Home
Guatemala
PLAN MY VISIT
Guatemala Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Guatemala
  3. Destinations
  4. Central Highlands

Central Highlands, Guatemala

The Central Highlands of Guatemala are far-reaching and diverse. A continuation of the Western Highlands, this region stretches all the way to the border with Honduras and meets the Pacific Slope at a chain of volcanoes that extend from north to south. This region includes the capital of Guatemala City and the charming town of La Antigua. Outside the cities are some remote and beautiful mountainous areas—places that are sparsely populated and that receive fewer visitors than other parts of Guatemala. That said, the environmental and cultural attractions of the remote Central Highlands are impressive and seem on the verge of wider discovery.

Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
Central Highlands Guatemala
←→

As the capital of Guatemala and home to a major international airport, Guatemala City will likely be your point of entry and departure. The city is a sprawling and colorful metropolis that spreads into a forested valley. In comparison to some of Guatemala’s quainter and more cultural destinations, Guatemala City is unattractive. Even so, the city does have some interesting museums and historical sites, as well as excellent restaurants and shopping opportunities.

La Antigua is set 28 miles (45 km) west of Guatemala City. Antigua was the capital of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1773. These days, it’s one of country’s most charming and attractive destinations. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua is still scattered with ruins and cultural gems. Sites include old churches, colorful parks and exceptional museums, many of which are within walking distance of one another. Antigua is also one of the best places to shop in Guatemala, particularly for jewelry, textiles, or clothing. Tasty restaurants and cute hotels abound.

Outside of Antigua, travelers can enjoy hikes up the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. The Acatenango Volcano is one of the most popular climbs in the area. Rising to a height of about 14,000 feet (4,300 m), Acatenango is an impressive and dormant volcano. The hike up takes six hours and is fairly difficult—but the view from the summit is worth it, especially at sunrise or sunset. From here you’ll also be able to see the Fuego Volcano, which has seen increased volcanic activity since 1999. Fuego continues to remain active at low levels today—smoke can be seen rising from its top on most days. You can hike portions of the Fuego Volcano or get good views from the Acatenango Volcano.

Outside of the La Antigua and Guatemala City area, the Central Highlands are fairly mountainous and remote. Recreational opportunities and natural attractions abound, and there are also some incredible Mayan ruins across the Honduran border at Copán.

Set within the misty highlands of Las Verapaces, Cobán is a larger and somewhat nondescript town—it is, however, surrounded by beautiful outdoor areas. Forested mountains and coffee plantations encircle the town. Cobán produces some of Guatemala’s best coffee, and visiting a local coffee plantation is a fun way to learn about the coffee production process (and also try an extremely fresh cup of coffee).

About an hour outside Cobán is the 2,580-acre (1,044-ha) Biotopo de Quetzal. This reserve protects huge swaths of cloud forest, some of which provide habitat for the endangered quetzal. Your chances of spotting a quetzal are decent, but even if you don’t see one you’ll likely encounter a range of other birds. The trails here lead through dense forests and give travelers a good idea of what tropical forests are like.

Not far from Cobán is the Semuc Champey Natural Monument. Semuc Champey is made up of a series of limestone pools and waterfalls. Formed by runoff from the Río Cahabón, the pools are placid and provide travelers with an absolutely fantastic place to swim and relax. The setting is beautiful.

Another idyllic natural area in the Central Highlands is the Candelaria Caves. Set within the mountains in northern Alta Verapaz, these seven limestone caves spread across 14 miles (22 km) and are interconnected by the Río Candelaria. The caves have ceilings that reach as high as 200 feet (60 m) and are 60–100 feet (20–30 m) wide. Occasionally punctuated by natural skylights, the caves are an awe-inspiring place. They can be explored by foot or in an inflatable raft.

The Mayan site of Copán and the adjacent town of Copán Ruinas are found in the easternmost extension of this region—which, as it turns out, is actually across the Honduran border. The ruins at Copán are some of the best in the Mayan world. There is a stairway that contains the longest known Mayan hieroglyphic inscription. Other impressive structures include 7th-century stelae, excavated tunnels, and the ceremonial Acropolis.

About a mile from the ruins is the town of Copán Ruinas. Set within a lush valley, this pleasant town acts as a perfect home base while exploring Copán and other nearby attractions, including hot springs and a coffee farm. With cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs, Copán Ruinas is charming. It’s a friendly town with tasty restaurants, cute cafés, and excellent hotels.

Guatemala’s Central Highlands have much to offer travelers. As more people discover the riches of this region, it will likely develop at a more rapid pace. For now, the Central Highlands represent a beautiful and remote slice of Guatemala. Aside from the cities of La Antigua, Guatemala City and Cobán, you’ll enjoy pristine environmental areas that are underwhelmed by tourists. The combination of culture and climate makes it one of Guatemala’s choice regions.

Personalized Trips for Central Highlands, Guatemala

Friends Vacation Exploring Mayan Ruins, Guatemala
Guatemala
Friends Vacation Exploring Mayan Ruins

Customer Reviewed I think efforts are being made, and change can be slow. People are aware of the problems of pollution in the air and lake.

