If you love culture, cuisine and outdoor adventure, Guatemala is one of the world’s most fascinating and memorable countries to visit.
From exploring the archeological site of Tikal to climbing steaming volcanoes, there are so many amazing things to do in Guatemala you’d need a lifetime to experience them all.
Along with my Guatemala-born husband, I’ve spent years exploring the country’s landmarks and secret gems from coast to coast.
In this post we’re sharing our favourite day trips, attractions and points of interest to help you plan an unforgettable vacation in Guatemala even if you have just one or two weeks.
Here are our picks for where to go, the best traditional Guatemalan foods to try and fun things to do in this Central American country tucked between Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador.
This post was originally published in 2018. But we have updated and expanded it with the latest information and original photos after spending several months in Guatemala in late 2023 and early 2024.
1. Experience Atmospheric Antigua
One of the top places to visit in Guatemala is colonial Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala. There are so many things to do in Antigua you could easily spend your full week in Guatemala here.
As you walk the cobblestone streets, there’s no escaping the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located less than 45 minutes from Guatemala City, the country’s current capital.
Founded in 1542 and set among several dormant and active volcanoes, it’s home to open air markets and well-preserved colonial churches with Spanish-Baroque architecture.
The immense Volcan de Agua towers over the city which adds to its beauty.
Begin your explorations by taking a guided walking tour from Antigua’s leafy plaza central park to see landmarks such as the Capuchinas Convent, Santa Clara Convent, the Cathedral of Santiago and the ruins of churches such as the Iglesia del Carmen.
Or enjoy a spectacular sunset and a cocktail or local drink on a rooftop bar. You can’t go wrong with the views at Café Sky (Google Map), the highest terrace in town.
In addition to its many boutique hotels and Spanish language schools, Antigua is also home to many important festivals such as the Semana Santa processions and el Dia del Diablo, the pre-Christmas Day of the Devil.
Check prices and availability of a 3-hour guided walking tour of Antigua on Viator.com.
2. Climb a Volcano in Guatemala
A fun thing to do in Guatemala is to go climbing one of its many volcanos.
Hiking still-active Pacaya Volcano is one of the most memorable excursions, especially if done in the afternoon when it’s possible to witness the sunset.
Because Pacaya is very much an active volcano, it’s the best place to go in Guatemala to roast marshmallows over lava.
Climbing Pacaya volcano is definitely a bucket list thing to do!
An alternative (and less strenuous) way to summit Volcán Pacaya is on a Pacaya ATV Tour. If you take this tour on a weekend, a section of the route will be by foot or horseback.
You’ll also have the opportunity to cook marshmallows over the fire-hot lava!
Check rates and availability of a Hiking and Hot Springs Tour to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua or Guatemala City on Viator.com
Another natural landmark in Guatemala is Volcán de Agua. At 12,336 feet high (3760 m), this dormant volcano is immense!
But it’s rated a moderate level hike and takes the average person around five hours to reach the top. At the summit you’ll have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
On clear days (your best bet for clear skies is between November to April) you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
3. Overnight on Acatenango Volcano
Another memorable option if you’re interested in climbing a volcano and camping overnight is to hike Acatenango Volcano.
This physically challenging hike is a bucket list thing to do for adventurous travellers due to its unique blend of difficulty, stunning natural beauty and the opportunity to witness active eruptions of Fuego volcano.
This hike is not for the faint of heart. The ascent to the summit typically takes 5-7 hours through diverse and steep terrain, At the top, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Fuego and Agua volcanoes.
For the best experience and for safety reasons, it’s best to do this excursion with an experienced guide and accredited tour company.
Be sure to check safety conditions locally before booking.
4. Savour Traditional Guatemala Food and Drink
While Guatemala is best-known for its colourful indigenous weavings, volcanoes and dramatic scenery, another of its major attractions is its food!
While many people think Guatemalan cuisine is just black beans, rice and tortillas, it actually offers offers one of the most distinctive cuisines in Latin America.
