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Whether trekking up volcanoes, exploring Mayan ruins, or traveling via tuk-tuk to cutesy lake towns, Guatemala has something for everyone. During my visit to Guatemala in mid-August, I was struck by how much adventure could be packed into such a relatively small country. Even with just a short amount of time, it felt possible to experience many of Guatemala’s greatest hits.
The stunning natural beauty of Guatemala ranges from the lush rainforests of Petén where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal, to the serene shores of Lake Atitlán. It was truly a magical experience to watch the sunrise over the lake, with the surrounding volcanoes and charming indigenous villages creating a picturesque backdrop.
For the thrill-seekers, the country offers challenging hikes up active volcanoes like Pacaya and Acatenango. Hiking Acatenango was breathtaking, especially when camping overnight to witness the nearby Fuego volcano erupting against the night sky.
Beyond the natural wonders, Guatemala’s vibrant culture adds a rich layer to any visit. As I immersed myself in the local markets, I found myself captivated by the colors, sounds, and scents, each market stall telling its own story through handcrafted textiles, fresh produce, and traditional foods.
Whether you’re looking for eco-adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a laid-back day in a hammock by the beach, Guatemala has a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. I’ve accumulated some sites you should be sure not to miss.
Explore Tikal National Park
Tikal is probably the top attraction in Guatemala, and for good reason. This site was marked as a UNESCO World Heritage sight in 1979 and is considered one of the greatest Mayan wonders of the world.
Only 15% of Tikal has been fully excavated, and it encompasses thousands of ruins and expansive jungle. The vast majority of the structures are still covered by a layer of vegetation and dirt.
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Archeologists believe that the Mayans settled here around 900 BC and grew over a millennia to about 100,000 people. It is best to visit the park with a guide to truly capture the history and culture of the site.
While I haven’t yet visited Tikal myself, it’s at the top of my list for my next trip to Guatemala. I’ve heard incredible stories from fellow travelers about the eerie beauty of the ruins in the early morning mist and the thrill of spotting howler monkeys in the trees above.
Discover the Pools of Semuc Champey
While this location is not easy to get to, it’s definitely worth it. Enjoy an afternoon swimming in emerald green waterfalls and turquoise pools. If you go on a tour, your tour guide may show you a fun way to explore these pools by taking you from the highest pool to the shortest through a series of small jumps in the water and sliding down small waterfalls.
After enjoying some time in the cool waters, I hiked 30 minutes up to the viewpoint to see Semuc Champey in all its natural glory. This hike is not for the weary; it’s essentially hundreds of steps up to a small vantage point. However, the views are gorgeous, and there were women selling snacks and coconut water along the way
However, just note that reaching this location involves some strategizing. If you are not willing to sacrifice a full 1-2 days of driving during daylight hours, consider taking an overnight shuttle to Lanquin or booking private transportation, although it will be expensive. I visited with a group of 9 and cut down on costs through a shuttle arranged by Tropicana Hostel.
Enjoy the Colonial Architecture of Antigua
Many use Antigua as a base to explore the multiple volcanoes in the area, but the city itself has rich historical beauty to offer. This city is the former capital of Guatemala and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spend a day taking a guided walking tour from Central Park to see church ruins, the Cathedral of Santiago, and the famed Arco de Santa Catalina. During my visit, I loved wandering through Antigua’s cobblestone streets, where every corner seemed to tell a story.
You can also tuk-tuk or hike up the Cerro de La Cruz viewpoint, which features a cross from the 1930s and an unobstructed view of Volcan Agua.
Spelunk through the K’anba Caves
This experience is often done in conjunction with Semuc Champey and can add a great deal of adventure to your day as you head through the caves with a guide.
You will walk and swim through different parts of a cave while holding a lit candle, providing the feeling of magic and true exploration. Within the cave are ladders to walk up and down, and you are rewarded at the end of the cave with a waterfall.
My tour guide grabbed some mysterious black substance from the cave walls and put it on my face and body. It was likely bat guano! If this isn;t for you, opt out of having it touch your skin by simply letting your guide know.
Additional features just outside the cave include a water swing, a waterfall with a cliff diving spot, and tubing for an additional cost. If you do not bring good water shoes, like some of my friends on the trip, you can rent them at the caves along with lockers.
Hike the Acatenango Volcano
This overnight hike is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. While very physically demanding, hikers are rewarded at the base camp with beautiful panoramic views and a great story to tell. Book a guided tour starting in the morning and get equipped with gear, then your tour guide will drive you to the base of the volcano.
