around where you can explore this magnificent ancient history. The ruins of Tikal are among the largest and most well-known sets of Mayan ruins. Energetic visitors can climb some of the pyramids and explore modern ruins, which are the remains of abandoned archaeological sites. Also lesser-visited Maya sites such as Yaxha and offer a more remote and authentic experience of the Maya archaeologic sites.

 

Yaxha

 

Find out more about the Guatemala Outdoors here and we help you book the adrenalin-filled adventure of a lifetime!