Guatemala Mayan Vacation

Make your Guatemala vacation a Mayan adventure! In many ways, the nation is synonymous with the Mayans. The ancient ruins here are some of the best in the world! It's not uncommon to book a trip simply to witness the sheer magnificence of Guatemala's Mayan ruins, but the country is more than its remnants of the past. History is alive and well, and its found in the blood and traditions of Guatemala's people and culture. From Guatemala City to San Marcos La Laguna, the country is full of 'modern day Mayans.'

The lively communities of Guatemala Mayans today are diverse, but this will be obvious to you when you see the contrast between the nation's modern cities and regions where people uphold their heritage by carrying on with the traditions, language, and attire of their ancestors. In the following destinations, you will have the opportunity to directly experience Guatemala's Mayan culture. That might mean touring the Sololá marketplace, trekking to the temples of Tikal, or simply enjoying authentic Guatemalan food in Flores and Santa Elena. No matter the place or activity, you’ll be certain to gain an appreciation for Guatemala's mayan culture. For an especially memorable experience, make sure you book your vacation during one of Guatemala's holidays.

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25 Guatemala Mayan Vacation

The places our local insiders recommend most come first.

Lake 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.

Lake Atitlan, Panajachel

Destination

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

The misty alpine town of Cobán sits within the highlands of Las Verapaces. This moderately sized town (pop. 65,000) is close to several natural attractions and has good hotel and restaurant options.

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

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.

Quetzaltenango

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.

Chichicastenango

Destination

Lanquín, 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.

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Destination

Lake 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.

Lake Atitlan

Destination

Santa 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.

Santa Cruz La Laguna

Destination

Santiago 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.

Santiago Atitlán

Destination

Santa 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.

Santa Catarina Palopó

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.

Huehuetenango

Destination

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.

San Marcos la Laguna

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.

Retalhuleu

Destination

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.

Sololá

Destination

Esquipulas

The town of Esquipulas is located near the border with Honduras and El Salvador. It’s popular with Central American travelers who come here to see the Black Christ in the town’s large basilica. There are also a few natural attractions outside of town.

Esquipulas

Destination

Baja Verapaz

Baja Verapaz is a lovely department in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Together with Alta Verapaz, this region is collectively known as “Las Verapaces.”

Baja Verapaz

Destination

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.

Yaxha

Destination

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.

Sayaxché

Destination

Purulhá, Verapaces

The small town of Purulhá is located in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. The town itself is unremarkable, but it is close to the Biotopo del Quetzal and a number of other outdoor attractions.

Purulhá, Verapaces

Destination

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.

San Juan La Laguna

Destination

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.

Carmelita Village

Destination

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.

San Pedro la Laguna

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.

La Mesilla (Mexico border)

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.

Santa Cruz del Quiché

Destination

Raxruhá Candelaria

Raxruhá is a small town in Petén that provides travelers with a good base for exploring the Candelaria Caves and the ruins of Cancuén.

Raxruhá Candelaria

Destination

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.

Lake Izabal

Destination

Trips to Inspire

Guatemala Mayan Vacation itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Guatemala Mayan Vacation itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 daysFrom $1,102 per person

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!

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Guatemala

18 daysFrom $3,602 per person

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

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

Guatemala

6 daysFrom $974 per person

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.

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

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!

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Guatemala

13 daysFrom $1,261 per person

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.

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Guatemala

14 daysInquire

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.

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

Guatemala

15 daysInquire

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.

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Guatemala

5 daysInquire

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's Gems of Nature

Guatemala

12 daysInquire

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.

Heart of The Mayan World

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

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 Dreamt. Then We Went.

Guatemala

Belong Anywhere

In their words