So much of Guatemala is amazing, how do you choose what to see first? Guatemala's top destinations will ensure that you hit the best of the best.

From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua to witnessing the legendary beauty of Lake Atitlán, these are some of Guatemala's top sites — and they're not to be missed.

Top Destinations

Guatemala's adventure tours run the gamut, and offer something for everyone. Play Indiana Jones whilst you explore ruins, or work on the next 'Great American Novel' along the shore of Lake Atitlán — between mountain bike excursions, of course.

Whether your activities take you above ground as you trek through jungles or below ground whilst you venture through caves, one thing is for sure — Guatemala's adventure tours are anything but boring!

Adventures

Guatemala's nature tours will help you discover why the nation is known as "The land of eternal spring." From the verdant jungles of Yaxhá to the serene beauty of Lake Petén Itzá, nature is in full force in this Central American country.

Discover the beauty of the natural world when you visit Guatemala's nature sites in Monterrico, Alta Verapaz, El Remate, and more. Ruins, mountain bike trails, mangrove tours, and wildlife of all kinds are waiting for you to book your Guatemalan nature vacation.

Nature

Go where the locals go when you take a trip to Puerto San José. Discover the beauty of Lake Atitlán — famously quoted by Aldous Huxley. This vacation is all about Guatemala travel and leisure.

Guatemala's leisure activities are in ample supply if you're planning a vacation where rest and relaxation are top priorities. From the small and traditional village of Santa Catalina Palopó to the port town of Iztapa, these are the Guatemalan getaways big on peace, quiet, and low-key adventure.

Rest & Relaxation

If you're booking a getaway to Guatemala, then you're already a curious traveller. Have the most authentic experience possible when you explore Guatemala off the beaten path.

Go tubing in Alta Verapaz, explore the jungles near the Mayan site of Yaxhá, and see an actual castle near Lake Izabal. These are the most unique places in Guatemala, and you'll find them only if you're willing to go off the beaten track.

Off The Beaten Path

From the curious blend of kitsch and culture in Chichicastenango to Santa Catalina Palopó's indigenous descendants, Guatemala's Mayan culture is alive and well.

During your vacation exploring Guatemala's Mayan roots, consider the fact that although an empire may fall, it can always find a way to leave its legacy behind.

Mayan

Get your fix for vintage architecture and design in Guatemala's colonial towns. These destinations are full of history, and plenty of cultural tours to tell you the stories behind them.

If you're seeking a vacation with a more academic slant, then you'll have a great time watching the page come to life when you examine the legacy of Guatemala's colonial history in these destinations.

You definitely don't want to skip Antigua, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Colonial

Don't miss out on Guatemala's beaches, though they might not get as much attention as some of Central and South America's other coastal countries, they still have a lot to offer.

Visit Puerto Barrios in the Caribbean lowlands or Iztapa on the Pacific side. By the way, do you know what a 'pelagic' tour is? The answer is waiting for you off the coast of Guatemala's beaches.

Beaches

The sound of Guatemala's rivers is calling, from the central highlands of Baja Verapaz to the Caribbean lowlands of Lake Izabal.

Get ready to raft and trek your way through this rugged country, because you can't escape Guatemala's rivers — they flow throughout the nation.

Rivers

Welcome to the jungle — you'll find it in Guatemala's rainforests. Teeming with a variety of wildlife and plants, they are a naturalist's dream

Explore Yaxhá, Escuintla, El Remate and other lush regions. Adventure is waiting for you if you can see Guatemala's rainforest through the trees — come out the other side and you'll discover ruins, lakes, beaches, and more.

Rainforests

What's that you spy through the clouds? Beauty, adventure, and amazing wildlife! You'll find all of this and more in Guatemala's cloud forests, where the sky kisses the Earth.

Whether you find yourself in Baja Verapaz or Mazatenango, you'll be near one of Guatemala's cloud forests. Bring your jacket and your binoculars — you won't want to miss a thing.

Cloud Forests

Guatemala is home to three things: immense amounts of natural beauty, vast amounts of Mayan culture, and volcanoes aplenty.

