Guatemala Adventure
GuatemalaAldous Huxley may have waxed poetic about the glory of Lake Atitlán, but adrenaline junkies will find Guatemala to be beautiful for a different reason. Guatemala's adventure tours are in ample supply all over the country, and they'll take you across a variety of rugged terrain. The best part? Even if you're more cautious with your excursions, you're sure to find something equal parts enjoyable and exciting.
A Guatemala adventure is almost always at your fingertips. Go rafting down the Coyolate River near Escuintla, where whitewater rapids will leave you laughing — and more than a little bit wet; hike across Uaxactún outside of Flores and Santa Elena, and watch history come alive through ruins; and don’t forget to experience the legendary beauty of Panajachel and Lake Atitlán on a mountain bike tour.
These Guatemala adventure destinations give you easy access to some of the country’s most exciting activities. Guatemala is scattered with volcanoes, and many can be climbed. There are places where you can explore underground caves (spelunking, anyone?) and then spend the afternoon chilling in limestone pools. There are trails that wind through rainforests, high-flying zip line courses, and even some of Central America’s best sport fishing spots. Get ready to have fun!
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.
Antigua
The charming city of La Antigua is situated in a lush highland valley and surrounded by the cones of three volcanoes. As its name implies (Antigua means old in Spanish), this is a historic city. It was the former capital of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. Following this disaster, the capital was moved to its current site at Guatemala City, but the ruins (and some of the people) of Antigua stayed put. These days, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations.
Explore DestinationLake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Explore DestinationFlores 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.
Explore DestinationLanquín, Alta Verapaz
Set within a lush valley in Guatemala’s Central Highlands, the small town of Lanquín is becoming well known for two attractions—the Lanquín caves and the Semuc Champey limestone pools.
Explore DestinationLake Atitlan
Guatemala’s gorgeous Lake Atitlán has captivated people for centuries. Visiting the lake in 1934, Aldous Huxley called it “The most beautiful lake in the world” and compared it to Lake Cuomo in Italy. Surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and studded with three volcanoes on its southern shore, Lake Atitlan is indeed spectacular. To this day it remains one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
Explore DestinationChichicastenango
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.
Explore DestinationQuetzaltenango
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.
Explore DestinationEscuintla
The bustling and sweltering city of Escuintla is located at the junction of the two main coastal roads from Guatemala City. It will interest travelers mainly as a place to eat or refuel while heading to or from the Pacific coast.
Explore DestinationRio Dulce
The Río Dulce flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea, emptying its waters near the town of Lívingston. Dense jungle, some of which falls within the protection of the Río Dulce National Park, border this picturesque river. Several eco-lodges line the shores of tributaries that flow away from the Río Dulce. The town of Fronteras is set along the headwaters of the Río Dulce.
Explore DestinationSantiago Atitlán
Santiago Atitlán is set within an inlet on the southwest corner of Lake Atitlán and lies in the shadow of the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. Santiago Atitlán is one of the largest lakeside villages and also one of the most traditional.
Explore DestinationPuerto San Jose
When Guatemalan urbanites need a break from the city they head to Puerto San José. Set along the Pacific coast, Puerto San José is Guatemala City’s nearest and most popular beach destination. It isn’t the most idyllic place in the world, but it is a convenient spot to spend some time by the sea.
Explore DestinationSanta Cruz La Laguna
The mellow town of Santa Cruz La Laguna is set along the shores of Lake Atitlán to the west of Panajachel. Accessible only by boat, Santa Cruz is both beautiful and supremely relaxed.
Explore DestinationCopán Ruinas (Honduras)
The town of Copán Ruinas is located just 8 miles (13 km) across the border with Honduras. This pleasant town is set within a lush valley and abuts the Mayan site of Copán. Copán is an archeological site that houses some of the most exquisite Mayan structures known to date.
Explore DestinationSanta Catarina Palopó
The small and traditional village of Santa Catalina Palopó lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Panajachel. The town borders Lake Atitlán and has some of the best hotels in the area.
Explore DestinationMazatenango
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.
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!!
More Guatemala Adventure
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.
San Marcos la Laguna
San Marcos La Laguna is the New Age center of Guatemala. Set along the western shores of Lake Atitlán, San Marcos is best known for its yoga courses, meditation retreats, and holistic therapies. The town itself is rather small and basic.
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.
San Juan La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna is a Tz’utujil Maya town set along the shores of Lake Atitlán. It is tranquil and lacks large crowds of tourists.
Sololá
Sololá is the departmental capital of Sololá. Set within the Western Highlands, Sololá resides some 2,000 feet (600 m) above Lake Atitlán and has a substantial population of Kaqchikel and K’iche’ Mayans. The town does have a colorful Friday market, but otherwise has little appeal for most travelers.
Yaxha
Yaxhá is the third largest Mayan site in Guatemala. It’s located in the heart of the Petén department to the east of Lake Petén Itzá. This destination is fairly isolated, and as such doesn’t see huge crowds of tourists. The few hotels here provide travelers with intimate access to this remote jungle area.
Sayaxché
The town of Sayaxché is a jumping off point for visiting several Mayan ruins in Petén. It’s 38 miles (62 km) south of Flores.
San Pedro la Laguna
Set along Lake Atitlán’s southwest corner is the hip town of San Pedro La Laguna. Second in popularity of Panajachel, San Pedro is a favorite of international travelers who come here to hike the San Pedro Volcano, ride horses, or party. While the town has evolved to accommodate more travelers over the years, it hasn’t yet lost its Guatemalan flavor. And the setting is absolutely spectacular.
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.
Carmelita Village
Carmelita Village is a small town in Petén that serves as a jumping off point for treks to El Mirador. The village is set within the Maya Biosphere Reserve at the end of the road from Flores.
El Remate
El Remate was once a sleepy lakeside village but is quickly becoming a destination unto itself. Set along the road to Tikal, El Remate offers travelers a pleasant alternative to staying in Tikal or Flores while visiting Petén. It has a variety of recreational opportunities that include hiking, kayaking, swimming, and horseback riding.
Lake Izabal
Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala. It’s still largely undeveloped, but that may change in the coming years as word gets out about its natural beauty and tranquil vibes.
Melchor de Mencos
Melchor de Mencos is a small town along the border with Belize. There isn’t much reason to stay here, but you’ll pass through Melchor de Mencos when crossing the border into Guatemala or Peru.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
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.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
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.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
