While Guatemala is world-renowned for iconic landmarks like Tikal and Antigua, the country hides a treasure trove of lesser-known wonders waiting to be explored. From cascading jungle pools and towering volcanoes to ancient, unrestored Mayan ceremonial centers, these off-the-beaten-track destinations offer a unique glimpse into the raw beauty and rich history of Central America.
Whether you are an intrepid traveler seeking to escape the crowds or a nature lover looking to reconnect with the wild, this guide unveils the hidden gems of Guatemala that promise an unforgettable adventure beyond the standard tourist trail.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a cascading system of natural pools sat above a natural limestone bridge deep in the Guatemalan jungle. This tropical paradise is somewhat difficult to get to, but its emerald green and deep blue pools surrounded with lush rainforest attract the more intrepid travellers to this spectacular, natural site who are looking to get awa from the tourist trail.
Laguna Lachua
Deep in the centre of a national park near Cobán, Laguna Lachua is home to an impressive ecosystem that includes many different and unique species of reptiles, birds, mammals and plant species. It became a national park in 1976 and is the ideal place for reconnecting with nature, relaxation and natural adventure.
Tajumulco Volcano
Most travellers visit Guatemala to observe the magnificent Pacaya and Fuego volcano´s, but few have heard about Tajumulco Volcano, which is actually the highest mountain in Central America. From its summit, you can see Mexico on one side and El Salvador on the other; on a clear day you can actually catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean glistening in the distance, making this the perfect observation point!
Monterrico Nature Reserve
Monterrico wildlife reserve is home to a number of endangered species, including sea turtles, caiman, armadillos and iguanas. These dramatic shores witness countless, newly hatched turtles make their newborn journey to the sea every year. With volcanic black sand leading into the mangrove swamps, lakes and canals, and a number of volcanoes visible on the skyline, this is a completely different image of what Guatemala has to offer to the traveller.
Cerro de la Cruz
Antigua’s colonial architecture is famous world-wide, however there are still some undiscovered gems close to this stunning city. Just a half an hour walk from the Antigua is Cerro de la Cruz, where you can enjoy the best vantage point over Antigua. This colonial town with its surrounding volcano´s can best be seen from the Cerro de la Cruz, where you can marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Indian’s Nose
Lake Atitlan is renowned for its beauty, but Indian’s Nose is one of the be most impressively beautiful sites found on this lake. The mountain is called Indian’s Nose because its profile which resembles the face of a man like a man’s face, and the nose was a sacred site of the magnificent Mayan civilisation. To fully appreciate the awesomeness of this place, trek up the mountain early in the morning, when you will be rewarded with impressive views of the sunrise over the mystical, misty lake.
Izabal
The Izabal region, can be found in the East of Guatemala and is a tropical area with thick and humid jungles and wetlands. This natural wonder is home to the Río Dulce and Lago de Izabal, where you can experience rich wetlands, hot springs, Mayan villages and spectacular rainforests, before you relax on one of the Caribbean beaches of the area.
Uaxactún
Uaxactún was a Mayan ceremonial centre and while the pyramids and temples here have been excavated, they haven’t been fully restored like at Tikal, so it all seems so much more undiscovered. Home to the oldest astrological observatory in the Mayan world, the sun appears to rise out of the central temple during equinoxes and solstices.
Los Amates Waterfall
Formed by a river that thunders down a massive 35-metre-tall rock, Los Amates waterfall is dramatic in its natural prowess. It takes about three hours to cross a number of small rivers, but when you reach the main pools, you can immerse yourself in the welcoming, crystal clear water.
Yaxhá
Tikal may be the most famous Mayan archaeological site in Guatemala, but Yaxhá is yet another epic ruin. As the third-largest Mayan ceremonial city in Guatemala, Yaxhá was home to over more than 20,000 people. There are 400 buildings, five acropolises and three ball courts here, and climbing one of the temples allows you to admire the fantastic views over Lake Yaxhá.
San Pedro thermal springs
San Pedro is the main village on Lake Atitlan but most people don’t visit the relaxing thermal baths here. There are actually several thermal springs in San Pedro, but the best can be found at Los Termales. These hot springs allow you to take in the warm eaters and beer, to help relax the afternoon away!
