25 Unforgettable Things to do in Guatemala

Guatemala completely took us by surprise. Often overshadowed by the more flashy destinations like Peru’s Machu Picchu, Chile’s Patagonia, and Bolivia’s Salar Uyuni, we truly believe Guatemala is one of the region’s most underrated gems. Known as the Land of Eternal Spring, Guatemala packs an incredible range of experiences into one compact country. From lush jungles and active volcanoes to impressive Mayan ruins, standout fusion cuisine, and a deeply rooted, beautifully preserved indigenous culture. Guatemala truly offers an amazing amount of diversity, especially when compared to far vaster landscapes of countries like Peru or Chile.

After spending over two weeks exploring every corner of Guatemala, we have put together a list of our favourite experiences in the country. Rather than simply listing places to visit, we instead focus on highlighting unique experiences that you can truly take part in. Having personally experienced most of them ourselves, we can confidently say these are the moments that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

What Makes Guatemala Special?

With so many incredible destinations across Central and South America, you might be wondering why you should visit Guatemala. For us, what truly sets it apart is the sheer variety of unforgettable experiences you can have within such a compact country.

The Ancient Ruins

If ancient history fascinates you, Guatemala offers the chance to explore the Mayan civilization at Tikal and Yaxha, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is not just another ancient ruin where you have to rely on your imagination to picture what it once looked like. Tikal is so remarkably well preserved that it genuinely felt like we were stepping over 1000 years back in time. Standing in the central plaza between the two towering temples was such a surreal and otherworldly experience that it is hard to put into words.

The active Erupting Volcanoes

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, hiking Acatenango to witness an active volcanic eruption is a once in a lifetime experience and one that very few places in the world can offer. I mean how often can you say you were standing on a volcano with lava erupting?

The Amazing Food

For Foodies, Guatemala has got you! We knew that Peru is one of the culinary capitals of South America, but we never heard of Guatemalan cuisine. Well turns out the fusion of foods here is incredible and you can eat your way through it in the colonial town of Antigua! 

The Tranquil Retreat

And if relaxation is what you are after, Lake Atitlán, surrounded by three volcanoes, has a mystical, calming atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to slow down and unwind. We even stayed at one of the most scenic hotels we have experienced anywhere in the world, Hotel Casa del Mundo, with absolutely breathtaking views over the volcanic lake.

The list truly goes on, but to get a better idea of all the unique and exciting things you can do, dive into our list below.

Our 25 Favourite things to do in Guatemala

Below, we break down our top 25 things to do in Guatemala, along with what makes each experience truly unique. Most of these activities are concentrated in three main regions: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores. These areas offer the widest range of unforgettable experiences and are where you will find the majority of Guatemala’s must do highlights.

To make planning easier, we have broken down the list of experiences by region so you can clearly see what each area has to offer.

Things to Do in Antigua and Nearby

Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most charming cities, known for its jaw dropping colonial architecture, incredible food scene, and some of the best cocktail and mixology spots in the country. It is also the gateway for one of Guatemala’s most unforgettable experiences, trekking up Acatenango to watch Volcán Fuego erupt through the night. With easy day trips to nearby villages, viewpoints, and coffee farms, Antigua is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and indulgence all in one place. This is a city we would not hesitate to return to.

For more details, check out our Antigua Guide, where we break down exactly how to plan a 3 to 5 day stay.

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1) Hike Volcano Acatenango

One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Guatemala was to see a live volcanic eruption. We’re always drawn to destinations that offer experiences you can’t find just anywhere, and Guatemala fits that perfectly, with one of the highest concentrations of active volcanoes in the world.

The Acatenango Volcano hike offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the power of lava eruptions firsthand. This 2 day, 1 night trek takes you to a campsite near the summit of Acatenango, where you can watch the neighbouring Fuego volcano erupt every few minutes. If you still have the energy after the long hike and are feeling adventurous, there is also the option to add on an additional 4 hour hike up the slopes of the actively erupting Volcano Fuego.

Sitting on the slopes of Fuego, feeling the powerful rumble of each eruption and watching the night sky light up in brilliant shades of orange is a moment I will never forget.

Do note that this hike is quite challenging and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable hiking a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of steep uphill.

