Guatemala has been gaining worldwide consideration as a high vacationer vacation spot. In case you are searching for a visit out of the abnormal, be certain so as to add this lovely nation in Central America to your checklist.
This Guatemala journey information was initially written by Daniel of Destinationless Journey 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 because of our crew.
Greatest Issues to do in Guatemala
As one of the numerous nations on this planet with 37 volcanoes, 360 microclimates, lakes, seashores, and land on each the pacific ocean and the Caribbean Sea, how will you not go to Guatemala? These are the most effective issues to do in Guatemala to go well with each kind of traveler. Are you able to fall in love with this superb Central American nation? Let’s get began.
1. Acatenango Volcano
When you converse to anybody who has accomplished this hike, you’ll doubtless have heard some rave critiques. Climbing the Acatenango Volcano is a hike not like another. Guatemala has 37 volcanoes and three of that are energetic volcanoes. Throughout this trek, you will notice one of the spectacular.
It entails 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 referred to 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 jiffy, placing on a present of exploding lava for all the excited hikers to see. The volcano erupts roughly each 4 to five years and it was most lately energetic in December of 2022.
A number of totally different tour firms provide two-day excursions from Antigua for as little as $90 USD together with tenting tools, 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 Journey
- 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 disclose Fuego’s unimaginable present.
- The next morning begins at 4 am 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 method to the bottom of Acatenango. The brief period, low-cost worth, and excursions together with all tools make the Acatenangovolcano hike an ideal exercise for many vacationers.
I might fee the Acatenango Volcano hike as one of the thrilling and distinctive journey experiences I’ve ever had. For extra details about reserving and making ready for the Acatenango Volcano hike take a look at our weblog right here.
2. Antigua Guatemala
Sometimes called merely Antigua, Antigua Guatemala might be one of many first stops you’ll make within the nation. Most vacationers are drawn 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 Website and was the previous capital metropolis of Guatemala.
Antigua Guatemala means Previous Guatemala and as we speak, it’s a widespread vacationer sizzling spot for good motive. When visiting Antigua a part of the attraction is to get misplaced in its cobblestone streets as you get pleasure from historic excursions of the town, museums, purchasing, markets, superb eating places, and road meals.
Iglesia de La Merced interprets to the Church of Our girl of mercy was initially in-built 1545. Nevertheless, it was destroyed by two earthquakes and was later restored within the 1700s. It’s mentioned to be the biggest in Central America and it’s price visiting for its Spanish baroque-style structure with its lovely yellow and white facades.
The place to Keep in Antigua
- Luxurious: Lodge Museo Spa Casa Santa Domingo is simply 10 minute’s stroll from the town middle. With 5-star luxurious, it has a pool, spa, and fitness center.
- Mid-Vary: Lodge Soleil La Antigua is simply minutes from Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. There’s a spa, free parking and an out of doors pool. Plus a free shuttle to Antigua Central Park. Breakfast and WIFI included.
Vibrant Tradition of Guatemala
An effective way to immerse within the tradition of Guatemala is thru meals. This half day cultural tour takes you on a gastronomy and historical past tour all of sudden. Stroll via its cobblestone streets as you admire its colonial structure. You’ll then go to a meals market earlier than tasting native dishes and as you find out about Guatemala’s delicacies. Different sights you will notice on this tour embrace the Santa Catalina Arch, and the Baroque Church, La Merced Church, one of the recognizable buildings in Antigua.
Antigua has develop into very touristy, however that isn’t a nasty factor, the excessive quantity of vacationers has made the town a lot wealthier, and due to this fact safer, than the likes of Guatemala Metropolis or different locations within the nation.
Easy methods to Get to Antigua
Antigua is only one.5 hours from Guatemala Metropolis and there are even frequent Collectivos from the Guatemala Metropolis worldwide airport to Antigua. As a result of 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 the town from just about another metropolis within the close by neighborhood.
3. Chocolate museum / ChocoMuseo
No go to to Guatemala could be full with out tasting some chocolate. Be taught in regards to the historical past and cultural elements 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.
