Archaeological Sites in Guatemala
GuatemalaGuatemala’s archeological sites helped put the country on the map. From the dense forests of Petén to the banana plantations near Lake Izabal, there are exquisite Mayan ruins most everywhere in Guatemala. Some have been well excavated, while others are only now beginning to be unearthed. The sites host temples and pyramids, hieroglyphic staircases and hidden underground chambers. The structures are endlessly fascinating.
Guatemala Highlights
A curated look at the best Guatemala has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Tikal National Park
Set within the northern reaches of Guatemala’s Petén department is the incredible Mayan site of Tikal. With its massive Mayan temples, steep limestone pyramids and thick green jungles, Tikal is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Guatemala. The ruins and surrounding forest are located within the Tikal National Park.
Explore DestinationYaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo
The Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo Natural Monument includes the Mayan sites of Yaxhá, Nakum, Topoxté, and El Naranjo. The largest site is Yaxhá, which sits between two lovely lakes. Yaxhá gained widespread fame in 2005 when Survivor Guatemala was filmed here.
Explore DestinationCeibal Natural Monument
The Mayan site of Ceibal is located near Sayaxché in Guatemala’s Petén department. The site’s structures are partially restored and surrounded by a protected forest.
Explore DestinationIximche
The Mayan site of Iximché was originally used as a Kaqchikel capital during the fifteenth century. It’s notable for its strong Mexican influences, which differentiate it from other Mayan sites in the area.
Explore DestinationAguateca Archaeological Site
The Mayan site of Aguateca is situated along the shores of the Petexbatún Lagoon in the department of Petén. The site dates back to the Late Preclassic period and was hastily abandoned around AD 810.
Explore DestinationFeatured Guatemala Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Guatemala itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Volcanoes, Lakes, and Hot Springs
The rich history and beautiful sights blew us away! We got more than we expected from this Guatemala trip.
An Unforgettable Trip to Tikal
Visiting Tikal is a one of a kind experience that we recommend to anyone traveling to Guatemala. Our family is fairly active and this exploration type vacation was just what we wanted.
The Colors & Culture of Guatemala
Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.
On the Shores of Atitlán
We were looking to celebrate my partner’s 50th birthday. Lake Atitlán blew our minds. It is one of the most beautiful places we've seen.
We Dreamt. Then We Went.
When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.
We Journeyed Together
This had been a memorable family vacation for us. Guatemala is a beautiful country, and Anywhere welcomed us warmly from the moment we landed.
Lakeside Villages and Relaxation
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this lakeside getaway by Lake Atitlan. We stayed in amazing places and will be using Anywhere again as we explore more of Central America!
A Wedding Celebration Made Better
Thank you for making my Wes and Ines's wedding so special! We were taken care of at all times and will return and only use your services!
Colorful Cultural Adventures
Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!
Magical Sunsets of Lake Atitlán
I would recommend this trip to others from the heart! Our tour guide Leonel was just perfect! He’s super passionate about his job and went above and beyond out expectations! We fell in love with Guatemala’s culture, its people and the nature! Unforgettable experience!!
Heart of The Mayan World
I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.
Enchanting Highlights of Guatemala
Guatemala was an enchanting country to visit, and Anywhere presented a fun-filled, scenic, and cultural experience beyond our expectations.
This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!
Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.
Active Couple Mayan Culture Explorer
We loved GUATEMALA. This was our first visit to Central America and found the country intriguing, complex, and exciting. Hope to visit Central America and South America in the future. Would definitely recommend traveling to Guatemala for friends and family.
Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala
Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.
More Archaeological Sites in Guatemala
There's always more to discover in Guatemala. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Quirigua
The Mayan site of Quiriguá has some of Guatemala’s best-preserved stelae. Set within the Caribbean Lowlands near Lake Izabal, Quiriguá is smaller but similar to the ruins of Copán, especially in regards to the architecture and carving style. It’s far less visited than Copán but nonetheless holds some fabulous Mayan structures.
Takalik Abaj
The Mayan site of Takalik Abaj is located 9 miles (15 km) west of Retalhuleu along Guatemala’s Pacific coast. The site is especially notable for its Olmec-influenced sculptures and structures.
La Democracia
The small town of La Democracia lies east of Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. The town is notable for the ancient stone heads that decorate its central plaza.
Copan Ruins
Set just across the border in Honduras, the Mayan site of Copán features some of the best ruins in the Mayan world. The hieroglyphic carvings here are magnificent, as are the well-restored pyramids, palaces, and stelae. The artistry at Copán is exquisite and without parallel.
El Mirador
El Mirador is one of the largest and earliest Mayan sites in the world. Set within Guatemala’s thick Petén jungles, El Mirador flourished in the Preclassic period prior to the accession of Tikal. The massive ruins here are the focus of ongoing excavations and are sure to reveal a wealth of new knowledge over the coming years.
Mixco Viejo
Mixco Viejo was originally the capital of the Poqomam Maya, one of Guatemala’s main tribes prior to the arrival of the Spanish. A French team beautifully restored the site in the 1950s and ’60s, and it’s still an interesting place to visit. The setting is also spectacular.
Uaxactún Archaeological Site
The remote Mayan site of Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. Although substantially smaller than Tikal, the ruins at Uaxactún nonetheless offer an interesting look at ancient Mayan culture. A notable feature here is an astronomical observatory.
Topoxte Archaeological Site
Topoxté is a Mayan site in Petén. Set on an island near the shores of the Yaxhá Lagoon, Topoxté has structures that date back to the Late Postclassic period.
Dos Pilas Archaeological Site
Dos Pilas is a pre-Colombian Mayan site in the department of Petén. The site was once a capital of the region and at the height of its power the kingdom covered around 1,500 square miles (3,885 square km).
Cancuen
The Mayan site of Cancuén was unearthed in the early 1900s but didn’t receive due attention until 1999, when new investigations revealed the huge scale of the ruins here. It’s located within Guatemala’s Alta Verapaz department just north of Raxrujá.
Tayazal Archaelogical Site
The Mayan ruins of Tayazal are set in the hillside above San Miguel, a town that borders Lake Petén Itzá. The ruins are small but offer spectacular views of the lake and Flores.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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