WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA?

Guatemala is a truly unique country that is blessed with ancient Maya ruins, charming colonial towns, rich culture to active volcanos.  Around every corner, there is something to discover, to explore, to climb, and to take pictures of. A touch of the mystical, runs through everything in Guatemala, from the living Mayan culture of Chichicastenango to the serene waters of Lake Atitlan with its guardian ring of volcanos. One trip will likely have you hooked for life, so here are the best places to visit in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring.

 

Semuc Champey

 

Antigua

The ex-capital of Guatemala, Antigua has a lot to offer from architecture and history to volcanos and stunning natural landscapes. Just a 45-minute drive from Guatemala's main international airport, Antigua is most travelers’ first stop in Guatemala, and it rarely disappoints. This charming city’s cobblestone streets and colorful homes are surrounded by towering volcanos, the most impressive of which is “El Fuego” whose steep slopes are regularly marked by low-level eruptions. 

 

Antigua

 

Lake Atitlan

Tucked away deep in the western highlands and surrounded by three towering volcanos, Lake de Atitlan is considered by some to be the most spectacular lake in the world. The waters of this deep and mysterious crater lake turn turquoise to deep green to dark blue as the light changes with the time of day and season. Because of its unique beauty, travelers have been known to get stuck here for weeks, months, or even years. Small villages with distinctively different moods surround the lake.  Panajachel is the biggest of the three and most travelers end up basing themselves here. The village is quite touristy but there are still a few cheap local spots to be found. San Pedro is known to be the backpacker’s party town and there is always a party going on. San Marcos is probably the sleepiest town of the three. People interested in meditation and other spiritual activities come here to enjoy the peaceful environment and magic of Lake Atitlan.

 

Lake Atitlan

 

Chichicastenango

 

Chichicastenango, aka "Chichi," not only hosts the most impressive Maya market in the country, but it also has deep historical significance. Chichi served as the main trading center for the Quiché region before the conquistadors arrived, and the tradition of people coming from hill villages to trade continues to this day. Nestled amidst lush green mountains in the Guatemalan highlands, this sprawling market town fills with traders every Sunday and Thursday, where you can find a labyrinth of market stalls full of local products, carved masks, and stunning textiles, including the traditional huipil blouses that indigenous women weave and wear. Every region has a different style of huipil, and the intricate patterns of natural designs and abstract symbols can take anywhere from three months to a year to weave, , they all come together in Chichicastenango.

 

Chichi

Tikal 

 

Tikal is by far one of the most breathtaking Mayan ruins in Latin America and although the site is visited by thousands of visitors every year it feels way less touristy than Chichen Itza in Mexico for example. What makes Tikal so special is its location in the middle of 575 square kilometers of dense jungle, home to toucans, parrots, howler monkeys, and many other exotic animals. Not to mention, its dominance over the skyline with tall pyramids reaching into the sky.  Visiting Tikal evokes a sense of wonder, offering the true essence of Indiana Jones, minus the booby traps! Lesser known than Tikal, but equally worthy of a visit, are the ruins of Yahxa, a smaller ceremonial site located between two lakes, famous for its epic sunsets.

 

Tikal

Semuc Champey and Lanquín

 

Semuc Champey is a 300 m-long naturally formed limestone bridge amid the jungle just 30mins from the town of Lanquin. Visitors come here to swim and relax in the turquoise water pools but also go river tubing, explore the nearby cave, and hike to the viewpoint from where you can overlook the beauty of Semuc. For many, Semuc Champey is considered one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. The serene turquoise pools allow you to swim and relax surrounded by tranquil natural beauty. The pools are quite remote, and many visitors choose to stay in Lanquín, a village about a 45-minute drive from Semuc Champey, where there are amenities and a handful of excellent hostels. 

 

Semuc Champey

Quetzaltnango

Xela, as the locals call it, is the second largest city in Guatemala and attracts travelers who want an authentic feel for today’s Guatemala without sacrificing their safety. You will be glad to hear that the countryside of Xela offers some of the best hiking in the country, making Xela a great base to explore the western highlands of Guatemala.

 

Xela

The Volcanos

 

Guatemala is home to over 30 volcanos but because of its close proximity to Antigua and a fairly easy hike to the top, Volcan de Pacaya is by far the most visited.  If you want more of a challenge, consider hiking up the dormant volcano Acatenango, or the active and frequently erupting Volcan de Fuego, or for an extra challenge, try climbing the tallest volcano in Central America, Tajumulco. It would be a crime to leave Guatemala without hiking at least one volcano!

 

Fuego Volcano

Guatemala has so many incredible places to visit it is hard to summarize in one article. Ask here for more information on things to see in Guatemala and places to go in Guatemala!