If you're thinking "Should I go to Guatemala?" The answer is YES!
Guatemala is an incredible country in Central America with a vibrant culture, volcanoes, colourful towns, rainforests, lakes and ancient Mayan sites. It often gets overlooked for more popular places (like Costa Rica) but should be on everyone’s travel list! Here are 5 experiences to include in your itinerary when you’re planning your travel to Guatemala:
1) Discover volcanoes
Guatemala is part of the Ring of Fire which means it is in an area with high levels of volcanic and seismic activity. One of our favourite experiences was riding ATVs up Pacaya and roasting marshmallows over the hot volcanic rocks at the top. Our other favourite volcano experience (and a must-do!) is hiking Acetenango. It takes a day to hike up to base camp where you spend the night and hike up to the summit in the morning. From base camp, you get treated to views of the active Fuego (and if it’s clear, you can see Pacaya and Agua). This is a bit of a challenging hike but you are rewarded with a mind-blowing view of a volcano erupting during the day (every 15 minutes), and seeing the bright red contrasted on the dark night sky.
Note: If you want to stay overnight (highly recommended), you need to book a guided trip. Your food and all necessary equipment is provided. You sleep in a shared tent at base camp and they welcome you to base with warm tea. Send us an email if you want to book the coolest experience you’ll ever have
Tip: pack warm clothes (it gets chilly at night), a rain cover for your backpack in case it rains and rehydration salts.
2) Relax and explore Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlan is a marvel that was formed 84,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. It is set 1,500 meters above sea level and reaches a depth of 341 meters which makes it the deepest lake in Central America.
The towns around the lake have a vibrant Mayan culture and you can see local artists and galleries, textile weaving and chocolate making.
There are hikes around the lake, you can do a boat tour, relax at a pool bar overlooking the lake and kayak the calm morning water.
Each town has its own unique vibe. San Pedro La Laguna is bohemian, Panajachel is busy with cafes and markets and San Marcos La Laguna has a strong Mayan presence.
This volcano crater lake can’t be missed on your trip to Guatemala!
Getting around: some towns are only accessible by boat (you can catch a public one on the docks). In town and between some towns, tuk tuks are the most common way of travelling.
3) Shop and soak in the culture of Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is a small town between the lake and Antigua. It has one of the best markets in Guatemala and is the biggest market in Central America. Vendors from all over travel here to sell their textiles, Mayan masks, clothing, local foods and other goodies. You can also see a colourful cemetery and learn what it all means on a guided tour with a local (Central American cemeteries are unique)
4) Walk around colourful Antigua
We fell in love with the small town feel and colourful architecture in Antigua. It can be explored by foot and it’s so much fun to wander the cobblestone roads and stumble upon hidden gardens, live music and rooftop bars with volcano views.
Make sure you people watch at The Central Plaza (the oldest park in the city), take photos of the beloved yellow Arch of Santa Catalina (an arch built in 1695 as a passageway to get from a convent for nuns on one side of the street to pass to the other side of the street without walking on the street), try local street food (like chiles rellenos) and pop in for a beer flight at the Antigua Brewing Company.
5) Play outside in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a remote destination located North of Antigua and Guatemala City. The small town of Lanquin is the closest town and used as a base for visiting Semuc Champey.
This is an outdoor lover’s paradise with natural pools to swim in, hikes to breathtaking viewpoints, river tubing, cave exploration and so much more!
