Expect the unexpected with these things to do in Guatemala

Guatemala is a similar size to the state of Tennessee, with a population of around 18 million. Yet despite this, its public transit system leaves a lot to be desired. Whether you are planning a solo travel trip or are visiting with friends, the best way to get around is by booking a shuttle. These small buses or minivans can be booked through your hotel in Guatemala, and their routes span most must-see things to do in Guatemala. Hiring a car is not recommended as the roads are not always in the best condition, and the distances can sometimes be large between landmarks.  

Guatemala has two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet season (May to October) brings short, heavy showers that turn the landscapes lush and vibrant; a great time to see the country at its greenest. The dry season (November to April) is best for hiking and exploring ruins under clear skies. Budget travelers can visit between seasons to enjoy lower prices, fewer crowds, and a mix of both worlds.

When it comes to things to do in Guatemala, it is not all ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes. The bustling capital, Guatemala City, shows a modern side that perfectly blends traditional heritage with contemporary energy. If you are traveling by plane, the Barceló Guatemala City is an ideal base to recharge batteries before heading off to explore the famous attractions in Guatemala. Perhaps take a trip to the fascinating National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Or, uncover the trendy Zona 4 district with its hip cafes and vibrant street art, and sample mouthwatering Guatemalan cuisine in trendy restaurants showcasing the country's culinary diversity. Either way, the contrast between the 19th-century historic Old Town and the city’s cosmopolitan neighborhoods is worth witnessing.

Just 40 km southwest of Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, or simply Antigua, is one of Latin America’s most beautiful colonial cities and a must-see destination in Guatemala. Once the capital of the Spanish colonies, this UNESCO World Heritage Site charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, historic churches, and stunning backdrop of three volcanoes: Acatenango, Agua, and Fuego.

Today, Antigua has a warm, welcoming vibe filled with backpackers, cozy cafés, artisan shops, colorful markets, and delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the Arco de Santa Catalina or the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.

Antigua is also the perfect base for adventure. Hike Acatenango for a breathtaking view of the active, lava-spewing Volcán de Fuego. Some hikers even camp overnight to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Though challenging, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  It is safe to say that Antigua is one of Guatemala’s top places to visit, and a trip to this bustling city is a must for any traveler. 

You cannot complete your list of things to do in Guatemala without visiting a volcano. If you’re after an easier climb than Acatenango, the nearby Pacaya Volcano, about an hour from Antigua, offers a rewarding hike and a chance to walk across cooled lava fields. As you ascend to its smoky summit, you will be able to witness the fiery spectacle of molten lava flowing beneath your feet. Climbing an active volcano is a thrilling experience that brings the raw power of Guatemala’s natural landscapes to life. It is certainly one of the unmissable things to do in Guatemala during your travels.

From the colonial charm of Antigua, head west toward the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán. This serene oasis, 80km from Antigua, is the second-largest lake in the country and one of the must-see places in Guatemala during your travels. Situated 1500m above sea level, the lake is surrounded by three towering volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. These majestic peaks are reflected in the waters, creating a colorful, shimmering masterpiece, visible at any time of the day. 

Venture off to the tranquil lakeside villages of Panajachel or San Pedro La Laguna, where indigenous culture thrives amidst vibrant handicraft markets and charming lakeside cafes. One of the unique things to do in Guatemala is to immerse yourself in local culture and experience the delights of ecotourism. Around Lake Atitlán, you can also visit charming villages like Santa Catarina de Palopó or Santiago Atitlán, home to the cigar-smoking folk saint Maximón. From here, take a short trip to Chichicastenango, just 1.5 hours away, whose vibrant market, Central America’s largest, is perfect for browsing colorful textiles and local crafts.