With epicurian roots that are a unique blend of Mayan, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences, traditional Guatemalan cuisine is quite diverse with lots to offer.
For an introduction to traditional Guatemalan cuisine such as pepian de pollo and black bean soup, stop in at Sabe Rico restaurant in Antigua. Serious food fans also won’t want to miss sampling Guatemalan street food such as mixtas, shucos and tortas with chile rellenos.
These stuffed peppers, a cousin to their heavier cheese-filled Mexican counterpart, are filled with diced vegetables and meat, lightly battered and topped with a fresh tomato sauce.
Wash it all down with a Gallo beer, a picosita (a unique ceviche meets Michelada Guatemalan drink invented in Antigua) or the award-winning local rum, Ron de Zacapa.
5. Master the Basics of Guatemalan Cuisine in a Mayan Cooking Class
Foodies interested in immersing themselves in traditional Guatemalan cuisine and culture, should take a hands-on cooking class.
The best ones also include a market tour and/or a ride in a ‘chicken bus’ the brightly coloured local transportation.
Here, you can venture into the traditional food that abuelita used to make.
Shop for ingredients at the market and then make authentic Guatemalan dishes like tamales, pepian de pollo, kack-ik, hilachas and suban-ik.
You can often combine cooking classes with Spanish language classes in Antigua or Panajachel. I actually learned how to make pulique in a hands-on cooking class in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan.
Check prices and availability of a Guatemalan cooking class and market tour in Antigua on Viator.com.
6. Explore Artisan Crafts at Chichicastenango Market
If you have time to visit only one Mayan market town in Guatemala, then this town in the Guatemalan Highlands north of Lake Atitlan is a must see.
Although it’s more touristy than other Mayan markets (such as Solola), it’s rich in history and still serves as a working market and hub for the Mayan towns of the highlands.
The K’iche’ and other modern Maya still wear traditional woven clothing, proudly communicating their cultural identity, heritage and religious beliefs through colour and ritual pattern.
Chichicastenago market takes place on Thursdays and Sundays.
While it’s possible to visit Chichicastenango independently by chicken-bus and mini-van, it’s much easier to take a direct shuttle from Panajachel or Antigua.
Or, for the ultimate in safety and reliability, take a private Chichicastenango Guided Tour that includes round-trip transportation, stops at the market, Santo Tomas Church and the sacred Maya Pascual Abaj shrine.
Guided tours are available from Guatemala City, Antigua and as a cruise ship excursion.
Check rates and availability on a Chichicastenango Tour on Viator.com
While it’s also easy to get to Chichicastenango independently, when its time to leave you’ll be competing for space with the locals (and all their goods).
Trust me, they are swifter than you are when it comes to scoring a seat. You might wait a very long time for transportation.
What to Do in Chichicastenango
- witnessing indigenous Mayan rituals on the steps of 16th century Santo Tomas Church,
- shopping for weavings, textiles and other hand-made goods within the open-air craft market,
- visiting one of Guatemala’s most colourful cemeteries,
- browsing the produce market (go to the second floor for the best photos) and trying Guatemalan street food,
- visiting the shrine of Pascual Abaj,
- exploring the small but fascinating Museo Regional de Chichicastenango.
It’s worthwhile to hire a local guide in Chichicastenango.
They’ll keep touts away, introduce you to sights you may otherwise miss (impromptu processions or ceremonies) and pave your way through this chaotic, colourful and sensory overloading experience.
7. Strike a Pose on the Stone Hand at Hobbitenango
One of the top activities to do in Guatemala with kids is visit Hobbitenango, a hobbit-themed eco-park perched on a lush mountain peak outside Antigua.
Set at 2,400 metres (7,800 feet) above sea level, Hobbitenango is named for its resemblance to the beloved Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien’s books.
While the Hobbit Trilogy was actually filmed in New Zealand, Guatemala’s dramatic landscape of mountains and green valleys does a fine job of evoking the same sense of fantasy and wonder.
