Need a vibrant Central American escape with volcanoes, ancient ruins, and colorful culture? Head to Guatemala! This diverse country blends Maya history, Spanish colonial charm, and breathtaking landscapes—from emerald lakes to cloud forests. Whether you’re climbing volcanoes, wandering colonial streets, or exploring jungle-covered temples, Guatemala offers unforgettable adventure and rich heritage.
Guatemala Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike Acatenango Volcano – Camp overnight and witness lava eruptions from nearby Volcán de Fuego.
- For History Buffs: Explore the ancient Maya city of Tikal – Climb towering pyramids and spot howler monkeys in this remote archaeological wonder.
- For Shoppers: Browse handicrafts at Chichicastenango Market – Colorful textiles, masks, and ceramics fill this iconic highland market.
- For Couples: Relax on the shores of Lake Atitlán – Enjoy boutique hotels, kayaking, and sunset views over surrounding volcanoes.
- For Families: Visit the city of Antigua – Walk cobblestone streets, explore ruins, and take chocolate-making workshops together.
When I like to visit Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season from November to April. This is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and visiting the highlands. The rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon showers but fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
Tips for getting to Guatemala
- By Air: La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is the main international gateway with direct flights from North and Central America.
- By Land: Bus routes connect Guatemala to neighboring countries like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.
- By Shuttle: Tourist shuttles are available from major border crossings, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán hubs.
Where I like to stay in Guatemala
- Posada del Ángel (Antigua) – Romantic colonial-style hotel with lush courtyards and historic elegance.
- Laguna Lodge (Lake Atitlán) – Eco-luxury lodge with lake views, fine dining, and nature trails.
- Jungle Lodge Hotel (Tikal) – Stay near the ruins for early morning access and wildlife sounds at night.
Best Things to Do in Guatemala
1. Naciones Unidas National Park
Only 13 miles away from Guatemala City, the Naciones Unidas National Park was one of the country's first national parks. Encompassing just over 1,200 acres, the park is one of the few remaining green spaces near the capital and is a great destination for anyone looking to get out of the city.
In addition to a network of walking trails, the reserve offers some excellent lookout points, picnic areas with fire pits, and a variety of sports fields. Other points of interest include an exhibit about Guatemala's history and a small museum full of insects, snakes, and other reptiles. Naciones Unidas National Park Map
2. Auto Safari Chapin
Founded in 1980 as a nature reserve, Auto Safari Chapin is Guatemala's largest animal park and is home to wide variety of animal species such as jaguars, crocodiles, and giraffes. The animals can be seen in two different areas of the reserve: a walk-through zoo and a drive-through animal preserve.
Admission to both areas is included in the same ticket, and guests are also given complimentary use of the park's swimming pool and lagoon boat rides. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday between 9:30 am and 5 pm, and food can be purchased from either the on-site restaurant or snack bar.
Auto Safari Chapin, Km 87.5 Carretera a Taxisco, Guatemala, Phone: +502-22-22-58-58
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Castillo de San Felipe de Lara
Strategically located on the narrowest part of the Dulce River, the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara was first built in the early 1650s to stop pirates from raiding the towns of Izabal.
Unfortunately, pirates captured and destroyed the fortress in 1686, and it was used as a prison for a good number of years before being left to fall apart. The present building was reconstructed in 1956, and it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2002. In addition to exploring the fort, visitors can also swim in the lake and relax or picnic on the grounds.
Castillo de San Felipe de Lara , Río Dulce, Livingston, Guatemala, Phone: +502-79-47-06-61
4. Cerro de la Cruz
One of the best viewpoints in the city of Antigua, Cerro de la Cruz is well worth the ascent to the top. The site is best known for being home to a large cross dedicated to the city's patron saint, but it also offers stunning views of the city and the far-off Volcan de Agua.
The area unfortunately has a reputation for assaults and muggings, but a police escort is offered every day between 10 am and 3 pm. Visitors who are worried about safety can also choose to join a guided tour or drive to the top instead of walk. Map
Unique Museums:
5. Guatemala City Railway Museum
The Guatemala City Railway Museum was formerly the city's main railway station, but it was opened to the public as a museum in 2004. In addition to a fascinating collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives, the museum offers a good number of displays that tell the story of Guatemala's railway development over the years. Special events and temporary exhibits can sometimes be found here as well. The museum is open until 4:30 pm every day of the week, but it opens at 9 am on weekdays and at 10 am on the weekends.
