Guatemala Cities to Visit
Guatemala's cities are themselves a unique adventure. From the bustling (and at times chaotic) neighborhoods in Guatemala City to the charming cobblestone streets of Antigua, you'll find all sorts of cities in Guatemala. Some of these destinations have retained their cultural heritage and Mayan roots, while others have modernized and created improved infrastructure and traveler services.
Locations like Lívingston boast a Caribbean flair, and the scenery and cuisine to match. Whilst Flora and Santa Elena offer the beauty of Lake Petén Itzá, and the requisite outdoor activities of kayaking and mountain biking. Then of course, there's the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Antigua and its colonial architecture — a city rebuilt in the shadow of three volcanoes. If three destinations can offer this much, imagine what you'll discover when you explore the rest of Guatemala's cities. It all starts with this list...
11 Guatemala Cities to Visit
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is often a traveler’s first glimpse of Guatemala. As your plane descends over the capital, you witness the largest city in Central America unfold—a sprawling, colorful metropolis that spreads into a valley ringed by forested mountains and volcanoes. It’s a big and powerful place that is home to around four million people.
Destination
Flores and Santa Elena
The twin towns of Flores and Santa Elena, which are often collectively referred to simply as “Flores,” are set within the heart of Petén. Flores is actually a small island in Lake Petén Itzá that’s connected to Santa Elena, on the mainland, by a causeway. With its pastel houses and genteel atmosphere, Flores is very pleasant.
Destination
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango (Chichi, for short) is a rare mixture of authentic culture and unconcealed tourism. Set within the Western Highlands, Chichi is a small and traditional town that has grown into one of Guatemala’s most tourism-friendly places, largely because of its fascinating outdoor marketplace. While carousing the market, you’ll see Maya weavers right alongside photo-snapping tourists. It makes for an interesting site.
Destination
Quetzaltenango
Guatemala’s second largest city, Quetzaltenango (pop. 300,000), is a world apart from Guatemala City. It’s a cosmopolitan place set at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and is the main population center for Guatemala’s K’iche’ Mayans. Despite being a fairly big city, its residents are friendly and approachable. Quetzaltenango’s original K’iche’ name of "Xelajú" is still widely used in an abbreviated form, Xela, today.
Destination
Huehuetenango
Set at the foot of the Cuchumatanes Mountains in Guatemala’s Western Highlands, the departmental capital town of Huehuetenango is a lively town that lies adjacent to the ruins of Zaculeu. It has a relaxed atmosphere despite the fact that it’s a hub for trade and transport in northwest Guatemala.
Destination
Retalhuleu
Retalhuleu is one of the larger towns along Guatemala’s Pacific Slope. It’s been growing in recent years thanks to its proximity to population attractions, including twin amusement parks and the Mayan ruins of Takalik Abaj.
Destination
Mazatenango
The town of Mazatenango is located 17 miles (27 km) west of Retalhuleu. The town mainly acts as a stopping point for travelers making trips through this region.
Destination
La Mesilla (Mexico border)
La Mesilla is a small border town at the crossing between Guatemala and Mexico. The town has basic services and numerous money changers.
Destination
Ciudad Vieja
Ciudad Vieja was Guatemala’s second colonial capital. Its destruction by mudflows from the Agua Volcano in 1541 caused residents to move the capital to Antigua. These days it’s a small and sleepy city.
Destination
Santa Cruz del Quiché
The capital of the Quiché department, Santa Cruz del Quiché, will hold little interest for most travelers. It’s uninspiring and has very few sights, but it does have sufficient facilities and services if you find yourself stuck here. Santa Cruz del Quiché is 11 miles (18 km) north of Chichicastenango.
Destination
Puerto Quetzal
Puerto Quetzal is a marina and container port along Guatemala’s Pacific coast. It’s used mainly as a terminal for cruise ships, but is also a jumping off point for sport fishing excursions.
Destination
Guatemala Cities to Visit itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Guatemala Cities to Visit itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
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!
Guatemala
Artisan Explorer in Guatemala
the culture is so rich and diverse, the colors, the music, language, dance, art, artesania, nature, and most of all the people are very nice and wonderful
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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!
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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