We have now lived in Guatemala for 4 years and by no means tire of exploring this incredible nation. From mountaineering historic Mayan ruins to wandering vibrant native markets. We like to share our high suggestions on issues to do based mostly on our private experiences in Guatemala.
In case you are fortunate sufficient to journey to Guatemala, there are lots of issues to see and do. On this information, we share our suggestions on the highest issues to do in Guatemala that you just and your loved ones will love.
Overview of Guatemala
Guatemala is a small and underdeveloped nation in Central America, which supplies guests an genuine expertise. Notable sights embrace Mayan Ruins, crystal clear pure springs, rainforests, coastal communities, and among the most stunning volcanic views on the planet.
Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Essentially the most intensive shoreline in Guatemala is the Pacific coast which is understood for its distinctive black volcanic sanded seashores.
Guatemala additionally has a small, lush Caribbean shoreline of about 95 miles close to the coastal city referred to as Livingston.
You’ll love touring to Guatemala due to the nation’s various landscapes, together with scorching climates on the coast, mountainous agricultural highlands, rainforests, attractive lakes, and charming small villages. Central America can also be an amazing place to journey to on a price range!
Getting Round
You possibly can just about get round wherever by automotive or shuttle. One of many nice issues about Guatemala is that it’s a small nation, and you may anticipate to achieve most locations inside just a few hours. The complete nation can mainly be pushed in underneath a day.
I additionally advocate taking a rooster bus at the very least as soon as for the expertise. A rooster bus is a very reworked, colourful US faculty bus that’s used as a type of public transportation for locals. Nevertheless, I urge you to be cautious as a result of rooster bus drivers are paid little or no and aren’t at all times the most secure of drivers.
One other enjoyable expertise is taking a elevate in a Tuk Tuk. These little three-wheeled locomotive taxis are charming, and the drivers are very pleasant. Every city in Guatemala has its personal uniquely coloured Tuk Tuk. Take into account Tuk Tuk’s are greatest taken when not going very far as they don’t go very quick.
One of the best ways to journey round Guatemala is to guide a tour that gives transportation. Another choices for getting round Guatemala are utilizing Uber, which could be very low cost or reserving a personal automotive service, which is dearer.
Exchanging Cash
It’s at all times a good suggestion to trade somewhat bit of cash instantly upon touchdown so you’ve some cash available since taxis and lots of companies require money. Though the airport doesn’t provide pretty much as good of an trade fee as most banks, for that purpose, trade extra of your cash on the financial institution. Banks will solely trade {dollars} which can be crisp, new, and which can be in glorious situation.
In case your debit or bank card doesn’t cost worldwide charges it’s an amazing concept to make use of your bank card every time doable and withdraw cash at ATMs which can be situated inside banks, which are usually higher protected against fraud.
The Trade fee varies by small quantities given the date. You can check the current rate of exchange before your trip here.
When To Go to
Guatemala is called the Land of Everlasting Spring for its glorious local weather 12 months round. Nevertheless, there’s a dry season from November to Might and a wet season from Might till November. The highlands round Antigua keep between 60 and 75 levels, whereas the coast is tropical and scorching all 12 months.
I like to recommend visiting Antigua through the dry season if you’re on the lookout for all-day outside adventures! The wet season is gorgeous when you favor a extra stress-free journey. In the course of the wet season, you may plan early morning journeys when it’s good exterior and temperatures keep cooler as a result of night rain.
Prime Guatemala Highlights
Tikal Day Tour From Flores With Lunch: Go to the guts of the Mayan world at this awe-inspiring archeological website
Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure: Expertise the grandeur of nature up shut from the highest of a volcano
Kanba Cave & Semuc Champey National Park Tour: Go to Semuc Champey and marvel at this pure marvel
Santa Cruz La Laguna 6-Hour Adventure Tour: See the hidden waterfalls on the secluded shore of Lake Atitlan. This can be a hike simple sufficient for households.
Guatemala Bucket Record Actions
Tikal Nationwide Park
Go to Tikal from the city of Flores, the capital of Petén. Should you love historical past, archaeology, and historic temples, Tikal is an unforgettable expertise. Tikal Nationwide Park is listed as one of many world’s high ten most superb ruins and archaeological websites and is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Hike up the temples and stroll the identical jungle trails as the traditional society of the Mayans, one of many oldest found civilizations in North and Central America. Should you look intently, you might even see wildlife resembling colourful parrots, toucans, monkeys, crocodiles, and snakes.
