Things to do in Guatemala

Guatemala seamlessly blends together ancient, colonial, and modern eras, from the classical Spanish-Baroque architecture in Antigua, exemplified by such pieces as the famous fountain, Fuente de Pescado, to the legendary structural wonders of the Mayan temple complex Tikal.

Each step along Guatemala's quaint cobbled streets and jungle trails leads further into the distant past. As with many of its Central American neighbours, Guatemala has held onto local customs and cultures while developing its urban hubs to meet modern tourist standards.

Travellers can party in Guatemala City's business district during warm evenings, then spend a Sunday at the markets in Chichicastenango, a meeting place for traditional artisans and hub for local produce. Chichicastenango is bound to entice all travellers with the sensory delicacies of Guatemala's verdant forests, farms, and plantations.

Adventurous travellers can hike up Volcan San Pedro, just behind the famous picturesque resort village of San Pedro La Laguna. Visitors should note that a local guide is considered essential to conquering the dormant volcano's peak.

While the adrenaline junkies are relishing Guatemala's many summits, other travellers can enjoy a spate of urban sightseeing. The country is also home to a wealth of ancient artefacts and numerous historical sites so history buffs will be in their element.

The country has a strong tourism industry and travellers looking for an in-depth and immersive experience into authentic Central American culture should lace up their boots and pack their bags, for they need look no further than Guatemala.

Las Capuchinas photo

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of Las Capuchinas, the biggest and most remarkable of Antigua's convents, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanis…

Tikal photo

Tikal

Set deep in the jungle of the Parque Nacional, Tikal is home to one of the most important remnants of Mayan culture: the City of Voices. Declared both a Cultural and Natural Herita…

Volcan San Pedro photo

Volcan San Pedro

The Volcan San Pedro is located behind San Pedro La Laguna and offers one of the most spectacular views in the world. The hike is strenuous and is around six hours round trip, depe…

Chichicastenango photo

Chichicastenango

A quaint traditional hill village with cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs, Chichicastenango has been one of the largest centres of Mayan trade since pre-Hispanic times and thousan…

Lake Atitlan photo

Lake Atitlan

Santiago Atitlan is a quiet but strong community surrounded by forested slopes and three distinctive volcanoes at what many people have dubbed the most beautiful lake in the world:…

Antigua photo

Antigua

Antigua is reminiscent of an old colonial city in Latin America, with the Spanish-Baroque buildings set in a valley between three volcanoes. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains …

Panajachel photo

Panajachel

The holiday resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie expats and a distinctly Western character. The relaxed ambience accompanies breath…

San Pedro La Laguna photo

San Pedro La Laguna

The holiday destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed bohemian feel and it comes as no surprise that it is one of the most popular places for a summer holiday in Guatemala. …

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