Best Places To Visit in Guatemala

Best Places To Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a fascinating country that has it all. You will encounter a vibrant culture that blends harmoniously with the nation's natural beauties.  The list of places to visit in Guatemala is endless and includes lakes, rainforests, exotic wildlife, indigenous markets, Mayan villages, colonial towns and beaches with volcanic sand.

Tikal, Antigua and Lake Atitlan are a few of the most well-known tourist destinations in Guatemala. Nonetheless, there are many sites in the country that tourists (and residents) are unaware of. We hope to raise awareness of these locations and increase your understanding of Guatemala's lesser-known travel attractions.

Little Villages Around Lake Atitlan
It's no surprise that Lake Atitlan is Guatemala's most visited vacation spot. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes and is close to Guatemala City, which is home to the main international airport. The landscape is stunning, and the temperate climate of the Highland region is ideal for enjoying the lake's fresh water. In addition to the compelling natural splendor, 14 different Mayan communities encircle Lake Atitlan. Panajachel and Santiago Atitlan are the most popular. The remaining settlements, however, accommodate all preferences. For instance, San Juan La Laguna boasts an impressive cultural scene and provides numerous workshops and live demonstrations of regional customs. San Marcos La Laguna, on the other hand, embodies the principles of a healthy natural existence and is perfect for yoga retreats and tranquil outdoor enjoyment. There are also a number of eco-lodges and villas on the lake's banks that are only accessible by boat.

Karstic Water Bodies in Huehuetenango
Guatemala's Western Highland region is notable for its pristine environment. In the department of Huehuetenango (or Huehue), there is a significant concentration of natural lagoons and rivers with turquoise waters. This area's unique geology makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Laguna Brava, a "virgin lake" where motorboats are prohibited to maintain the water's purity, is one of Huehue's hidden gems. The Candelaria Cenote, a striking natural sinkhole that doubles as a blue-water pool, is another point of attraction. The journey to these magnificent bodies of water is an adventure in and of itself, despite the fact that the Highland region might experience cold weather.

Tacana Volcano in San Marcos
Tacana Volcano (4,060m / 13,320ft) is one of the highest peaks in Central America and is situated between Mexico and Guatemala. It's an exciting experience to hike this magnificent volcano, which runs parallel to the Mexican border. For the full climbing experience, advanced hiking skills are required, which can take up to ten hours. However, the breathtaking views from the summit are well worth the effort.

Q’umarkaj, Quiché
The remains of a once-important Mayan city can be found near the well-known settlement of Chichicastenango. The K'iche Mayan kingdom, which had a significant role during the post-classic era (950 BCE–1524 CE), had Q'umarkaj as its capital. The K'iche are currently the largest group of people with Mayan ancestry, and they all have a similar language and distinctive cultural background. Tecun Uman, Guatemala's indigenous national hero, and the Popol Vuh, a sacred complex of mythological and ethnical tales, are their most significant legacies.

Lagoon Lachua, Coban
The tropical forest near Coban, Alta Verapaz, includes the Laguna Lachua National Park. Lachua, sometimes referred to as the mirror of the sky, is surrounded by pristine nature. The sulfur water that fills the lagoon is one of this location's unique features. Because of the surrounding thick forest, getting to this source of water can be difficult. However, the pathways are relatively flat which makes it an exciting experience suitable for all ages.

Caves of Candelaria, Coban
One of Central America's biggest networks of caverns and underground waterways is found in Guatemala. The Maya civilization saw this natural wonder as a sacred world. In addition to a significant number of ceramic remnants, more than 20 archeological sites have been discovered in the area. Tubbing and wet or dry caving are the most popular activities in this area of Guatemala.

Xocomil and Xetulul, Retalhuleu
Water slides and roller coasters! Guatemala also has amusement parks that are ideal for both adults and children. There are recreational possibilities for locals and foreign tourists in the country's tropical Southwest. Xocomil is a water park with an artificial river, waves, and toboggans! Perfect for cooling off in the sweltering tropical climate. On the other hand, Xetulul is a fascinating theme park that offers a wide variety of amusement rides. In addition to the entertainment activities, Xetulul is home to magnificent architectural replicas of numerous international monuments. It also features a number of plazas that showcase the architectural styles of five distinct countries (Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland). These amusement parks evolved from pleasure resorts where guests could stay overnight and take advantage of the excellent amenities at a reasonable cost.

Crater Azul, Peten
One of the unspoiled natural treasures of Guatemala's lowlands is the blue crater. You can view the natural underwater flora beneath your feet in Crater Azul's pristine water. The ideal way to experience this natural wonder is with a 1.5-hour boat cruise across the La Pasion River.

Please note that facilities at these off-the-beaten-path locations may be basic. We recommend Crater Azul for adventurous travelers who prioritize authentic experiences over luxurious amenities. To protect this pristine environment, we urge visitors to refrain from using sunscreen and insect repellent before entering the water (unless they are biodegradable), avoid single-use plastics and don’t leave no trace by properly disposing of all waste.