Lakes in Guatemala

Guatemala

Lakes formed the life-giving center of many of Guatemala's indigenous cultures. Mayan villages sprang up along the shores of Lake Atitlán and Lake Petén Itzá, and many have remained to this day. Lake Petén Itzá and Lake Izabal are two of the largest lakes in Guatemala. Lake Atitlán is one of the deepest lakes in Central America, and is famed far and wide for its intense beauty. Visit these lakes to hike around their legendary waters, and take a closer look at the traditional villages nearby. Take a moment to gaze across their placid surfaces at the mountains, jungles, and volcanoes that shape the scenery of Guatemala.

Lakes in Guatemala
Destinations

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.

Lake Izabal

Lake Izabal

Fed by the Palochi River, Lake Izabál is the largest lake in Guatemala. In the forests surrounding the lake, visitors have the chance to see howler monkeys and spider monkeys. This forest is also a habitat for jaguars, but sightings are rare. If you’re interested in bird watching, bring binoculars and a camera. You’re bound to see a tremendous number of birds – the park has around 250 documented species.

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Lake Petén Itzá

Lake Petén Itzá

Just an hour away from the legendary Mayan ruins of Tikal, Lake Petén Itzá sports its own host of Mayan attractions. Visitors come to the lake to see the 27 Mayan sites that dot the shore and also visit the lake’s small islands. The lake itself offers many opportunities for swimming and tranquil boating expeditions.

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Trips to inspire

Featured 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.

9 days | $$

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!

A Wedding Celebration Made Better
Guatemala
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8 days | $$

Family Memories Together

Embark on a vibrant family adventure that balances Guatemala’s soaring volcanoes and tranquil lakes with affordable, immersive experiences designed for lasting memories. Your journey threads from the cool mist of Lake Atitlán to Antigua’s colonial cobblestones, then into a high‑altitude forest canopy, with avocado farm visits, lake tours, and street‑food evenings. Friendly local guides and welcoming families will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s culture and unforgettable family moments.

Family Memories Together
Guatemala
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9 days | $$$

The Best of Guatemala

From the volcanic highlands to the misty lake shores, this adventure captures Guatemala’s dramatic contrasts of ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and rugged natural wonders. After arriving in Guatemala City, you’ll head to cool Lake Atitlán for kayaking and coffee tours, then ride ATVs on Pacaya’s volcanic slopes before exploring Tikal’s towering temples. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in Maya heritage, bustling street food scenes, and serene lake villages, leaving you with stories and a deeper connection to Guatemala’s soul.

The Best of Guatemala
Guatemala
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12 days | $$$

A Solo Journey Through Guatemala

From the misty highlands surrounding Lake Atitlán to the colonial charm of Antigua, your solo adventure weaves volcanic landscapes, vibrant markets, and ancient Maya heritage into a single unforgettable trek. You’ll kayak on Lake Atitlán’s glass‑blue waters, trek the coffee‑scented slopes of Pacaya volcano, explore bustling market stalls in Chichicastenango, and wander cobblestone streets beneath Antigua’s cool, spring‑time breezes. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share stories, recipes, and traditions, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s resilient spirit and a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

A Solo Journey Through Guatemala
Guatemala
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9 days | $$$

Exclusive Guatemala

Embark on an exclusive, luxury adventure that juxtaposes tranquil highland lakes, dense jungle wilderness, and vibrant colonial charm across Guatemala's most iconic landscapes. You’ll glide from the cool shores of Lake Atitlán to the rainforests surrounding Tikal, then ascend the volcanic slopes of Acatenango before winding through the coffee farms of Antigua. Local experts and passionate hosts will lead horseback rides, private lake tours, and a traditional temazcal ceremony, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Guatemala’s heritage and natural splendor.

Exclusive Guatemala
Guatemala
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9 days | $$$

Explore and Connect

Embark on an adventurous couples vacation in Guatemala that balances vibrant markets, soaring canopies, and tranquil lakes while keeping the budget‑friendly spirit alive. From the high‑altitude colors of Chichicastenango and its bustling market to the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, then zip‑lining over cloud forests and unwinding on Monterrico’s Pacific shore. Local guides and friendly hosts weave authentic stories into each activity, leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and shared adventure that feel both intimate and enriching.

Explore and Connect
Guatemala
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8 days | $$$

Nature Week in Guatemala with Friends

Swap bustling city streets for the emerald heart of Guatemala, where mist‑kissed highlands and turquoise lakes reveal a world of untamed nature and timeless Maya heritage. Your week threads through Lanquín’s rainforest canopy, Semuc Champey’s limestone pools, and Lake Atitlán’s volcanic rim, each microclimate delivering zip‑lining thrills, river swims, and coffee‑farm tours. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides share Maya traditions, sustainable farming, and volcanic legends, leaving you with vivid memories of adventure, community, and the pristine beauty of Guatemala’s wild heart.

Nature Week in Guatemala with Friends
Guatemala
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6 days | $$$

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.

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!
Guatemala
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9 days | $$$

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!

Colorful Cultural Adventures
Guatemala
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13 days | $$$

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.

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala
Guatemala
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14 days | $$$

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize
Guatemala
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5 days | $$$

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Take yourself on an amazing journey –– collect precious memories throughout the visually striking nation of Guatemala. The beauty of Lake Atitlan and history of Antigua awaits.

Guatemala's Gems of Nature
Guatemala
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15 days | $$$

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.

 Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala
Guatemala
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12 days | $$$

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.

Heart of The Mayan World
Guatemala
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9 days | $$$

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 Dreamt. Then We Went.
Guatemala
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