I booked through OX Expeditions, one of the top-rated tour companies in the area. However, there are plenty of cheaper tours in the area that offer similar experiences if you’re on a budget.
When I visited, I began by trekking up the volcano for about 6 hours (with breaks in between), then rested at the top at some bare-bones cabins. There was an option to hike Fuego for an additional fee to get up to 500 meters away from active lava! I was much too exhausted to do this, but I could still see the eruptions and lava from base camp when the clouds cleared.
At 3 am, you can choose to hike to the summit until you see the breathtaking sunrise behind the Fuego and Agua volcanoes. Then, come back down and arrive back in Antigua by noon. Renting hiking sticks and getting a porter for your backpack is strongly recommended, particularly if you decide to hike closer to the Fuego volcano after base camp.
The hike up Acatenango was one of the most grueling yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. Watching the sunrise over the neighboring Fuego volcano, with its occasional eruptions lighting up the early morning sky, was an unforgettable experience.
Read More: Hiking Volcanoes in Guatemala
Shop through the Chichicastenango Market
Although this Mayan market is a bit out of the way, it is incredible to visit and is rich in history. Modern Mayans still wear traditional woven clothing as they sell local goods and tourist items on Thursdays and Saturdays. Make sure to browse the produce market, try some Guatemalan street food, and wander through aisles of hand-made textiles and crafts.
The easiest way to visit is via direct shuttle from Panajachel or Antigua, although it is possible to take a chicken bus.
Cliff Jump at the Cerro Tzankujil Natural Reserve
Not all of the water at Lake Atitlán is safe to swim in, but this natural reserve is perfect for a full day in the sun. Daredevils like myself can jump off the 12-meter platform into the water, and those interested in a more relaxing day can kayak or take a short hike around the reserve. There is an employee at the platform to ensure safety and proper jumping technique, so I could jump as many times as desired.
I would definitely recommend doing the 12-meter jump, no matter how scared you are. The clear, cool water was the perfect refreshment after the adrenaline rush.
If you decide against the tall jump, there are smaller cliffs around 6 meters or less that you can jump from as well. There are also multiple miradors and small hikes available. If you decide against the tall jump, there are smaller cliffs around 6 meters or less that you can jump from as well.
There are also multiple miradors and small hikes available around the area if you are interested in exploring more than just the cliff jumping “trampoline”. This location closes early, at 4 pm, so make sure to come early to stake out a spot to sunbathe and take full advantage of the day.
Paraglide Above the Waters of Lake Atitlán
Depending on the season, adventurers can paraglide above the lake and take in the beauty of the water and surrounding volcanoes. This option will likely be unavailable during the summer months as it is the rainy season and the wind direction may not be optimal, but the winter is fair game. This is also a great place to try paragliding if cost would otherwise be a major hindrance — prices are half as expensive as they are in many European or Western locations.
Read More: Lake Atitlan: Guatemala’s Idyllic Retreat
Take a Weaving Class from Locals
Museo Casa Del Tejido Antiguo and the Lema Association on Lake Atitlán are great locations to learn how local Mayans weave clothes and crafts. For a small fee, you can watch these individuals demonstrate their skills, and for an additional price you can make something yourself. Options range from bracelets to scarves to art pieces, depending on the time you have.
Museo Casa Del Tejido outside of Antigua has the additional bonus of a short exhibit on the history of weaving in the area and beautiful vintage pieces on display. Both have many options of tapestries, jewelry, and clothing to buy.
Learning to weave from the local artisans was such a humbling experience. It took me almost an hour to make one bracelet, but Mayan women can make them in about 5 minutes! Watching them create intricate designs with such skill and patience made me appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every piece.
Hike the Indian Nose Trail at Sunrise
Because many of the most popular small towns along Lake Atitlán are located on the West Coast, it is easier for many to view sunrise than sunset during their visit.
Additionally, watching the sunset from Panjanchal means that you will most likely have to charter an expensive private boat to return to your lodging. Instead of rising early to hike the Indian Nose Trail, you can enjoy a short hike as you start your day and take in a gorgeous sunrise over the water.
I did this hike on a tour, which is recommended. Although the wake up call was around 4 am, the views were completely worth it. Our guide ran through a history of the area around Lake Atitlán and how the towns came to be. As we watched the sun peer over the horizon, you enjoyed a coffee and breakfast before heading back to town for a well-deserved nap.
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Author Bio: Grace Thomas is a strategy consultant, freelance writer, and travel blogger. She loves puzzles, gelato, and writing about anything. To read more of her adventures, visit her travel blog
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