Additionally they provide a chocolate-making workshop the place you get to play, eat and be taught in regards to the lovely artwork of constructing chocolate. Style 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
Situated in northern Guatemala sits what many take into account to be the “greatest Mayan Ruins on this planet.” I do know we did! That 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 supply vacationers. One motive is that the ruins are throughout the protected Tikal Nationwide Park. It is a particular place stuffed with excavated and unexcavated ruins which can be thick within the jungle. As a result of it’s inside a protected space, there are many animals roaming round.
However the temples themselves are astounding. The North Acropolis 1 is the very best and most spectacular, whereas the Plaza of the Seven Temples is without doubt one of the largest plazas in Tikal relationship again to 600 and 900 AD.
Individuals are additionally allowed to climb nearly all the ruins and we extremely suggest going up for dawn to take heed to the sounds of howler monkeys roaring within the mist. The views are spectacular from above the jungle cover. The entire expertise feels genuine and is far more adventurous than most different historical spoil websites I’ve visited up to now with lots of the pyramids nonetheless buried below the earth.
Easy methods 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 $10 USD. Flores has many finances hostels for backpackers in addition to good waterfront inns for these searching for a bit extra luxurious.
I might suggest a information as they may make the expertise extra vital providing a number of info and ensuring you don’t get misplaced. Additionally it is greatest to go to Tikal early within the morning when the animals are energetic. Once I was there at 7 am I noticed Toucans, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, and Peacocks.
Flores is 8 hours by Collectivo from Laquin(Semuc Champey) or 4 hours from Belize Metropolis making it straightforward to get to.
5. Lake Peten Itza
Situated close to Tikal is Lago Peten Itza (Lake Peten Itza), a scenic lake situated in Northern Guatemala. It’s most well-known for the town of Flores which is an efficient jumping-off level to discover the Mayan ruins of Tikal. After we visited Guatemala, we appeared to spend so much of time on this laid-back city of cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are seashores and different Maya ruins situated alongside its shores.
At the moment there are some luxurious resorts on Lake Peten Itza making for an ideal cease in your Guatemalan adventures to sit down again, calm down and benefit from the surroundings.
Paseo Cayala is simply 20 minutes from Guatemala Metropolis and this small city attracts plenty of guests as a result of its distinctive city design. Designed to imitate European neighborhoods with a number of walkable areas, inns, lodges, and different residential services. Paseo Cayala is trendy, cozy, and protected always. You’ll be able to spend a complete day strolling round. Numerous 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 without doubt one of the most vital tropical forests outdoors the Amazon.
It consists of 4 nationwide parks and three wildlife reserves. There is just one method to describe the reserve – nature at its greatest. Spanning greater than 2.5 million acres, it’s residence to elusive animals resembling jaguars and pumas.
Count on to see a number of howling monkeys, spiders, parrots, crocodiles, and spider monkeys. When you’re fortunate, you would possibly even encounter a jaguar. Put aside 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 very magical expertise. That is additionally the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss out on the dawn hike to the temple.
7. Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlan is a singular spot in Guatemala. It’s 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 upper altitude of 1500m means it isn’t fairly so sweltering sizzling. It’s nonetheless heat sufficient for a day swim within the lake although. Different widespread actions across the lake embrace boat excursions, kayaking, mountaineering, yoga courses, watching sunsets, and guided tuk-tuk excursions.
The place to Keep at Lake Atitlan
There are many villages situated alongside Lake Atitlán and they’re straightforward to journey inside. Listed below are just a few decisions to assist get you began.
Lush Atitlan is a boutique lodge in a gorgeous 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 city” with low-cost meals (a number of it), good purchasing, and finances locations to social gathering at night time. It isn’t probably the most enjoyable space however undoubtedly has a enjoyable vibe. This small city situated within the Southwest of Lake Atitlán has tons to supply for out of doors lovers. Take Spanish language courses or a cooking class in a neighborhood residence.
Take a horseback experience as you discover espresso plantations, or take the Indian Nostril 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 within the sights and sounds of the Lake.
