Guatemala map & highlights
It’s a fascinating destination in itself, but Guatemala’s convenient location, sandwiched between Mexico, Belize and Honduras, means it is most commonly explored on Central America overland trips. This is also more convenient for flights, which can take you direct to Cancún. Tours arriving from Belize will cross the border at San Ignacio and head for Tikal, and those from Copán in Honduras will head to Antigua. Expect some long travel days due to the road conditions and moving between high and lowlands, though fortunately most towns and cities can easily be explored on foot. You can also travel by boat (on the lakes or along Río Dulce to Livingstone) as well as by canoe, to mix things up a bit.
1.
Antigua
2. Chichicastenango
3. Flores & Lake Petén Itzá
4. Lake Atitlán
5. Lanquín
6. Livingston
7. Pacaya Volcano
8. Panajachel
9. Río Dulce
10. San Jorge La Laguna
11. San Marcos mountains
12. Tikal National Park
2. Chichicastenango
3. Flores & Lake Petén Itzá
4. Lake Atitlán
5. Lanquín
6. Livingston
7. Pacaya Volcano
8. Panajachel
9. Río Dulce
10. San Jorge La Laguna
11. San Marcos mountains
12. Tikal National Park
Antigua
1. Antigua
Antigua is often cited as having the best preserved colonial architecture of Central America’s cities – the buildings built during Spanish occupation create a harmonious whole, linked by charming cobbled streets. That the city has been near-destroyed by floods and earthquakes over the years, and sits between three volcanoes (one responsible for a devastating 16th century eruption), only adds to its perceived preciousness.
Chichicastenango
2. Chichicastenango
“Chichi” is a quintessential Maya village, complete with red-tiled roofs and cobbled streets against a mountain backdrop. Its history as a trading center persists today through its vibrant textile and food markets each Thursday and Sunday, attracting Mayans of all ethnicities as well as tourists. Don’t miss the 400-year old church of Santo Tomás, where shamans perform a fusion of indigenous and Catholic rituals.
Flores & Lake Petén Itzá
3. Flores & Lake Petén Itzá
On an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is reached by a causeway. It’s a convenient base for visiting Tikal – but also worth exploring in itself. This tiny town has a glorious plaza, Spanish church and well preserved colonial buildings, and you can walk around the whole island in around 15 minutes. Canoe or go for a swim in the warm waters, or seek out characteristic local woodcarvings.
Lake Atitlán
4. Lake Atitlán
This stunningly beautiful lake sits at the foot of conical volcanoes, and is ringed with indigenous villages where life has changed little over the centuries. Explore the thriving market town of Panajachel, swim or kayak in the lake, hike to San Pedro Volcano, or cruise across the waters to San Pedro Laguna. Visit women’s textile cooperatives, Maya painters’ studios and learn how mats are woven from reeds.
Lanquín
5. Lanquín
Overlooked on many standard Guatemala itineraries, the coffee growing region of Lanquín, located in a deep valley, offers plenty of treats for those who venture out here. Tube or whitewater raft on the Lanquín River, head to the caves (grutas) to see bats emerge at dusk, or make the short drive to Semuc Champey – a series of tiered, limestone pools, deep in the jungle, in brilliant shades of turquoise. Pack your cossie!
Livingston
6. Livingston
A world away from the rest of Guatemala, little Livingston can only be reached by boat. It is home to the Garifuna people – the descendants of free African and indigenous Arawak peoples from the Caribbean islands. Amid the stupor-inducing heat you can explore this unique culture through the African-style punta music and dance, seafood coconut stews called tapao, and the unusual sounds of the creole language.
Pacaya Volcano
7. Pacaya Volcano
The 90 minute hike up this active volcano is suitably unpredictable. Paths through the subtropical forests that line Pacaya’s slopes are buried beneath ash, and summiting may not always be possible if volcanic activity is heightened. Once you emerge above the treeline, there are stunning views as a reward, even as far as Guatamala City on a clear day. The vast lava field is surreal – especially if glowing molten rock is visible.
Panajachel
8. Panajachel
One of the busier spots on the shores of Lake Atitlán, “Pana” is the region’s tourist hub – attracting both foreigners and vacationing Guatemalans. While parts of the town can feel somewhat fake and touristy, it is possible to swim in or kayak on the lake, take boats (lanchas) across it to surrounding villages, rent a bicycle, take a coffee tour or hike up to San Pedro volcano, making it worth spending a day here.
Río Dulce
9. Río Dulce
Once something of a frontier town between the more developed regions of Guatemala and the jungle-clad province of El Petén, today Río Dulce is the leaping off point for boat journeys down the eponymous river to Livingston. Explore the rainforests that surrounds this Caribbean town – including a surreal hot springs waterfall, head out in search of manatees, or explore the impressive San Felipe fort.
San Jorge La Laguna
10. San Jorge La Laguna
Few experiences will immerse you as fully in the local culture as a homestay. San Jorge La Laguna is a traditional Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlán, whose residents have opened their doors to tourists without the village losing its quiet, indigenous character. Share a meal with your host family, discover how to make traditional tortillas, and learn a few words of Spanish – or Kaqchiquel Mayan.
San Marcos mountains
11. San Marcos mountains
There are many treats in store for those who hike these mountains. The proximity to Atitlán promises shimmering lake views, while the tiny Maya villages dotted around the slopes offer a glimpse into local life. Camp overnight here if you want to summit Pico San Marcos (2,800m), trekking along a dramatic ridge past a sacred Maya cave, used for rituals, with panoramic views of the volcanoes once at the peak.
Tikal National Park
12. Tikal National Park
Tikal is the largest excavated site in the Americas. The thick Guatemalan jungle has tried to reclaim this ancient Mayan city – but climbing to the top of one of the five enormous granite temples takes you above the canopy for a toucan’s-eye view of the ruins, which once covered 16 sq km. Expert guides reveal the fascinating history – as well as helping you spot coatis, macaws and howler monkeys.
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Sample Guatemala itineraries
Mexico, Belize & Guatemala (17 days):
MEXICO: Playa del Carmen > Tulum > BELIZE: Caye Caulker > San Ignacio > GUATEMALA: Tikal > Flores > Río Dulce > Livingston > Lake Atitlán > Chcicastenango > San Jorge La Laguna > Panajachel > AntiguaGuatemala & Belize (14 days):
GUATEMALA: Antigua > Lake Atitlán > Flores > Tikal > BELIZE: Caracol ruins > ATM caves > Ambergris CayeMore Guatemala articles
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, in November to April.
Learn about Central America’s most diverse nation, exploring sacred lakes, vast ruins and Maya culture.
We’ve picked out favourite things to do in Guatemala – from traveling along the Ruta Maya and visiting their modern day descendants, to boat cruises and island exploration. If you have more time – continue your explorations into neighbouring Mexico or Belize on an overland tour – or carry on across the isthmus to the canal, in Panama City.
La Ruta Maya in Guatemala encompasses some of this ancient civilisation’s most impressive sites.
Travelers and vacation experts have shared with us their top Guatemala travel tips, on everything from culture to Quetzals.
The country has had to cope with poverty, inequality, a civil war and lingering violence.
Guatemala and Mexico can be easily combined when you travel as part of a small group tour. Click to find out more.
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