Guatemala Off The Beaten Track
GuatemalaIf you're going to travel abroad, you don't want to see some of a new country, you want to see all of it — you want the most authentic experience possible. Well, the only way to see what other travellers miss is to go where they don't. Discover Guatemala off the beaten path, and see amazing sites low on tourism but big on adventure. Guatemala is a sizeable country with diverse terrain, which offers you plenty of lesser-visited places to explore.
Trek through deserted Mayan ruins in Guatemala in Yaxchilán; explore rugged rainforest paths near Río Dulce, Fronteras; and get to know the Guatemala's people in small highland communities. Unique places in Guatemala offer authentic backdrops of both the cultural and environmental variety. Though these destinations are often in more isolated, harder to reach parts of the country, what they lack in deluxe amenities they more than make up for in adventure.
If you consider yourself an open-minded traveller with an adventurous streak, then this is the most unique Guatemala vacation you can possibly plan. It's waiting for you, all you have to do is explore Guatemala off the beaten path.
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.
Flores 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 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 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 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 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 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 DestinationSan 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.
Explore DestinationRetalhuleu
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.
Explore DestinationSayaxché
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.
Explore DestinationSan 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.
Explore DestinationAlta Verapaz
The departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz collectively make up an area known as “Las Verapaces.” Alta Verapaz, the more northern of the two departments, hosts verdant forests, turquoise swimming holes, large caves, and white-water rivers. Although this area is becoming an ecotourism destination, it still sees far fewer visitors than most places in Guatemala.
Explore DestinationBaja 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.”
Explore DestinationPurulhá, 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.
Explore DestinationYaxha
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.
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 Off The Beaten Track
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.
Lívingston
Lívingston is unlike anywhere else in Guatemala. For starters, it has a seriously interesting mix of Guatemalan and Caribbean cultures—it’s a hub for the Garífuna people and Q’eqchi’ Maya of the Río Dulce region. It’s also surrounded by water and is only accessible by boat.
Yaxchilán
Yaxchilán is a Mayan site set along a beautiful section of the Río Usumacinta just across the border with Mexico. Yaxchilán was the most important Usumacinta site during its heyday, which came about during the late 7th century A.D.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iztapa
Iztapa is a small port town along Guatemala’s Pacific coast that’s well known for sailfishing. The fishing here truly is incredible—it’s common to haul in 15-20 Pacific sailfish each day. The surfing is good too, and there isn’t much competition for waves.
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.
