Guatemala Travel Insights

2 Weeks in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks you can travel the whole of Guatemala and enjoy its greatest attractions, both natural and manufactured. Combine nature and culture with walks around Spanish colonial Antigua, boat rides on Lake Atitlán, hikes to volcano peaks, and tours of ancient Maya ruins. For more indigenous history, visit Tikal National Park, followed by a jaunt to the Caribbean to neighboring Belize. And if you want to test your endurance, opt for a multi-day mountain-biking adventure or volcano circuit hike.

10 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In 10 days, you can visit many regions of Guatemala, embark on active tours, and see the major highlights. It's also enough time to enjoy off-the-beaten-path trips to indigenous villages, coffee plantations, and natural wonders hidden in highland rainforests. Beyond visiting ancient Maya ruins and taking boat rides down jade rivers, you can also embark on multi-day mountain biking tours and hikes to volcano peaks.

7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Guatemala, you can experience the best of multiple regions of this beautiful country. Tour Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and visit Tikal National Park, all in one trip. Or test your physical endurance on hikes up not one but three different volcanoes. Moreover, you can embark on a combined Belize-Guatemala trip that includes diving around coral islands and seeing ancient Maya ruins on horseback in seven days.

5 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Even with just five days, you can visit some of the highlight destinations in Guatemala. Explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, hike up sheer volcano slopes in the highlands, and discover the rich history of colonial Antigua on a walking tour. Or, if you're looking to go off the beaten path, head deep into coffee country and visit nature reserves home to the country's most exotic wildlife.

Best of Guatemala by Mountain Bike - 10 Days

This action-packed two-week adventure takes you mountain biking through the breathtaking highlands of Guatemala. Your journey starts in the former colonial capital of Antigua, where you'll set off exploring local routes and making your way west to Lake Atitlán. Each day's ride offers a unique challenge as you discover the country's towering volcanoes, mountain pine forests, and rich local culture.

Best of Guatemala by Mountain Bike - 15 Days

This exhilarating, 15-day mountain biking adventure introduces you to some of Guatemala's most rugged and rewarding scenery. Setting out from Antigua, you'll explore little-known local routes as you cycle west to Lake Atitlán and onwards to the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Follow switchback trails, steep climbs, and dramatic descents as you make your way through a landscape of towering volcanoes and lush river valleys.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Guatemala?

Guatemala's relatively small size allows you to comfortably visit its iconic volcanoes, colonial cities, and Mayan ruins in around seven days. But even in as few as five days, you can still see its most famous sights. Clear two weeks on your calendar, however, and you'll have a wide array of cultural excursions and active adventures from which to choose.

Guatemala 7 Volcanoes Trek - 10 Days

Conquer seven of Guatemala's volcanic peaks on this unforgettable 10-day trekking adventure. Setting out from the charming colonial city of Antigua, you'll make your way along the famed Ring of Fire, where lush cloud forests and colorful villages sit in the shadows of ancient volcanoes. Cross rugged lava fields to Pacaya, watch the sunrise from your camp on Acatenango, hike the famous Siete Cruces ridge to Volcán de Zunil, and enjoy some well-earned rest on the scenic shores of Lake Atitlán.

Guatemala's Caribbean Coast - 6 Days

Escape to Guatemala's Caribbean coast on this action-packed 6-day itinerary. Starting from the capital of Guatemala City, set out towards the east coast to discover a whole new side of the country's culture and scenery. Visit magical hot spring waterfalls, kayak the waterways of the Río Dulce, and experience Caribbean Garifuna culture in Livingston.

Nature, Culture & History in Guatemala - 14 Days

This 2-week Guatemalan adventure kicks off with walking tours of colonial Antigua followed by a vertical excursion up the slopes of Pacaya Volcano. After a kayak ride around Lake Atitlán, you'll head north to explore the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, then travel down the jade waters of the Río Dulce. More culture awaits as you visit open-air markets and indigenous villages, and even take a traditional Guatemalan cooking class.