Among the historic websites, which date again so far as 1000 BC, are accessible, whereas others are usually not. On this guided full-day tour, as you discover, you’ll study in regards to the historical past of Guatemala, the Mesoamericans, and all in regards to the Mayan tradition. The guides are bilingual and can show you how to navigate Tikal’s intensive ruins and territory.
Some suggestions in your go to to Tikal are to convey and drink numerous water! It’s sweltering and humid in Petén and it’s simple to develop into overheated and dehydrated when not taking the right precautions. Put on snug free clothes and mountaineering footwear.
Don’t overlook sunscreen, and don’t overlook to reapply your sunscreen after just a few hours. Ensure that to have money available when visiting Tikal as you might need to purchase a chilly drink, snack, or trinket from one of many many colorfully dressed distributors. Tikal Archaeological Park is a good household vacation spot, and also you’ll create lasting recollections collectively.
Tikal Day Tour From Flores With Lunch Spend the day at Tikal Nationwide Park with lunch supplied.
Cráter Azul, Petén
When visiting Tikal you might need to go to Cráter Azul, in Petén. It’s a few 40 minutes drive, and it’s best to guide a neighborhood information in Las Cruces as a result of the information will know the perfect occasions to go to and when you can anticipate clear water circumstances and it’s only reachable by boat.
It’s a small pure water supply, and the blue Cráter lake is well worth the journey when the water is obvious. You possibly can snorkel across the shallow depths and see a whole underwater backyard throughout the turquoise swimming pools. This is a wonderful location for underwater photos and for households.
Volcano Acatenango
Should you love a great trekking journey, this overnight guided tour of Volcano Acatenango is for you! This unforgettable tour is close to the traditional metropolis of Antigua, Guatemala. This tour is damaged up over two days, and also you’ll sleep underneath the celebrities on the base of the volcano.
Climbing Acatenango offers you the perfect views of essentially the most lively volcano in Central America, Volcano Fuego. Acatenango is an lively volcano however hasn’t erupted since 1972; nevertheless, Fuego erupts sprays of lava each quarter-hour or so and to witness Fuego erupting from the highest of Acatenango amongst the clouds is one factor you’ll always remember.
You’ll get to watch a incredible sundown and dawn with a backdrop of volcanos! Expertise mountaineering on black volcanic rocks alongside a river of lava. You possibly can anticipate to get pleasure from among the most incredible views you’ll ever see.
All the necessities in your in a single day journey are supplied to you by the tour firm. The tour guides are bilingual and are passionate in regards to the outside and Guatemala. It would be best to ensure that to convey sunscreen and water. Your tour will present transportation, meals, a sleeping bag, and a tent.
Semuc Champey Nationwide Park
Semuc Champey is a pure monument within the division of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, close to the city of Lanquín. Should you love crystal clear waters with jungle views, this Semuc Champey tour is one thing you do not need to overlook. Semuc Champey Nationwide Park is a treasure amongst guests. In case you are asking your self is Semuc Champey worth it our reply is sure!
These turquoise falls, that are good for swimming, are a few 15 to twenty minutes stroll from the park’s entrance. The pure swimming pools are completely beautiful, and this tour is memorable. With this tour, additionally, you will get to discover the underground river caves by candlelight and go on a tubing tour down the Kahabon River! Tour Semuc Champey National Park and Kanba Cave
I like water & swimming, so this was my favourite tour to expertise in Guatemala. The local weather was scorching and humid, and the water refreshing and chilly. You possibly can see small colourful fish within the swimming pools; if you’re fortunate, you may see small monkeys, colourful birds, and different wildlife.
I do advocate having money, as bank cards are usually not broadly accepted exterior of cities. Lanquín is a really small village and Semuc Champey is a few half-hour drive from Lanquín which requires a 4×4. The tour will deal with transportation. Don’t overlook to convey and put on sunscreen.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is likely one of the world’s most stunning lakes in Guatemala’s highlands and is surrounded by small, distinctive villages together with Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopo, and San Pedro la Laguna. The lake is nestled between three huge volcanoes, which supplies onlookers spectacular views.
On this incredible boat tour journey, you’ll kayak in Lake Atitlan and hike historic Mayan trailways on a 6-hour guided tour from Santa Cruz La Laguna. Santa Cruz La Laguna is a village on the north shore of Lago de Atitlán within the Sololá, Guatemala.
Discover the jungle highlands of Guatemala whereas having fun with the native espresso tradition, huge agricultural fields, and panoramic volcanic views. It is possible for you to to see indigenous plants and bounce into crystal clear waters from cliff tops round San Marcos.
