In Central America, Guatemala is regularly a major hit among travelers. Those with flexibility often find themselves staying far beyond their original itinerary. Once the heart of the Mayan world, where the ancient culture’s best cities flourished and commerce grew, Guatemala now offers travelers a welcome blend of relaxation, adventure and culture.

Here, you can reside entirely in small towns and quaint villages soaking up all remnants of Mayan culture. Roads lead to the highlands where temperatures drop and volcanoes rise to spectacular heights. Local markets defy belief and sparkling lakes harbor tales as old as time.

Away from the bubbling volcanoes are two coasts, one that looks out to surf and sunsets. Then there is the Caribbean and a unique culture not found elsewhere in Guatemala. It’s amazing that a single country can have all this, yet with its small size, you have it all at your fingertips.  

The main cathedral in Quetzaltenango. Bruno Adrian/Shutterstock

Fall in love with Xela

Pronounced “Shay-lah”, Xela is the Mayan name for a town the Spanish name Quetzaltenango. It’s an adventure hub, a town steeped in Mayan history and the perfect place to call home as you experience the best of Guatemalan culture and nature.

Xela is one of the largest cities in Guatemala. You could write an entire article purely on the best things to do here, so we will try our best to keep this concise. Begin by exploring the city on foot, taking in the organized chaos of Central American traffic, while keeping the camera handy as you pass church after beautiful church, including the memorable Quetzaltenango Cathedral. Between them are local hangouts where you can dine on caldo de res (beef broth), tamales and jocon de pollo (chicken stew). 

For nearby cultural experiences, you can check out the many amazing villages around Lake Atitlan along with the thrilling Chichicastenango Market. But we mentioned that Xela is an adventure hub. It’s the best launching point to hike up the Tajumulco Volcano, the tallest in the country. Afterwards, rest your weary ones at the hot sulfur springs in Fuentes Georginas. When you’re ready to get those legs moving once more, make your way to Lake Chicabal, a vast crater lake. 

Lake Atitlan at Panajachel. Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Admire Lake Atitlan

Nestled in the foothills of the Guatemalan Highlands, Lake Atitlan is a mesmerizing experience. Wherever you look, there’s natural beauty, from the glistening lake, which is the deepest in Central America, to the surrounding Serra Madra range. In addition, the lakeside towns of Panajachel, San Pedro and San Juan provide layer upon layer of culture.

From the edge of the lake, you’ll find yourself in a trance as you stare toward the deep blue lake that stretches into the distance. The color blend of the lake and sky makes it hard to see where the horizon ends and the heavens begin. The only interruption is the sharp spike of volcanic mountains that rise out of the lake like a haze of blue smoke.

From the many towns around Lake Atitlan, you can rent kayaks and standup paddleboards and explore what is often glass-like water. The calm conditions make it a breeze to paddle, providing ample opportunity to simply sit and watch. 

From Antigua, you can venture to Lake Atitlan while experiencing a number of local communities and ancient Mayan culture. On this private tour, you’ll visit three lakeside villages to discover ancient technology and traditions that carry on into the 21^st century, all while admiring the immense beauty of the lake.

Views of Volcán de Fuego from Volcán Acatenango. All the volcanoes! Joey Juffermans/Shutterstock

Go Chase Volcanoes

Did you know that there are over three dozen volcanoes in Guatemala? Active, dormant and extinct, many that you can climb with your own two feet, plenty of hydration and a sense of adventure. If you’re up for a challenge, the Central American nation doesn’t have a shortage of epic volcanic climbs to experience thanks to being on the precipice of two tectonic plates that get along as well as teenage siblings.

It can make choosing between each volcano a difficult decision. But let us lend a hand. We mentioned Volcan Tajumulco, so let’s start there. Not only is it the tallest volcano in Guatemala but also all of Central America. It stands at almost 14,000 feet (4,220m) so you’ll want to spend a minute (or more) adjusting to the altitude.

Despite its sheer height, it’s not the hardest volcano to climb in the country. Hikers, who won’t have to pay an entrance fee, will begin their hike at around 10,000 feet (3000m), leaving just a third of the mountain to complete. Not a bad way to summit bag Guatemala’s tallest peak.

Another option, and one of the best hikes in Guatemala, is Volcan Acatenango. At 13,041 feet (3,975) it’s the second tallest volcano in Guatemala, yet it’s a far greater challenge and one that leaves you worthy of a frothy summit beer once you make it to the top. The trailhead is an hour from Antigua and it’s most commonly done as an overnight hike. Don’t fret if you don’t have your camping gear handy. This guided trek will bring you to the top in time for an epic sunrise.

