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.

Chajul is an isolated village, nestled in the mountain, close to Santa Cruz del Quiche, in Ixil country.
A diabolical journey with Heaven on Earth waiting at the end.
A great place to unwind before heading off to Semuc Champey.
At 3,837m high, La Torre is the highest non-volcanic peak in Guatemala.
Sayaxché is a stopover town, situated in Guatemala's largest department, Petén. It's crossed by the Rio de la Pasión.
A small town in the middle of Paradise.
It's one of the most beautiful parts of Guatemala.
One of the most peaceful villages at Lake Atitlan.
At 8 km before arriving at Panajachel, Solola is perched at more than 2,000 metres and overlooks Lake Atitlan magnificently.
Situated on an island in Petén Itzá, Flores is a superb, little town. At 1hr from Tikal, it's the perfect base from which to explore these famous Mayan temples.
Tikal's once powerful sister city, Yaxhá is one of the most wild and best preserved sites in the tropical Petén region.
A town with no particular interest, but which benefits from a great climate and stunning surroundings.
Must-see volcanic open-air thermal baths near Xela.
By taking a beautiful trip on the calm waters of the Pasión River, you can reach this Mayan site which sits atop a cliff. It's an interesting visit and is off the beaten track.
Petexbatun Lake is a lagoon formed by water from the Pasion River and lined with mangrove swamps, in the tropical region of Peten in North Guatemala.
A beautiful, must-see lake on the road to Tikal and archaeological sites in Peten.
A charming village, a tourists' favourite around Lake Atitlan.
Just 45km from the capital Guatemala City and about 1 hour by bus, Antigua is often described as the most beautiful city in Central America.
On the Caribbean's doorstep!
A hot department and a mix of interesting places which are very unknown to foreign tourists.