Things to Do in Guatemala: Lakes, Volcanoes, Mayan Villages & Markets
GuatemalaGuatemala isn’t just ruins and rainforests, although there is a good amount of both those things here. It’s a country of huge lakes, Mayan villages, fuming stratovolcanoes, and colorful marketplaces. There are an incalculable number of things to do in Guatemala, with tour options to fit every type of traveler. If you’re into nature, you can explore jungles or go bird watching. If culture is your cup of tea, you’ll visit Mayan villages and ancient temples. And if you’d prefer to simply relax, there are tranquil places to breathe deep and unwind.
Guatemala tours by activity
Archeological Tours in Guatemala
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.
Guatemala Hiking Tours
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.
Cave Exploration in Guatemala
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.
Ruins Tours in Guatemala
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.
Guatemala Bird Watching Tours
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 and Food Tours in Guatemala
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 Tours in Guatemala
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 Walks Tours in Guatemala
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.
Adventure Tours
Adventure tours are ideal for travelers who enjoy excitement and the outdoors. These tours include zip lining, rafting, and horseback riding. The activities are safe and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Professional guides lead the tours and work hard to provide travelers with an unforgettable experience.
Cultural Tours
Guatemala’s thriving culture celebrates both the past and present. These tours explore Guatemala’s cultural makeup — you’ll visit Mayan ruins, coffee plantations, archeological museums, traditional marketplaces, and more. They are a great way to fully appreciate the history, customs, and lifestyle of Guatemalans.
Educational Tours
It’s our belief that to really appreciate a country, you must first understand it. Educational tours help travelers do just this. These tours expose travelers to the various cultural, environmental, and agricultural influences in Guatemala. You might take a Spanish language course along the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, or be guided through the Mayan ruins of Copán. You can learn about nocturnal creatures during a night hike or watch sea turtles nest along the Pacific coast. No matter what the tour is, you’ll walk away with a fuller understanding of the forces that shape Guatemala.
Leisure Tours
While traveling in a foreign country, it can be nice to slow down and pamper yourself. These tours will help you both relax and enjoy Guatemala’s beautiful surroundings. You can visit a spa and indulge in a massage or pedicure. Other leisure tours help you explore Guatemala in an unhurried pace — you might take a safari float along a river and search for animals along the banks.
Marine Tours
Guatemala is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Marine tours include snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and marine mammal observation. You’ll enjoy access to the country’s beautiful coastal areas and have the opportunity to spot all kinds of marine animals — including fish, dolphins, whales, and manta rays.
Nature Tours
The Guatemalan landscape is composed of huge forests, active volcanoes, and alpine lakes. What's more, the Guatemalan plant and animal life is off the charts. These tours bring travelers to some of the country’s best outdoor areas. The tours include bird watching, hiking with naturalist guides, and marine mammal observation.
Featured Guatemala Trips
Want to turn a tour into a full trip? Our local experts can weave the best Guatemala tours and activities into a complete itinerary — tailored to your pace, interests, and travel style.
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!
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
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
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
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
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.
Guatemala
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.
Guatemala
