Hiking, the star activity
Hiking is the sport most practiced by tourists, thanks in particular to the volcanoes, whose ascents are well worth the effort. There are almost thirty of them in the Guatemalan Highlands, and here are a few examples for hikers to consider. The most famous treks are those leading to the summits of volcano Pacaya, volcán de Agua and volcán Acatenango, all three located on the Antigua side (half-day to two-day hikes). The highlands around Antigua are also ideal for mountain bikers. To the east of the capital Guatemala Ciudad, there's also the Ipala volcano, which is easy to climb and whose crater shelters a vast freshwater lake where bathing is permitted. For treks lasting several days, head for the Cuchumatanes mountains, which rise to 3,500 m in altitude. The most courageous can also tackle Central America's highest peak, the Tajumulco volcano (4,211 m), which takes 2 or 3 days to climb from Quetzaltenango.
The Petén jungle can also be explored on foot, particularly on expeditions to remote Mayan sites such as Tikal or Parque Nacional El Mirador, which can only be reached after long, arduous walks. These are unforgettable treks, sometimes lasting several days in the heart of the jungle. The promise of an extraordinary experience! Finally, on the Caribbean coast, you can also hike or horseback ride through lush vegetation, as around Lake Atitlán.
Get your binoculars!
Guatemala is also a great destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. And it's not just the discreet quetzal that attracts birdwatchers! Every year, thousands of migratory birds, on their way to South America, flock to the country's 750 species. The Alta Verapaz, the Petén and the Caribbean coast are all regions of great ornithological wealth, particularly popular with birdwatchers. Don't forget to pack a pair of binoculars!
On the water, sensations guaranteed!
Surfing. Surfing attracts quite a few riders to the Pacific coast near Sicapate - to El Paredón to be precise. It's a small village almost entirely devoted to surfing. The Monterrico area also offers great waves for all levels, as does the Champerico spot. Also worth noting are the superb waves (which can exceed 3 meters) in the village of Iztapa. Wakeboarding and paddle boarding are also available on these Pacific coast spots.
Rafting and kayaking. Rafting is a not-to-be-missed activity if you're a thrill-seeker! In the Highlands, for example, the Cahabón, Usumacinta, Motagua and Nahualate rivers, to name but a few, offer excellent white-water rafting opportunities to discover remote areas and even hard-to-reach Mayan sites. On the water, you can also go paddling in the mangroves of Monterrico, on the Río Dulce or on the unmissable Lake Atitlán (which you can also swim across, a great local specialty!).
Sport fishing. Big-game fishing enthusiasts should head for the Monterrico region in particular. In this corner of the Pacific coast, swordfishing attracts a large number of enthusiasts, who can reel in tuna, marlin, sea bass... Quieter still, you can also fish on lakes Izabal or Atitlán or on the Río Dulce.