An necessary factor to recollect is that you will want to convey a snack and water. Lake Atitlán is within the highlands, and at a better elevation, so the climate tends to be colder. Deliver a sweater in case you get chilly and sunscreen as you may be mountaineering and within the solar. Additionally, don’t overlook to convey money. More often than not, folks in small villages won’t settle for bank cards.
Different Issues To Do In Guatemala
Three principal areas are essentially the most frequented in Guatemala. You’ll discover most of those actions are in or close to Lake Atitlán and the encircling villages like San Juan, inside or close to Antigua, or on the Pacific Coast.
Lake Atitlán is about 3 hours from Antigua, and Antigua is just a few hours from the Pacific coast, together with El Paredon and Montirecco. The Caribean Coast and Petén are the furthest away from Guatemala Metropolis.
Hike Pacaya Volcano
If the in a single day Acatenango journey hike appears too difficult, no downside. You possibly can guide the Pacaya Volcano Hike as an alternative, which is a full-day and far much less intensive journey. This volcano hike is nice for households and youths. You’ll be capable to see lava rivers and roast marshmallows over the lava.
This can be a nice day journey from Antigua and you may anticipate it to final wherever from 4 to six hours. You’ll trek by pine forests and hang around on the volcano’s summit. Get pleasure from epic views and see the exercise of the volcano up shut.
Cooking Class In Antigua
It’s a frequent false impression that Guatemalan delicacies is much like Mexican meals when in actuality, it’s totally completely different. Guatemalan meals is extra influenced by the traditional Mayans, with Caribbean and Spanish influences. Learn how to cook the traditional food of Guatemala with a neighborhood.
Put together a neighborhood dish as a bunch. This foodie cooking workshop is held within the historic metropolis of Antigua and is enjoyable for your entire household. You possibly can even guide this fabulous foodie tour from Guatemala Metropolis, and they’re going to present transportation to Antigua. You’ll study in regards to the distinctive flavors and native elements utilized in Guatemala delicacies.
Hobbitenango
Expertise life in center earth by visiting these hobbit-style homes. Disconnect from fashionable life and spend time having fun with nature. Remember to pack your digital camera to absorb the majestic views. Positioned simply 20 minutes by automotive from Antigua.
Hike to Cerro de la Cruz
This scenic overlook presents among the greatest views of Antigua. The hike to this superb view is reasonably difficult. In case you are not feeling like a hike you should definitely take a tuk-tuk to this breathtaking view.
Sip n Cycle Enjoyable Bicycle Espresso Tour!
E book this guided tour to get pleasure from a pleasant guided bike ride from the center of colonial Antigua to Jocotenago, the place you’ll trip by a espresso plantation and study in regards to the excavation of espresso from plant to bean to cup.
This tour contains the historical past of Antigua and a glance by the Mayan textile museum in Azotea Espresso Farm. You additionally get to style and pattern Guatemalan domestically harvested espresso. Deliver sunscreen, and keep in mind that it’s at all times good to tip your information!
Santa Teresita Sizzling Springs
You possibly can guide a day tour to Santa Teresita Hot Springs and a Walking Tour of Antigua if that higher fits your wants right here or you may go by yourself and simply guide transportation.
The Santa Teresita Spa is in a city and is extra of a facility than a pure scorching spring. Suppose resort and spa. That is situated in Amatitlan, Guatemala, to not be confused with Lake Atitlán, which is totally completely different. Amatitlan is a metropolis that’s extra inland.
You possibly can take a look at Santa Teresita on their web site. You possibly can guide your lodging right here, and it is a wonderful keep for households. They’ve water slides, an on-site spa, and a restaurant. This resort is crammed with household enjoyable and stress-free spa providers.
Surf in El Paredon
Strive surf classes at this small seashore city on the Pacific coast. This can be a nice seashore for seashore bums and relaxers. Many hostels enable day move swimming however are solely 18+ and up. There are some family-friendly locations to swim and hang around, however they are usually dearer than the low-key grownup hostels out there on this space.
In case you are over 18, guide a hostel keep on the seashore and revel in a chilly beer and a seashore sundown at locations like The Driftwood Surfhouse or Mellow Hostel. When you have little children and youths, will probably be higher to guide on Airbnb, which has some nice choices too!
You possibly can get pleasure from boogie boarding, browsing, volleyball, and extra on the seashores of El Paredon. Should you enterprise additional into the city to the grime car parking zone, previous all of the hostels to the boat docks, you may even take a ship tour to a quiet ocean riverway to observe sea turtles come up for air across the boat.