From the moment you step foot in this unique theme park, you’ll feel transported to a world where hobbits might be sipping tea in cozy hillside burrows, and mythical creatures could be hiding around every bend.
The charming hobbit holes, handcrafted from local materials, dot this popular tourist attraction like miniature homes straight from a storybook.
One of the main attractions for Instagrammers is the stone troll hand set overlooking a deep valley. Time your visit for a clear day and you’ll capture spectacular views of the volcanoes in the distance.
Most people spend a full-day at Hobbitenango (there’s a restaurant onsite) but if you’re really keen you can overnight in a Hobbit house. Book a stay or a shuttle from Antigua online.
Check prices and availability of a guided ATV tour to Hobbitenango and Antigua on Viator.com
8. Explore Tikal National Park Archeological Site
The vast archeological site of Tikal is a major tourist attraction in Guatemala. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is deservedly one of the top wonders of the Mayan world.
Its monumental architecture dates back as far as the 4th century BC but reached its peak between 200-900 AD when it dominated the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily.
Its most famous structure is the Temple of the Double-headed Serpent, the tallest surviving ancient Maya structure. For those sure of foot, it offers a panoramic view of the jungle canopy from its summit.
Further along a shaded path is the Mundo Perdido or Lost World, a collection of moss-draped ruins still under excavation.
A fascinating new discovery lies 19 kilometres away in El Zotz, where archaeologists uncovered the Temple of the Night Sun. This red structure is adorned with masks of the Maya sun god depicted as a shark, a blood drinker and a jaguar.
How to Get to Tikal
Tikal’s location in the northern jungle of the Peten region of Guatemala means it’s not easy to visit on a day trip from Antigua (or Guatemala City) unless you take a Tikal Day Trip Tour that includes transfers, a direct flight, tour, lunch and return to your hotel.
The excursion will take 17 hours round trip. But flying is the most efficient way to experience this incredible Guatemalan attraction.
Check prices and availability of the Tikal Day Trip from Antigua on Viator.com
Visiting Tikal is easier if you’re coming from Belize. Read about Belize to Tikal Tour: A Tikal Guatemala Day Trip
If you have time in your Guatemalan itinerary, it’s best to stay overnight near Tikal. You’ll be able to wake up in the jungle at dawn and explore this Mayan city before the crowds arrive.
There are two fantastic luxury boutique hotels on Lago Petén Itza, just 45 minutes from Tikal and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Both offer breathtaking views at quite reasonable rates.
Check rates and availability of Bolontiku Boutique Resort in San Andres, near Tikal on Booking.com
Check rates and availability at Francis Ford Coppola’s La Lancha Hotel on Booking.com.
9. Step Back in Time at Yaxhá Archeological Site
Yaxhá archeological site is another remarkable Mesoamerican site, lagoon and national park located within Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.
As far back as 600 BC, traders navigated canoes laden with precious goods along the waterways of the Yucatan Peninsula to arrive at this strategic location on Lake Yaxhá.
Today, it’s possible to walk the same raised causeways they did to enter this royal city. The remains of the original path is lined with palaces, ceremonial platforms, stelae and ancient ball courts partially buried beneath dense jungle.
Their impressive size attests to the power of this ancient Maya kingdom that flourished from 600 BC to 900 AD and once covered an area of 237 square kilometres (92 sq. mi).
Unlike nearby Tikal, Yaxhá sees few people. Apart from the calls of howler monkeys, you’ll likely be alone in this remarkable archaeological site.
This tranquility combined with its historic importance, impressive architecture and still-wild natural setting makes Yaxhá a must visit place in Guatemala for those fascinated by ancient civilizations.
You can combine Tikal and Yaxhá into a 2-Day Mayan City Tour but an especially magical experience is to visit at sunset when the light reflects off the lagoon and flocks of birds return to roost.
Check rates and availability of a Yaxhá Sunset Tour from Flores on Viator.com.
10. Experience Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua
Guatemala’s unique festivals and celebrations are definitely worth planning an entire trip around.
