Guatemala Off The Beaten Track
If 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.
The best places to visit in Guatemala Off The Beaten Track
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.
Rio 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.
Escuintla
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alta 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.
Guatemala Off The Beaten Track itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Guatemala Off The Beaten Track itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
A Wedding Celebration Made Better
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Guatemala
Family Memories Together
Embark on a vibrant family adventure that balances Guatemala’s soaring volcanoes and tranquil lakes with affordable, immersive experiences designed for lasting memories. Your journey threads from the cool mist of Lake Atitlán to Antigua’s colonial cobblestones, then into a high‑altitude forest canopy, with avocado farm visits, lake tours, and street‑food evenings. Friendly local guides and welcoming families will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s culture and unforgettable family moments.
Guatemala
The Best of Guatemala
From the volcanic highlands to the misty lake shores, this adventure captures Guatemala’s dramatic contrasts of ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and rugged natural wonders. After arriving in Guatemala City, you’ll head to cool Lake Atitlán for kayaking and coffee tours, then ride ATVs on Pacaya’s volcanic slopes before exploring Tikal’s towering temples. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in Maya heritage, bustling street food scenes, and serene lake villages, leaving you with stories and a deeper connection to Guatemala’s soul.
Guatemala
Exclusive Guatemala
Embark on an exclusive, luxury adventure that juxtaposes tranquil highland lakes, dense jungle wilderness, and vibrant colonial charm across Guatemala's most iconic landscapes. You’ll glide from the cool shores of Lake Atitlán to the rainforests surrounding Tikal, then ascend the volcanic slopes of Acatenango before winding through the coffee farms of Antigua. Local experts and passionate hosts will lead horseback rides, private lake tours, and a traditional temazcal ceremony, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Guatemala’s heritage and natural splendor.
Guatemala
A Solo Journey Through Guatemala
From the misty highlands surrounding Lake Atitlán to the colonial charm of Antigua, your solo adventure weaves volcanic landscapes, vibrant markets, and ancient Maya heritage into a single unforgettable trek. You’ll kayak on Lake Atitlán’s glass‑blue waters, trek the coffee‑scented slopes of Pacaya volcano, explore bustling market stalls in Chichicastenango, and wander cobblestone streets beneath Antigua’s cool, spring‑time breezes. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share stories, recipes, and traditions, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s resilient spirit and a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
Guatemala
Explore and Connect
Embark on an adventurous couples vacation in Guatemala that balances vibrant markets, soaring canopies, and tranquil lakes while keeping the budget‑friendly spirit alive. From the high‑altitude colors of Chichicastenango and its bustling market to the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, then zip‑lining over cloud forests and unwinding on Monterrico’s Pacific shore. Local guides and friendly hosts weave authentic stories into each activity, leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and shared adventure that feel both intimate and enriching.
Guatemala
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
Guatemala
Nature Week in Guatemala with Friends
Swap bustling city streets for the emerald heart of Guatemala, where mist‑kissed highlands and turquoise lakes reveal a world of untamed nature and timeless Maya heritage. Your week threads through Lanquín’s rainforest canopy, Semuc Champey’s limestone pools, and Lake Atitlán’s volcanic rim, each microclimate delivering zip‑lining thrills, river swims, and coffee‑farm tours. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides share Maya traditions, sustainable farming, and volcanic legends, leaving you with vivid memories of adventure, community, and the pristine beauty of Guatemala’s wild heart.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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!
Guatemala
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 guatemala off the beaten track are worth adding to your itinerary.
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.”
Destination
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Destination
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Destination
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.
