Guatemala Travelers Recommend

With a fascinating Maya history and more than 1,500 archaeological sites dating from 700 BC to AD 900, Guatemala is home to some of Central America’s most impressive ancient Maya ruins. Here are our picks for the best Mayan ruins in Guatemala. 

Tikal

Tikal in Guatemala’s Petén region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s largest Maya site, with more than 3,000 ruins dotting the jungle-clad Tikal National Park. It’s a popular day trip from nearby Flores, but you can visit on a day or overnight tour by air from Guatemala City, Antigua, San Ignacio in Belize, or Cancun in Mexico. Highlights include the Great Plaza, Temple of the Jaguar, and Temple of the Masks.

Yaxha

Located between Tikal and Belize, the Yaxha archeological site is the third largest Maya site in Guatemala, with more than 500 ruins. Full-day Yaxha tours run from Flores by coach or Guatemala City by air, and many tours take in neighboring ruins of Nakum and Naranjo, which constitute the most densely populated region of the Maya Classic Period.

Aguateca

Aguateca also dates back to the Classic Period and is one of the best preserved Maya ruins in Guatemala, dating back to 300 BC. Visiting Aguateca is as much about the journey as the destination—cruise down the Rio Pasion, spot crocodiles and iguanas, then climb to the ruins and gaze out over Petexbatun Lagoon.

El Mirador

Ranking as Guatemala’s second-largest Maya site, El Mirador is home to the greatest concentration of pre-Classic Maya ruins in the world, with a history dating back as far as 2000 BC. Located in the Mirador-Río Azul National Park in El Petén near the Mexican border makes it a popular day trip from the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Quirigua

Quirigua might be one of the smallest Maya sites in Guatemala, but it still packs in some impressive gems, including the largest block of stone carved by the Mayas, which weighs more than 65 tons (59 metric tons). Day trips from Antigua or Guatemala City often combine a walking tour of Quirigua with a trip into Honduras to see the UNESCO-listed ruins of Copán.

Iximche

Located less than a two-hour drive from Guatemala City, Iximché was once the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya, and its magnificent ruins include ceremonial plazas, temples, and ball courts. Guatemala City tours often include a morning or afternoon trip to the ruins. 

Mixco Viejo

Just north of Guatemala City in Chimaltenango, Mixco Viejo is another easy day or half-day trip from Guatemala City. The former capital of the Poqomam Maya kingdom, the archeological site of Mixco Viejo is home to about 120 structures, including temples, pyramids, palaces, and ball courts.

There are plenty of things to do in Guatemala City, but it’s what is nearby that truly offers an opportunity to fall in love with the country. In fact, three days in the area is likely not enough time, especially when, there are so many magical places to learn more about the Guatemalan culture and experience traditional life.

However, there can definitely be a lot packed into three days in this area. So, get out your stop watch and get going!

Day One: Getting to Know the City Guatemala City itself has plenty to offer visitors. From diverse dining options to shopping to cultural attractions and clubs, a lot can be packed into a day in this large city. Start in Zona 1, the heart of the historic district, then venture further and hit up Zona 10 and the Popol Vuh Museum to check out pre-Columbian artifacts. No visit to the city is complete without visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Civic Center and Ixchel Museum.

Day Two: Day Trip to Copan Rise and shine! Start your day early and hop on the bus to Copan, Honduras to check out massive ancient ruins from the Mayans. It’s easy to spend days here, but hit up the major attractions in the area – the acropolis, ball court, tunnels, hieroglyphic staircase and plaza – to get the basic idea of the magnitude of these ruins. Then, hop back on the bus and head into Guatemala City for a late dinner and dancing. For a serious nightclub party, check out NYX in Zona 10.

