Guatemala has been gaining worldwide consideration as a prime vacationer vacation spot. If you’re on the lookout for a visit out of the abnormal, make sure that to add this stunning nation in Central America to your listing.
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 points of interest for 2023 thanks to our staff.
Best Things to do in Guatemala
As some of the various international locations in the world 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 the most effective issues to do in Guatemala to go well with each sort of traveler. Are you prepared 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 probably have heard some rave opinions. Hiking the Acatenango Volcano is a hike in contrast to some other. Guatemala has 37 volcanoes and three of that are energetic volcanoes. During this trek, you will note some of the spectacular.
It includes mountaineering 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 known as Fuego that basically makes the general expertise.
Fuego is a really energetic 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 5 years and it was most lately energetic 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 mountaineering up in direction of camp. The afternoon and night are spent round a campfire ready for any clouds to half to reveal Fuego’s unimaginable 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 manner 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 might 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 referred to as merely Antigua, Antigua Guatemala might be one of many first stops you’ll make in the nation. Most vacationers are attracted to Antigua Guatemala as it’s the metropolis the place Acatenango Volcano excursions begin, however it’s far 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 at this time, it’s a fashionable vacationer hot-spot for good motive. When visiting Antigua a part of the appeal is to get misplaced in its cobblestone streets as you get pleasure from historic excursions of town, museums, procuring, markets, superb eating places, and road meals.
Iglesia de La Merced interprets to the Church of Our girl of mercy was initially constructed in 1545. However, it was destroyed by two earthquakes and was later restored in the 1700s. It is alleged to be the biggest in Central America and it’s value visiting for its Spanish baroque model structure with its stunning yellow and white facades.
Where to Stay in Antigua
Luxury: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santa Domingo is simply 10 minutes stroll from town heart. With 5-star luxurious, it has a pool, spa and gymnasium. Mid-Range: Hotel Soleil La Antigua is simply minutes from Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. There is a spa, free parking and an outside pool. Plus a free shuttle to Antigua Central Park. Breakfast and WIFI included.
Vibrant Culture of Guatemala
An effective way to immerse in the tradition of Guatemala is thru meals. This half day cultural tour takes you on a gastronomy and historical past tour abruptly. Walk by 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 embrace the Santa Catalina Arch, and the Baroque Church, La Merced Church, some of the recognizable buildings in Antigua.
Antigua has develop into very touristy, however that isn’t a foul factor, the excessive quantity of vacationers has made town a lot wealthier, and due to this fact safer, than the likes of Guatemala City or different locations in 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 well-liked vacationer vacation spot getting there may be quite simple. Colectivos in Guatemala is frequent and low cost, permitting one to entry town from just about some other metropolis in 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 points of chocolate on the ChocoMuseo situated in Colonial Antigua . A enjoyable interactive hands-on expertise that takes you thru the method of reworking cocoa beans into scrumptious superb chocolate. The chocolate museum has its chocolate processing manufacturing facility 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 stunning 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 had 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 provide vacationers. One motive is that the ruins are throughout the protected Tikal National Park. This is a particular place stuffed with excavated and unexcavated ruins which can be thick in 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 very 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 virtually the entire ruins and we extremely advocate going up for dawn to pay attention to the sounds of howler monkeys roaring in the mist. The views are spectacular from above the jungle cover. The complete expertise feels genuine and is far more adventurous then most different historical break websites I’ve visited in the previous with lots of the pyramids nonetheless buried below the earth.
How to Get to Tikal
Tikal is situated solely about an hour’s drive from the vacationer city of Flores and may simply be visited on a day journey.
Day excursions are low cost and simply organized from Flores for about $10USD. Flores has many finances hostels for backpackers in addition to good waterfront inns for these on the lookout for a bit extra luxurious.
I might advocate a information as they’ll make the expertise extra vital providing a number of data and ensuring you don’t get misplaced. It can also be greatest to go to Tikal early in the morning when the animals are energetic. 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 straightforward to get to.
5. Lake Peten Itza
Located close to Tikal is Lago Peten Itza (Lake Peten Itza), a scenic lake situated in Northern Guatemala. Its most well-known for town of Flores which is an effective jumping-off level to discover the Mayan ruins of Tikal. When we visited Guatemala, we appeared to spend a whole lot of time in this laid-back city of cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are seashores and different Maya ruins situated alongside its shores.