Cultural Highlights of Belize & Guatemala - 7 Days

Discover the culture and ancient Maya history of Belize and Guatemala while also packing in the fun. It kicks off on Belize's stunning coral island Caye Caulker, where you'll go snorkeling in crystalline waters and swim with sharks. Head inland to explore the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich on horseback, then cross into Guatemala to visit the pyramid temples at Tikal National Park. End with a tour of the historic colonial city of Antigua and visits to indigenous villages on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Culture & Hiking in Guatemala - 7 Days

This active adventure will take you on hikes around three different volcanoes in Guatemala's western highlands. Become one with nature as you traverse dried lava fields, enjoy picnic lunches atop volcano summits, and camp under the stars. When not ascending mountains, you'll embark on walking tours of historic Antigua and boat rides on the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán.

Outdoor Sports in Guatemala - 5 Days

This action-packed tour combines outdoor sports with the beauty of Guatemala, starting in the historic colonial city of Antigua. Trade cobbled streets for mountain bike tracks and enjoy an exhilarating day of downhill biking on the slopes of Acatenango Volcano, then summit the top of Pacaya Volcano and traverse its lava fields. End your trip kayaking the shores of Lake Atitlán and hiking through its traditional Mayan craft villages.

Highlights of Guatemala - 5 Days

This five-day Guatemala adventure begins with a walking tour and traditional cooking class in the colonial city of Antigua. Then conquer the summit of Pacaya Volcano as you hike along its dried lava fields and dense forests. End the trip on the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán with visits to humble indigenous villages before venturing into the highlands to discover the ruins of an ancient Maya kingdom at Iximché.

Guatemala Volcano Trek Adventure - 14 Days

Conquer seven summits on this 14-day trekking tour of Guatemala's Ring of Fire volcano zone. Setting out from the charming colonial city of Antigua, you'll scale some of the highest peaks in Central America and camp on volcanic slopes. Spend your downtime soaking in hot springs, visiting Maya ruins, and relaxing on the peaceful shores of Lake Atitlán.

Best of Guatemala by Mountain Bike - 14 Days

This action-packed 14-day trip is a two-wheeled adventure through the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in Guatemala's highlands. It begins in colonial Antigua, where you'll set off on volcano slopes before heading west to Lake Atitlán and onward to the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Each day's ride offers a unique challenge as you navigate towering volcanoes, mountain ridges, lush cloud forests, and more.

Guatemala in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September in Guatemala can be quite wet—with more rainfall than any other time of year—but don't let this put you off visiting. With off-season prices, fewer tourists, Independence Day festivities across the country, and the chance to see baby sea turtles making their way to the Pacific ocean, there's still plenty to see and do. Read on to find out more reasons to visit Guatemala in September.

Guatemala in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October may be one of the wettest months of the year in Guatemala, but, with plenty to see and do, and the rains (mostly) limited to the odd afternoon downpour, it's still a great time to visit. The beginning of the month is quite quiet, with fewer visitors and cheaper prices, although it can get quite busy toward the end. Still, October is a month for taking it slow, enjoying delicious Guatemalan coffee, lazing around on Lake Atitlán, and wandering the markets and towns of the Highlands.

Guatemala in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is a pretty magical time of year to visit Guatemala. Marking the end of the rainy season, the weather is warm and dry, the countryside is lush with wildflowers carpeting the hills, and there are plenty of fascinating cultural events and (slightly) fewer tourists than the high season. Arrive on the first of the month for the Giant Kites Festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez or head to the hills to enjoy the horse races and ring in All Saint's Day.

Guatemala in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August in Guatemala is hot and humid, with sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, and lots of North American travelers visiting for summer vacation. Not as wet as July or September, it's actually quite a good time to go exploring. Head up to Flores to explore the picturesque island in an ancient volcanic caldera, explore the temples of Tikal, or enjoy hiking the hills in the highlands and around Antigua, which are beautiful and green this time of year.

Guatemala in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is one of the busiest months in Guatemala, with tourists from North America and Europe making the most of their summer breaks. The weather also brightens up a bit in the highlands after a rainy June, with hot sunny days and the odd stormy afternoon, making it the perfect time to explore Antigua and relax on Lake Atitlán. To soak up some culture, head to Cobán for the Fiesta Nacional Indígena, with street fairs, parades, and parties—not to mention a myriad of waterfalls, caves, and lagoons to explore.