Day Three: Lake Atitlan Exploration This is the deepest lake in Central America (and likely also the most beautiful). Surrounded by volcanoes, spend time here either on the shore or on the water. In the afternoon, head in to one of the local villages to learn more about Guatemalan culture, then head over to Chichicatenango. If visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, be sure to pay a visit to the popular market which sells handmade wares

While its colonial landmarks and UNESCO-listed historic center are a draw, the former capital of Antigua also serves as a gateway to some of Guatemala’s most impressive natural wonders and archaeological sites. See below for how best to spend three days in the city. 

Day 1: Volcanoes and Viewpoints

Spend your first day getting your bearings among the colonial landmarks of Antigua’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get the inside scoop on the enclave, opt for a walking tour. Staple sights covered include the 16th-century Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco), the butter-yellow La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced), Antigua Central Park, and the Museum of Colonial Art. 

Then, opt to either delve deeper into local culture on a market tour and cooking class or head to the outskirts of the city to climb to the summit of Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. The hike to the top takes around two hours and is recommended for travelers of a moderate fitness level—tours typically include refreshments and round-trip transfers from your Antigua hotel.  

Day 2: Lakes and Local Life

Dedicate day two to one of the largest lakes in Latin America, Lake Atitlan. Located 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Antigua, in the shadow of the looming Atitlan Volcano, the lake is one of Guatemala’s natural highlights. Day trips typically stop at the towns of Santiago and Chichicastenango (home on Thursday and Sunday to one of the continent’s largest markets)  and include both a cruise on the lake and free time to explore the waterfront villages. Tours typically return you to Antigua in early afternoon, giving you time to ascend Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), from which you can see the Pacaya volcano and all of Antigua Old Town.

Day 3: Travel Back in Time

Devote your final day to ancient Maya ruins. Choose between visiting the archeological site of Mixco Viejo, which dates back to postclassic Mayan civilization and features more than 120 elaborately painted temples, pyramids, and palaces, or the well-preserved Maya kingdom of Iximche, where you’ll find ceremonial plazas surrounded by ball courts. Being the closest archaeological site to Antigua, Iximche tours are often coupled with a visit to the nearby market town of San Juan Comalapa. 

Alternatively, if you’re prepared to do more traveling, head out to the prestigious archeological site of Copán, an important UNESCO World Heritage Dite in Central America. Day trips include transport across the border to Honduras and offer insight into the 7th-century ruins. 

With its wealth of colonial and natural attractions, Antigua should be at the top of every traveler’s Guatemala itinerary. Two days give you time to explore the Old Town and delve deeper into local culture on a day trip. Here’s how.

Day 1: Essential Antigua

**Morning:**Devote your first morning to exploring Antigua’s colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its brightly-colored churches and cobbled streets. The area lends itself well to walking tours, which reveal hidden details you may otherwise miss if traveling by car.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon on the outskirts of the city in Pacaya, home to an active volcano. There are plenty of tour options for visiting the volcano. Some take you to the summit on a moderate 2-hour hike, while others transport you to vantage points that are perfect for taking pictures of the natural landmark.

**Night:**Back in Antigua, see one of the city’s best views at sunset from the top of Hill of the Cross (Cerro de la Cruz), from which you can see the Pacaya volcano and all of Antigua Old Town. Once you’re back at sea level, toast your first day with a cocktail on a roof terrace in the historic center.

Day 2: Lake Atitlan and Local Markets

**Morning:**Rise early to discover Antigua’s natural surroundings on a day trip to Lake Atitlan, a mountain lake surrounded by volcanoes and emerald hills. Tours minimize the stress of organizing your own transportation, and many offer a sightseeing cruise on the lake, as well as stops at waterfront villages.

**Afternoon:**Many day trips continue on into the afternoon with a stop in the town of Chichicastenango to explore the Chichicastenango Market, one of the largest handicraft markets in Guatemala. On certain days of the week, locals arrive from the surrounding area to sell crafts, textiles, produce, food, and more.

**Evening:**When you return to Antigua, dedicate your final evening to its culinary culture by taking a cooking class that reveals dishes and delicacies that you may otherwise have missed. Classes typically include a walk around the local market and, once you’ve finished cooking, a meal of your own making.