Among the country’s religious celebrations, Semana Santa or Holy Week, is deservedly famous.
Spending Easter in Guatemala is an unforgettable experience.
In Antigua, the religious processions that wind their way across the alfombras or carpets of fruit, flowers and coloured wood shavings are a highlight of the largest Easter celebration in the Americas.
Be sure to try special Easter dishes such as Bacalao a la Vizcaina, pacaya (palm fronds) in salsa and traditional drinks such as fresco de chilacayote ( a sweet gourd refreshment with sugar cane syrup).
If you’re planning to visit during Semana Santa, remember to book early!
Read More: Check out our post on 3 Budget Hotels You’ll Love in Antigua for some of our favourite hotels.
11. Journey to Rio Dulce and Lake Izabel
Rio Dulce is a town located in the department of Izabal that connects Lake Izabal with the Caribbean Ocean and Livingston.
Rio Dulce is a popular sailing and yachting location as well as the gateway into the El Peten, home to Tikal and many archeological Mayan sites.
There are lots of eco-lodges, river fincas and hostels if you’d like to spend a few nights in Rio Dulce.
It’s worth spending some time in Rio Dulce to explore the Castillo de San Felipe, a stone fort that dates to 1652.
Constructed by the Spanish to defend from raiding forces of British, French and Dutch, it was of strategic importance for centuries. Today, the fort offers panoramic views from various lookout points.
It’s also possible to take boat tours along Rio Dulce and witness fishermen in their traditional dugout canoes as well as a vast range of wildlife.
Be aware that this low-lying area has a lot of mosquitoes. So be sure to wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against mosquito borne viruses such as dengue fever, zika and chikungunya.
🌟 Read more: 12 Easy Ways to Protect yourself against Zika, Dengue and Chikyungunya viruses.
12. Plunge into the Turquoise Pools of Semuc Champey
You’ll feel as though you’ve landed in the fantasy world of Oz at these emerald green waterfalls deep in Guatemala’s Maya highlands.
While it’s one of the major tourist attractions in Guatemala and certainly famous, Semuc Champey is not easy to get to.
You’ll need to plan in advance how to visit Semuc Champey and consider time of year, where to stay and costs in order to avoid disappointment.
Travel past the misty coffee town of Coban to Lanquín, a popular attraction known for its cave system of bat-filled chambers. It’s a must-see.
Then, after a gruelling drive through green clad mountains and just when you think the road can’t get any worse, you’ll arrive at the necklace of turquoise pools cascading though dense cloud forest.
This is not a trip to attempt in a rental car. If you don’t have a 4 X 4, you’ll need transportation in a truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey. Due to poor road conditions, plan to overnight in Lanquín or Semuc Champey.
Learn more about Semuc Champey and the many outdoor adventures such as caving, river tubing and hiking.
13. Explore the Black Sand Beaches of Monterrico
Journey through a mangrove lagoon on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast and you’ll reach this stretch of black volcanic sand beach fringed by a mighty surf.
Visiting these black sand beaches is a must-do in Guatemala if you want some beach time.
Monterrico is a favourite haunt of backpackers, surfers and weekenders from Guatemala City.
Yet it’s still a quiet place where you can chill out in a humble beachside cabana, laze away in a hammock, explore a lagoon or grab a surfboard and ride the waves.
Just an hour from Antigua, visiting Monterrico Beach is one of the top things to do in Guatemala.
🌟 Insider Tip: Holiday periods are peak periods for petty crime. Read 20 Travel Safety Tips for Guatemala
14. Soak in the Steaming Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs near Xela
Balance body and soul at these hot springs in Guatemala’s highlands, near Quetzaltenango. These mineral-rich thermal waters are located in an area long considered sacred by the local Maya.
Begin with a trek through the cloud forest past Zunil and Santo Tomás volcanoes and then soak away your muscle aches in the legendary, healing waters.
The pools, carved out of rock and obscured by swirling steam, are tucked inside a well-equipped facility complete with change rooms, showers and eating areas.
