Guatemala, located south of Mexico, is still a little-known destination in Central America. Yet it's a country bursting with riches, with lush jungle, volcanoes and other breathtaking natural landscapes. You'll be enchanted by vestiges of the Mayan era, as well as picturesque towns and villages. Guatemala, with its diversity of climates and landscapes, is also renowned for the extreme kindness of its inhabitants, who are always delighted to share their culture and local know-how. Let's get to the heart of the matter with our top 13 places to visit in Guatemala.
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel your travel insurance and leave with peace of mind!
Good to know: If you'd like to opt for a customized Guatemala travel itinerary, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
1. Semuc Champey Natural Park
This natural park is located near the village of Lanquin. Semuc Champey consists of a series of waterfalls running through the lush forest, forming natural pools with turquoise waters. Visitors can swim in the company of completely harmless fish. There is also an extensive network of trails for hiking and observing the rich biodiversity, with many species of trees, mammals and birds. A superb place to commune with nature in Guatemala, one of Latin America's most authentic destinations.
2. Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala's jewels
Many people agree that Lake Atitlán is the most beautiful lake in the world. And with good reason: the setting is simply idyllic, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. Hikers at heart can climb the San Pedro volcano. The lake's shores are also home to many colorful villages inhabited by Mayan communities. Lanchas, the local boats, ply the waters between the various villages. San Juan La Laguna is one of the most beautiful. A haven for artisans and artists, its streets are covered with street art.
3. Chichicastenango market
This market north of Lake Atitlán is one of the oldest in Central America. On Thursdays and Sundays, crowds flock to browse this veritable labyrinth of smells and colors. The various stalls are brimming with a variety of products, including local fruit and vegetables, clothing - including magnificent traditional Mayan women's outfits - handicrafts and flowers. One of the best places to experience a true immersion in Guatemalan culture and stock up on souvenirs.
4. Antigua, the ancient capital
Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, Antigua is one of the country's most beautiful cities. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a pure delight to wander its cobbled, colorful streets and discover its colonial houses and the jewels of its rich history, with monasteries, cathedrals and Baroque churches. The Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua's picture postcard. What gives the city its special atmosphere are the views of the surrounding volcanoes, often shrouded in mist.
5. What to do in Guatemala Visit Tikal
During a trip to Guatemala, one of the best destinations for cheap vacations, travellers have the opportunity to discover the fabulous site of Tikal, located in the north of the country, in the heart of the Petén jungle. This ancient Mayan city is one of Latin America's most important archaeological sites. On site, you'll discover fabulous remains of temples and palaces. Some of the buildings date back to the 4th century BC! Tikal is located in a national park with preserved forests, lush green flora and rich fauna, including monkeys and toucans.
6. Pacaya volcano, for a memorable trek
The Pacaya volcano is a 1-hour drive from the city of Antigua. You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer to make the ascent, which lasts 1h15 and takes you up to an altitude of 2,300m. Once at the summit, climbers can watch the smoke rising from its crater, and even toast a few marshmallows thanks to the warmth of the earth. During the ascent, which must be accompanied by a guide, the views of the Agua, Acatenango and El Fuego volcanoes are breathtaking.
7. Las Fuentes Georginas, a must-see in Guatemala
Located on the slopes of the majestic Zunil volcano, near Quetzaltenango, the Fuentes Georginas are hot springs that offer a true haven of peace. Rich in sulphur, their healing waters are renowned throughout Guatemala for their therapeutic properties. To immerse yourself in the Fuentes Georginas is to immerse yourself in an enchanting setting. The pools, fed by a waterfall, are opalescent in color and blend harmoniously into the dense green vegetation that covers the volcano's flanks. This unique site is also a great place to meet the locals.
8. Flores and Lake Petén Itzá
The Petén region is a must-see when visiting Guatemala, especially for its many Mayan archaeological sites. There's also the pretty town of Flores, located on a natural peninsula on Lake Petén Itzá. This colonial town is home to some beautiful, colorful houses and a double-domed cathedral. It's a great place to stroll to the most beautiful viewpoints on the lake. Spending one or two nights in Flores is an opportunity not only to take a boat trip, but also to visit the surrounding Mayan remains and the Actun Can caves.
9. The Rio Dulce
The Rio Dulce is a tropical river that mixes fresh and salt water. It rises in Lake Izabal, crosses Lake Golfete Dulce and flows into the Caribbean Sea. We highly recommend following the river by boat to enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding tropical forests. You'll also discover some lovely houses built on stilts in the middle of the jungle and mangroves. This little paradise remains sparsely populated and offers total immersion in Guatemala's wilderness.
10. Livingston, a unique place in Guatemala
Livingston is a city on the Caribbean coast unlike any other in Guatemala. The city, which can only be reached by boat, is inhabited by the Garifuna, descendants of African slaves who mixed with Caribbean peoples. The city is as charming as it gets, with beautiful frescoes adorning the streets. A stay here is an opportunity to enjoy the beach, browse the street stalls, meet the locals and vibrate to the sounds of salsa, reggae, merengue and cumbia. Livingston locals love to party.
11. Quetzaltenango and surroundings
Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is Guatemela's second-largest city. There are many places not to be missed in the city, including the central market, the Roman temple of Minerva, the Cathedral del Espíritu Santo and the colorful cemetery. But Quetzaltenango attracts visitors above all for the beauty of its natural surroundings, with the presence of several volcanoes. Hikers, for example, can climb the Chicabal volcano to see its lagoon. A sacred place for the Mayan community.
12. Monterrico, Pacific side
Monterrico is a fishing village with a vast beach of volcanicblack sand. It's the perfect place to relax and watch the fishermen come and go. It's also on the beaches that turtles come to lay their eggs from June to October. As well as lazing on the sand, visitors can explore the magnificent ecological reserve, with its many lagoons and mangroves. This area is home to a rich biodiversity, including many birds. Monterrico is another great place to relax, enjoy nature and chat with friendly locals. An interesting alternative to mass tourism.
13. Yaxhá, the guarded secret of the Mayan world
Yaxhá is an archaeological site located in the department of Petén. Archaeologists and historians estimate that this Mayan city was inhabited between 500 and 950 CE. Off the beaten tourist track, Yaxhá gives visitors an insight into the ingenuity of the Mayan civilization, while enjoying the surrounding nature, with howler monkeys, toucans and numerous birds. Many of the temples and buildings have been preserved in the same condition as when they were first discovered. You can even climb to the top of some of them for a breathtaking view of the canopy.
Tempted? Take a look at our airfares now and book without delay !