Characterized by its bright, colonial architecture and volcanic surroundings, the city of Antigua is one of the finest in Guatemala. One day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site gives you time to check off several historic attractions and see the best views from different vantage points. Here’s how.

Morning: Views from a Volcano

On your first morning, rise early, lace up those hiking boots, and trek to the top of an active volcano. The two-hour hike to the summit of the Pacaya volcano is suitable for travelers of a moderate fitness level and treats visitors not only to spectacular views but also to hot lava. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from Antigua and come with lunch and bottled water for the trek. Some also include a stop to soothe aching muscles at Kawilal Hot Springs, which boasts 12 hot springs and 25 steam baths.

Afternoon: Colonial Delights

Use the afternoon to get to know Antiqua’s colonial center. Orient yourself with ease on a walking tour, which offers a more intimate glimpse into the area than you’d get if traveling by car. Staple sights include the butter-yellow La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced), Antigua Central Park, and the 16th-century Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco), and some tours also stop at a jade stone factory and a textile museum and allow ample free time to shop for souvenirs. Most tours include round-trip transfers from your hotel.

Night: City Lights

If you’re hungry for more culture, devote your evening to Antigua’s culinary scene by taking a market tour and cooking class. Small-group classes often begin with a tour of Antigua Market and give you access to ingredients and equipment that you may not have back home. Plus, you’re likely to learn how to make local staples, such as tamales accompanied by spicy salsa and avocado-based dips. If you’ve got the energy following your class, head back into the UNESCO-listed Old Town for a cocktail on a rooftop terrace.

The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) is an ancient Aztec cultural tradition practiced throughout Central America. Despite the name, it’s a joyful celebration—a time to remember and pay tribute to deceased ancestors, friends, and family. Here’s what to know about Guatemala’s Day of the Dead.

When to Go

Guatemala’s main Day of the Dead celebrations are held on Nov. 1 and 2, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Preparations often begin months in advance, and if you’re visiting Guatemala in the weeks before the festival, you might see local families and children crafting colorful kites, making sugar skulls, and decorating gravestones with traditional offerings.

Where to Go

The Day of the Dead festival is celebrated all around Guatemala, but the most spectacular events are held in the highland villages of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, about a 30-minute drive from Guatemala City.

Ways to Celebrate

Head to Santiago Sacatepéquez or Sumpango to see the giant kite festival, Guatemala’s most spectacular Day of the Dead celebration. Locals launch giant kites (some as tall as a 5-story building) into the skies. The kites are believed to keep away evil spirits and provide a method of communicating with the dead. The vibrant kites are handcrafted using delicate tissue paper and traditional papel picado techniques, with messages are attached to the tail of each kite. Other traditions include cleaning and decorating family grave sites and feasting on traditional foods such as pan de muerto.

For centuries, Flores, the main settlement in Guatemala’s Petén region, was home to the Maya Itza people. The Itza civilization began here as early as 900 BC, and continued to thrive long after the wider Maya Empire collapsed. Here are some of the most awe-inspiring ancient Maya settlements within reach of Flores.

Tikal

Located about a 90-minute drive from Flores, UNESCO-listed Tikal is one of the most impressive Maya cities in all of Central America. Tikal’s greatest appeal is its jungle setting, and while some of its ancient plazas have been cleared of trees, several dizzyingly steep temples can still be seen poking through the rainforest canopy. Paths weaving among major sites at Tikal lead through the foliage, offering the chance to spot monkeys, agoutis (large rodents), and other critters. 

El Mirador

Hidden away in the far-flung corner of the Petén jungle, this magnificent Maya site is home to the 230-foot (70-meter) high La Danta, one of the world’s largest pyramids. At its height, El Mirador dwarfed Tikal and is thought to have been home to about 200,000 people. Because of its remote jungle setting, El Mirador can only be accessed on foot. Hikes from Flores typically take five days, and most hikers rent mules to help carry their gear.