2) Roast Marshmallows on Volcano Pacaya

Another unique experience you can have from Antigua is hiking Pacaya Volcano. This is perfect for those who want to experience the lava of a volcano, but without doing the intense 2 day hike up Acatenango. This climb is much less demanding than Acatenango and can easily be done as a day trip. To take it a step even further, if hiking feels like too much effort, you even have the option to ride a horse part of the way up.

At the top, you’ll reach a lava field where the magma heats the volcanic rocks beneath your feet, creating the perfect opportunity to roast marshmallows using the natural heat of the volcano. If you’re lucky, you may even see flowing lava. Overall, it’s a great semi adventurous experience that lets you explore the dramatic landscapes around Antigua without being overly strenuous.

3) Explore the collapsed cathedral ruins of Antigua

We have now travelled to over 45 countries around the world, exploring countless ancient cities like Arequipa in Peru, the Peloponnese in Greece, Sicily in Italy, and the Patara Ruins in Turkey, yet we have never seen anything quite like these breathtaking collapsed cathedrals.

There is something deeply mysterious and mesmerizing about wandering through the colonial arches, looking up to see birds flying overhead against clear blue skies. The setting is so photogenic that many people even choose to have their weddings or photoshoots here.

Some of the most impressive examples include Convento Santa Clara and the Antigua Cathedral. It’s hard to fully describe the feeling, but being there is truly captivating and carries an almost magical aura.

During our stay, we decided to visit on our own because we knew we’d be spending a lot of time taking photos of the cathedrals. But if you’re interested in learning more about the history and stories behind these captivating structures, then you can join this Mystery of Convents & Monasteries Tour. It covers San José Cathedral, Convento Santa Clara, and Convento de las Capuchinas.  

4) Witness the Volcano Framed by the Santa Catalina Arch

If you’ve ever searched for Antigua online, you will have definitely come across the iconic photo of the yellow and white Santa Catalina Arch framed by a volcano in the background. Located in the northern part of the city, this spot provides one of the most iconic and beautiful views of the city with the arch perfectly aligned against the volcanic backdrop. 

For the best perspective, keep walking up 5a Avenida Norte until you are nearly at the end of the street, then turn back toward the arch. We noticed that many tourists stop at the earlier intersection, which means they end up photographing the arch without the volcano actually visible behind it. 

This viewpoint is especially popular at sunset, when the light is at its best, though keep in mind that clouds often roll in and can partially or completely obscure the volcano.

5) Local Street Food Tour to Discover The Cuisine of Guatemala

Like we mentioned earlier on in the guide, we were completely blown away by the quality of food in Guatemala. From the delicious street foods of pupusas and antojitos, to fancy yet affordable steaks (literally one of the best we’ve ever had), Antigua is filled with delicious finds! But one of the best ways to discover the local foods is through a food tour!

On this tour, you will get to sample local favourites such as pupusas, tamales, antojitos, plátanos, and much more. What makes food tours especially worthwhile is that they go beyond just eating. You will also learn about the country’s history, culture, and traditions, while having the chance to interact with locals along the way. Another big bonus is that food tours take you to stalls and eateries trusted by locals, so you can enjoy the experience with confidence and avoid the risk of food poisoning.

6) Antigua Cooking Class

If simply eating the food is not enough, joining a cooking class is the perfect next step up. You will learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as tostadas dobladas, pepián, rellenitos, and more! Each class can focus on different recipes, but you’re guaranteed to have fun and learn a lot about the cuisine.

The cooking classes also includes a visit to a local market, where you can see and learn about the wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and ingredients that are native to Guatemala.

7) Enter the Hobbit town of Lord of the Rings

Ever wanted to feel like you have stepped straight into the Shire from Lord of the Rings? Hobbitenango, located about 30 minutes from Antigua, is a mountaintop village filled with hobbit style houses, themed cafés and restaurants, and sweeping panoramic views. This is also where you will find the famous giant hand you can stand on, which is perfect for taking photos overlooking the Guatemalan landscape. On top of that, Hobbitenango is filled with activities like archery, axe throwing, mini-golf, and a giant swing perfect for pictures. 

Hobbitenango is perfect for a half day visit, but if you want to fully lean into the experience, you can even spend the night in one of the hobbit style houses.

The easiest way to get there is by joining using the official shuttle provided by the park. They depart from downtown Antigua at 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM,  2 PM and 4 PM and returns back to Antigua at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM every day. Alternatively, you can take an Uber which may cost around Q100 each way, or join a Hobbitenango day tour from Antigua. 