These unofficial excursions aren’t booked upfront, and also you simply ask the fellows on the boats, that are referred to as lanchas. For a charge, the boat taxis might be completely satisfied to take you to the place the turtles may be seen. Take into account the turtles simply come up for a second, and the water is usually a bit murky, so the visibility isn’t at all times nice nevertheless, I loved the surroundings and watching the turtles poke their heads out of the water.
Swim at Monterrico
A superb day journey from Antigua is to hit the highway and drive to Monterrico or guide a shuttle from Antigua. The seashores are much like these of El Paredon, however the lodging are extra little one and family-friendly.
You possibly can swim on the black-sanded seashores however watch out. The Pacific Coast of Guatemala is understood for its uneven waters. Should you don’t really feel just like the ocean is protected to swim in, you may admire the waves from any variety of swimming pools alongside the seashore, together with Hotel Cafe Del Sol or Los Cabos Monterrico.
Go to Chichicastenango Market Close to Lake Atitlán
You possibly can go to the Chichicastenango market by yourself or with a information. The small village of Chichicastenango is within the highlands surrounding Lago de Atitlán. This well-known market is vibrant with conventional costume put on and handcrafted items.
Native retailers promote items on Thursdays and Sundays, all the pieces from colourful textiles and pottery to domestically harvested fruit and veggies plus handpicked flowers. On the Chichicastenango Market, you may immerse your self in Guatemalan tradition with this present day tour.
Dawn Hike to Indian Nostril in San Pedro Close to Lake Atitlán
Indian Nostril is a well-known mountain on the shores of Lago de Atitlán. On this sunrise hiking tour of Indian Nose, you’ll get to observe the dawn over the lake. The views at this overlook are extraordinary plus you’re going to get the chance to see some distant mountain villages.
Please convey your sweater or coat for this hike and comfy mountaineering boots due to the elevation. The local weather may be chilly across the lake. You’ll, after all, need to convey your digital camera to seize the dawn over the volcanoes and the serenity of the lake.
Pumpatin Canyon Hidden Waterfalls Hike Close to Lake Atitlán
Hike hidden waterfalls into a secret paradise with a guide. That is a simple hike that’s nice for households. You and your loved ones will meet Kachekil Mayan villagers and stroll by two completely different delicate ecosystems. This nature stroll is enjoyable and lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with numerous locations to cease and hang around.
Panajachel Day Hike to Cerro de Oro Close to Lake Atitlán
Hike the Hill of Lost Mayan Gold to an historic altar utilized by Mayan Shamen. On this present day hike, you’ll get pleasure from lunch at a personal villa on the banks of the lake and find out about hearth ceremonies and the historical past of the misplaced gold. Plus, you may take part in enjoyable actions on the villa, together with pool tables and a sauna.
The place to Eat in Lake Atitlán
Cafe Sabor Cruceno
This eatery is in Santa Cruz La Laguna. A fantastic place to dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You possibly can order something from conventional Guatemalan delicacies to burgers and pizza. They’ve an amazing balcony overlooking the lake.
The place to Keep at Lake Atitlan
The Laguna Lodge Eco Resort and Nature Preserve
This luxury nature resort is well worth the cash! This resort is on the sting of the lake and posted on the mountainside. The lodge is accessible by boat and inside superb inexperienced landscapes.
The beautiful views alone are well worth the keep, however in addition they have superb perks, together with water actions proper on the lodge and an on-site spa and restaurant. Chill out within the infinity pool overlooking the lake with a volcano backdrop, or go on a nature stroll across the lodge!
Fuentes Georginas Sizzling Springs
The pure scorching springs of Fuentes Georginas are situated in Zunil, Guatemala, close to the favored metropolis of Quetzaltenango. Quetzaltenango is often known as Xela by the locals. The recent springs are heated by the Zunil Volcano and are excessive up on a mountain highway. The sulfur swimming pools are man-made however are surrounded by jungle.
These scorching springs are beautiful. They’re perched on the aspect of the volcano, and I cherished cozying as much as the aspect of the pure rock to get near the new water that comes immediately out of the volcanic rock.
Nevertheless, remember the fact that the new springs are at an elevation of 8000 toes, and I did really feel the influence of the elevation once I visited. In case you are delicate to elevation, you might need to skip this journey, but when not, positively go! The local weather was very cool, so the springs have been good.
