Start in Guatemala City
Not sure what to do in Guatemala? Here are the best activities to do in Guatemala city and around the country so you can make the most of your trip.1. Explore Tikal
The discovery of the lost civilizations of the ancient Maya is not to be missed. Situated in the lowland rainforest of northern Guatemala, Tikal is one of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala due to its beauty and ancient wonders. The city is surrounded by a large wildlife preserve, full of monkeys, parrots, deer, macaws and other incredible specimens. You’ll need to set aside a minimum of two days for a good exploration of this natural gem.
2. Admire the natural wonders of Semuc Champey
This massive natural limestone formation covers an underground river, with natural swimming pools. Bridge jumps and rope swings are usually part of the itinerary.
3. Volcanoes!
Guatemala is home to dozens of volcanoes, several of which remain active. Pacaya is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Guatemala, making the most popular volcano hiked in the country.
4. Lake Izabal
A Spanish castle, a river cutting right through a vertical rock gorge, hot spring waterfalls, refreshingly lazy boat travel, jungle backdrops are ones of the few things you will enjoy there.
5. Visit the mountaineer’s paradise of Xela
Xela, also known by its rarely-used official name of Quetzaltenango, is a perfect base for multi-day mountain excursions, hot spring relaxation trips, and volcano hikes. Keep in mind you’ll be up at a higher elevation than you might be used to, so you might need some time to adjust. Xela is modern and lively, with bustling plazas during the day, and a great nightlife.
6. Learn all about coffee
Coffee has become so conveniently available everywhere that you might enjoy to find out how much effort goes into producing it.
Guatemala is a great place to learn about coffee cultivation, as it’s home to some of the best coffee you can find.
7. El Mirador
The ruins of the Mayan city, El Mirador, first received little attention due to its remote location deep in the jungle of northern Guatemala. Today the site remains largely covered by tropical jungle and it is beautiful.
8. Livingston
Livingston is one of Guatemala’s gems tucked away on the Caribbean coast, and can only be reached by boat. The town is the hub of the Garifuna culture, meaning tourists have a chance to taste the local menu and music during their visit.
9. Chichicastenango Market
Often shortened to “Chichi”, this is the shopping destination of Guatemala. Located between two and three hours southwest of Guatemala City, ChiChi may be home to the brightest and most vibrant native market in all of the Americas. With a vast array of local fabrics, textiles, clothing, masks, wood-crafted items, pottery and even fireworks.
10.Santa Catalina Arch
Antigua was once the capital city of Guatemala, it is known for its old-world style Spanish architecture palaces, cathedrals, universities and hermitages, Antigua is a charming jewel in Guatemala. The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua has become a visual cue to let everyone know that they’ve arrived.
