Guatemala is the home of the Mayan empire, it’s full of amazing volcanic scenery, lush jungle, and pristine beaches. Needless to say, it's a traveller's paradise.
We at
Skyhook have put together this Guatemala travel guide to help plan your trip! This includes all of our top recommended activities, destinations, and some useful tips to know before you visit.
Guatemala Travel Guide: An Overview
Guatemala is a vibrant place with loads on offer. You could spend a week here and have an entirely different experience each day.
Some people come to Guatemala for the nature and amazing landscapes. If this is the case, you’ll love
hiking in Guatemala, exploring the national parks, climbing the rugged volcanoes, trekking through the thick jungle, or just chilling on the white sandy beaches.
Other visitors prefer to simply soak up the vibrant Central American cities, markets, bars, and local restaurants. This is great too, as Guatemala has such a distinctive vibe that you just can't get anywhere else.
Or maybe you’re interested in visiting Guatemala for its ancient Mayan ruins and history. No trip here would be complete without seeing the remains of these ancient civilisations.
Whatever the case, this country has it all, and you can enjoy a vast range of experiences in Guatemala.
Best Things to See and Do in Guatemala
While there are endless activities and destinations we could include in a Guatemala travel guide, here are some of the best things to do in this country for all kinds of visitors.
Lake Atitlán is an insanely beautiful place nestled within a massive volcanic crater.
It's not only one of the deepest lakes in Central America but also a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While visiting, you can marvel at amazing sunsets, explore the nearby villages, or embark on boat tours to witness the majestic volcanoes that surround the lake.
Kayaking on the lake is also a major highlight - something we highly recommend for any visitors.
Panajachel: Use this charming village as your base to organise tours and soak in the rustic lakeside ambience.
Cycle there: While you can drive, we recommend cycling to the lake through the Lake Highlands area. The scenery is magical, and cycling there provides the ideal introduction to this natural landmark.
Volcano Tours: Consider going on adventures to explore the Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes, offering unparalleled views of the lake and its surroundings. Climbing up San Pedro volcano is a serious challenge, but it’s also one of the best hikes in Guatemala.
Boat Tours: Take leisurely boat tours to admire the beauty of Lake Atitlán from different perspectives.
Kayaking: Experience the lake up close with a peaceful kayaking trip. This is the best way to get a feel for what the natural beauty of this lake is all about.
Experience Antigua's Charm
Antigua is a picture-perfect colonial city surrounded by three towering volcanoes. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets make it a must-visit destination in Guatemala.
Get lost in its charm as you explore its historical sites and immerse yourself in its cultural richness. This is a Central American city at its best.
Colonial Architecture: Wander through the streets and marvel at the well-preserved colonial buildings, including the San Francisco church and various ruins.
Fuego Volcano Hike: Challenge yourself with a hike up the Fuego volcano for unforgettable views of its active crater.
Explore the Markets: Get lost in the vibrant markets, filled with colourful textiles, crafts, and plenty of tasty local food.
Explore Tikal National Park
Tikal is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the most iconic Mayan ruins in Guatemala.
Nestled within lush forests, this ancient city offers a glimpse into the fascinating Mayan civilization. You’ll get to explore towering pyramids, intricate carvings, and diverse wildlife as you wander through this archaeological marvel.
Sunrise/Sunset Experience: Witness the magical sunrise or sunset over the ancient ruins for an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for rare animals like pumas, toucans, and monkeys as you explore the park.
Guided Tours: We recommend enhancing your experience with guided tours to gain deeper insights into Mayan history and culture.
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Other Great Guatemalan Experiences
As we said, there’s loads to do here, and our Guatemala travel guide could go on forever. Here are some other top-rated destinations and experiences to try and slot in during your trip:
National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology: learn all about Guatemala's rich history and culture through a visit to this museum in Guatemala City.
Yaxha Ruins: Explore the secluded Yaxha ruins for a quieter alternative to Tikal. You’ll still get fascinating insights into Mayan civilisation but without the crowds.
Quirigua Archaeological Site: Marvel at the largest stelae ever discovered in the Mayan world at this archaeological site near the Honduran border.
