Travelling to Guatemala means embarking on a journey through volcanic landscapes, colonial cities, mystical jungles, and one of the richest living cultures in Latin America. You’ll be amazed by everything from its ancient cuisine to its indigenous communities that preserve millennia-old traditions. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or a deep connection with nature, here are the best things to do in Guatemala.
1. Antigua Guatemala: Architecture, History, and Colonial Charm
Few places blend past and present as naturally as Antigua. This city, with its well-preserved colonial architecture and cultural remnants, invites you to wander. There’s no need to search for anything specific – the best way to experience it is to let the city reveal itself to you.
Its cobblestone streets, colourful façades, and historic churches silently bear witness to centuries of history. Here, food is excellent, conversations flow easily, and there’s always a local story to hear – if you’re curious enough to ask. Travelling to Guatemala is also about moments like this: sipping coffee grown on nearby hillsides while chatting with the person who harvested or served it.
2. Lake Atitlán: Picture-Perfect Scenery and Mayan Communities
Lake Atitlán is one of the most stunning landscapes in the country – a meeting point between nature and living culture. Surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, the lake is full of stories you can discover through hiking or water-based activities. One of the things to do in Guatemala that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Panajachel is the most common entry point, but the real charm lies in the villages that surround the lake. San Juan La Laguna stands out for its artist collectives and weaving cooperatives. In Santiago, you can deeply feel the strength of Mayan spirituality, while San Marcos offers a slower, more introspective pace. Each village has its own identity, its own language, its own way of understanding life. Travelling to Guatemala and spending time with these communities is a chance to see the world through different eyes.
3. Chichicastenango and the Spirit of the Maya
Chichicastenango is more than just a market. It’s a place where ancient traditions are still alive, where spirituality is in the air, and where every textile, every colour, every scent holds meaning.
On market days, the streets burst with colour and activity – but beyond the hustle and bustle, what truly moves you is the connection to something ancestral. At the Church of Santo Tomás, Catholic ceremonies intertwine with Mayan rituals. In the cemetery, brightly painted tombs serve both as a celebration of life and a tribute to those who have passed.
During your trip to Guatemala, enjoy this experience by taking part in textile or traditional mask-making workshops – so you can take a piece of Guatemala home with you.
4. Quetzaltenango (Xela): Authentic Culture Off the Beaten Path
Quetzaltenango, or Xela, is one of those cities that doesn’t need to dress up to make an impression. That’s what makes it special – just everyday local life: markets that operate as they always have, plazas where people gather to talk, and a certain energy that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
The Fuentes Georginas offer natural hot springs nestled in nature. From Xela, you can also hike to volcanoes like Santa María or Santiaguito, guided by locals who’ll show you more than any map ever could. One thing’s certain: travelling to Guatemala without stopping in Xela means missing out on a truly genuine part of the country.
5. Travelling to Guatemala to Savour Its Cuisine
In Guatemala, food is enjoyed with both respect and a hunger for discovery. Its cuisine is deeply connected to the country’s history and land, featuring native ingredients and age-old traditions.
Pepián, with its toasted spices and rich, dense texture, tells a story of centuries of cultural blending. Kak’ik, a vibrant red soup, has pre-Hispanic roots. And tamales – whose shape and flavour vary by region – are a staple at celebrations and Sunday family gatherings. And of course, no one leaves without a good cup of coffee after a meal – here, you’ll taste some of the finest served in artisanal coffee shops.
Sampling these dishes in markets, family homes, or local kitchens is more than just eating – it’s about understanding. And that, too, absolutely belongs to the things to do in Guatemala!
6. Jungle and Mysticism in Petén
Petén is a dense jungle, the sounds of wildlife, and ancient Mayan ruins peeking through the trees.
Within this lush region lies the Maya Biosphere Reserve, home to some of Guatemala’s most impressive archaeological sites. Tikal, for instance, is monumental. Walking its trails at dawn, while mist still lingers and howler monkeys announce the new day, is an unforgettable experience. Uaxactún and Yaxhá, lesser-known sites, offer a quieter visit with fewer crowds – perfect if you want to travel through Guatemala like a local.
This region is also a hub for community-led ecotourism projects. Sleeping in sustainable cabins or learning about the rainforest with local guides is a powerful reminder that travelling to Guatemala can (and should) be a more conscious way to explore the world.
7. Pacific and Caribbean Coasts: Contrasts and Relaxation
Guatemala’s coastlines are as diverse as the rest of the country. On the Pacific side, El Paredón beach offers open ocean views alongside small fishing villages. It’s a great place to unwind, watch unfiltered sunsets, and chat with people who live in close connection with the sea.
On the Caribbean side, everything shifts. In Río Dulce, mangroves are home to communities that have lived with the water for generations. And in Livingston, the Garífuna culture brings a different rhythm, language, and cuisine. Here, everything blends: African, Caribbean, Indigenous, and Creole heritage. Eating a bowl of tapado while local music plays isn’t a performance for tourists – it’s simply daily life.
Now you know the best things to do in Guatemala – and you don’t need to dress like a local or check in at the “cool” spots to connect with this country. All it takes is being present – listening, tasting, walking, and looking with curiosity.
Travelling to Guatemala means letting yourself be transformed by its landscapes, but above all, by its people. It’s about understanding different ways of life, different priorities, different memories. It’s a journey for those who seek more than just a postcard – it’s for those who want a real experience.
So if you’re looking for a destination that will move you, teach you, and welcome you with honesty, now you know. Guatemala is waiting for you. And it will change you – no doubt about it.
