Best Places in Guatemala City
Guatemala is one of the most fascinating and memorable countries to visit if you enjoy culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventure. There are so many things to do in Guatemala that you’d need a lifetime to do them all, from exploring the archaeological site of Tikal to climbing steaming volcanoes. Here are our recommendations for places to visit, traditional Guatemalan foods to try, and fun things to do in this Central American country nestled between Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and El Salvador.
1 Rio Dulce and Lake Izabel
Rio Dulce is a town in the Izabal department that connects Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea and Livingston. Rio Dulce is a popular sailing and yachting destination, home to Tikal and numerous Mayan archaeological sites. There are many eco-lodges, river fincas, and hostels in Rio Dulce if you want to spend a few nights. Boat tours on the Rio Dulce are great options to see fishermen in traditional dugout canoes and a variety of wildlife.
2 Black Sand Beaches of Monterrico
Visiting these black sand beaches is one of the best things to do in Guatemala. Montericco is a popular hangout for backpackers, surfers, and weekenders from Guatemala City. Nonetheless, it’s a tranquil setting where you can unwind in a simple beachside cabana, nap in a hammock, explore a lagoon, or grab a surfboard and ride the waves. Monterrico beach, which is only an hour away from Antigua, is one of the best things to do in Guatemala.
3 Atmospheric Antigua
Guatemala’s former capital, Antigua, is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. Antigua has so much to offer that that you can spend a week easily there. It has open-air markets brimming with tropical produce, well-preserved colonial churches, Spanish-Baroque architecture, and diverse dining options. The massive Volcan de Agua looms over the city, adding to its allure and beauty. Meson Panza Verde is a short walk from Antigua’s leafy central park and offers romantic dining.
4 Fuentes Georginas
These hot springs in Guatemala’s highlands near Quetzaltenango can help you balance your body and soul. These mineral-rich thermal waters can be found in an area that the Maya have long revered. Begin with a cloud forest hike past the Zunil and Santo Tomás volcanoes, followed by a soak in the legendary, healing waters. The pools, carved out of rock and obscured by swirling steam, are housed in a well-equipped facility complete with locker rooms, showers, and eating areas.
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5 Climb a Volcano
Climbing one of Guatemala’s many volcanoes is an exciting adventure. One of the most memorable excursions is climbing Pacaya volcano, especially in the afternoon when you can see the sunset. Because Pacaya is an active volcano, it is the best place in Guatemala to roast marshmallows over lava. This is definitely something very amazing to add to your bucket list! For the best experience and safety, take this excursion with an experienced guide and an accredited tour company.
6 Chichicastenango Market
Have some time to visit one Mayan market town in Guatemala? Chichicastenango Market is one in the Guatemalan Highlands north of Lake Atitlan should be it. Although it is more touristy than other Mayan markets (such as Solola). Chichicastenango Market is rich in history and still serves as a working market. It is also a hub for Mayan towns in the highlands. The K’iche’ and other modern Maya wear traditional woven clothing, proudly expressing their cultural identity, heritage, and religious beliefs through colour and ritual pattern.
7 Semana Santa
Guatemala’s unique festivals and celebrations are surely worth planning an entire trip around. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is well-known among the country’s religious festivals. Easter in Guatemala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The religious processions that wind their way through Antigua’s alfombras are a highlight of the Americas’ biggest Easter celebration.
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8 Pasabien Pools
Pasabien is in the sweltering heart of Guatemala’s cowboy country, in the eastern state of Zacapa. This series of the natural rock pools and waterfalls feds icy water from an underground source in the Sierra de las Minas Mountains. Nearby Santa Cruz may appear to be just another dusty commercial town. It has market stalls with vendors selling fresh pineapples, fine local rum, and quesadilla. Also a rich cake made of Guatemala’s favourite dry cheese, queso de Zacapa.
9 Turquoise Pools
Deep in Guatemala’s Maya highlands, these emerald green waterfalls will transport you to the fantasy world of Oz. The journey itself is half the fun. To avoid disappointment, plan your visit to Semuc Champey, taking into account the time of year, where to stay, and costs. On your way to Lanqun, there is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its cave system of bat-filled chambers, pass through the misty coffee town of Coban. It is unquestionably a must-see.
10 Fascinating World-Class Museums
While the city’s insane traffic may tempt you to skip it entirely, the city’s fine museums, fantastic mercado central, and architecture make it worthwhile to spend at least a day or two in the country’s capital. The Palacio Nacional and the Cathedral, both of which contain memorials to the thousands of men, women, and children who died during the civil war. The trendy 4 Grados Norte neighbourhood is like an open air museum, with its edgy street art and graffiti.
What to Eat & Drink
While Guatemala is best known for its vibrant indigenous weavings, volcanoes, and dramatic scenery, its cuisine is also popular. While black beans, rice, and tortillas are commonly associated with Guatemalan cuisine, the country actually has one of the most distinct cuisines in Latin America. Traditional Guatemalan cuisine is rich and diverse, with epicurean roots that are a unique blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences.
