Guatemala Adventure

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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!

Destinations

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Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Guatemala
Antigua

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.
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Carmelita

Carmelita

Carmelita sits right at the base of El Mirador, an archaeological site that you can reach at the end of a 5-day trek. Treks like these come with guides and supply-carrying mules to make the journey a bit easier. El Mirador is one of the grandest Maya sites in Guatemala. On the way there your guide can introduce you to the jungle’s many bird, insect, and reptile inhabitants. While you're in Carmelita, you'll have access to all of the town’s amenities, including a few comfortable lodges and convenient places to stop for a meal. This town also has interesting cultural value, with friendly locals that can tell you how they depend on the chicle tree for their living.
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Destinations

Find your joy

Take a look at other fascinating destinations to explore while you visit Guatemala.

Flores and Santa Elena
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Lake Atitlan
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Copan Ruinas (Honduras)
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Escuintla
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Rio Dulce Fronteras, Izabal
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Lake Atitlan, Solola
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Quetzaltenango
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Lanquin
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Santiago Atitlan
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Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
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Chichicastenango
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Santa Catarina Palopo, Lake Atitlan
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Sayaxche
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Retalhuleu
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Mazatenango, Suchitepequez
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Yaxhá
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Solola
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Puerto San Jose, Escuintla
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Lake Izabal, Izabal
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San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
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Melchor de Mencos
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Santa Cruz del Quiche
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Iztapa
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El Remate
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San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
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San Pedro la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
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