15. Visit Fascinating World-Class Museums in Guatemala City
While Guatemala City’s astounding traffic jams make it tempting to skip over the city completely, its fine museums, galleries, the fantastic mercado central and architecture make it worth investing at least a day or two in the country’s capital.
Top Attractions in Guatemala City To See
- Popol Vuh Archeological Musuem.
- Guatemalan National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology.
- The National Museum of Art (directly across from the Guatemalan National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology).
- Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing.
- Parque Minerva (with its relief map of the country).
- Palacio Nacional and the Cathedral, with its commemorative record of the thousands of men, women and children who were victims of the genocide in the civil war.
- With its edgy street art and graffiti, the hip neighbourhood of 4 Grados Norte is like an open air museum. It’s also filled with independent coffee shops, brewhouses, bars, food halls, and co-working spaces so is well worth spending an afternoon or evening here.
Check prices and availability of a Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Guatemala City that includes the major sights and four stops.
If you stay in one of the hotels in the Zona Viva, you’ll be close enough to many of these attractions that you can work them into a one or two day itinerary.
I usually opt for the newish Hyatt Centric because I love its rooftop pool with views. But the Barceló Guatemala City and Camino Real are also great options and are more often on sale.
Check rates and availability at the Barcelo Hotel Guatemala City on Booking.com.
Check rates and availability at the Hyatt Centric Guatemala City on Booking.com
16. Marvel at the Modernist Architecture of Guatemala City
While many travel guides recommend skipping Guatemala City completely or focus solely on its museums and colonial architecture, the more time I spend in the capital city the more I love it.
For a unique thing to do in Guatemala City, take a fascinating self-guided tour of the impressive modernist architecture in its urban landscape.
Among the most prominent of these buildings is the Bank of Guatemala building, designed by architects Jorge Montes, Raúl Minondo and Carlos Haeussler. Its Brutalist style, geometric forms, murals and use of concrete exemplify the modernist aesthetic of the 1960s.
Other significant modernist landmarks include the Credito Hipotecario Nacional and Biblioteca Nacional designed by renowned Guatemalan architect Efrain Recinos in the 1960s.
They’re enduring symbols of the country’s modernization and cultural identity. They’re well worth seeking out.
It’s an easy walk from the pedestrian street El Paseo de la Sexta Avenida (Google Map) to the 4 Grados Norte district. You’ll pass the Bank of Guatemala (Google Map) and several other notable modernist buildings along the way.
🌟 Insider Tip: Get a culture boost by catching a performance by the National Symphonic Orchestra of Guatemala in the Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias (the National Theatre). Designed by architect Efrain Recinos with Alberto M. de la Roca in the 1970’s, this sculptural form of this famous building was inspired by Mayan pyramids and volcanoes. It also boasts incredible acoustics.
17. Cool off at Pasabien Pools in Zacapa
Deep in the eastern state of Zacapa, the sweltering heart of Guatemala’s cowboy country, is Pasabien.
This series of natural rock pools and waterfalls is fed by icy water from an underground source in the Sierra de las Minas Mountains.
It’s especially popular during Semana Santa but you’ll rarely see tourists at this hidden gem.
Nearby Santa Cruz may appear to be just another dusty commercial town. But it offers market stalls with vendors selling fresh pineapples, fine local rum and quesadilla, a rich cake made of queso de Zacapa—the dry cheese beloved throughout Guatemala.
Get the fixings for a picnic and shiver your sweat away with a refreshing dip in the chilly rock pools.
Read more: Cool off in the natural springs at Pasabien, Zacapa
18. Soak Up the Laid Back Vibe in Livingston and Caribbean Coast
Take a boat, or walk the beach north of Lívingston on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast and you’ll arrive at the Seven Altars, a set of cascading freshwater falls and pools within a protected rainforest.
Draped with orchids, the river offers cool waters perfect for splashing and swimming.
Plan to spend a few days so you can soak up the lively vibe of the Garifuna culture – mix of Caribbean, South American and African music, dance and cuisine.