• Recommended Tour: Official Hobbitenango Page + Shuttle or Hobbitenango day tour from Antigua
• Highlights: Experience the hobbit town from Lord of the rings, perfect photo opportunities at the giant hand and swing
• Time required: 4-5 Hours
• Entrance fee: Q55

8) Discover the Mixology Scene at a hidden Speakeasy

We love trying cocktails when we travel, and we were genuinely blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of the cocktail scene in Antigua. At several restaurants we visited, the cocktails weren’t just tasty, but also full sensory experiences. The bartenders played with fresh herbs, spices, citrus spritzes, and even lighting and presentation to elevate each drink. It ended up being one of the most creative cocktail scenes we’ve ever come across in our travels.

Beyond grabbing some drinks over dinner, we highly recommend seeking out one of Antigua’s coolest hidden gems: a speakeasy cocktail bar called Ulew, tucked inside Antigua Brewing Company. To find it, you’ll step through a red phone booth and slip past hidden curtains before the bar reveals itself.

Inside, the mixologists take the time to ask about your preferred flavour profiles before crafting a completely custom cocktail. When our drink arrived, it was served on an antique clock used as a coaster, lightly spritzed with floral citrus, and illuminated from below. It was such a fun, memorable experience and the perfect way to end the night after dinner. 

9) Casa Escobar for one of the Best Steaks

We have eaten our way through some of the world’s most famous steak destinations. Buenos Aires in Argentina, Japan with its legendary Wagyu, Brazil for picanha, and the United States for USDA beef. And yet, without a doubt, one of the best steaks we have ever had was at Casa Escobar in Antigua. We still dream about it to this day. 

We ordered the Puyazo steak, which is locally raised, and it was unbelievably tender with a deep, rich flavour that completely blew us away. On top of that, we shared pork arancini style balls and a tuna crudo served with a perfectly balanced ponzu sauce. We then finished the meal with a homemade flan paired with pistachio ice cream, and honestly, every single dish was exceptional.

Our experience at Casa Escobar, everything from the food, the cocktail, to the romantic setting with large doorway windows overlooking the illuminated facade of one of Antigua’s historic cathedrals, was perfect. 

10) Go Salsa dancing with live music at Las Palmas

After indulging in all the incredible Guatemalan food, why not burn off a few calories by dancing the night away? Las Palmas, located right in Antigua, features a live Latin band every night and is the perfect place to dance salsa. It is a favourite among both locals and travellers and gets wonderfully lively at night. The music usually kicks off around 9 pm and carries on until midnight.

We went on our final night in Antigua and had a blast. They serve affordable drinks (pretty basic cocktail mixes, unlike the other cocktail places we recommended), some bar food, but the main highlight is the live band! And after a fun night of dancing, it is easy to walk back home since Las Palmas is conveniently located in downtown Antigua. 

And if ever you’re a solo traveller and would prefer to experience the nightlife with a friendly group, you can check out this Antigua Bar Crawl tour! 

11) Enjoy Some of the Best Coffee on a Coffee Farm Tour

If you’re a coffee lover, or even just curious about where your morning cup comes from, this coffee tour out of Antigua is a must-do experience. Guatemala is renowned for its high-quality beans, and this tour takes you behind the scenes to see how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted, right at a local coffee farm. You’ll walk through lush coffee plantations, learn about the farming techniques that make Guatemalan coffee so special, and get to taste freshly brewed coffee right at the source. 

And beyond the coffee, what makes this experience special is the chance to connect with the farmers and workers who dedicate their lives to their craft. It’s a perfect half-day activity that combines nature, culture, and hands-on preparation of coffee from bean to bar! 

12) Viewpoint of Antigua at Cerro de la Cruz

For one of the best views in Antigua with minimal effort, head on over to Cerro de la Cruz. This viewpoint sits just above the city and offers a stunning panoramic view of Antigua’s colourful streets with Volcán de Agua towering dramatically in the background. It is especially beautiful in the early morning or around sunset when the light hits the volcano just right.

To get there, you can walk from Antigua’s Central Park, heading north through the residential area. The walk takes about 20 to 25 minutes at a relaxed pace, with the final stretch being slightly uphill but very manageable. Once you reach the entrance, it is a short paved walk up to the viewpoint itself.

