13 Amazing Things to do in Guatemala
Hiking in the tropical rainforest, marvelling at active volcanoes, strolling through picturesque colonial towns, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in steamy waterfalls and kayaking in lakes surrounded by volcanoes. These are just some of the magnificent things to do in Guatemala. Read our guide to find out more and everything you need to know when you visit Guatemala.
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Guatemala is hands-down one of my favourite countries! It has an incredible amount to offer and still largely remains off the beaten track so feels very untouched and unspoiled.
Whether you’re the more laidback traveller looking to unwind and chill out, maybe do some yoga, or you’re the more adventurous traveller with an urge to hike up volcanoes, Guatemala will undoubtedly exceed expectations!
In this guide, I’ll start with 13 amazing things to do in Guatemala and then share everything you need to know including the best time to visit Guatemala, how long to spend, how to get around and more.
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Things to do in Guatemala
Contents
Explore Tikal; one of the best things to see in Guatemala
Starting the list of amazing things to do in Guatemala is exploring Tikal; Central America’s most impressive ancient ruins. If you only have time to visit one while you’re here, make it Tikal.
Even if exploring ruins doesn’t excite you, Tikal is one of the most magnificent things to see in Guatemala.
Situated deep in a protected jungle, it’s absolutely massive and home to monkeys, toucans, macaws and even tarantulas! Ambling amongst the ruins you’ll feel a world away from civilisation with ancient ruins protruding through the jungle being reclaimed by nature.
You’ll feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider film!
This kingdom used to be one of the most powerful cities in Mayan civilisation with signs of life dating back to around 1000 BC when Tikal was first occupied as a small village.
It wasn’t until 300 BC, however, that much of the construction of major pyramids and temples had been completed. The city flourished between 200 and 800 AD and by 950 AD, Tikal had been completely abandoned.
Tikal National Park was established in the 1950s and in 1979 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although the most impressive site in Central America, Tikal sees fewer visitors. This is mainly due to it being quite tricky to reach. The closest town is Flores, which, unless you’re coming from Belize is out of the way compared to other popular areas in Guatemala.
Kayak on Lake Atitlan; one of the top Guatemala activities
One of my absolute favourite things to do in Guatemala was to spend time on Lake Atitlan; renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!
Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with traditional Mayan villages each with a distinct personality and charm, I guarantee you’ll end up staying longer than expected.
There are many wonderful things to do on Lake Atitlan, but one of the best is to rent a kayak and explore the nooks and crannies of the shoreline, take in the majesty of the volcanoes surrounding the lake or just sit back and let the current steer you to see what you’ll discover.
Being on the lake, you’ll also be treated to the best views. 360-degree views of volcanoes, mountains, vast, calm water, countryside, and colourful towns; kayaking on Lake Atitlan truly is one of the best Guatemala activities.
Our Top Tip: most of the towns don’t have ATMs, so make sure you take plenty of cash before your boat leaves Panajachel.
Hike Volcan Acatenango
Hiking Volcan Acatenango is one of the best and most adventurous things to do in Guatemala. This is an absolute must-do for a real bucketlist travel activity and it’s every visitor’s highlight when they visit Guatemala.
I previously hiked up a volcano for sunrise in Bali which was incredible, but Volcan Acatenango was on another level entirely!
There are 37 volcanoes sprawled across Guatemala and three are still active – Volcan Pacaya, Volcan Fuego and Volcan Santiaguito. The reason for hiking Volcan Acatenango is to watch the spectacle of Volcan Fuego erupting every 15-20 minutes.
Volcan Acatenango has an elevation of 3976 metres, making it the third-highest volcano in Central America. The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding and the rewards hugely outweigh the difficulties.
When you book your Volcan Acatenango hike, find out exactly what the company provides and what is already at base camp. Tents and bedding will likely be provided as will meals but you’ll need to bring your own water and snacks.
Spending the night under the stars watching lava erupt from a neighbouring volcano is something I never in a million years would have thought I’d ever do. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen and will always be one of my favourite travelling memories.
Swing off Jorge's Rope Swing
This little adventure playground is found in Flores on Lake Peten Itza and is one of the most unique things to do in Guatemala.
On Lake Peten Itza’s north shore in a secluded bay, is Jorge’s rope swing; a charming place run by a local family. To reach it you can either rent a kayak or pay one of the boatmen to ferry you across. The rope swing and diving board are the main attractions and the tepid water is a great place to cool off in the heat.
It’s a gorgeous setting for a relaxing afternoon. At the little thatched hut, there are chairs, tables and hammocks set up. There’s also a small restaurant offering food, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
If you’re enjoying yourself too much and don’t want to head back to town that evening, you can even spend the night in one of the hammocks!
