Places to discover

Best places to visit in Guatemala

When you really don't know much about Guatemala, planning your itenerary in the country can be a real challenge. It can be quite difficult to make a choice among the cities and interesting places to visit. But don't worry, we'll help you. A team of travelers, passionate about Guatemala, shares advice and tips with you on the stops you can make during your trip to Guatemala. So you'll have all the pieces you need to best plan your visit.

Guatemala City is the capital: its historic city centre has a few buildings and museums that allow for an interesting view on the Maya civilisation. It's possible to take many excursions departing from this city that is surrounded by several volcanoes. For its part, Antigua has been designated as a Humanity World Heritage for good reason: the ancient capital is full of places with a prestigious past. Climbing Pacaya Volcano is one of the possible hikes.

Take advantage of a Thursday or Sunday to go to the Chichicastenango market. Although it's very touristy, it's a unique place where you can see all the local crafts. A little farther out, Lake Atitlán is a relaxing place. Beautiful hikes around the lake allow you to discover the villages and the surrounding areas.

In the north, Florès is a beautiful place to explore the Péten jungle and the archaeological riches of the Maya civilisation. Tikal is the the most impressive Mayan site and should not be missed under any circumstance.

On the Atlantic Coast, Livingston, a Garifuna village, will add a Caribbean touch to your trip. Go back up the Rio Dulce to Lake Izabal where you can observe the wildlife.

On the other hand, Puerto Quetzal is the largest port on the Pacific Coast. Many water-related activities are possible on the surrounding beaches.

At 40km from Panajachel, it takes 1hr 30min to get to Chichicastenango by Chicken Bus. If you want to explore one of the country's most vibrant markets, make sure you're there on a Thursday or Sunday.
2 hours and 30 minutes from Antigua by bus, Panajachel is the main town on the banks of Lake Atitlán.
4 hours by bus from the capital Guatemala City, volcano-bordered Lake Atitlán is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
The village may look similar to all the others in the region, but the San Francisco el Alto weekly market certainly helps it to stand out. It's one of a kind!
The most captivating town in Guatemala, "my" town.
Nebaj is a big village in the Ixil region; it's definitely the best known village because of its Spanish teaching school.
An indigenous village, between Christianity and paganism, at the foot of the local volcano.
At the heart of evangelical fanaticism.
The forgotten touristic site of Mayan archaeology.
A little tropical paradise.
A town set apart, in the heart of garifuna culture.
Guatemala's most important archaeological site.
An immense travellers' love it/hate it metropolis!
A 1 hour drive from Antigua, the Pacaya volcano is still active. It takes 2 hours to climb it.
A small, peaceful lakeside village on the road to Tikal.
Combining archaeology and sacred rituals, Iximché's Mayan ruins make up an important ceremonial site which is largely untouched by foreign tourists.
Home to one of the most famous churches in Guatemala and not a lot else.
A great base from which to explore the region, even if the town itself is a waste of time.
Todos Santos Cuchumatán is one of these villages in the Guatemalan plateau which have decided to preserve all their traditions and still have a fascinating cultural richness today.
At a few kilometres from Santa Maria Nebaj, this tiny hamlet is a great base from which to explore the region and where you can sample the delicious, local cheese.