Volcán de Pacaya Hike: Embark on a thrilling hike up the active Pacaya volcano for panoramic views and a chance to peer into its crater. This is a truly awesome hike, which is why we reserve a day for it in our guided Guatemala adventure.
Flores Exploration: Discover the charm of Flores, a small island town surrounded by Lake Peten Itza. This town has some great opportunities for hiking, swimming, and spotting the local wildlife
El Mirador Adventure: Venture into the depths of the jungle to explore the vast Mayan ruins of El Mirador, one of Guatemala's hidden gems.
Rio Dulce Discovery: Cruise along the scenic Rio Dulce, exploring its lush landscapes, trekking opportunities, and nearby attractions such as the Quiriguá ruins.
Monterrico Relaxation: Unwind at Monterrico Beach, Guatemala's most popular beach destination - known for its laid-back vibe and turtle-watching opportunities.
Acatenango Summit: Conquer the challenging hike up the Acatenango volcano for a breathtaking sunrise experience above the clouds. This has got to be one of the best volcano hikes in Guatemala.
Indian Nose Sunrise: Marvel at the magical sunrise from the Indian Nose volcano, overlooking the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes. In case you haven’t realised yet, Guatemala is full of amazing volcano hikes.
Surfing in El Paredon: Ride the waves at El Paredon, a hidden gem for any keen surfers. This spot offers pristine black sand beaches and perfect surf conditions. A true paradise.
Guatemala is a relatively affordable country to travel to. However, having a clear budget and knowing what kinds of prices to expect is important. Let’s break this down for a typical trip to Guatemala.
You can find budget accommodations like hostels and guesthouses starting from around $10 per night. Mid-range hotels typically range from around $50 per night, while luxury hotels can go up to $200+ per night.
Public buses are the most affordable option for getting around Guatemala, with fares ranging from $1 to $10 depending on the distance.
Private shuttles are more expensive but offer greater convenience, with prices varying based on the route. Taxis are also available in cities, with fares starting from $1 for short rides.
Eating out in Guatemala is relatively cheap, so there’s no excuse not to try the country’s delicious food.
Street food and local eateries offer meals for as little as $2 to $5. A mid-range restaurant meal can cost around $5 to $15 per person. If you cook your own meals, groceries are affordable - especially if you shop in the markets.
Entrance fees to attractions vary, with prices typically ranging from $5 to $20 per person. Guided tours and activities like hiking, kayaking, or visiting archaeological sites may cost extra. Always try to research exact prices before your trip, as this can change.
Don't forget to budget for miscellaneous expenses like visa fees (if applicable), tipping, and unexpected costs. It's a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for emergencies.
Here are some of the best travel tips for Guatemala.
How to Get Around Guatemala
Getting around Guatemala is relatively easy, with various transport options available.
Public buses are the most common and affordable way to travel between cities and towns, but they can be crowded and slow. Private shuttles offer more comfort and convenience, especially for longer distances. Taxis are readily available in cities and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps.
For exploring rural areas or off-the-beaten-path destinations, renting a car or hiring a local driver may be best. We’d recommend travelling with a guided tour for a safe and reliable journey.
Keep in mind that road conditions can vary, so you need to be prepared for all kinds of driving conditions before visiting Guatemala.
The
best time to travel Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
During this time, you can expect sunny days and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be crowded, and accommodation could be more expensive.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind occasional rain showers, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October can also be good times to visit.
Staying Safe in Guatemala
While Guatemala is a beautiful destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure your safety during your visit.
Be cautious when exploring cities, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables openly. Use reputable transportation services and avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas. As long as you maintain common sense safety precautions, solo travel in Guatemala should be completely safe.
Stay informed about current events and any travel advisories issued by your government. It's also advisable to carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance information with you at all times and to keep your belongings secure.
Whether you’re after a fast-paced adventure or slow-paced relaxation, Guatemala has it on offer. While there’s a lot to see and experience across the country, we highly recommend combining activities like hiking, caving, kayaking, exploring Mayan ruins, and simply soaking up the vibes of Guatemala.
We hope this Guatemala travel guide helps you make the most of your trip to this awesome country. If you’re looking for the easiest way to make the most out of a trip to this incredible country, then check out our
Best of Guatemala Adventure!
