Guatemala
Where volcanoes, Mayan culture, and colourful towns come together. Discover a diverse country full of adventure, nature, and unique places.
Travel Tips for Guatemala: Volcanoes, Mayan Ruins, and Colourful Cities
Guatemala is one of the most adventurous destinations in Central America. Travel from towering volcanoes and ancient Maya ruins to colourful colonial cities and lakeside villages. Climb an active volcano and watch the earth come alive beneath your feet, discover the fascinating Maya culture and learn Spanish on the shores of enchanting Lake Atitlán. Wander the cobbled streets of Antigua and head out on adventurous hikes through Guatemala’s spectacular landscapes. We share the best places to visit and practical travel tips for an unforgettable journey through Guatemala.
Travel Inspiration for Guatemala
Guatemala is an incredible destination for adventurous travellers, with active volcanoes, ancient Maya ruins and colourful towns. Head out and explore, discover the fascinating Maya culture and be surprised by the incredible diversity of this captivating country.
Featured places
Travel Inspiration for Guatemala
Guatemala is an incredible destination for adventurous travellers, with active volcanoes, ancient Maya ruins and colourful towns. Head out and explore, discover the fascinating Maya culture and be surprised by the incredible diversity of this captivating country.
Featured places
Practical Tips for a trip to Guatemala
From colourful Antigua and the spectacular Lake Atitlán to ancient Maya ruins and active volcanoes: discover our tips on the best time to visit, getting around, great travel routes and special places to visit in Guatemala.
Is Guatemala a safe travel destination?
Yes, Guatemala is generally easy to travel around, but it’s important to stay alert. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight and, where possible, hike with a local guide or as part of a group. Antigua is a pleasant and relatively safe base for exploring the region. Before you travel, always check the latest travel advice for Guatemala from your country’s official government website.
What are the highlights of a trip through Guatemala?
Guatemala is packed with incredible places to discover. These are some of our favourite highlights:
- Antigua: a colorful colonial city with charming streets and historic buildings.
- Lake Atitlán: a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes and colorful Maya villages.
- Quetzaltenango (Xela): an authentic city and a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
- Tikal: impressive Mayan ruins in the middle of the jungle.
What is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time to visit Guatemala is from November through April. During these months, the weather is mostly dry, making it ideal for touring and hiking.
How many days do you need for Guatemala?
For a great trip through Guatemala, we recommend spending two to three weeks in the country. This gives you enough time to see the main highlights while still leaving room for a few adventurous experiences along the way.
What is the best way to travel around in Guatemala?
You can travel around Guatemala by shuttle bus, local bus, private transfer or rental car. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but with traffic, sometimes challenging road conditions and safety considerations, organised transport can be a more comfortable option for many travellers. Still want to rent a car? We recommend Sunny Cars.
Can you learn Spanish in Guatemala?
Absolutely! Guatemala is a popular destination for learning Spanish, with a wide range of language schools where you can combine lessons with everyday life and local culture. Antigua and Lake Atitlán are particularly well known for their Spanish language schools. Read more about it in our blog about learning Spanish in Guatemala.
