8 Incredible Guatemala Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss!

Last updated on June 10th, 2026 at 02:04 am

The best things to do in Guatemala are all quite wild-side! From exploring ancient ruins in the jungle, to cruising the lakes, climbing volcanos, and floating down rivers, plus a little bit of shopping and culture – its really a fascinating place to visit for everyone. These were the key highlights for me – and I would say the best things you can do in Guatemala!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are some highly recommended options in Guatemala:

From Flores take a popular sunrise or sunset tour to Tikal
Taking a shared shuttle between Antigua and Lanquin (for Semuc Champey) and from Lanquin – go on the Semuc Champey Park and Kanba Cave Guided Tour
Complete the Acatenango Volcano 2 day climb
A full day tour of Lake Atitlan from Panajachel

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!

1. Tikal National Park

Tikal National Park is one of the few World Heritage properties that is highly important for both its natural and cultural criteria. It comprises 57,600 hectares of wetlands, savannah, tropical broadleaf and palm forests. It is also one of the major sites of Mayan civilization with thousands of architectural and artistic Mayan remains.

Temple-V-on-a-misty-morning-in-Tikal-Park-in-Guatemala — Temple V on a misty morning in Tikal Park in Guatemala

Tikal was inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre has amazing temples and palaces, and public squares. Only 15% of Tikal has been excavated and the rest still lies under the dirt and jungle. (With laser technology researchers have discovered more than 60,000 ruins not yet uncovered in Guatemala.)

It is a must do in Guatemala and even though its out of the way, its worth doing – especially if you are heading to or from Belize. These are some highly recommended tours from Flores – the gateway to Tikal:

But you can also do a day trip from Antigua or Guatemala City

For much more information read Visiting Tikal: A complete guide to Guatemala’s ancient Maya city!

Where to stay in Tikal National Park

There are only a few options in the park but there is something for everyone. I really recommend to stay two nights so you can really enjoy your time. Spend the late afternoon in the park the first day, then the early morning through to evening the next day. All with no rush.

These are your options in the park:

Higher End – Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal

Mid Range – Jungle Lodge Hostel or Hotel Jaguar Inn

Budget – Hotel Tikal Inn

Tikal Campground – this is for the nature lovers on a budget and I highly recommend it. You can book when you buy your tickets online and you can in theory rent hammocks – but it seems to depend on the day. We had no problems, but…… You can bring your own tent though and that should work. Facilities are very basic – very. But – you get to wake up to the howler monkeys!

Hotel Jagua Inn Camping – contact the hotel for camping (bring your own tent or campervan) or for ready made tents. This is probably the better camping option!!

2. Flores & Lake Peten Itza

Flores is a pretty charming little town sitting (mostly) on an island in Lake Petén Itzá. Its the the main gateway to the ancient Maya city of Tikal, as well as a great place to while away a few days. It has colourful buildings, cobbled streets, waterfront restaurants with lovely lake sunsets, and a very chill vibe!

Do walk around the island and enjoy the markets, and do take a ferry boat to San Miguel on the other side. If you want to go walking there is a nice little walk from San Miguel to El Mirador Del Rey Canek – a viewing platform – see the photo below of Flores Island from the viewpoint. Whether you’re heading to the Mayan ruins of Tikal or Yaxhá, or just want to chill by the water, Flores is a destination worth spending a few days in.

Apart from all the tours to Tikal (see above) there are other things to explore, for example:

Where to stay in Flores

I liked staying on the island itself, but there are options off island in the town, or across the lake (which requires boat rides to and fro).

High End – Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel and Bolontiku Boutique Hotel & Spa (both out of town)

Mid Range – Hotel Santa Barbara Tikal (on its own tiny island) or Villa Maya (out of town) or Hotel Isla de Flores (on the island)

Budget – Zapote Tree Inn or Casa Azucena (both on the island)

Backpacker – Ahau Tikal or Hostal Don Cenobio (both on the island) or La Casa Colorada (just off the island in town)

flores-island-sitting-in-lake-peten-itza-in-guatemala — Flores sitting in Lake Peten Itza on a grey and rainy day – still lovely!

3. Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce town itself isn’t so nice, but the jungle surroundings and the location on the river of the hostels and hotels is so chill. Its not a popular tourist spot so you really get to feel away from it all. Its a good place to head to Belize or Honduras from, or to or from Flores in Guatemala.

You can kayak or SUP the waterways – its superb, or just swim and chill in the river. You might see monkeys and if you’re really lucky manatees! You can also go to a warm spring-fed waterfall, take a boat to the Caribbean town of Livingston, and get a lancha over to check out the nearby San Felipe Castle. You wont be bored!

Where to stay in Rio Dulce

A villa – Rio Dulce large villa

Mid Range – Boatique Hotel and Marina or Tortugal Boutique River Lodge

Budget – Hotel Casa Perico or El Hotelito Perdido

Castillo-de-San-Felipe-de-Lara-near-Rio-Dulce-in-Guatemala — Castillo de San Felipe de Lara near Rio Dulce in Guatemala — credit to to Phil

4. Semuc Champey

Its a heck of a bus journey to get there (eight hours from Flores or Antigua) – but its worth it! My advice – take the tourist shuttle or a tour to get there unless you really have the need to be hard core and take public buses which will take a lot longer. Hats off to you if you do!

Semuc is a stunning natural wonder of the world. Yes it is a tourist spot, but it was not crowded when I was there – maybe I ws lucky but there is plenty of room for quite a few people anyway.

It is simply a river (the Cabahón River) flowing between lovely green wooded cliffs with natural limestone bridges, and gorgeously turquoise natural pools that makes you think of fairytales. There is also a cave to explore, a swing jump, cliff jumping, tubing, and a great little hike to a lookout point above the river and pools. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Guatemala despite being a real schlep to get there!

Tour and transport options include:

Read more about Semuc Champey in this detailed post.

Where to stay in Lanquin and Semuc Champey?

Its easiest to stay in Lanquin and take a day trip. BUT if you make the effort to stay in Semuc Champey itself, you get to spend longer in this lovely area and have it to yourself after the day trippers have gone! You’re going to have to decide.

High End – Mountain Nest

Mid Range – Guayaha in Lanquin or Utopia Eco Hotel ins Semuc Champey

Budget – Casa Mary or Greengos in Lanquin or El Retiro Lodge Lanquin at Semuc Champey

Semuc-Champey-pools-in-Guatemala — Semuc Champey pools in Guatemala

5. Lake Atitlan and its 10 towns

Lake Atitlan has a number of great villages to visit and spend some time chilling out swimming and enjoying the lake. Favorite places to visit and stay around the lake are Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santa Catarina Palopo.

Panajachel is the usual arrival point at the lake and a vibrant town with plenty of restaurants and cafes as well as plenty of things to do, for example:

San Juan La Laguna is probably the most colorful village on the lake with an artistic soul. Murals, and art pieces are all over the town and it is the center for many weaving associations – part of the vibrant local Mayan culture. Great things to do here are:

San Marcos La Laguna is the ‘spiritual’ center of the lake. It is known for its spiritual and healing centers, yoga centers and of course all the vegetarian and vegan restaurants. It wont be for everyone but I loved staying here. The nearby walk to the Tzankujil lookout and cliff jump into the lake in The Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil was brilliant for a relaxing day too.
A great tour is this walk on the Lower Mayan Trail: San Marcos to Santa Cruz 4-Hour Hike

San Pedro La Laguna is a big backpacker party town where the main street is lined with restaurants and bars. But it is also where you set off to hike the Indians Nose for sunrise, or the San Pedro volcano. You head off at 3am for the Indians Nose sunrise tour – but its worth it and you can arrange to go for a soak in the thermal pools of Los Termales afterwards. Try one of these tours:

Santa Catarina Palopo is really colorful and fun – full of brightly colored blue buildings. There is not a lot to do other than wander through the town. Make it a day trip from Panajachel or this Tour of Scenic Villages: Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó leaves from Guatemala City or Antigua and if you are just going to visit for a day, it would be perfect with lots of interest and beautiful lake views!