Things to Do in Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, located around three hours from Guatemala City, is one of the most peaceful and spiritual destinations in the country. Surrounded by dramatic volcanoes, stunning cliffside hotels, and creative lakeside towns, it is a place that feels truly magical. If you’re planning on including Lake Atitlan in your Guatemala trip (which you definitely should), be sure to check out our complete Lake Atitlan itinerary guide for a breakdown of what to do each day, the logistics around it, how to get there, and how to make the most of your time there.

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13) Sunrise hike up Indian Nose (Nariz del Indio)

Watching the sunrise from the top of Indian Nose is considered one of the most magical experiences you can have at Lake Atitlán. From the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the lake, surrounded by volcanoes, as the sun slowly lights up the sky in hues of orange and pink. Sadly, we had to skip this hike since our bodies were still wrecked after the Acatenango and Fuego trek, and I was barely making it to the boat across the lake without hobbling. Nonetheless, we have no regrets since we still managed to soak in one of the most jaw dropping views right from our hotel balcony. More on that below!

If you intend on doing the hike, we recommend basing yourself in San Pedro La Laguna since that is where the trek begins. You will usually be picked up around 3:30 to 4:00 am and driven partway up the mountain before starting the hike. From there, the walk to the viewpoint takes about 45 minutes and is moderately steep. Once at the top, you will wait for sunrise and enjoy the view before hiking back down and returning to town by mid morning.

Important Note: The easiest places to start this hike are San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, and San Marcos, as they are all just a short boat ride away. Since we were staying at Casa del Mundo in Jaibalito and the lanchas only begin running around 6:00 AM, we would have needed to arrange a fully private boat and tour, which quickly became expensive. So if hiking Indian Nose is high on your list, we recommend choosing accommodation in or very close to San Pedro to keep the logistics simple and affordable.

14) Learn Spanish in Guatemala

Guatemala is widely considered one of the best places to learn Spanish, due to its clear, neutral accent and the high quality yet surprisingly affordable language schools. Travelers from all over the world come to Guatemala to study Spanish, whether for a week, several months, or anything in between. While learning in Antigua with its cobbled colonial streets would already be incredible, we personally think studying in the peaceful setting of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes, takes the experience to another level.

Even if you’re short on time, many schools offer flexible options like a few days of classes or private lessons. No matter how long you stay, learning the language is one of the best ways to truly connect with the culture.

We ended up taking Spanish lessons while travelling through South America and it really enhanced our experience and allowed us to connect a lot more deeply with locals.

15) Stay at one of the most beautiful hotels at Casa Del Mundo

Casa Del Mundo hotel is by far one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve stayed at in all of our travels. Located high up on the cliffs of Jaibalito, Casa del Mundo is surrounded by lush vegetation, its own botanical garden, and layers of viewpoints overlooking Lake Atitlán and the towering volcanoes. Here you will also find one of the most unique wood fired hot tubs, perched right on the cliff with unparalleled views over the lake. After our tough hike up Acatenango, our legs were incredibly sore, and we spent our first evening soaking in the hot tub for hours. It did absolute wonders.

Due to it’s remote location far from the main cities of Lake Atitlan, you’ll truly find total peace and tranquility at Casa del Mundo. The food at the restaurant is delicious and the staff really treat you like family. The hotel’s site is quite large and every staircase and terrace has it’s own unique purpose and views. This hotel also offers a bunch of guided tours to the nearby attractions in Lake Atitlan, including kayaking tours. Of all the places we stayed in Guatemala, this was definitely our favourite! 

If you will be staying here, we highly recommend trying to get room #17 since it has one of the best views from its private balcony! 

16) Unique Wood-fired hot tub perched on the cliff of Lake Atitlan

Yes, the wood fired hot tub at Casa del Mundo absolutely deserves its own special mention.

Soaking in a naturally heated hot tub, perched on a remote cliff overlooking Lake Atitlán as the sun sets on the horizon, really does not get much better than this. If you are staying at Casa del Mundo, you can reserve the entire hot tub for a couple of hours, and we highly recommend booking it as soon as you check in to secure a time slot. This was the first thing we did after arriving, and we soaked in the hot tub for the full 3 hours which did wonders for healing our sore muscles. 