Yaxhá

Set east of Tikal on a hill between Yaxhá Lake and Sacnab Lagoon, Yaxhá is the third-largest Maya site in Guatemala, after Tikal and El Mirador. The ruins of almost 500 structures are scattered around the jungle, and the temple summits offer spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and forest. 

Aguateca and Ceibal

Auguatec and Ceibal are two of many Maya archaeological sites found along the Río de la Pasión, a major tributary of the Usumacinta River, which was a major trade route for the Maya Itza people. Both sites can be accessed during boat tours; listen for howling monkeys as you float along the river. 

Uaxactún

Situated north of Tikal, the smaller Maya city of Uaxactún was once Tikal’s rival and later its subordinate. Its remote setting—along an unpaved road well off the usual tourist trail—means it attracts few crowds. 

The lovely little island of Flores, ensconced in pristine Lake Petén, has been the heart, and capital, of Mesoamerica’s archaeologically richest region for thousands of years. Ehile you are probably here in this lush and quiet corner of the world to see the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, you’ll find much more hidden throughout the protected swath of tropical rainforest its builders once called home. Three days may not be quite enough.

If you’re arriving to Flores on one of the overnight bus from Guatemala City, rather than the plane, you may want to take it easy your first day on the island. Consider shifting around this itinerary and spending your first day and exploring the city and lake (Day 2) instead.

Day 1: Touring Tikal You are probably here to see the ruins of Tikal, and you will not be disappointed. The magnificent Mayan city is an engineering marvel, its ancient temple pyramids and covered walkways through the jungle still evocative of a civilization more advanced than almost any in the world during its heyday, about 300 to 900AD.

Plan an entire day to explore the fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you don’t book a tour from Flores, 65km (40 miles) to the south, you can hire one of the freelance guides milling around the entrance. As this is one of the best preserved, best-documented of all Mayan cities, an expert will put this most memorable of experiences into illuminating historical context.

Adventurous travelers may want to visit the nearby city of Uaxactún, a much more ancient astronomical center where Tikal’s elites once went to learn writing, timekeeping, and other mysteries of the Mayan world. Independent travelers should plan on spending three days to see both ruins (public transportation is tricky), or book a tour to save time.

Day 2: Flores and Lake Petén The lake island of Flores, in Lake Petén Itza, is much more than a comfortable base for exploring the ruins and natural attractions of the Petén. This scenic spot was the Itza Maya capital, known as Nojpetén (City Island), and the hub of Guatamala’s Mayan civilization for centuries. Ancient roads into the vast rainforests radiate out from the lake, marked by tiny towns that still welcome visitors.

Sure, you can walk around the small city of Flores in about 20 minutes, but stop on the north shore’s malecón and jump off one of the brightly colored docks into the lake for a refreshing swim. Hire a cayuco (small motorized boat) to Petencito Zoo or El Museo, both located on even smaller islands just offshore. Head across the causeway to Santa Elena to shop for less expensive handicrafts and souvenirs at the bustling market. Or, book a hike, zip-line tour, or other activity at awesome Ixpanpajul Nature Park, just 15 minutes away.

More ambitious adventurers could hire a cayuco (or catch a bus from Santa Elena) to other lakeside towns like El Remate, San José, and San Miguel, each with hotels, restaurants, Spanish schools, and attractions like caves, small ruins, and hiking destinations, including Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve.

Day 3: Off the Beaten Track While Tikal is one of the Mayan world’s most famous ruins for a reason, there are several, smaller cities hidden away in the rainforest. Most are difficult to reach on a day trip for independent travelers using public transportation, but you can book tours from Flores that can get you back to the Santa Elena airport in time for the 5pm plane back to Guatemala City.