Read more: Recipe for Tapado, a seafood and coconut soup from Livingston Guatemala
19. Marvel at Lake Atitlan in Panajachel
The lakeside town of Panajachel is one of Guatemala’s most famous places. While it’s a popular destination for cruise ship shore excursions and sees crowds of day trippers from Guatemala City, the tourism hub of Lake Atitlan is still very picturesque.
There are so many things to do in Lake Atitlan, Panajachel makes a great base for day trips to Mayan towns such as Solola, Chichicastenango and San Pedro La Laguna both in the highlands and around the lake.
It also offers its own open air food market, a historic church as well as plenty of diversions such as Spanish Language Schools, restaurants, craft markets and stunning views of Lake Atitlan from virtually every part of town.
If you’re in Panajachel for just a few days, opt for Hotel Atitlan or Porta Hotel del Lago. Each offer swimming pools and stunning views of Lake Atitlan.
Check rates and availability at Hotel Atitlan in Panajachel on Booking.com
Check rates and availability at Porta Hotel del Lago in Panajachel on Booking.com
20. Witness the Day of the Dead Kite Festival in Guatemala
One of the most unforgettable experiences and best things to do in Guatemala is to participate in the spectacular All Saints Day Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango Sacatepéque.
It’s an easy day trip from Antigua and Guatemala City so is no problem to include in your plans should you happen to be visiting Guatemala between October 31 and November 2nd.
A must-see during this unique festival are the giant, hand-crafted kites constructed by hand by community groups and local artisans.
The belief is that the kites communicate with the spirits of the ancestors and, as the kites fly high into the heavens, they carry messages to those in heaven.
This is one of the most memorable traditional celebrations to experience in Guatemala.
21. Join Pilgrims at the Black Christ at Basilica of Esquipulas
One of the top things to do in Guatemala for Catholics includes visiting the Basilica of Esquipulas, home to the revered statue of the Black Christ.
The pilgrimage of Esquipulas takes place on January 14-15 and draws thousands of faithful pilgrims, many of whom walk the final stretch of the journey on their knees.
The church houses the figure of Christ carved of dark balsam wood (and darkened further through centuries of incense smoke) by famed colonial sculptor Quirio Catano in 1594.
The statue of the Black Christ draws line-ups of pilgrims year-round and the streets surrounding the Basilica of Esquipulas are a bustling hub of commerce.
You’ll have fun exploring the market stalls offering religious souvenirs, local street food and traditional Guatemalan drink.
Look for the quirky sombrero de Esquipulas, a straw hat festooned with pompoms, tassels and tinsel, worn by pilgrims.
22. Enjoy Luxury for Less at a Luxury Resort on Lake Peten Itza
For an unforgettable stay at surprisingly low prices, there’s no better way to place to soak up Guatemala’s spectacular scenery and rich culture than at a luxury resort.
Once best known as a destination best suited for backpackers, Guatemala is now drawing luxury travelers keen to explore its unique attractions but interested in doing so in comfort.
There’s no roughing it at Bolontiku Resort set near the Maya Biosphere Reserve. This posh boutique hotel features a free-form swimming pool, bungalows with panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza and lush gardens.
It’s easily accessible by boat from Flores (the hotel provides a free shuttle for guests) or by car.
For another fantastic luxury hotel stay, don’t miss La Lancha, Set on the banks of Lago Petén Itza, this secluded eco-lodge is owned by Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola so don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two.
In addition to its beautiful natural setting, one of the other highlight is its cuisine.
This is the place to sample famous Guatemalan dishes such as suban-ik and relax over a glass of wine from the Coppola winery in California.
Check rates and availability at Bolontiku Boutique Hotel on Booking.com.
Check rates and availability at La Lancha Hotel on Booking.com.
23. Spend Some Island Time on Flores Island
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to wrap up a visit to the archeological site of Tikal, one of the best places to go is Flores, Guatemala. The capital city of Peten is located on an island in Lago de Peten Itza connected by causeway to the mainland.
