Despite its compact size, Guatemala is incredibly diverse. From atmospheric towns oozing colonial charm to impressive Mayan ruins and abundant wildlife, there’s plenty to see and do.
Explore the World Heritage-protected city of Antigua for its charming colonial architecture or wander through colorful Chichicastenan market where traditionally-dressed locals sell everything from fruit and vegetables to textiles and wood crafts. Alternatively, glide across the calm waters of Lake Atitlán and marvel at the beauty of its surrounding volcanoes or visit the temples and palaces of Tikal, one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Central America, before hiking through the surrounding jungle to see howler and spider monkeys.
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Ideas for experiencing Guatemala
Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Guatemala, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.
Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour
Travel through the stunning scenery of the highlands passing local communities farming their land using traditional methods, for about an hour, before reaching San Juan Comalapa.
Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlan
Travel across the calm waters of Lake Atitlan by boat to the lively village of Santiago de Atitlan. Here you can explore the fascinating Catholic church and haggle for a bargain at the bustling market.
Yaxha at Sunset
Yaxha, q'equchi' for green water, is located 73 km from Flores. This Maya site, discovered in 1904 by architect Teobert Maler, is situated within the Maya Biosphere Reserve along with the sites of Nakum and El Naranjo.
Street food tour of Antigua
This is the perfect tour for any foodies with a flair for local flavor and an adventurous attitude towards cuisine!
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Hike up the smoldering cone of the active Pacaya volcano to see small eruptions and glowing hot lava flows, all framed by magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and imposing, distant peaks of neighboring volcanoes.
San Pedro Volcano Hike
Embark on a challenging hike through patchwork fields and beautiful cloudforest to the top of San Pedro volcano. Enjoy a delicious lunch near the summit whilst gazing out across Lake Atitlan and the towering peaks of the surrounding mountains.
Guatemala City Tour
This Guatemala City tour will cover the main monuments of the capital, including the cathedral, the National Palace, the Central Square and the main craft market.
Santiago Bay Kayak & Hike
Begin your exploration of Lake Atitlan by taking the kayaks to paddle through Santiago Bay where you pass by the local Tzutujil Maya people working in the fields, washing clothes and fishing from their unique wooden boats.
Antigua City Tour
Stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets of Antigua and visit the city's highlights, including the Church of St. Francis, the Central Plaza, the San Jose Cathedral and the Church of La Mercedes.
Antigua Textile Tour
In the morning, you take a guided tour around Antigua, with the focus on learning about the complex Guatemalan and Mayan textiles and folk art.
Excursion to San Juan Comalapa
Explore the historic town of San Juan Comalapa and its bustling market, where local traders sell everything from fruit and flowers to beautiful tapestries and paintings. Your guide will take you to see the other highlights throughout the town including museums, local art galleries and excellent bakeries to sample the much-loved roscas.
Uaxactun camping excursion
A two day / one night excursion visiting the ruins of Uaxactun and the opportunity to enjoy a locally cooked, evening meal.
Chichicastenango Market
Explore the colorful fruit, vegetable, craft and textile stalls at this famous market. This excursion allows you to explore Chichicastenango Market at your own pace with the advantage of your own driver to take you there and back to your hotel at the end of the day.
Antigua Valley Mountain Biking
This is a great way to explore Guatemala and see how the local people live. You visit tranquil villages and churches, coffee plantations and come into contact with the local Mayans.
Tikal Tour
Tikal is most definitely the most impressive of all the Mayan sites in Central America not only for its historical remains but because it is also a haven for wildlife, making the trip to Tikal all the more enchanting.
Acatenango Volcano Hike
Trek through open fields, farmland and pacific cloudforest with spectacular views over the Antigua valley area.
Responsible Travel Coffee Tour
Visit coffee farmers in the lush plantations surrounding Antigua and see how the families pick, pulp, ferment and roast the fresh beans to produce some of the finest coffee in Guatemala. Your visit will also help support a local charity working to improve the lives and pay of the farming families.
Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion
This morning you will be met at your hotel by a local NGO rep and driven by local 'chicken' bus to Ciudad Vieja.