Cities To Go to
Rio Dulce & Livingston on The Caribbean Coast
Rio Dulce and Livingston are small villages within the division of Izabal on Guatemala’s Caribbean Coast close to Belize. This extra unique area of Guatemala is certainly the highway much less traveled. It’s wild and under-appreciated by most vacationers.
The vibe in Livingston is West African and Caribbean, totally completely different from the highlands and the Pacific coast. The spotlight of this journey is the boat trip from Livingston to Rio Dulce on the Rio Dulce River.
Reaching these Caribbean Coastal cities from Guatemala Metropolis is a bit more sophisticated as a result of it’s farther away. The drive is 10 to 13 hours a method. If you wish to go to this area, it’s a lot nearer to The Puerto Barrios Airport. The Puerto Barrios Airport is about 5 hours from Tikal and 6 hours from Livingston.
Keep in mind, this area isn’t developed, and also you gained’t discover resorts right here, however lodges and hostels can be found for in a single day stays. You will have to convey money as bank cards are usually not accepted, and don’t overlook sunscreen as this space is scorching and humid.
You possibly can hang around on the seashore Playa Blanca, however you’ll have to take a ship to achieve this seashore vacation spot it’s privately owned so anticipate to pay a small charge to entry the seashore. The seashore on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is white-sanded and enjoyable for swimming, tanning, or lounging.
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is a must-visit earlier than leaving Guatemala, and it was once the capital metropolis earlier than earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions within the 1700s influenced the federal government on the time to maneuver the capital metropolis to the place Guatemala Metropolis sits right now. This historic metropolis has a protracted and engaging historical past of Spanish colonialism and agriculture. This space is dwelling to quite a few Spanish colleges that will help you immerse in a brand new language.
This picturesque metropolis and its cobblestone streets relaxation within the highlands and are about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Guatemala Metropolis. Antigua is a vacationer vacation spot and is understood for its Spanish-influenced historic structure and colonial buildings. An effective way to expertise all that Antigua presents is to guide a strolling tour of this historic metropolis.
Antigua Strolling Tour
You possibly can book a half-day walking tour and study in regards to the historical past of town and see architectural websites resembling historic cathedrals, museums, and ruins. You possibly can guide this tour from Guatemala Metropolis or Antigua. Remember to convey water, a snack, and money if you wish to buy a memento from a strolling vendor.
Breakfast & Lunch Spots In Antigua
Fats Cat Espresso Home
This small native cafe has among the greatest espresso in Antigua; belief me, I do know from expertise. Whereas their seating space is small, they make up for it with friendliness, coziness, nice espresso, wifi, and good meals.
Rooftop Antigua
This cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is true in the course of city. True to their identify, they’ve a gorgeous rooftop terrace so you may get pleasure from your lunch or dinner with a view. They serve wine, espresso, and smoothies, however they do shut at 7 pm. Additionally, their little loaf of carrot cake is so scrumptious and positively note-worthy!
Dinner in Antigua
Angie Angie CafeArte
This can be a attractive place with outside seating round a firepit. Angie Angie CafeArte is situated in Antigua close to downtown. They typically have reside music, and the menu is scrumptious. It’s considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Antigua within the night.
They serve Mediterranean meals and delicacies from Argentina. You possibly can order specialty pasta, wood-fired pizza, or my private favourite, which is the Antipasto Platter for 2. Though they’re low-key, they generally require a wait on the weekends.
The place To Keep In Antigua
Resorts
This higher-end hostel has snug shared dorms or non-public rooms. They’ve a heat and colourful vibe with an on-site cafe and restaurant. The outside lounge space is strewn with crops, and they’re situated on the town.
Naif Boutique Hotel and Gallery
This charming Boutique lodge has the everyday colonial environment and beautiful views from the highest deck. They’ve quite a lot of rooms to accommodate any household and an on-site restaurant. Go forward and encompass your self with stunning greenery and flowers at this cozy trip spot.
Hotel Soleil La Antigua
This lodge and spa serve a scorching buffet breakfast within the morning. They’ve a enjoyable slide within the pool for teenagers and a calming outside lounge space for adults. With play areas and inexperienced area, this lodge is gorgeous. E book a comfy room and a spa remedy in your keep in Antigua.
Make your journey to Guatemala one to recollect!
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I like a good time whether or not which means day consuming, chasing my children round a swimming pool, or laying on a seashore someplace. I at all times have a guide close by and I am into sharing mother survival suggestions. Take a look at my website at: www.Ichugmywine.com.
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