This vacation residence has an ideal location on the lake and is inside strolling distance of eating places and retailers. Newly renovated house with non-public balcony and a shared kitchen.
9. Cities Round Lake Atitlán
San Marcos can be situated. on Lake Atitlan and is widespread with vacationers however is far smaller than San Pedro and extra relaxed. San Marcos is often referred to as the “hippie city” which has attracted many yoga-enthusiast ex-pats.
The opposite much less widespread choices are Santa Cruz, which is principally 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 supply vacationers. It’s also possible to go to Santiago Atitlén and San Antonio which you’ll go to by boat.
Getting Round Lake Atitlan
The beauty of Lake Atitlan is that regardless of the place you select to remain, it’s straightforward and cheap to get across the lake. Transport across the lake is for locals and vacationers alike within the type of boats that function very like public buses in cities.
There are set fares from one vacation spot to the subsequent and set schedules. Locals leap on the boats with baskets of produce and generally stay chickens whereas vacationers lug on suitcases. The entire boat system as the principle type of public transport is a enjoyable and fascinating expertise in itself.
10. San Juan La Laguna
Not so distant from San Pedro is San Juan La Laguna additionally situated Southwest of Lake Atitlán. This charming city is price a go to when in Guatemala. San Juan La Laguna is usually described as an artsy city as its stuffed with streets with lovely artwork murals painted in putting colours.
Numerous actions to do right here resembling; visiting Cerro de la Cruz for scenic views of the cities, having fun with domestically grown artisanal espresso, visiting the native market, searching for textiles, cooking courses, and visiting different native communities round Lake Atitlán.
You’ll be able to e book this extremely rated tour to go to the mountain villages and the villages of Guatemala’s indigenous individuals. Story a public boat throughout the lake to the colourful village of San Juan La Laguna. You’ll go to Santiago the place individuals nonetheless stay the Mayan tradition and way of life wearing 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. Join Spanish classes
Studying Spanish is without doubt one of the greatest issues you are able to 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 many Spanish faculties for foreigners. If you would like it’s also possible to join and be taught with locals of their properties. In addition to, understanding Spanish is step one to understanding Mayan tradition.
Common 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
Situated simply outdoors Panajachel is the Atitlan Nature Reserve, a sanctuary that was constructed to assist unfold consciousness and lift help for the conservation work being executed by scientists and college students.
Outside lovers will get pleasure from ziplining over waterfalls and occasional plantations. There’s a butterfly dome for nature lovers. The strolling trails are straightforward, well-maintained, and really enjoyable. Stroll right down to the waterfall, or the seashore. It’s also possible to arrange camp on the grounds and sleep to the attractive sounds of nature.
13. Semuc Champey Pure Monument
On the opposite aspect of the nation is the well-known Nationwide Park referred to as Semuc Champey. Many vacationers skip it because of the lengthy bus experience from different locations near the Antigua space, which is a disgrace as a result of it’s improbable!
Semuc Champey is an space of shiny turquoise water which flows via a whole bunch of small waterfalls and pure swimming pools.. Between these waterfalls, guests can swim in pure swimming pools, leap off waterfalls, slide down them, or discover small caves. There’s additionally a brief one-hour lengthy hike to a viewpoint in regards to the swimming swimming pools providing some superior picture alternatives.
One of many nice issues about Semuc Champey is that it could simply be loved on a tour or independently. Excursions run from inns, hostels, or the closest city of Lanquin.
Data and Prices for the Park
Excursions provide transport to the park, a information to discover the falls, a information for the hike, and a caving expertise. They’re fairly reasonably priced at $25 USD for a full-day journey. Nevertheless, for these on a tighter finances, it’s potential to get public transport to the park for $2 and pay the doorway price of $7.
The park is straightforward to discover independently as it’s well-marked with English indicators.
Lodging choices close to the park additionally make for an thrilling expertise. There are just a few 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 remain in a city, the city referred to as Lanquin is simply over an hour’s drive from the park. Right here there are reasonably priced inns with swimming pools or finances backpacker lodging. For extra info 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 remain in a single day on the mountain. It’s only a 2-hour stroll to the summit supplying you with lovely views of the volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, the pacific lowlands, and even neighboring El Salvador. You might even see small eruptions and even flowing lava.