After enjoying the hot tub, you can also climb down the stairs leading right to the lake and safely take a plunge from their platforms. It’s the perfect way to do the ‘full thermal spa’ treatment with hot and cold! 

And if you are not a guest at Casa del Mundo, do not fret. They also have visitor day passes that cost about 50Q and allows you to enjoy the gardens, viewpoints, restaurant, and more! Just make sure to call to reserve in advance since they do tend to sell out. 

This post is part of our series about Guatemala. If you want to learn more about Guatemala, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

How to get to Lake Atitlan from Antigua or Guatemala City (2026)

Flores Guatemala Itinerary For a 3, 4, 5 Days Visit (2026)

Is Tikal Worth It? Complete Tikal Experience Guide (2026)

Lake Atitlan Itinerary: How to plan an Amazing 5 Days in Lake Atitlan

Antigua Guatemala Itinerary: Best things to do in 3, 4, 5 days (2026)

Is Guatemala Expensive to Visit: Detailed Cost Breakdown

17) Lake Atitlan Village hopping by boat

One of the best ways to experience Lake Atitlán is by hopping between villages by boat. The local lanchas start running from around 6am and connect all of the main towns around the lake.

• San Pedro is the backpacker hub, packed with restaurants, hostels, bars, language schools, and tour operators.

• San Marcos has a more bohemian, hippie vibe and is known for yoga, meditation, healing practices, and wellness retreats.

• San Juan is the artistic heart of the lake and is well worth a visit for its colourful murals, painted streets, and local art galleries.

• Santa Cruz is one of the steepest towns, but it is where you can take part in an incredible traditional weaving experience with a local family through CECAP.

Lancha prices depend on the distance traveled, but usually range between 10-25Q. To catch a boat, simply wait on the dock and watch the approaching lanchas to see where they are headed. If one is going in your direction, you can wave it down. There is also usually someone at the dock who can also help flag a boat and confirm its destination.

18) Paddleboarding/kayaking lake atitlan

Beyond hiking up Indian Nose or soaking in the panoramic views from your balcony at Casa del Mundo, another incredible way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán is by kayaking or paddle boarding. You can do this from the main town of Panajachel, directly from Casa del Mundo Hotel, or from lakeside towns like San Pedro and San Juan.

Seeing the lake and surrounding volcanos directly from the water gives you a whole new perspective of the beauty here. On this combined Kayak and Hiking Tour, you’ll experience Lake Atitlan from the waters and then enjoy a hike up to some of the best local viewpoints. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try cliff jumping into the waters! The tour is flexible and after kayaking, you also have the option of visiting some of the local towns, exploring the textile markets, bee farms, chocolate museum, and others. 

19) Yoga, Meditation, and Healing Retreats in San Marco

San Marcos La Laguna is the heart of Lake Atitlan’s wellness scene. This small town is packed with yoga retreats, meditation centers, and alternative healing practices, attracting travelers who are looking to slow down and reset. Some people visit just for the day, while others end up staying for weeks or even months here.

One of the most iconic places to practice yoga here is Eagle’s Nest Atitlan. Sitting high above the lake, their open air yoga and dance platform comes with sweeping views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. Being at the top of the mountain means the views are next level. With a restaurant and hotel on site, it is easy to turn this into more than just a quick visit.

Recommended Retreats to check out: Loma Atitlan and Eagle’s Nest Retreat (we haven’t personally done them so make sure to read up on reviews and their website to see if it’s right for you)

Things to Do in Flores and Northern Guatemala

Flores, located in northern Guatemala, is the gateway to some of the most impressive and well preserved Mayan ruins in the world, including Tikal and Yaxhá. Below, we highlight some of the best experiences in the area, and in our full Flores Guide we break down exactly how to plan your stay and the best day trips from Flores.

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20) Uncover the lost Mayan civilization in Tikal

Other than hiking Volcano Acatenango in Antigua, the other main reason why we wanted to visit Guatemala was to explore one of the most stunningly preserved ancient Mayan Temples, Tikal. Located deep in the jungles of northern Guatemala, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the tallest Mayan structures ever built, and with many of city layouts still intact. Among them is Temple IV, rising over 210 feet high, ranking as one of the tallest buildings ever constructed by the Maya, and you can even climb to the top of it!

