Tikal National Park
Region: Petén Department
Mixed Heritage
Largest Maya Classic period temple complex towering in jungle with rich ecosystem.
Tourism in Guatemala
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Antigua Guatemala
Region: Sacatepéquez Department
Cultural Heritage
Colonial capital with Baroque architecture on cobblestone streets. Famous for Holy Week processions.
Lake Atitlán
Region: Sololá Department
Nature
Caldera lake surrounded by volcanoes. Indigenous villages and beautiful sunsets are attractions.
Semuc Champey
Region: Alta Verapaz Department
Nature
Emerald-colored terraced pools and underground river creating limestone landscape.
Chichicastenango Market
Region: Quiché Department
Cultural Experience
Central America's largest indigenous market held Thursdays and Sundays.
Pacaya Volcano
Region: Escuintla Department
Nature
Popular trekking volcano near capital with close-up lava flow views.
Río Dulce & Castillo de San Felipe
Region: Izabal Department
Nature / History
Mangrove river cruise and 17th-century fortress combined.
Quiriguá Archaeological Park
Region: Izabal Department
Cultural Heritage
Middle-period city ruins with world's largest Maya stelae.
Acatenango Volcano
Region: Sacatepéquez Department
Nature
Adventure mecca for summit camping with nighttime views of Fuego Volcano eruptions.
Monterrico Beach
Region: Santa Rosa Department
Nature
Pacific resort with black sand beach and sea turtle sanctuary.
Suggested itineraries
Maya Ruins Highlights 7 Days
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Tikal, Quiriguá, Flores, Río Dulce
Route touring northern Petén jungle and Caribbean coastal ruins for intensive Maya civilization study.
Colonial City and Volcano Trekking 5 Days
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlán
Active traveler's combination of colonial city sightseeing and two active volcano summits.
Cultural Experience and Handicrafts 10 Days
Duration (days): 10
Highlights: Chichicastenango market, San Juan village weaving experience, Semuc Champey, Cobán coffee farm
Experience dyeing and coffee processing in indigenous communities across regions while covering natural attractions.
Travel tips
- Pre-arrange airport transfer for safety. Use official taxis for late arrivals.
- Old or torn quetzal bills refused by shops; keep clean notes.
- Highlands exceed 2,000m elevation; bring warm clothing and altitude sickness measures.
- Avoid tap water, purchase bottled water.
- Indigenous textiles have large price differences between hand-woven and machine-made.
- Wet season (May–October) afternoon squalls and landslide road closures common.
- Use registered ride-sharing apps or hotel-arranged vehicles for city transport.
- English rarely spoken outside major tourist areas; prepare simple Spanish expressions.
- Drone photography strictly prohibited near military facilities, permit required in national parks.
- Use ATMs in shopping malls with security guards present.