Explore Rio Dulce National Park
Rio Dulce itself is a very busy, noisy, dusty town with bellowing trucks on a highway nestled under an imposing bridge. However, jump on a boat and take a ride through Rio Dulce National Park and you’ll see a completely different story.
Rio Dulce National Park is one of Guatemala’s oldest national parks and connects Lake Izabal with Livingstone on the Caribbean coast. This area is still relatively unknown and the jungle is incredibly lush and untouched. It’s a world away from Rio Dulce town.
Meander the narrow waterways nestled amongst towering limestone cliffs while keeping your eyes peeled for exotic birds and aquatic life.
There are small Q’eqchi’ villages scattered throughout the forest and jutting out over the water. The locals will probably come out of their houses to wave and smile as you go past!
Our Top Tip: the best way to see Rio Dulce National Park is to double the trip up as a transit option between Rio Dulce and Livingston.
Swim in Finca el Paraiso
Swimming in Finca el Paraiso is one of the most unique things to do in Guatemala and a must for anyone who loves a hot spring!
They’re one of Central America’s hidden gems and come with a unique twist. The hot springs are at the top of the waterfall and feed into it. You can bathe in the hot springs by climbing up the side of the waterfall. There are also mud baths up here you can soak in.
Once you’ve caked yourself in mud you can either walk down the side of the waterfall or jump into the pool below.
The pool is cold so it’s very refreshing on a hot day. If you stand in the pool underneath the waterfall, it’s like having a hot shower. A lovely contrast with the different temperatures.
Entrance to the waterfall costs Q10 (approx. $1.25). To get there, take a collectivo from Rio Dulce town and ask to be dropped at Finca el Paraiso.
The collectivos are an experience in themselves. These are shared minibus taxis that cram as many people in as possible and once the bus is so full the door won’t close, they’ll sit people on the roof!
Take a Dip in Semuc Champey
The cascading turquoise pools and waterfalls of Semuc Champey are set in a lush mountainous valley in the jungle and are one of the top things to see in Guatemala.
You can spend a good few hours swimming in the natural pools, exploring the small caves, jumping and sliding down the waterfalls, or unwinding with a good book surrounded by incredibly natural scenery.
There’s a short hourish hike up to the mirador (viewpoint) rewarding you with breathtaking views across the valley and over the pools.
To reach Semuc Champey you’ll need to stay in Lanquin; a little town 10 kilometres from the National Park down bumpy roads. The journey will take around 45 minutes and you’ll need to take a 4×4 jeep.
You can either book this through your accommodation in Lanquin, or, if you’d prefer to have everything sorted before your arrival, book a tour through Get Your Guide.
Swimming in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey was one of the favourite things to do in Guatemala and I’d 100% recommend making the trip.
Ride on a Chicken Bus
You can’t help but notice these wildly painted buses throughout Guatemala.
They’re actually retired American school buses that have been bought cheaply and are now used to transport passengers instead of students. They’ve earned the name “chicken bus” from tourists as locals commonly use the buses to transport livestock.
These buses are an experience not to miss while in Guatemala. They’re very old and falling to pieces, they usually have a stereo system blasting out loud music and there are bright flashy lights that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a Christmas tree.
They’ll be jam-packed full of people and just when you think no one else can surely fit on, the driver will stop and pick up more people with crates of chickens.
Our Top Tip: unless you’re travelling on a really tight budget, it’s probably best to try a shorter journey first.
Swim at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
As I’ve previously mentioned, Lake Atitlan is a magnificent lake perfect for getting away from it all and unwinding.
As well as exploring it in a kayak, which is one of the best Guatemala activities, it’s also fantastic for swimming in. Not everywhere is nice to swim in, however, some areas are quite dirty and polluted (San Pedro). One of the nicest areas to swim is San Marcos.
Cerro Tzankujil is a tranquil nature reserve with walking trails leading to sheltered swimming areas and places to sit and chill out and appreciate the magnificent views across the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
There’s also a wooden platform built on the edge of a cliff referred to as the ‘trampoline’ you can jump off. The water here is crystal clear and perfect to cool off in the heat.
Visit El Castillo de San Felipe
El Castillo de San Felipe is located on the northern shores of Lake Izabal within the beautiful Rio Dulce National Park. It was built in the 17th century by the Spanish to protect the port of San Antonio de las Bodegas from frequent pirate attacks on nearby villages.
It seemed to deter the pirates for a while but in 1686 the fort fell into their hands and was burnt down. By the end of the following century, pirates had disappeared from the Caribbean and the fort served as a prison. Eventually, it was abandoned and what stands today is the 1956 reconstruction.
The fort received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002 and is protected as a park. It’s one of the most popular things to see in Guatemala on Lake Izabal where you’ll also find grassy areas for barbecues and picnics and places to swim in the lake.