Guatemala's volcanoes can seem scary, but once you know more about them, you'll realize that instead of taking away from your vacation, they can add to it. You'll see what we mean when you explore these Guatemala volcano destinations.

Volcanoes

"Don't go chasing waterfalls..." except when you're in Guatemala! From Chilascó — the tallest waterfall in Central America, to the seven waterfalls of Siete Altares — "Seven Altars," Guatemala's waterfalls are waiting to shower you with beauty.

Enjoy taking incredible photos from a distance and a refreshing dip in the pools they make below, after you've gotten closer. Going on a guided tour will make discovering Guatemala's waterfalls even easier.

Waterfalls

It's a two for one adventure when you explore Guatemala's mountains, because many of them are also volcanoes. 

Return home with the best travel stories ever when you go mountain biking outside of La Antigua, hiking in Quetzaltenango, and exploring ruins in Sayaxché — Guatemala's mountains are full of equal parts beauty and excitement!

Mountains

Aldous Huxley famously said that Guatemala's Lake Atitlán was so beautiful as to be, "...too much of a good thing." Well, Guatemala is also the home of Lake Petén Itzá and Lake Izabal.

Visit all three of Guatemala's lakes and judge for yourself which is the most picturesque. Along the way, you'll enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, and maybe even a little bit of relaxation.

Lakes

What's in a city? Turns out, a lot! From the curious blend of kitsch and culture in the tourist friendly Chichicastenango to the sport fishing off the coast of Puerto Quetzal, choosing between Guatemala's cities is a matter of what you want to do and see. 

This list of Guatemala cities to visit will help you decide what your personal 'can't miss' destinations and tours include.

Cities

Get your vacation off to a good start. These Guatemala airport destinations ensure that you'll have easy access to comfortable accommodations, and won't be too far from your point of arrival and/or departure.

Bonus, if the Guatemala airport in question is Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), you're right outside of Flores and Santa Elena, and the beautiful Lake Petén Itzá.

Airports

Learn how the past and the present coexist when you explore Guatemala's indigenous culture on exciting tours. Attend festivals and other events, visit historic destinations, and most importantly — chat with Guatemala's people.

Guatemala Indigenous

Lívingston

Rio Dulce, Fronteras

Puerto Barrios

Guatemala City

Antigua

Purulhá, Verapaces

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Baja Verapaz

Copán Ruinas (Honduras)

Alta Verapaz

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Escuintla

Esquipulas

Monterrico

Mazatenango

Retalhuleu

Tikal

Sayaxché

Lake Peten Itza

Flores and Santa Elena

Yaxha

Chichicastenango

Santa Cruz La Laguna

Quetzaltenango

Lake Atitlan

Santiago Atitlán

Panajachel

Santa Catarina Palopó

Huehuetenango

Central Highlands

Western Highlands

Peten

Lanquin

The Guatemalan landscape includes volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, rainforests, caves, and white-water rivers. Not surprisingly, there are all kinds of adventurous activities for travelers to try out. You might hike to the summit of the Acatenango Volcano or explore the deep recesses of the Candelaria Caves. Adventure tours prioritize safety and are usually suitable for people of all ages and abilities. They are led by professional guides who work hard to provide travelers with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Adventure

Guatemala has astounding outdoor areas — the landscape here includes tall volcanoes, dense jungles, huge lakes and cascading waterfalls, as well as all the creatures that live within these various habitats. Nature tours allow travelers to explore these incredible places. The tours include bird watching expeditions, hikes with naturalist guides, horseback riding, night walks, and marine turtle nesting trips.

Guatemala borders both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Pacific Coast is much larger than the Caribbean, but you can still explore marine environments on either side of the country. Marine tours allow travelers to experience the ocean in a number of ways, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, and marine mammal observation. These tours take you to gorgeous oceanic areas and give you the chance to spot all kinds of creatures, including tropical fish, dolphins, whales, and manta rays.

Marine

With its spectacular ruins, fantastic museums, and authentic Mayan villages, Guatemala isn’t lacking for culture. Cultural tours give travelers intimate access to some the country’s best cultural attractions. During one of these tours, you might tour a Mayan marketplace, or visit a traditional coffee farm. Knowledgeable guides lead the tours, answering questions and providing information as you explore the site.