Tours and Activities in Guatemala

Cave Exploration

Guatemala has a few really good caves, and exploring them can be a truly unique experience. Many caves are made of limestone and were carved out by rivers — a few still even have water flowing through them. During these tours, you’ll discover Guatemala’s best caves. Equipped with a flashlight and a competent professional guide, you’ll wander through dark caverns and investigate large chambers. Some caves can also be explored along underground rivers on an inner tube or raft.

Archeology

Guatemala is peppered with Mayan ruins and archeological sites. Tours of these sites exposes travelers to the ancient Mayan culture that flourished in Guatemala prior to the arrival of the Spanish. On a visit to one of these sites, you’ll learn about Mayan traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, and power structures. The tours are fun and provide travelers with an up-close look at some of Central America’s most impressive archeological finds.

Hiking

Guatemala is a fantastic place to hike. The country's diverse terrain features mountains, volcanoes, and forests. You can enjoy relaxed strolls near the shores of Lake Atitlán or full-day treks to the top of the Agua Volcano. Professional guides lead the hiking tours, and safety is always prioritized. Hiking tours are a great way to get outdoors and experience Guatemala's beautiful landscape.

Ruins

Guatemala has many Maya ruins you can tour with local guides. In every region of Guatemala you can visit a Maya site that used to be hub of commerce or political power. Some of these sites, like Tikal and Copán, have undergone restoration. Guided tours make it easy to get to these sites, which are often located deep in the jungle. The Maya left behind larger-than-life works of art – on a visit to these ruins you’ll see some incredible carved reliefs and statues depicting fierce Maya rulers.

Guided Tours

On a guided tour you'll have a local expert by your side as you explore Guatemala's nature and culture. Maya culture permeates Guatemalan archaeology and weaving, and a guide will be able to explain the symbolism behind these ancient arts. Set sail on one of Guatemala's many lakes, and set your sights on some of the misty coffee plantations and ancient ruins.

Species Exhibits

Bird Watching

Guatemala has more than 700 different species of birds living within its borders. In the last few decades, the country has become increasingly well known for its fantastic birding. Among the many species that live or pass through Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal remains one of the most emblematic — the national currency is, after all, named for it. Bird watching tours take travelers to Guatemala’s best birding sites, which are usually in national parks or reserves. Naturalist guides accompany the tours and help travelers to spot a range of colorful, feathered creatures.

Culinary

Traditional Guatemalan food is hearty fare, made with ingredients designed to support days filled with farming. Street food has become a trend in many cosmopolitan cities worldwide, but it has long been a commuter’s staple in the bustling streets of Guatemala City and Quetzaltenago, where people line up for hot, fresh tamales and pupusas. Gastronomy in Guatemala draws inspiration from these meaty, potato-filled dishes. The Andes and the rainforest provide a wide swath of interesting ingredients for local chefs to make dishes that emphasize the abundance of the Guatemalan landscape.

Historic

Historic areas in Guatemala often have a worn look, and they have survived many years of earthquakes and political upheaval. But in some ways this adds to their beauty. Wandering the streets of Antigua you will see the remains of monasteries and convents that the Spanish built, as well as restored cathedrals. Go see Guatemala’s first capital, Ciudad Vieja, just a few miles from Antigua. It was built in 1527, although almost nothing from the original town remains. Lake Atitlán and the traditional villages that surround it will give you a feel for Guatemala’s Maya history – many of the people who live here are the descendants of the ancient Maya.

Nature Walk

Go on a guided nature walk to learn about the geologic forces at work inside Guatemala’s volcanoes, or the ecology of the surrounding rainforests. The cloud forest here has rare species of flora and fauna, and thrives in the same high-altitude humidity as coffee plants. But Guatemala’s landscape is more than just interesting plants – the jungle here hides the ruins of Maya cities, and the very beginnings of Guatemalan civilization.