Agua volcano behind Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua. Lucy.Brown/Shutterstock

Spend a Few Days in Antigua

We are only a few stops in on our journey through the best things to do in Guatemala, and yet we’ve already mentioned Antigua a bunch. Let’s not avoid it any further. The gorgeous city is surrounded by not one, but three imposing volcanoes. Add in a skyline of colonial-style buildings and Antigua is one of the most beautiful cities in Central America.

You’ll be surprised to learn that Antigua suffered through a significant earthquake in the late 18^th century. One strong enough to force the title of Guatemala’s capital city away from Antigua to Guatemala City. But despite this tragic natural event, Antigua remains a city laden with eye-catching architecture and without major high-rises, it’s far from a concrete jungle with plenty of character. 

Travelers flying into Guatemala would do well to make Antigua their starting point. Not only do you have access to many top attractions, but the city itself offers so much history without burning a hole in your pocket. Join locals and shop at Iglesia de la Merced, take a picture of the Santa Catarina Arch and visit the Ruins of Santa Rosa, one of a handful of reminders of the 1773 earthquake. Finish up with a trek to the top of Cerro de la Cruz for majestic views over the city.

Incredible Tikal National Park. Brester Irina/Shutterstock

Explore the Mayan Ruins of Tikal

OK, the Tikal ruins are arguably the best thing to see in Guatemala. But hey, I couldn’t just give that away at the start. Now that you’ve read this far, let’s go a little further. Far from anything (the nearest major town is Flores, an hour away) the Mayan Ruins of Tikal requires a bit of a journey, but one that is ultimately worth every bit.

You’ll find the ruins near the border of Belize and thanks to amazing preservation, the ruins are one of the best representations of Mayan history and engineering prowess in Central America. For around 1,500 years, the Mayans developed and occupied this space, building over 3,000 structures from spacious plazas to temples and striking pyramids. Today, it all adds up to create one of the largest Mayan sites you can see firsthand.

Like other Mayan ruins, part of the grandeur of the experience is the ruins rising out of thick jungle as if nature is slowly reclaiming its place after centuries. This aura is on display here and when you add on the remoteness of the archaeological site, it becomes an inspiring experience. The surrounding landscape is a part of the Tikal National Park and is teeming with the sounds of birds and monkeys, which also make regular appearances on the steps of the ruins.

Bustling Chichicastenango Market is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs. streetflash/Shutterstock

Get lost at Chichicastenango Market

It’s not often you see a small and remote town become known for its market. Let alone a market that belies the town’s size. But that is the case in Chichicastenango. The local market is a prismatic burst of color and aroma as locals and nearby residents gather en masse on Thursdays and Sundays to trade herbs, meats, textiles and artifacts.

You’ll find one of the largest markets in Central America, about two hours from Xela. Such is its popularity that you can jump on a shuttle from Xela along with Lake Atitlan purely to peruse the offerings. It’s an enormous outdoor market, one that you can load up on fresh eats to nibble on as you wander down the seemingly endless collection of aisles.

Travelers will be happy to know that it’s far from a tourist trap. The market is steeped in tradition with ample connection to Mayan culture. The handicrafts are authentic, the fashion finely woven with immaculate (and vibrant) threads and you’ll even discover a row of traditional healing herbs.

Out of the two days the market runs, plan to visit on Sunday. Sure, it’s busier, but the market is also a place to observe how Mayan rituals and modern religion play a role in local culture.

Is Semuc Champey not just one of the prettiest places in the world? Hugo Brizard – YouG/Shutterstock

See the Incredible Semuc Champey

Guatemala is packed with amazing nature. It’s rugged and wild in a similar vein to Hawaii. Now that you’ve climbed some volcanoes, it’s time to head in the other direction and venture deep into a stunning gorge.

Semuc Champey is a veritable paradise and shows the architectural genius of Mother Nature. South of Lanquin, Semuc Champey translates to the water beneath the stones and is a natural bridge that spans almost 1,000 feet (300m) above the Cahabon River. To form the bridge, the river chipped away at the limestone rock for thousands of years.

Today, the top of the bridge has formed a series of pools with sparkling turquoise water where you can step in, kick back and relax. But like anything good, you’ll have to work for it. The shortest hike to the bridge is only twenty minutes. However, the best way to get there is along the El Mirador.

This hour-long trek first leads you to the El Mirador, which is a viewpoint where you’ll be able to admire the bridge and its six baby blue pools from above. In the distance you’ll hear wildlife clamoring around the trees, including howling monkeys. After taking way too many photos, head down the Semuc Champey. Jump from pool to pool (some have depths of up to 15 feet or 4.5m). Over time, the water moves along the bridge to form a series of waterfalls that tumble spectacularly down to the river below.

Don’t rush your Semuc Champey experience with the help of this three-day adventure.