This small town features charming cobblestone streets, tour companies offering boat and jungle excursions, a waterfront promenade and several bars and restaurants ideal for watching the sunset.
A fun thing to do in Flores is watch the spectacular sunset across the lake. On Calle Union, Terrazzo Ristorante & Bar is a top spot for enjoying the sunset while sipping a cocktail featuring the popular local aguardiente Quezalteca.
You can fly directly to Mundo Maya International Airport (located in Santa Elena on the mainland ) from Guatemala City in under one hour.
One of the best places to go in Guatemala, Flores also happens to be a top spot for connecting for travel to Belize. Shuttles and flights are readily available for travel between the two countries.
24. Hike the Remote Desert Habitat of the Rare Heloderma Lizard
One of the more unique and strange things to do in Guatemala is to visit the off-the-beaten path Reserva Natural Heloderma in the Motagua Valley near Cabañas in Zacapa.
This protected 316 acre reserve is the home of the endangered Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti, a venomous beaded lizard endemic to the unique desert ecosystem of southeastern Guatemala.
It’s one of only two venomous species of lizard.
It’s possible to hike the rugged trails through the lowland scrub brush and visit the small but important science station and breeding facility.
For a small fee, local guide and lizard guardian Gilberto Salazar offers informative tours with explanations about local and international efforts to help protect the heloderma horridum from extinction.
If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even possible to overnight in one of the camping sites or stay in a rustic bungalow.
25. Go Tubing Underground in Candelaria Caves
Another top place to visit in Guatemala is Candelaria Caves National Park north of Coban. This cave system, the largest in Guatemala, stretches for 32 kilometres and is formed of seven separate caves connected by an underground river.
The cave tourism project is run by a local Q’eqchi’ Maya community, who offer tours of the caves by water, where visitors float by inner tube along the Río Candelaria underground.
You may even have an opportunity to participate in an unforgettable Mayan ceremony in the main cave.
Soaring two stories high, it features a fire pit at the centre of the cave where a shaman prepares offerings to the gods using four candles representing the elements and a fifth for the selva (jungle).
The air will be thick with the sweet smell of copal incense.
26. Surf the Waves in El Paredón
Another point of interest in Guatemala that’s risen in popularity in recent years is El Paredón, a laid-back coastal village on the Pacific coast (Google Map).
While smaller and less developed than other tourist destinations in Guatemala, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy at this emerging hot spot.
The main attraction? Surfing enthusiasts — both beginners and experienced surfers — are drawn to El Paredón for its consistent waves.
The surf breaks aren’t as challenging as those of other Pacific coast beaches such as Puerto Escondido further north.
Beyond surfing, El Paredón offers opportunities for chilling out at a beach eco-resort, turtle conservation experiences, stand-up paddle-boarding in the nearby mangrove estuary, taking a yoga workshop and birdwatching.
It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Guatemala these days.
While it’s possible to go surfing in El Paradón on a day trip from Antigua, it’s best to take a shuttle and overnight so you can soak up some of this unique beach town’s rustic charm.
Itinerary Planning and Guatemala Travel Tips
Itinerary Planning: Distances are great between major attractions in Guatemala, so it’s impossible to see everything in one week. Plan to spend at least 2 weeks if you want to see the main points of interest.
Check out this itinerary for spending 10 days in Guatemala featuring Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Tikal.
Guatemala Tourism Office: INGUAT is Guatemala’s Official Tourism Agency. They have an office in Panajachel located at the corner of Calle Santander and Calle Principal (near Pollo Campero) with handy maps for planning Guatemala tours or day trips.
Ferry docks in Panajachel: There are two docks in Panajachel. A shared boat to San Pedro la Laguna costs 25 Q ( around $3) and take approximately 30 minutes.
Muelle de la Playa Publica ( Public Dock) in Panajachel: Located at the end of Calle Rancho Grande, this marina is where you catch the public boat to Santiago Atitlan, take a tour or book a private boat.
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