Guatemala Cities to Visit

Guatemala City is a busy city with a population of about a million. It’s home to Guatemala’s busiest international airport, so it’s usually on everyone’s itinerary when they visit. Before your plane lands, make sure you know about the huge variety of tours and attractions you can experience while you're here. It’s divided into 22 zones, and each has its own character. As one of Guatemala’s most cosmopolitan cities, you'll find a great variety of restaurants and nightlife. This is also a good place to shop — while you might want to wait to buy genuine Mayan handicrafts on visits to local villages, there are plenty of places in Guatemala’s upscale neighborhoods — Zonas 14, 15, and 16 — to shop for last-minute gifts. Make sure to check out the original city center in Zone 1’s historic district. Much of the original architecture was destroyed in the 20th century, but the restored neoclassical buildings make a lasting impression all the same. Stroll by the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, one of the country’s most impressive buildings, while you're here.

Huehuetenango is a city of about 80,000 residents in Guatemala’s Western Highlands, in the shadow of the Cuchumatanes Mountain Range. One of the perks of going somewhere more remote — you'll have more opportunity to practice your Spanish. Without as many visitors to the area, fewer locals instinctively switch to English. Just outside of the city, you can visit Unicornio Azul, a hotel that has a good number of horses for you to ride. There’s a stable of well-trained horses and guides that can take you on a horseback riding tour of the surrounding mountain. Tours of the mountains might also bring you to traditional Mayan villages. Many of the locals are Mam Maya, and the city was originally a Mayan settlement before the Spanish arrived. Visitors can see proof of this in the ruins of Zaculeu. In the town’s main square, you’ll see neoclassical architecture that surrounds the main square. For the best view in the area, make the trip to the Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri, a short distance outside of the city. It’s a stunning overlook that provides a view of nine volcanoes.