But what truly sets Tikal apart from places like Chichén Itzá in Mexico is the feeling of being fully immersed in its natural environment. Here, the ancient ruins are still surrounded in lush jungle rather than surrounded by souvenir shops. It made us feel less like tourists at a major attraction and more like explorers uncovering a long lost civilization.

We did our tour through Los Amigos Hostel and signed up once we arrived. However, if you are shorter on time in Flores and want to guarantee you have your tickets and your spot (since the tour is very popular and you need to buy your park pass in advance), then you can book this highly rated sunset Tikal Tour! 

For a complete breakdown of the experience, including how to plan your visit to Tikal, what makes the tour unique, and our top tips for making the most of it, check out our Tikal Day Trip Guide.

21) Witness the Sunset atop the temple of Yaxhá

After seeing Tikal, we were enamoured by the lost ancient Mayan Civilization and curious to see what else is hidden in the jungles of Guatemala. Fortunately for us, we discovered a second Mayan ruin city that you can visit, called Yaxha. Typically overshadowed by the more popular Tikal, Yaxhá has far fewer visitors and provides you with an even more off-the-beaten-path experience.

If you’re wondering if two Mayan ruins in two days is too much? It’s not! 

We would recommend visiting both since each site has its own unique environment and character. Although the temples at Yaxha are not as high as those in Tikal, you can actually climb up most of the temples at Yaxhá. This is a truly special experience, as you are able to stand on top of the structures and imagine what it must have felt like being a Mayan king or queen. 

We opted to visit at sunset which was absolutely awe-inspiring, looking out over an endless sea of jungle with temple tops peeking above the tree line. It gives you a powerful sense of just how massive these ancient Mayan cities once were.

Do you need a tour to visit Tikal and Yaxhá? While we usually prefer traveling independently, this is one place where we genuinely recommend joining a guided tour. The ruins are packed with history and stories, and hearing them explained brought the sites to life in a way we would have missed on our own. The complexes are also massive and hidden deep in the jungle, so without a guide, it would be easy to lose your way.

22) Discover the Town of Flores

At first, we thought of Flores simply as a gateway town to reach Tikal and Yaxha, but turns out it is so much more! Often overlooked, Flores is a small island that can be easily walked within 30 minutes. But what makes it unique is the colonial architecture and the characteristic vibrant colours of the homes. Since it is fully surrounded by water, you can enjoy the beautiful lake views from any of the cafes and restaurants on the island. On that topic, we discovered a unique cafe with a butterfly sanctuary in it! We share all the details in our Flores Itinerary Guide.

Another special experience we wanted to highlight was dining at Bistro Puertas del Cielo. Unlike traditional restaurants, here they have no menu, and instead the chef will come sit down with you, discuss the flavours and meats you enjoy, and customize a dish just for you. It is like Ulew Bar for Cocktails in Antigua, but we have never seen this concept at a restaurant! 

Beyond that, Flores is a lovely town to take a stroll in, grab a coffee, and soak in the lake views! We even stumbled on a local basketball match which was very exciting! 

How much Time you need in Flores? We recommend staying for a minimum of 3 days (so you can day trip to Tikal and Yaxhá too)

23) Special Day Trips from Flores

At first, we thought of Flores simply as a gateway town to reach Tikal and Yaxha, but turns out it is so much more! Often overlooked, Flores is a small

Our list of things to do can go on and on with the amount of incredible places to see. So instead, we’ll summarize here some other recommended day trips from Flores:

• Crater Azul: Spend a day swimming in beautiful turquoise crater pools and springs on the river La Pasión. 
• Ixpanpajul Nature Park: Located just outside of Flores, you can enjoy a day filled with jungle trekking, ziplining, climbing suspension bridges, and admiring the Mayan Biosphere. 
• Xunantunich Maya Ruins: Right at the border of Belize and Guatemala, approximately 2 hours from Flores, is another incredible Maya ruin called Xunantunich. Xunantunich is the tallest Mayan site in Belize and was once an important centre of trade due to its location beside the Belize River. The logistics to get there is a bit more complicated though since most tours depart from San Ignacio in Belize, but you can arrange a private driver.

24) Experience the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey, located roughly halfway between Guatemala City and Flores, is a unique series of stepped turquoise pools formed by the Cahabón River. It is surrounded by dense jungle, the site draws in visitors looking to swim in crystal clear waters, relax in a remote setting, or float down the river on a tubing adventure. 