Swim in Siete Altares
If you plan on visiting Livingston, one of the top things to do in Guatemala, is to visit Siete Altares (Seven Altars). The Siete Altares are a series of seven waterfalls and natural freshwater pools set within a lush rainforest.
They’re a pleasant place for walks, picnics, taking a refreshing dip, or chilling out and reading a book.
The neighbouring population believed that these waters had medicinal powers. Those who suffered from unaccountable diseases came here in an attempt to heal their bodies.
Siete Altares are located just inland and are 5km from Livingston. They can either be reached walking along the coast north out of town or you can take a boat (around Q100). The walk leads you past local fishing families and hidden villages so I’d recommend walking in at least one direction.
Our Top Tip: if walking, do so during the busiest part of the day and walk with a group as on occasion, tourists have been robbed. Also, the beach can sometimes be full of garbage. It’s a seasonal phenomenon caused by a mix of heavy river runoff, coastal currents and tidal conditions.
Eat at Caoba Farms
Just a short walk from Antigua City Centre is Caoba Farms; an organic, sustainable farm selling over 100 different crops commercially. They supply top restaurants and hotels in Antigua and Guatemala City with organic, fresh produce.
There’s a lovely onsite farm-to-table restaurant offering a range of international and Guatemalan cuisine. You’ll feel great knowing where the food you’re eating has come from.
In addition to producing a wide variety of produce, Caoba Farm is home to several types of animals; rabbits, pigs, quails, chickens, goats, lambs and ducks. These provide the farm with manure and products as well as make good use of garden waste.
Caoba Farms is also a place of community gathering with many events held throughout the month. Every Saturday and Sunday there’s a farmers market where vendors sell a variety of handicrafts while live music plays.
There are also flea markets, yoga and a butterfly house. Timings and schedules regularly change so check what’s on before you go.
Visiting Caoba Farms is one of the most unique things to do in Guatemala and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Antigua.
Ascend Cerro de la Cruz
For a fantastic view of Antigua, the short ascent to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) is well worth it. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping, unobstructed views over the town and the magnificent Volcan Agua looming over the landscape; this is easily one of the best things to see in Guatemala.
Cerro de la Cruz is the best viewpoint in Antigua and as it only takes about 15 minutes to walk up, an absolute must-do while you’re here. The cross at the viewpoint is devoted to the city’s patron saint.
Our Top Tip: it’s best to hike during the day as there have been reports of theft in the area after dark.
To Know Before You Go
The best time to visit Guatemala
The tourist board refers to Guatemala as being the “land of the eternal spring” as most of the country experiences warm days and mild evenings year-round. The dry season is November to April, however, during the rainy season, showers tend to be limited to late afternoon.
Peak time to visit Guatemala is December to March which in turn sees large crowds and an increase in prices.
Getting around Guatemala
The most popular way to get around Guatemala is by “chicken bus”. Although these aren’t the comfiest, you’ll be piled on top of each other and may fear for your life on more than one occasion; they’re super cheap, give you a unique opportunity to meet the locals and make for some great stories!
As tourism has increased, the country has seen a rise in tourist “shuttles” which are much quicker and comfier. However, make sure you ride in a chicken bus at least once on your Guatemala itinerary.
It’s super easy to book your transport. We booked most of ours in the accommodation we were staying in. They’d call up the transport companies, book our buses, give us the tickets and just add the cost to our bill.
Collectivos are the best way to get around locally. These are shared minibus taxis that cram as many people in as possible and once the bus is so full the door won’t close, they’ll sit people on the roof!
How long would you recommend?
I wouldn’t recommend anything less than two weeks for the best things to do in Guatemala. I was there for almost three weeks, which is ideal for also exploring off-the-beaten-track areas like Rio Dulce and Livingston.
How expensive is Guatemala?
Guatemala is slightly cheaper than Mexico and considerably cheaper than Belize. You can find decent enough accommodation for as little as $15 a night for a private room and $8 a night for a bed in a dorm.
Street food meals you can get for as little as 50c – $1. Meals in the cheaper restaurants start from around $5 and of course, you have the more upmarket restaurants where it’ll be more expensive. Compared to UK prices, you’ll still pay a fraction of the cost.
What currency do I need?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal. At the time of writing 1 USD is approximately 7.79 GTQ.
What plug do I need?
Guatemala uses plug types A and B, the same as Mexico and the US. Both have two flat parallel pins and B has a grounding pin.
Do I need a visa?
As a UK passport holder, you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this post on 13 amazing things to do in Guatemala. If you have any other questions or anything you’d like to add to our list, please leave a comment.
Also, make sure you check out our other Guatemala posts below!