Today there are some luxurious resorts on Lake Peten Itza making for an amazing cease in your Guatemalan adventures to sit again, calm down and benefit from the surroundings.
Paseo Cayala is simply 20 minutes from Guatemala City and this small city attracts a whole lot of guests due to its distinctive city design. Designed to mimic European neighborhoods with a number of walkable areas, inns, lodges, and different residential amenities. Paseo Cayala is trendy, cozy, and secure always. You can spend a complete 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 biggest in Guatemala. Tikal is situated throughout the large reserve. This reserve is among the most vital tropical forests outdoors the Amazon.
It consists of 4 nationwide parks and three wildlife reserves. There is just one manner to describe the reserve – nature at its greatest. Spanning greater than 2.5 million acres, it’s dwelling to elusive animals equivalent to jaguars and pumas.
Expect to see a number 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 best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on the dawn hike to the temple.
7. Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlan is a novel spot in Guatemala. It is actually an enormous lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Small cities are situated alongside its shores, making for a chilled-out space for vacationers to calm down for a few days.
The greater altitude of 1500m means it isn’t fairly so sweltering sizzling. It remains to be heat sufficient for a day swim in the lake although. Other fashionable actions across the lake embrace boat excursions, kayaking, mountaineering, yoga courses, watching sunsets, and guided tuk-tuk excursions.
Where to Stay at Lake Atitlan
There are loads of villages situated alongside Lake Atitlán and they’re straightforward to journey inside. Here are a couple of decisions to assist get you began.
Lush Atitlan is a boutique resort in a lovely setting with lake and volcano views. Rooms are primary however good worth for the cash.
8. San pedro la laguna
The city of San Pedro is the biggest “backpacker-oriented town” with low cost meals (a number of it), good procuring, and finances locations to celebration at night time. It isn’t essentially the most enjoyable space however positively has a enjoyable vibe. This small city situated in the Southwest of Lake Atitlán has tons to provide for out of doors fanatics. Take Spanish language courses or a cooking class in a locals dwelling.
Take a horseback trip as you discover espresso plantations, or take the Indian Nose hike for scenic views of Lake Atitlán, and store at native markets for recent produce or handcrafted souvenirs. Spend a full day exploring and taking in the sights and sounds of the Lake.
9. Towns Around Lake Atitlán
San Marcos can also be situated. on Lake Atitlan and is fashionable with vacationers however is way smaller than San Pedro and extra relaxed. San Marcos is usually often called the “hippie town” which has attracted many yoga-enthusiast ex-pats.
The different much less frequent choices are Santa Cruz, which is especially inhabited by locals with solely a few lodging choices or eating places, or Panajachel which is the largest metropolis with out an excessive amount of to provide vacationers. You may also go to Santiago Atitlén and San Antonio which you’ll go to by boat.
Getting Around Lake Atitlan
The beauty of Lake Atitlan is that irrespective of the place you select to keep, it’s straightforward and cheap to get across the lake. Transport across the lake is for locals and vacationers alike in the type of boats that function very similar to public buses in cities.
There are set fares from one vacation spot to the following and set schedules. Locals soar on the boats with baskets of produce and typically dwell chickens whereas vacationers lug on suitcases. The complete 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 situated Southwest of Lake Atitlán. This charming city is value a go to when in Guatemala. San Juan La Laguna is usually described as an artsy city as its filled with streets with stunning artwork murals painted in putting 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 courses, and visiting different native communities round Lake Atitlán.
You can guide this extremely rated tour to go to the mountain villages and the villages of Guatemala’s indigenous folks. Tale a public boat throughout the lake to the colourful village of San Juan La Laguna. You’ll go to Santiago the place folks nonetheless dwell the Mayan tradition and way of life dressed in 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 possibly can do to make your journey memorable. Having a grasp of primary Spanish will make your interactions with locals far more nice and simpler. There are a number of Spanish faculties for foreigners. If you need you can too join and be taught with locals in their houses. Besides, understanding Spanish is step one to understanding Mayan tradition.
Popular locations to take Spanish courses are in Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, and Quetzaltenango (Xela). It’s straightforward to discover a course as soon as you’re 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 finished by scientists and college students.
