Guatemala Travelers Recommend

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. 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. 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. This is the deepest lake in Central America. 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.

Tikal is undoubtedly the most well-known Mayan site in Guatemala. It attracts travelers from Mexico and Belize who sometimes plan a visit to the country just to see Tikal. There are more than 3,000 structures at Tikal, many of which were built around 700 A.D., which is believed to be the height of the Maya culture. Tikal was once home to over 100,000 inhabitants and extends over six miles, comprised of temples, ceremonial platforms, palaces, ball courts, steam baths and more. Situated halfway between Tikal and the Belize border, the archeological site of Yaxha achieved international fame after it was utilized as the filming location for the television show Survivor in 2005. It is third largest Mayan site in Guatemala, after Tikal and El Mirador, with over 500 structures. Aguateca dates back to the Mayan Classic Period and is one of the best-preserved and restored Mayan ruins in Guatemala.

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. 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.

Lace up those hiking boots and hike an active volcano. Start the early morning off with a trek up Pacaya. The two hour hike is not too difficult and treats visitors not only to spectacular views, but also to hot lava. Then, head back to town and do the 30-minute walk to the Cerro de la Cruz. Guided tours take place twice a day, and is the best bet to ensure you won’t be a victim of petty theft. After that, head to Parque Central to unwind and soak up some sun and snack on fresh tortillas. Then, get walking/bussing again and visit the Museum of Colonial Art and La Merced Cathedral. At sunset, hit up Café Sky for spectacular views. For some seriously beautiful nature, wake up early and make a day trip out of this spot. The deepest lake in Central America, it is renowned for its stunning beauty. Surrounded by volcanoes, the lake and its surrounding areas offer a chance to become immersed in Guatemalan culture. On the way back to town, stop at Chichicatenango.