Some individuals have been identified to roast marshmallows within the steaming vents and warmed pizza on the recent lava rocks.
15. Xela (Quetzaltenango)
Quetzaltenango is sometimes called Xela (pronounced Shel-ha). That is the right place to get off the crushed path and discover the Guatemalan Highlands. There are many volcano hikes right here together with the Tajumulco Volcano which is the very best peak in Central America.
Town itself is the second largest metropolis in Guatemala after Guatemala Metropolis 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 certain to cease to see the Quetzaltenango Cathedral in Central Park (Parque Centro)
One of the vital widespread locations to go to in Xela is Fuentes Georginas sizzling springs situated within the city of Zunil.
16. Discover the Rio Dulce
In Rio dulce, you’ve two issues. Water and an opportunity to discover native life inland. Begin by visiting Castillo de san Felipe, a fortress that was constructed to guard Rio dulce in opposition to pirates. Work together 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 often known as the candy river is thought for its calm waters and exquisite surroundings. It additionally connects Lake Izabel, the biggest lake in Guatemala to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. Numerous birds resembling pelicans overhead as you get pleasure from a ship experience. There are additionally sizzling springs contained in the caves close by. Rio Dulce ought to be on high of your checklist when visiting Guatemala.
One of the best ways to expertise Rio Dulce is to e book a hut on the river. Boutique Lodge is a lodge and marina situated on the river with water sports activities and jungle actions. There’s a terrace and bar and rooms vary from non-public tree tents to jungle view rooms.
17. Monterrico Seashore
In case you are searching for some seashore time in Guatemala, Monterrico Seashore on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is without doubt one of the hottest seashore cities within the nation.
The black sand seashore makes for an ideal change of tempo from exploring the highlands. You’ll be able to 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 unique vibe from the Caribbean Sea that’s extra wild and never precisely nice for swimming. However it’s a good escape from the rugged volcanoes and treks you’ll be used to throughout the nation.
18. Guatemala Metropolis
Lots of people don’t put Guatemala Metropolis on their greatest things-to-do lists, however likelihood is you’ll be flying into Guatemala Metropolis, so why not spend a day or two within the capital metropolis earlier than taking off to discover Guatemala?
This Guatemala Metropolis tour is a extremely rated tour that permits you to uncover all the highlights in a single afternoon. Discover La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, the cultural, enterprise, and spiritual middle of Guatemala. Your information will take you thru the colonial structure combined with its trendy constructing. There are many museums and monuments to see. As the biggest metropolis in Central America, you’ll start at Las Americas Avenue to Berlin Plaza and have a view of the Pacaya volcano. Extra trendy buildings embrace the Supreme Courtroom, Metropolis Corridor, and the Financial institution of Guatemala.
Different stops embrace Nationwide Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Centenarian Park, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Central Market.
Spending time doing metropolis excursions is one among our favourite issues when touring to a brand new nation and Guatemala Metropolis has loads of points of interest which can be price seeing.
19. Experience in a hen bus
A go to to Guatemala won’t be full with a experience on the hen bus. It’s straightforward to identify these buses with their loud music and shiny colours. Also called a Colectivo, for a lot of Guatemalans, that is the most well-liked mode of native transport. As a customer, this can be a nice method to expertise modern-day Mayan tradition.
The buses are identified by foreigners as hen buses as they typically carry hen as a part of their cargo. Learn extra: Night time Bus Journey: 11 Suggestions for Security, Survival and Sleep
Why Go to Guatemala
From volcanoes to historical ruins to beautiful cities, Guatemala is probably the most numerous nation in Central America with one thing to please everybody. I can see why it’s changing into a well-liked journey spot.
I liked my time spent in Guatemala and can encourage anyone who’s contemplating a visit to Latin America to plan for a very good period of time in Guatemala. It’s nonetheless a vacation spot that feels untouched and also you’ll have many genuine experiences. If you wish to get off the crushed path, Guatemala is the place to journey.
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