For much more information, including the other towns and what they have to offer, plus where to stay in each town, read: A complete guide to the 10 towns of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala !

Sunset-over-Lake-Atitlan-Guatemala — Sunset over Lake Atitlan Guatemala

6. Sololá on market day

This lovely town above Lake Atitlan is not on most peoples radars and guess what? I absolutely loved it here! Literally just wandering the busy market was great in itself. I never saw a single other tourist and only the hundreds of locals busy with their shopping. Many of the locals dress in traditional clothes for market day. Its a real treat and of course wonderfully colorful.

And then to sit in the square opposite the market and just take it all in was refreshingly chill. Many people came and talked to us just because they were curious about us. We were far from the tourist hustlers so it was wonderful, as all you had were genuine conversations with these lovely locals. (Spanish required!)

You can also visit the 16th century church – where you will see a lot of locals again in traditional dress. Market days are Tuesday and Friday. Despite being so close to Lake Atitlan, this was as perfect as it could be for being completely off the tourist trail. Just jump on a local bus from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, or do this excellent hike from Santa Cruz La Laguna – also on Lake Atitlan – 6-Hour Solola Hike & Market Visit

Where to stay in Panajachel

Higher End – Hotel Atitlan or Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

Mid Range – Villa Santa Catarina or Chalet La Llovizna

Budget – Hotel El Sol or Socialtel Atitlan

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Higher End – Lakefront bungalow

Mid Range – Atitlan Sunset Lodge or La Bonita at Los Elementos

Budget – Posada Del Viajero – Mayan Travelers Inn or La Iguana Perdida hostel

Apto Vista Hermosa con terraza ajardinada privada, is another option in Solola itself.

Locals-for-the-market-at-Solola-near-Panajachel-Lake-Atitlan-Guatemala — Locals for the market at Solola near Panajachel, Lake Atitlan

7. Chichicastenango

For the largest open-air market in the country, Chichicastenango is where to go. It is also a center of traditional Mayan culture. The market is open Thursday and Sundays and is full of color – people, textiles, fruit and veg, jewelery, ceramics and all sorts.

Unlike Sololá this market is well known by tourists and you haggling is expected by the vendors. You can visit via public buses from Panajachel, or for a hassle free day, try an organised trip:

Where to stay in Panajachel

Higher End – Hotel Atitlan or Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

Mid Range – Villa Santa Catarina or Chalet La Llovizna

Budget – Hotel El Sol or Socialtel Atitlan

Or you can stay in Chichicastenango itself at the Hotel Museo Mayan Inn.

Chichicastenango-Market-in-Guatemala — Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala

8. Antigua and the Acatenango Volcano

Antigua – its an age old tourist destination full of color and cobbled streets, and its a major Spanish Language school hub in Guatemala and in Central America.

An-Antigua-street-and-the-Acatenango-Volcano-in-the-background-in-Guatemala — An Antigua street and the Acatenango Volcano in the background in Guatemala

It is busier now than in 1993 when I first went there (I know….. the years slip by) but it retains its cobbled street charm with plenty of excellent language schools still around.

ATV tours like this sunset one are popular but the main draw is, of course, that this is the jumping off point for climbing the Acatenango Volcano!

The volcano will blow your mind – its one of the best and closest places you will get to a very active volcano with a nightly show of the erupting lava at a safe distance from your campsite on the mountain. There are plenty of tour operators taking you up the mountain – but do book ahead as the popular ones fill up days to weeks ahead. These are two great Acatenango Volcano tours:

Q: Is Guatemala worth visiting?
A: Yes! Guatemala has a lot to offer – ancient Maya ruins, volcanoes, colonial cities, indigenous culture, tropical lakes, and good value for money.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Guatemala?
A: See above – but don’t miss Tikal or volcano hiking at Antigua!

Q: How many days do you need in Guatemala?
A: Most travelers will spend 10–14 days exploring Guatemala. However, even one week is enough to visit some top highlights such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal if you go on a day tour to Tikal from Antigua or Guatemala City.

