What to Do in Guatemala: The Ultimate Guide to Adventure, History & Culture
Travel · Guatemala
Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Guatemala? From volcanic peaks and jungle temples to colonial streets and crystal-clear lakes, this is a country that rewards the curious. Here’s our complete guide to the best of Guatemala — adventure, history, and culture, the way we’ve come to love it.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, history, or authentic culture, Guatemala delivers — Mayan heritage, volcanic hikes, and lakeside calm, often in the same day.
Top destinations
Antigua — a colonial jewel
The former capital is all cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and colonial charm. Don’t miss the Arco de Santa Catalina, the baroque Iglesia de La Merced, and a hike up Pacaya Volcano to see lava up close. Antigua is also coffee country — book a plantation tour and taste beans grown in volcanic soil, straight from the source.
Lake Atitlán — a natural wonder
Ringed by three volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Base yourself in Panajachel, find the bohemian calm of San Pedro La Laguna, or visit Santa Catarina Palopó, famous for buildings painted in local weaving patterns. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a boat between villages — and for a thrill, go paragliding over the water for views you won’t forget.
Tikal National Park — into Maya history
For ancient history, Tikal is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage site brings the grandeur of the Maya to life — climb Temple IV for sunrise over the canopy, stand in the Great Plaza, and explore the Lost World complex. Book a sunrise tour to hear the jungle wake up. (We wrote a whole piece on the history of Tikal.)
Quiriguá, Semuc Champey & Iximché
Near the Caribbean coast, Quiriguá holds some of the most intricate carved stelae in the Maya world. Semuc Champey is a hidden gem of turquoise limestone pools in the jungle — pair it with the candlelit Kan’Ba Caves. And near Antigua, Iximché, the first capital of the Kaqchikel Maya, is still used for modern Maya ceremonies today.
Outdoor adventures
Guatemala’s landscape is built for adventure — above all, its volcanoes. The lakes and caves are a close second.
Field notes · top volcano hikes
Acatenango: a challenging multi-day hike with front-row views of Volcán de Fuego erupting at night.
Pacaya: accessible and beginner-friendly — you can roast marshmallows on lava-heated rocks.
Tajumulco: the highest point in Central America, with views into Mexico on a clear day.
On Lake Atitlán, rent gear in Panajachel for kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving, or stay overnight at a lakeside eco-lodge. For something wilder, the Kan’Ba caves at Semuc Champey are explored by candlelight — swimming, climbing, and wading through an underground river.
Culture, markets & craft
Guatemala’s markets are legendary. The Chichicastenango Market is one of the largest in Central America, overflowing with textiles, pottery, masks — and Mayan woven belts. Each purchase supports local artisans and a craft tradition centuries deep.
Time your trip with a festival if you can. Semana Santa in Antigua fills the streets with alfombras — carpets of dyed sawdust and flowers — while in Santiago Atitlán you can witness ceremonies for Maximón, a folk saint venerated by the Maya. To see the craft up close, tour a weaving cooperative around the lake and watch artisans work the backstrap loom.
Culinary delights
Guatemalan food blends Maya and Spanish influences with deep local flavor. Try pepián (a rich, spiced stew), kak’ik (a fragrant Q’eqchi’ turkey soup), and chiles rellenos. And of course — the coffee. The volcanic soil produces some of the world’s best, and a tour around Antigua is the perfect way to taste it fresh.
Before you go
Field notes · practical tips
Best time: the dry season, November to April, has the most reliable weather.
Currency: the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). Cards work in cities; carry cash for rural towns.
Safety: generally fine for tourists — use common sense, stick to reputable operators, and consider a guide in remote areas.
Helpful resources: the official Guatemala tourism site and the Lonely Planet guide are both worth a look before you fly.
Bring home a piece of Guatemala
To carry a bit of the country home, look for handcrafted goods from local artisans. Our handwoven belts are made by skilled Guatemalan weavers and reflect the artistry of traditional Maya weaving — a souvenir with a real story behind it.
A piece of Guatemala
Guatemala enchants every traveler who makes the trip — ancient temples, volcanic peaks, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. However you spend your days here, you won’t run short of things to do.