9A Avenida 18-03, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala, Phone: +502-22-32-92-70
6. Ixchel Textile Museum
Situated on the campus of the Francisco Marroquin University, the Ixchel Textile Museum was Guatemala's first museum of textiles. Many of the textile items in the museum's collections were donated by generous Guatemalan collectors; the textiles range in age from pre-Hispanic times to the present day, and they represent more than 180 different Guatemalan communities from all over the country. Most the displays are centered around traditional Guatemalan dress, but there are also excellent exhibits of jewelry, ceramic items, and books. The museum is closed on Sundays and most holidays, and hour-long guided tours are available for a fee.
Ixchel Textile Museum , 6A Calle 6, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala, Phone: +502-23-31-36-22
7. Iximche
Often called the last capital city of the Mayas, Iximche was founded in 1463 and has remained remarkably well-preserved. The buildings are not as large as those in some other Mayan cities, but they boast the characteristic Mayan look. It takes approximately one hour to drive from Guatemala City to Iximche, making this a great day trip for visitors based in the city. The ruins are open every day of the week between 8 am and 4 pm, and there are plenty of restaurants and handicraft vendors here for visitors who get hungry or would like to purchase souvenirs.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. La Aurora Zoo
Opened in 1924, La Aurora Zoo is one of the best and largest zoos in Central America. The animals in the zoo come from all over the world, and they are grouped into three different areas based on their place of origin: Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Besides the animal exhibits, La Aurora Zoo also offers a children's game area, a small theater, and several restaurants. The zoo is conveniently located only a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the airport, and it is open between 9 am and 4 pm every day of the week except for Tuesdays.
Finca La Aurora, 5A Calle, Guatemala 01013, Guatemala, Phone: +502-24-63-04-63
9. Monterrico-Hawaii Biotope
Encompassing more than 10,000 acres, the Monterrico-Hawaii Biotope is a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors. The nature reserve runs along the coastline for approximately 12 miles, and it boasts everything from lush mangrove forests to volcanic beaches. A wide range of guided tours are available; visitors can choose to go horseback riding, kayak through one of the biotope's bird sanctuaries, visit the sea turtle sanctuary, or relax on one of the many black sand beaches. It's possible to visit the reserve on a day trip from Antigua, but accommodation can also be found in the town of Monterrico.
10. Mundo Petapa
Conveniently located within driving distance of Antigua, Mundo Petapa is a theme park that offers a variety of rides and other family-friendly attractions. Some of the most popular rides include the Ferris wheel and a 53-foot-tall free-fall tower, but visitors can also use the pool, visit the small zoo, or amuse themselves with arcade games. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and concession stands scattered throughout the park, and lockers can be rented by the front gate. The park is open Thursday through Sunday, and a variety of event packages are offered for anyone who would like to host a special event here.
Avenida Petapa 42-36 | Zona 12, Guatemala City 01009, Guatemala, Phone: +502-24-23-90-00
Where I Like to Eat in Guatemala
- Frida’s (Antigua) – Lively spot for tacos, mezcal, and modern Guatemalan-Mexican fusion.
- Café Sabor Cruceno (Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlán) – Restaurant run by a local culinary school with views and authentic cuisine.
- Flor de Lis (Guatemala City) – Gourmet tasting menus inspired by Mayan ingredients and flavors.
My favorite local events:
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) (March–April) – Antigua hosts elaborate processions, carpets of dyed sawdust, and religious parades.
- All Saints’ Day Kite Festival (November 1) – Giant colorful kites fill the skies in Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango.
- Fiesta de Santo Tomás (December) – Traditional dances, fireworks, and rituals in Chichicastenango honoring the town’s patron saint.
My favorite day trips within 30–90 Minutes of Guatemala City:
- Antigua (1 hr) – Colonial-era town with cobblestone streets, baroque ruins, and coffee farms.
- Pacaya Volcano (1.5 hrs) – Moderate hike to an active volcano with views of glowing lava flows (when active).
- Mixco Viejo (1.5 hrs) – Remote and scenic Mayan ruins overlooking the Río Motagua canyon.
- El Paredón Beach (2 hrs) – Laid-back surf town on the Pacific coast with black sand beaches and ocean vibes.
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