Guatemala Mountains

Mountains blanket much of Guatemala, and many of the highest peaks are actually volcanoes. Volcanoes, many of which can be climbed, rise around several important destinations — these include the Pacaya Volcano near Guatemala City, Acatenango and Agua near Antigua, and the three volcanoes that sit along the shores of Lake Atitlán. The Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, a nonvolcanic mountain chain that starts near the border with Mexico, is the highest mountain chain in Central America. Mountain destinations offer travelers ample opportunities to get outside and explore. You can hike through forests, summit volcanoes, and go bird watching. Also, the temperature is usually cooler thanks to higher elevation.