Guatemala in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June in Guatemala is a relatively quiet month, but one where nature reigns supreme. From the sea turtles nesting on the Pacific Coast to the rains bringing the waterfalls to majestic levels, it's the perfect time to explore the country's natural beauty. Our favorite spots include Semuc Champey and Alta Verapaz, where you can go tubing along rivers through caves lit by candlelight and swim in secluded lagoons. Keep reading to find out more about what to do and where to go.

Guatemala in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

May is the beginning of the rainy season in Guatemala, with hot humid mornings and downpours in the afternoon, interspersed with occasional tropical storms where lightning illuminates the entire sky, especially over the volcanoes. Although it's the quiet season, it still has plenty of charm and is a great time to get to experience a more authentic side of Guatemala, especially in places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, which can get quite busy in the high season. Read on to find out more about why May is a great month to visit Guatemala.

Best Time of Year to Visit Guatemala: Seasons, Travel Tips, & More

Guatemala’s climate is as varied as its terrain—from tropical rainforest in the Mayan biosphere and the hot and humid coastlines to the temperate highlands. As a general rule, summer is hot and wet, fall is warm and wet, winter is warm and dry, and spring is hot and dry, but, with a jam-packed calendar of fascinating cultural events and plenty to do and see whatever the weather, there are many reasons to visit Guatemala all year round.

Guatemala in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

From the amazing weather to the month-long festivities across the country, December is a great month to visit Guatemala—even if it is also one of the busiest. Still, with plenty of to see and do, including watching masked dancers swinging around upside down from the top of a giant pole and partaking in the Christmas celebrations, which—in typical Guatemalan style—involve plenty of parades, processions, feasting and fireworks, you'll soon forget about the crowds.

Guatemala in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is the hottest—and holiest—month in Guatemala. It's just as well known for its steamy days as it is for Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in the week leading up to Easter. This is a popular time to visit Guatemala, with parades, processions, and colorful carpets adorning the streets, especially in Antigua. After Easter, most travelers head to Lake Atitlán to relax—but to avoid the crowds, we recommend Rio Dulce or Huehuetenango instead. Keep reading to learn more about why April is a popular time to visit Guatemala.

Guatemala in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Marking the end of the winter and the beginning of the humid spring, March is one of the hottest months in Guatemala—expect little to no rain, and temperatures sometimes reaching over 90°F. Still, this makes it the perfect time to enjoy Guatemala's many swimming spots, including ancient volcanic lakes, limestone pools, tropical waterfalls, ice-cold rivers, and black sand beaches. Read on to find out more reasons why you should visit Guatemala in March.

Guatemala in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Not as hot as the spring months (and not as busy as the holiday season), February is the perfect time to enjoy Guatemala. Warm, dry weather makes exploring tourist hotspots like Antigua and Tikal pleasant, and you won't need to worry about crowds. It's also coffee harvest season in Guatemala, with plenty of related activities on offer, including the Coffee Harvest Festival in Frajianes and coffee farm tours. Keep reading to find out all the other reasons why February is a great time to visit this magical country.

Guatemala in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is one of the best times to visit Guatemala, with warm, dry weather all around. Conditions are perfect for trekking in the highlands, climbing volcanoes, and exploring jungle temples in the Mayan city of Tikal. It's a popular time to visit, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid the crowds—unless you end up joining the tens of thousands of worshippers on their annual pilgrimage to one of the holiest sites in Central America. Read on to find out more about what to do and where to go in Guatemala in January.

Antigua & Acatenango Adventure - 5 Days

This quick yet action-packed itinerary includes the best adventures in Guatemala's western highlands. Stroll through the well-preserved colonial town of Antigua, bike along epic downhill runs on mountain trails, and camp in front of an active volcano. You'll return from this escape inspired by the rugged beauty of the land and the warmth and welcoming spirit of its people.