Most convenient for travelers on a schedule is Yaxhá, Guatemala’s third-largest archaeological site, about 100km (62 miles) from Flores. Located atop a photogenic limestone ridge with views over Lake Yaxhá, its relative isolation offers a taste of what early adventurers and archaeologists must have enjoyed a century ago in the untouched Petén.

If you have two days, the ruins around Petexbatún Wildlife Refuge, including Aguateca and El Ceibal, are another popular option for travelers who want to escape the crowds at Tikal. Different operators offer tours to other, smaller ruins close to Flores, including some of the 27 cities surrounding Lake Petén.

Ask in advance if they will store your bags and drop you off at the airport after the tour; it’s a great way to make the most of your last moments in this remarkable region.

As one of Lake Atitlán’s largest villages, San Pedro La Laguna makes an excellent base from which to explore the region. If you’ve only got one day, you can still see some San Pedro highlights before dedicating the rest of the day to hiking, ziplining, or kayaking. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in San Pedro La Laguna.

Morning: Enjoy the Lake

Spend your first morning exploring San Pedro La Laguna on foot. Stroll through the center, admire the church, and browse the local market stalls. Then, enjoy a leisurely coffee and breakfast in one of the cafés that overlook Lago Atitlán.

After a quiet breakfast, take to the water in a kayak in the company of a local guide. Kayak excursions typically involve hotel pickup and drop-off, and stop by Las Cristalinas beach.

Afternoon: Explore the Surrounds

After a laidback morning, spend the afternoon enjoying the landscapes surrounding the lake. Choose between a hiking excursion to the nearby San Pedro Volcano and Indian Nose Mountain, or go for a fun zipline adventure if you have kids in tow. Culture fans can try a weaving workshop with a local collective while fitness fanatics should can enrol in a yoga class. 

Alternatively, explore the surrounding villages—which encompass the hippie-hangout of San Marcos and the weaving hotspot of Santiago Atitlán—on foot or during a horseback riding tour.  

Evening: Grab Dinner and Drinks

After an activity-packed day, relax with dinner and drinks at a restaurant overlooking the lake. Choose from Guatemalan fare, falafel wraps, authentic Italian cuisine, and more. Don’t forget to snap photos of the dramatic volcano silhouettes as the sun sets.

If you’re still bursting with energy, consider taking a self-guided bar crawl through some of San Pedro’s most popular late-night hangouts—as one of Guatemala’s top backpacker destinations, there are quizzes, happy hours, and more most nights of the week. 

Guatemala’s culinary heritage is rich and varied, infused with ancient Maya and Spanish traditions, and a history of recipe swapping with its Central America and Caribbean neighbors. Here are your options for food tours in Guatemala.

Must-Try Dishes

Stews, known as caldos, and soups, called sopas, are staples in Guatemalan cuisine, most notably kaq-ik or kak’ik (a traditional Maya turkey soup, served with a drumstick) or pepian (a stew of chicken, potatoes, green beans, and carrots, in a spicy recado sauce). Look out for familiar Mexico specialties like tamales and nachos, but be aware that dishes such as chile rellenos have a Guatemalan twist, with a bold but less spicy flavor.

Guatemalan street food also puts its own spin on specialties from different countries, with versions of Belize’s salpicon and Peru’s ceviche both being popular. For dessert, indulge in tres leches cake (a moist spongecake soaked in milk), arroz con leche (rice pudding), or mole de platanos (fried plantain in chocolate sauce).

Guatemala is also renowned for its great coffee, Ron Zacapa rum, and delicious juices, made from fresh fruits such as banana, mango, and guanabana (custard apple).

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit a typical Guatemalan food market, then learn to make classic local dishes during a cooking class in Antigua or Santa Cruz.

• Tour a local coffee plantation and discover the secrets of good coffee on a small-group coffee tour from Antigua.

• Explore the Antigua valley by mountain bike and stop to visit with a family that works with a coffee farming co-op.

• Sample tasty rellenitos, chuchitos, and atolito de elote on a street food walking tour of Quetzaltenango.