Outdoor lovers will get pleasure from ziplining over waterfalls and low plantations. There is a butterfly dome for nature lovers. The strolling trails are straightforward, well-maintained, and really enjoyable. Walk down to the waterfall, or the seashore. You may also arrange camp on the grounds and sleep to the attractive sounds of nature.
13. Semuc Champey Natural Monument
On the opposite aspect of the nation is the well-known National Park known as Semuc Champey. Many vacationers skip it due to the lengthy bus trip from different locations shut to the Antigua space, which is a disgrace as a result of it’s unbelievable!
Semuc Champey is an space of brilliant turquoise water which flows by a whole lot of small waterfalls and pure swimming pools.. Between these waterfalls guests can swim in pure swimming pools, soar 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 picture 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 inns, 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 finances, it’s doable to get public transport to the park for $2 and pay the doorway payment 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 couple of finances 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 keep in a city, the city known as Lanquin is simply over an hour’s drive from the park. Here there are inexpensive inns with swimming pools or finances backpacker lodging. For extra data on visiting Semuc Champey take a look at our weblog right here.
14. Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano is one other energetic volcano that isn’t fairly as tough because the Acatenango hike, and also you don’t want to keep in a single day on the mountain. It is just a 2 hour stroll to the summit providing you with stunning views of the volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, the pacific lowlands, and even neighboring El Salvador. You may even see small eruptions and even flowing lava.
Some folks have been recognized to roast marshmallows in the steaming vents and warmed pizza on the new lava rocks.
15. Xela (Quetzaltenango)
Quetzaltenango is usually referred to as Xela (pronounced Shel-ha). This is the proper place to get off the overwhelmed path and discover the Guatemalan Highlands. There are loads of volcano hikes right here together with the Tajumulco Volcano which is the very best peak in Central America.
The metropolis itself is the second largest metropolis in Guatemala after Guatemala City the place you possibly can get pleasure from loads of out of doors markets together with Chichicastenango Market, the biggest out of doors market in Central America. Make positive 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 situated in the city of Zunil.
16. Explore the Rio Dulce
In Rio dulce, you could 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 shield 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 referred to as the candy river is thought for its calm waters and delightful surroundings. It additionally connects Lake Izabel, the biggest lake in Guatemala to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. Lots of birds equivalent to pelicans overhead as you get pleasure from a ship trip. There are additionally sizzling springs contained in the caves close by. Rio Dulce ought to be on prime of your listing when visiting Guatemala.
The greatest manner to expertise Rio Dulce is to guide a hut on the river. Boutique Hotel is a resort and marina situated on the river with water sports activities, and jungle actions. There’s a terrace and bar and rooms vary from personal tree tents to jungle view rooms.
17. Monterrico Beach
If you’re on the lookout for some seashore time in Guatemala, Monterrico Beach on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is among the hottest seashore cities in the nation.
The black sand seashore makes for an amazing 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 throughout the nation.
18. Guatemala City
Lots of people don’t put Guatemala City on their greatest issues to-do lists, however chances are high you’ll be flying into Guatemala City, so why not spend a day or two in 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 one afternoon. Explore La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, the cultural, enterprise and non secular heart of Guatemala. Your information will take you thru the colonial structure combined with its trendy constructing. There are loads of museums and monuments to see. As the biggest metropolis in Central America, you’ll start at Las Americas Avenue to Berlin Plaza and a view of the Pacaya volcano. More trendy buildings embrace the Supreme Court, City Hall and the Bank of Guatemala.
Other stops embrace 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 points of interest which can be value seeing.
18. Ride in a rooster bus
A go to to Guatemala is not going to be full with a trip on the rooster bus. It’s straightforward to spot these buses with their loud music and brilliant colours. Also often called a Colectivo, for a lot of Guatemalans, that is the preferred mode of native transport. As a customer, this can be a wonderful means to expertise modern-day Mayan tradition.
The buses are recognized by foreigners as rooster buses as they typically carry rooster 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 attractive cities, Guatemala is essentially the most various nation in Central America with one thing to please everybody. I can see why it’s changing into a well-liked 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 need to get off the overwhelmed path, Guatemala is the place to journey.
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