Honeymoon in Guatemala: Antigua, Atitlán, Tikal & Río Dulce - 14 Days

Combine romance and adventure on a 14-day Guatemalan honeymoon you'll never forget. Stroll the fairy-tale streets of colonial Antigua, climb the fiery Pacaya Volcano, embark on boat tours around magical Lake Atitlán, and visit ancient pyramid temples at Tikal. For an added spark of intimacy, travel down the jade waters of the Río Dulce and treat yourself to relaxing spa treatments and dips in natural hot springs.

Guatemala Honeymoon Adventure - 15 Days

The perfect blend of relaxed romance and adventure, this two-week itinerary is perfect for couples looking for daytime excursions and blissful evenings. Begin with a few days of exploration in Antigua before heading to see Guatemala's volcanoes, lakes, national parks, and ancient ruins. See why this country has been deemed one of the under-the-radar-gems of the travel world, through cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences.

Guatemala Honeymoon Adventure - 16 Days

Deemed one of the hidden wonders of the travel world, explore Guatemala on this 16-day adventure through cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences with your partner. Stroll through the amazingly well-preserved colonial town of Antigua, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic ruins and churches, and bustling market. Climb the active Pacaya Volcano, enjoy lighter outdoor activities like kayaking around Lake Atitlan, and visit the famous Tikal Ruins.

Incredible Guatemala: Antigua, Tikal, Cobán, & Huehuetenango - 10 Days

Discover Guatemala, the last stronghold of the Mayan civilization, on this culture-forward trip starting and ending in colonial Antigua. Explore Tikal National Park, splash into nature on a tubing adventure through Alta Verapaz's cave system at B'omb'il Pek, and swim in the natural pools of Semuc Champey. Take in striking mountain scenery in Guatemala's Western Highlands, and visit Mayan villages along the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Guatemala Volcano Trekking Adventure - 15 Days

Volcano trekking is the focus of this 15-day expedition in Guatemala, with breathtaking views at the summit of every climb. Start at the Spanish colonial city of Antigua and climb Pacaya Volcano and Volcán de Agua, then head to the shores of Lake Atitlan for a hike up Volcán Toliman. You'll be transferred to the Quiche Indian town of Quetzaltenango for Volcán Santa Maria, followed by Volcán Tajumulco—the highest point in Central America.

Best of Guatemala by Mountain Bike - 16 Days

Spend 16 days riding on two wheels as you explore Guatemala's lively towns and unrivaled natural splendor; you'll traverse from Antigua to the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan, then ascend the country's highest mountains in Huehuetenango. You'll return from this action-packed escape inspired by both the rugged beauty of the land as well as the warmth and loveliness of the Guatemalan people, not to mention the new friends you'll make on the trails.

Guatemala Adventure: Ram Tzul, Semuc Champey, Candelaría & Laguna Lachúa - 5 Days

Explore Guatemala's great outdoors on this five-day nature adventure. Marvel at the exotic flora and fauna at Ram Tzul, visit a beautiful waterfall, and swim in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Next, explore the caves in the limestone mountains of Candelaría before touring Laguna Lachúa National Park, a unique ecosystem teeming with wildcats and exotic birds.

Maya Journey in Guatemala: Tikal, Río Dulce, & Quirigua Ruins - 5 Days

Embark on a five-day, Mayan-themed expedition through Guatemala. Begin in the northern jungles where you'll spend time with monkeys and tropical birds before visiting the ruins at Tikal National Park. Then take boat tour down the Río Dulce and enjoy more birding. Cap the adventure with an exploration of the Quirigua Ruins and its famous sandstone monuments before traveling back to Guatemala City.

Discover Antigua & Lake Atitlán - 4 Days

On this four-day trip to Guatemala, explore the local culture, along with one of the most stunning lakeside landmarks. Begin in Antiqua, and tour the churches, monasteries, and Mayan ruins, along with choosing between different artisanal workshops. Then, travel to Lake Atitlán to view the iconic body of water, along with visiting the local villages.

Guatemalan Highlands: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal - 7 Days

On this weeklong journey through Guatemala, explore major sites in the western highlands and northern rainforests. The trip begins in Antigua with a sightseeing tour followed by a stay on beautiful Lake Atitlán and a visit to an indigenous market dating back thousands of years. Then venture north to discover the ancient Maya city of Iximché and the awe-inspiring pyramid temples at Tikal National Park.