For those after something more active, you can hike up to the Mirador for sweeping views or explore the nearby limestone caves.

Getting to Semuc Champey is not the easiest though. The journey there typically involves an eight hour bus ride along winding mountain roads from Guatemala City or Flores. Given the long route and since there is not much else to see in the surrounding area, we ultimately decided to skip it on our trip.

25) Multi-day trek to El Mirador

We absolutely love multi day treks, having completed routes like Colca Canyon and the Salkantay Trail in Peru, along with several volcano treks. These kinds of journeys take you deep into remote regions far from the crowds, where you can truly immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and culture. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, the El Mirador hike should be high on your Guatemala to-do list.

Visiting El Mirador requires a 5 day, 4 nights trek through the dense Guatemalan forest, but the rewards are extraordinary. Along the way, you will encounter hidden Mayan temples, vast stretches of untouched forest, and even have a chance of spotting the elusive jaguar. The highlight of the trek is reaching La Danta, a massive pyramid standing 72 metres tall with a volume of over 2.8 million cubic metres. Archaeologists consider it one of the largest ancient structures in the world, even rivaling the pyramids of Giza.

Ideal Guatemala Itinerary

You won’t be able to do every single experience on this list, but to get the most out of travelling in Guatemala, we would recommend spending at least 10-14 days there. You can spend

• 3-4 days in Flores
• 3-4 days in Antigua
• 2 days hiking Acatenango
• and 3 days unwinding in Lake Atitlan. 

If you have extra time, you can make the stop at Semuc Champey, or do the 5 day El Mirador Trek. In our case, we started in Belize to do some scuba diving before heading over to Flores, and then flying down to Guatemala city where we took a shuttle to Antigua and then Lake Atitlan.

For more details on planning your Guatemala trip, we have put together optimized itineraries for each of the main destinations:

• How to Plan 5 Amazing Days in Lake Atitlan
• Perfect 3-5 Day Itinerary in Antigua, including Volcano Acatenango Trek
• Flores Itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 days including visit to Tikal and Yaxha

We dive into everything you need to know, including what to do, where to stay, and all the key logistics for experiencing the best activities in each of the cities/regions.

Is Guatemala Safe to Visit (2026)

When we visited a few years ago, Guatemala was considered exceptionally safe, especially if you were travelling in the main touristic regions of Flores, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan. The only area where we were told to stay extra cautious was in Guatemala City, but we ended up taking our transport directly from the airport to Antigua and skipped exploring the city altogether. Once we reached Antigua, Flores, or Lake Atitlan, we felt 100% safe, even walking on the streets at night. 

Unfortunately, the situation appears to be changing. In January 2026, the Guatemalan government declared a state of siege (similar to a state of emergency) after coordinated armed attacks by gangs against police and prison uprisings. The danger appears to mostly affect Guatemala City so if you are travelling to Guatemala, we would recommend skipping the city like we did, and arrange a shuttle that will bring you directly Antigua or Lake Atitlan. 

Recommended/Safe transportation

To arrange your transport, we would recommend taking a shared shuttle bus from the airport directly to Antigua. We took this shuttle bus by GuateGo and everything went smoothly. If you are a group of 4 or more travellers though, we would instead recommend just booking a private transport. Split between 4 people, it will cost only a bit more than the shared shuttle, but you will not need to wait for all the other passengers to get dropped off at their hotel. 

Best time to visit Guatemala

The best time to visit Guatemala is typically between November and April, when conditions are drier and more ideal for travel. The rainy season runs from May to September, with heavier rainfall during these months. That said, Guatemala is often called the “Land of Eternal Spring” for a reason. It can be visited year round, with generally pleasant temperatures hovering around 24 to 27°C (75 to 81°F) throughout most of the year.

Using WISE card in Guatemala

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: 25 best things to do in Guatemala 

After traveling through much of South America, Guatemala stood out to us for how seamlessly it seems to blend the best elements of so many countries into one compact destination. Within a relatively small area, you will find impressive Mayan ruins, beautifully preserved colonial towns, volcano treks up an active volcano, incredible food, and tranquil nature retreats. Combined with its warm, welcoming people and rich cultural heritage, Guatemala offers so much variety that you could easily spend a month there without running out of things to do. It is absolutely a country we hope to return to one day.