Q: Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
A: Guatemala is generally safe for tourists if you follow standard travel precautions. The chicken buses can be pretty wild – it depends on the driver, so you might prefer to stick to more convenient and safer shuttle buses.

Q: When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
A: The dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit – it definitely applies to the Acatenango hike.

Q: Is Lake Atitlán worth visiting?
A: Yes. It is surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Maya villages, and has a number of towns to stay in – all with quite different vibes. Lake Atitlán is a beautiful lake and is one of Guatemala’s top attractions.

Q: Is Tikal worth visiting?
A: Yes. Tikal is one of the most impressive Maya archaeological sites in the world and is usually thought of as one of the highlights of any trip to Guatemala.

Q: Can you visit Tikal as a day trip?
A: Absolutely yes – from Flores and the surrounding area, or from Guatemala City or Antigua (with flights)

Q: Is Antigua Guatemala worth visiting?
A: Yes absolutely if you want to do the Acatenango hike or go to Spanish language school (although San Pedro at Lake Atitlan is another big hub for this). But if you are short on time and don’t want to hike the volcano, I would choose Tikal or LAke Atitlan over Antigua!

Q: How do you get around Guatemala?
A: Tourist shuttles are the most popular way to travel between major destinations. Local chicken buses can be very dodgy as well as time consuming and at times uncomfortable. Private transfers, rental cars, and domestic flights are also used. At Lake Atitlan there are boats that get you around the towns of the lake..

Q: Is the Acatenango hike worth it?
A: Yes absolutely – but be careful about when you go, and who you go with. Do plenty of research on these things.

Some key tips to make your trip to Guatemala better:

Don’t try and rush between destinations – travel takes time in Guatemala. Allow for that. Use shuttle buses or flights – it saves time and is usually safer than a local chicken bus.
Stay longer at Lake Atitlán than you thought you might – at least a few days. Don’t just stay in one town – try 2-3 out and explore the others.
Book Acatenango in advance – in peak season they book out way ahead.
Spend more than one night in Flores. It is a great place in its own right – don’t treat it as just a stopover to TIkal.
Take the sunrise tour at Tikal. Don’t forget your passport! Stay in the Park if you can.
Carry cash for small shops, transfers, buses etc
Pack Layers – Guatemala’s climate varies dramatically – you have hot steamy jungly Tikal, to cool nights on Lake Atitlan, and cold temperatures on Acatenango!
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases – it always helps if you can greet people and say thank you!

This itinerary will help you start planning your trip – tweak it to suit your tastes. I have added an extra options for a 16 day trip which I do recommend!

Days 1- 4: Lake Atitlan
Explore Lake Atitlan and its towns, spend your nights in two different towns so you can explore the lake and towns more. Hike The Indian Nose for sunrise, visit the markets, enjoy some cultural tours and events.

Days 5 – 8: Antigua Guatemala and the Acatenango Volcano Trek
Transfer to Antigua. Explore Antigua, maybe visit a coffee farm. Spend 2 days on the Acatenango Volcano Trek.

Days 9 -10: Flores
Fly to Flores and enjoy exploring the island and surrounding area. Possibly visit Yaxhá.

Days 11 – 12: Tikal
Spend 2 nights in Tikal and 2 days exploring, or spend an extra night in Flores and do a sunrise day tour.

Day 13: Add an extra day in Atitlan or wherever interests you the most.

Day 14: Transfer back to Antigua or Guatemala City for your flight out or onward travel.

To extend the trip to get to one more amazing place change it to:

Days 13 – 15: Semuc Champey
One day to get there, 2 days there enjoying the river and all it has to offer. Stay in Semuc Champey itself.

Day 16: Transfer back to Antigua or Guatemala City for your flight out or onward travel.

Visiting Tikal: A complete guide to Guatemala’s ancient Maya city!

Flores, Guatemala: What to do, where to stay, and travel tips for your visit

Your complete Guide to Semuc Champey, Guatemala!

A complete guide to the 10 towns of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala !

If your planning to visit Belize find after Tikal ..