Guatemalan Culture & Outdoors: Tikal, Antigua & More - 10 Days

On this 10-day tour, experience Guatemala's rich culture and great outdoors. It begins in the north, where you'll visit turquoise pools, explore Maya ruins at Tikal, and take a ride down the jade waters of the Rió Dulce. A trip to Lake Atitlán will introduce you to indigenous culture, and it concludes with a visit to the ancient highland market at Chichicastenango, plus some sightseeing in the colonial town of Antigua.

Guatemalan Volcano Trek: Pacaya, Fuego, Zunil, Tajumulco, & More - 16 Days

On this 16-day active adventure trough Guatemala, you’ll conquer seven volcano summits located in the country’s highlands. The beginning of the trip is anchored in Antigua, where you’ll hike and camp near volcanos including Pacaya, Acatenango, and Fuego. Then, you’ll travel to Quetzaltenango to hike and explore Zunil and Santa Maria. You’ll also visit the Tajumulco and San Pedro volcanos before landing at Lake Atitlán, where you can relax by the water and explore the Iximché ruins on your way back to Antigua.

Best of Guatemala - 11 Days

Discover the best of Guatemala in 11 days, from climbing a volcano and visiting Mayan villages to soaking in hot springs on this active culture and nature-focused itinerary. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you explore the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán, and the ruins of Mayan civilization at Tikal. You'll also cruise along the Río Dulce to Livingston for an afternoon along the Caribbean coast.

Best of Guatemala & Roatán - 14 Days

Enjoy the best of Guatemala and Honduras' Roatán Island in two weeks on this culture- and nature-focused adventure. You'll explore ancient Maya ruins in Tikal, inner tube through winding caves at B'omb'il Pek, and visit rural Ixil communities in the Western Highlands. Discover Guatemala's natural rugged beauty as you swim, drive, and fly your way across the country.

Guatemala: Summit to Shoreline - 7 Days

Combining adventure and nature with leisure and culture, this one-week trip covers Guatemala's highlights, from the western highlands to the Pacific Coast. Discover historic Antigua on a walking tour and head high into the mountains to visit an authentic Maya craft market. Explore the indigenous communities and hike the mountains around Lake Atitlán before ending your adventure with a relaxing two days on the black-sand beach of Monterrico.

Guatemala & Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Historic Streets - 14 Days

This unforgettable two-week itinerary is the perfect mix of active adventures and cultural excursions around Belize and Guatemala. Spend time in colonial Antigua, hike an active volcano, rub elbows with the K'iche' Maya people, and visit indigenous communities around stunning Lake Atitlán. Then go north to the ancient Maya archeological site at Tikal before heading to the Caribbean to camp on coral islands and snorkel around Belize's 180-mile (290-km) Barrier Reef.

Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days

Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on this 10-day, action-packed itinerary. Stroll the cobbled streets of colonial Antigua, tour Lake Atitlán by boat, and hike around indigenous villages and towering volcanoes. Finally, experience living history as you explore ancient Maya ruins at Iximché and Tikal.

5 Best Cafés in Antigua

Coffee has long been one of Guatemala's top exports, but only recently has the country cultivated a café culture of its own. Nowadays, shops brewing locally-sourced coffee are easy to find in most corners of the nation—and cultural hotspot Antigua is no exception. Here's a roundup of the top cafés in Central America's favorite colonial town.

Guatemala Western Mayan Highlands – 3 Days

This is Guatemalan trekking at its best. The Western Mayan Highlands Trail follows ancient trade routes that once connected the Mayan civilizations of Lake Atitlan to those of Quetzaltenango. Much of this walk is above 10,000 feet (3,000 m), providing phenomenal views of 15 different volcanoes. Watch the sunset over Lake Atitlan, and finish your hike with a dip in the Fuentes Georginas hot springs.

Best of Guatemala - 8 Days

This one-week trip packs in all the highlights of beautiful Guatemala, from touring Mayan ruins and climbing an active volcano to exploring the stunning landscape. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you discover the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, the magic of Lake Atitlan, and the history of Mayan civilization at Tikal.