10 days $$View Trip
Lakeside Villages and Relaxation, Guatemala
Guatemala
Lakeside Villages and Relaxation

Customer Reviewed 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!

8 days $$$View Trip
A Wedding Celebration Made Better, Guatemala
Guatemala
A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Customer Reviewed 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!

9 days $View Trip
An Unforgettable Trip to Tikal, Guatemala
Guatemala
An Unforgettable Trip to Tikal

Customer Reviewed 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.

14 days $View Trip
Active Couple Mayan Culture Explorer, Guatemala
Guatemala
Active Couple Mayan Culture Explorer

Customer Reviewed We loved GUATEMALA. This was our first visit to Central America and found the country intriguing, complex, and exciting. Hope to visit Central America and South America in the future. Would definitely recommend traveling to Guatemala for friends and family.

13 days $$View Trip
See More Trips

Where to go in Central Highlands, Guatemala

Antigua, GuatemalaAntigua, Guatemala
Guatemala City, GuatemalaGuatemala City, Guatemala
Copán Ruinas (Honduras), GuatemalaCopán Ruinas (Honduras), Guatemala
Cobán, Alta Verapaz, GuatemalaCobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, GuatemalaLanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Purulhá, Verapaces, GuatemalaPurulhá, Verapaces, Guatemala
Alta Verapaz, GuatemalaAlta Verapaz, Guatemala
Baja Verapaz, GuatemalaBaja Verapaz, Guatemala
Ciudad Vieja, GuatemalaCiudad Vieja, Guatemala
Acatenango Volcano, GuatemalaAcatenango Volcano, Guatemala
Fuego Volcano, GuatemalaFuego Volcano, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano, GuatemalaPacaya Volcano, Guatemala
←→

Key Attractions

Acatenango VolcanoBiotopo del QuetzalCahabon RiverCandelaria CavesCeibal Natural MonumentChichicastenangoFuego VolcanoQuiriguaIximcheLake AtitlánLanquin CavesPacaya VolcanoRey Marcos The Ruins of CopanSantiaguito VolcanoSemuc ChampeyTikal National Park

Key Destinations

Cobán, Alta VerapazCopan Ruinas (Honduras)Guatemala City, GuatemalaAntiguaLanquin
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
GUA and BZE a success!
Anywhere inc made another trip a delight. I can’t wait for my next Adventure with Anywhere!!
Mar 17, 2020
– Shawn Ng
Trustpilot Rating
Easy & Cost Effective
easy to use and transact, would definitely recommend to friends and family. thank you for making my experience while in ...
Mar 11, 2020
– Elle Mac
Trustpilot Rating
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned…Great Trip!!
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned an amazing trip for my husband and me to Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica. The tr...
Jun 24, 2019
– FAITH HOF.
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
We were delighted with the quality of…
We were delighted with the quality of service. The staff were professional, courteous, punctual and reliable. We would ...
Apr 05, 2019
– Deepak D
Trustpilot Rating
The trip was a once in a lifetime…
The trip was a once in a lifetime experience. Anywhere.com did an exceptional job of planning this trip. It couldn't h...
Mar 30, 2019
– Vickie B.
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
Wonderful staff, amazing service.
I highly recommend this company! Everyone throughout the whole process was friendly, professional and so understanding a...
Mar 08, 2019
– Luanne
Trustpilot Rating
awesome company to deal with
awesome company to deal with. Everything they planned, including hotels and sightseeing tours, was wonderful. Every ve...
Mar 06, 2019
– Happy tra.
Trustpilot Rating
The Hidden Treasure of Travel Agency ( that shouldn't be anymore )!
Super pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable staff! We plan to have them coordinate our next trips to the areas they ser...
Feb 15, 2019
– Mari
Trustpilot Rating
I would recommend anywhere to anyone…
I would recommend anywhere to anyone traveling anywhere. I was treated exceptionally well with professionalism and kindn...
Feb 14, 2019
– Steven
Trustpilot Rating
Best vacation of my life
Best vacation of my life! I told them the type of vacation and experiences I wanted and they somehow found the most perf...
Feb 08, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
This is our second vacation with…
This is our second vacation with Anywhere. As the first time, the use experience of the website was easy, our travel pla...
Feb 07, 2019
– Rosemary
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere did a fantastic job planning…
Anywhere did a fantastic job planning my vacation. My family loves to travel and this was one of the best trips we’ve ta...
Jan 11, 2019
– Elena
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Guatemala Vacations
  • Adventure
  • Archaeology
  • Bird-watching
  • Community
  • Family
  • Nature
  • Rainforest
  • Romantic
  • Sustainable
Highlights
  • Mayan
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Relaxation
  • Mountains
  • Rainforests
  • Lakes
  • Volcanoes
  • Indigenous
  • Colonial
PLACES TO GO
  • Antigua
  • Tikal
  • Peten
  • Panajachel
  • Languin
  • Chichi
  • Quetzaltenango
  • Pacific Slope
  • Quirigua
  • Acantenango Volcano
  • Pacaya Volcano
  • Todos Santos Cuchumatanes
THINGS TO DO
  • Nature Walks
  • Birdwatching
  • Ruins
  • Archeology
  • Hiking
  • Coffee Farms
  • Horseback Riding
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy