Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Guatemala offers no shortage of amazing things to do. This list of ten incredible experiences includes witnessing an eruption on a volcano hike, touring jungle-covered Mayan ruins, and much more. The best part about the attractions in Guatemala is how frequently you can enjoy them in peace.
Nothing ruins an attraction more than getting smacked in the face by selfie sticks and stampeded by tourists. After backpacking Guatemala for over two months, I have developed the perfect list of things to do in this underrated country. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Guatemala Attractions
1. Hike Volcano Acatenango
The Volcano Acatenango hike is probably the best thing to do in Guatemala. Why? Because by hiking up Volcano Acatenango, you can see the neighboring Volcano Fuego erupt.
If you ever want the bragging rights to tell your friends that you saw a volcano erupt and lived, this is your chance. However, these bragging rights don't come easily.
The hike up Volcano Acatenango is usually a two-day, one-night trip, with you camping at basecamp 3,800 meters above sea level.
Altitude sickness can become a severe issue at this altitude, but at least you will see lava spewing out of Volcano Fuego while you are puking into a plastic bag.
If you want an unforgettable experience on your Guatemala trip, hiking Volcano Acatenango will give you that experience.
Guided Trips
Don't want to go it alone? Check out the Guatemala tours offered by G Adventures, including the Mayan Adventure, which includes stops in Mexico and Belize.
2. Relax on Flores Island
Flores Island is a peaceful island located on Lake Peten Itza in northern Guatemala. Connected to the mainland by a "bridge," the tiny island of Flores can be walked in 30 minutes. That doesn't mean there aren't many attractions in Flores.
Flores is the base for many of the best things to do in the rainforest region of Peten. The Tikal ruins, arguably one of the best Mayan ruins in the world, are a short bus ride away.
Jorge's Rope Swing, where you can rope swing into the lake, is less than 15 minutes away by boat. However, my favorite thing to do in Flores is to relax. The island is beautiful and filled with many bars and restaurants to watch the sunset on the serene lake. If you want to swim, you can jump in the lake. If you want to suntan, go ahead.
Flores is a beautiful small island with Caribbean vibes. With bright sun, warm people, and amazing views, Flores is a place you must visit in Guatemala.
3. Tikal Mayan Ruins
The Tikal Mayan ruins are one of the most impressive attractions in Guatemala. A UNESCO World Heritage Site located deep in the rainforest Peten region of Guatemala, Tikal was once the capital of the Mayan superpower.
You can see that when you visit this historic place, as it spans a vast area and only a tiny fraction has been unearthed. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring Tikal National Park and discovering the many different temples.
Unlike Chichen Itza in Mexico, where climbing to the top of the temple is prohibited, you can climb to the top of many temples in Tikal. One of Guatemala's most popular tourist activities is to watch the sunrise in Tikal, on top of Temple IV. If the view up there looks familiar, it was used in the original Star Wars movie.
4. Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a natural paradise close to a small village called Lanquin. With numerous turquoise pools surrounded by a jungle-like environment, it is no wonder some travelers make the 8-hour journey to get here from Antigua or Guatemala City.
Visitors can jump in the beautiful, refreshing natural pools and relax in the heart-warming Guatemala sun. There is also a cave where you must squeeze through tight spaces and swim inside to navigate through. Semuc Champey is a must-visit place in Guatemala for adventure lovers.
5. Hobbitenango
For fans of "The Hobbit," Hobbitenango is a must-see place in Guatemala. Hobbitenango translates to "Land of the Hobbits," an eco-lodge located in the mountains of Guatemala. If you have ever visited Hobbiton in New Zealand, this is similar, but in Guatemala. Strange? Maybe a little.
Hobbitenango features two casitas or "Hobbit Holes" where guests can stay the night. However, you don't need to stay the night to visit Hobbitenango.
It is the perfect day trip from Antigua. Come for the day and enjoy the on-site restaurants, which serve dishes made exclusively from locally grown produce. Then, stroll around the green spaces, chill on the hammocks, or have a drink at the uniquely decorated bar!
6. Visit the Colonial Town of Antigua
Antigua is the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala. A colonial town devastated by many earthquakes, this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site still contains many historical ruins.
One of the best ruins in Antigua is the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. Destroyed by the 1773 Guatemala earthquake, the remains of the destruction are still inside the building.
Antigua's beautiful cobblestoned streets and the three volcanoes surrounding the city are rare scenery. Don't forget to take the short hike to Cerro de La Cruz for a panoramic view of this breathtaking town.
7. Learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Did you know Guatemala is one of the best countries to learn Spanish? Why? Because their type of Spanish is the most "neutral," the classes are some of the cheapest, and many Spanish schools feature "full immersion" programs.
The best place to learn Spanish in Guatemala is its second-biggest city, Quetzaltenango, or Xela for short. Though it is Guatemala's second-biggest city, few people can speak English, unlike Guatemala City or Antigua.
You can attend one of the Spanish schools in the city that will set you up with a homestay. Few people in the city speak English, so you are forced to order food and buy groceries in Spanish. You will be able to converse with locals in no time.
8. Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango Market is the biggest outdoor market in Central America and one of the largest in Latin America. Local Guatemalans from all over the country come to Chichicastenango to buy and sell their products.
It is not a market where the primary visitors are tourists from other countries. When I visited Chichicastenango, there were hardly any tourists there.
Not only does Chichicastenango have endless vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise, but it is also a place where you can observe the locals and their daily lives. You can see mothers in traditional Guatemalan outfits carrying their newborns on their backs, going around the market, buying ingredients for dinner.
9. Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a refreshing volcanic crater lake located in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala, an hour away from Antigua. Surrounded by volcanoes and villages of different specialties, Lake Atitlan offers an activity for everyone.
San Macros is known as the hippie village of Lake Atitlan, a place where you can find many yogis and hand-made crafts. Santa Cruz is a chill village known chiefly for its very relaxing hostels and places to swim.
San Juan is the most traditional village, home to many locals, and a great place to learn about Guatemala culture. San Pedro is the most modernized party town, featuring high-end accommodations and trendy cafes and bars.
On top of all those small villages around the lake, Lake Atitlan is beautiful. Sometimes, I woke up in the morning and thought I was on a beach in Southeast Asia, but then I saw the volcanoes surrounding the lake and was reminded I was in Guatemala.
10. Roast Marshmallows on Volcano Pacaya
Was it ever your dream to roast marshmallows with volcanic lava? Now it is your chance.
Hiking Volcano Pacaya is one of the best things to do in Guatemala because when you get close to the top, you can use the volcano's lava to roast marshmallows. If you thought roasting a marshmallow on a bonfire was cool, you haven't seen anything yet.
For travelers with kids, I highly recommend hiking up Pacaya Volcano. A fun and educational lesson about volcanoes, kids will unquestionably love this activity. The hike to Pacaya is also much more manageable than Volcano Acatenango, so it is an excellent activity for everyone in the family.
Guided Tours in Guatemala
Traveling through Central America can be challenging. To make the most of your time, consider a small group tour with G Adventures.
Mayan Adventure, a 22-day tour that starts and ends in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, includes stops in Antigua, Tikal, Rio Dulce, and a homestay on Lake Atitlan.
Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins is a 16-day trip starting in Playa del Carmen and ending in Antigua. In between, you'll visit Belize, Tikal, Rio Dulce, and Lake Atitlan.