If you are looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring back home or simply have a fascination with handcrafted items, then venture into the heart of indigenous Guatemala at the Chichicastenango Market. Held every Thursday and Sunday, this market is one of the best things in Guatemala for craft lovers. Immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture while discovering ancient traditions and rituals. Here, you are guaranteed to find interesting and unique items ranging from traditional textiles, handcrafted pottery, and intricate masks. And, once you have explored, it is worth taking a quick look at the cemetery, where you will find a kaleidoscope of beautifully decorated tombs. If you are on the lookout for cool places to visit in Guatemala, add this to your list.

There is nothing like immersing yourself in local traditions and cultures when on vacation. And, this could not be any different when exploring the things to do in Guatemala. Quetzaltenango, known locally as Xela, is a city 2.5 hours from Chichicastenango, close to the Pan-American highway. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places to go in Guatemala. Surrounded by dramatic volcanoes and misty mountains, this vibrant city blends colonial architecture with strong indigenous traditions.

It’s a hub for cultural immersion, where travelers can study Spanish at one of its many language schools, browse colorful local markets, or soak in the natural hot springs of Fuentes Georginas. Despite its size, there are so many things to do in Xela. It maintains a friendly, small-town feel and makes an excellent base for exploring nearby villages, hiking trails, and the surrounding highlands.

Leave the bustling town of Xela behind and travel 150 km to Nebaj, the gateway to the stunning highland landscapes of the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Here you can embark on the ultimate Guatemalan adventure as you hike through this mountainous region. Uncover remote indigenous villages, witness traditional farming practices, and see up close the vibrant traditional dress and customs of the Ixil Maya people. Is there anything better than soaking up majestic vistas of cloud-topped mountains and fertile valleys? We think not! Be sure to add this to your Guatemala bucket list.

Swap the mountains for the jungle and travel 230km to discover the mystical pools of Semuc Champey. Hidden away from the main tourist things to do in Guatemala, for nature lovers, these pools are one of Guatemala’s must-see places.

Only adventurous souls will be enticed to take a refreshing dip in the cascading turquoise pools, carved out of limestone. Yet this place is not listed as one of the fun places to go in Guatemala for nothing. Here you can also embark on a cave exploration, tubing down the Cahabón River, or hike to the viewpoint for a panoramic vista that will leave you in awe. If you plan to spend a few days here, the town of Lanquín is an ideal spot to rest after the long journey.

Venture 260km further into the Guatemalan jungle to reach the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala’s largest nature reserve. This region is especially famous for its stunning sites of Mayan civilization. Along with Uaxactún and Yaxha, it is the ruins of Tikal that draw in the tourists. Hidden deep within the jungle, these ancient pyramids rise majestically above the treetops, transporting visitors back in time. 

Spend time soaking up the ancient energy as you explore the grand plazas, climb towering temples, and listen to the haunting calls of howler monkeys echoing through the ruins. Don’t miss the Pyramid of the Great Jaguar. In fact, Star Wars fans may recognize it as the planet Yavin from Episode IV: A New Hope. These emblematic ruins are one of the top Guatemala attractions just waiting to be discovered on your next vacation.

Tikal is most easily reached from Isla de Flores, a charming island on Lake Petén Itzá, Guatemala’s third-largest lake. Surrounded by lush scenery and close to the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Flores is a picturesque spot, perfect for relaxing for a few days on your Guatemala trip before heading back onto Livingston.

No tour of Guatemala is complete without exploring the coast, 210km from Tikal. Guatemala’s small stretch of Caribbean coastline is home to the Bay of Amatique, where the Río Dulce flows from Lake Izabal, the country’s largest lake. This lush region, protected as a national park, is a sanctuary of tropical beauty and home to the endangered manatee. The riverside town of Río Dulce serves as a gateway for boat excursions through mangrove forests and towering limestone canyons, leading to the coastal town of Livingston. 

Accessible only by water, Livingston feels worlds apart from the rest of Guatemala. It’s a vibrant blend of Garifuna, Maya, and Caribbean cultures, where reggae beats and Garifuna drumming fill the air, and colorful houses line the waterfront. Here, visitors can savor fresh seafood, experience local traditions, and soak in the laid-back tropical vibe that makes Livingston one of the best places to visit in Guatemala.