Aldous 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!
#1: Antigua
Antigua is the ideal home base for exploring some of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. It’s also surrounded by otherworldly environments known as cloud forests, where some of the world’s rarest plants and animals live.
Tours to nearby volcanoes might take you on an overnight trip to Pacaya Volcano. For a high-speed tour of the mountains, hop on an ATV. You can take a tour that includes zip lines and rappelling down a tall tree. To see wildlife up-close, take a safari through a wide open property called Chapín. This enclosure provides a home for African animals as well as animals native to Guatemala.
Hikes lead you across high-up suspension bridges. Coffee thrives in the area thanks to the high humidity — an adventure to a coffee plantation will also give you the chance to see more of the cloud forest.
