6 Best things to do in Guatemala [2024]: Traveler's favorites!

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6 Best things to do in Guatemala [2024]: Traveler's favorites!
Guatemala is a country known for its beautiful Mayan culture, amazing food, and breathtaking natural wonders. Regardless of who you travel with or traveling solo, these recommendations are the absolute must-dos while you're in Guatemala. Find out what they are now, plus some tips for first-time travelers!
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To the north of Costa Rica and south of Mexico lies a country rich with Mayan culture, history, and natural wonders. Guatemala is one of America's biodiversity hotspots and has 14 different ecoregions. Its landscapes vary from wetlands, mangrove forests, and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans littorals. 

Guatemala is ideal for those interested in the history of Latin America and eager to discover more about the population that used to inhabit these lands before the Spanish conquests. The country is really full of attractions, not to forget the delicious and authentic Guatemalan food you'll be able to try while you're there.

Are you intrigued? Let me walk you through my list of a  few unique suggestions of activities and experiences you can do during your adventure in Guatemala!

6 Best things to do in Guatemala

1. Explore Mayan villages

Most tourists in Guatemala visit the capital and the main cities in the country. However, one of the best things to do in Guatemala if you're looking for a truly authentic experience is to explore the tiny Mayan villages scattered on the coasts of Lake Atitlan. 

This tour will help you discover the Mayan culture by visiting local murals and meeting the women's craft cooperative of San Juan la Laguna. You will also get the chance to see two other small villages known as Santiago Atitlan and Panajachel. 

2. Witness a volcano eruption

Yes, you read that right. Seeing a volcano erupting is truly a magnificent sight to witness from afar! Luckily, Guatemala is the ideal place to try this experience. 

The Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure is one of the top adventures to join in Guatemala. The tour will take you on a two-day hike to the dormant Acatenango Volcano, a massive stratovolcano. From there,  you'll have the most breathtaking scenic view of Volcano Fuego, one of the best places in Guatemala. Unlike Acatenango, this volcano is the most active in the country and, on average, erupts every 20 minutes. So, no doubt, you will surely see some lava and ashes! 

What's included in the Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Tour?

Everything from food to accommodation is included in the price of the tour. You will only have to bring a good camera, the essentials, and a well-rested and excited spirit! 

The Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure begins at 7.00 am. A shuttle will take you from Antigua to La Soledad Village. At 10.00 am, you will start the five hours hike that will take you to the summit of Acatenango Volcano. Here you will see both the sunset and dawn, get the chance to shoot amazing pictures, and learn everything about this area thanks to your local guide. 

Acatenango Volcano and Volcano Fuego eruptions.
Photo by Dimitry B on Unsplash

3. Explore the Mayan ruins 

A great way to connect to the ancient Mayan populations that inhabited Guatemala is to see the Iximche ruins. This site can be reached with a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Antigua. However, if you don't want the hassle of renting a car and driving in a foreign country, you can also book a guided tour.

The Iximche Ruins Tour from Antigua will take you directly from Antigua to the Iximche ruins. An experienced guide will teach you the habits and traditions of the ancient Maya who built these stunning pyramid temples. 

Iximche was highly significant in the past and was considered the second most important city of the Himalayan Highlands when the Spanish first arrived on these lands. 

Antigua Mayan Ruins Tour.
Photo by Emil Diallo on Unsplash

4. Antigua and Guatemala City walking tour

One of the best things to do in Guatemala City is to book a walking tour. This city abounds in historical buildings that you may not even notice without the help of an experienced guide.

The same can be said for Antigua. The Antigua walking tour is designed for all those people who are not only interested in the city in itself but would like to know more about the history of Guatemala. You will learn about the different Mayan ethnic groups and how the volcanoes and earthquakes shaped and shook the country through the years. Antigua walking tour lasts two hours and will take you to all the most important landmarks in the city.

5. Learn and watch the Mayan ceremonies

It would be a pity to spend a vacation in Guatemala without meeting its indigenous people, the Maya. One of the best ways to meet these populations is joining a cleansing ceremony. 

This two-hours traditional fire-cleansing experience takes place in the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. Mayan shamans have been using these caves for centuries to perform their spiritual rituals. Your guide will teach you everything about the history of these ceremonies and the unique meanings of the famous Mayan calendar. 

The caves are about 350 meters above Lake Atitlan, and from here, you will also have a stunning view of the surroundings. If you want to participate in the ceremony, you can pay an extra fee to get all the needed materials.

See the traditional Mayan ceremonies.
Photo by Robin Canfield on Unsplash

6. Antigua Food Tour

While you're in Antigua, don't miss the chance to visit the local market and learn about the local cuisine. If trying local delicacies is among your favorite activities when traveling, this Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour will be ideal for you. 

You will explore the local market with an experienced guide and try different samples of local fruits you probably never saw in your life. Throughout the tour, you will also get the chance to make your tortillas! At the end of the Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour, you will stop at a sit-down market eatery and try some local dishes. 

Keep in mind that the price for lunch is not included, so make sure to bring some cash with you. 

Guatemala Flag.
Photo by Shalom de León on Unsplash

FAQs Travelers have on Guatemala

Here are some additional common questions travelers have when visiting Guatemala. They might be helpful if you're traveling to Guatemala for the first time!

Is Guatemala safe for tourists?

It's undeniable Guatemala has one of the highest crime rates in America. However, these tend to involve local gangs, and tourists tend to be safe when traveling. 

What are the touristy things to do in Guatemala? 

One of the best tourist attractions in Guatemala is Hobbitenango team park, as the name suggests, a theme park inspired by the novel 'The Hobbit' by Tolkien. Alternatively, you can visit a local avocado plantation and try the best avocados of your whole life! 

What's some other fun things to do in Guatemala?

Guatemala also has lots of options for the most adventurous ones.

For instance, you can try this kayak and hike adventure tour or watch the sun setting in Antigua through this ATV Tour

Plan your Guatemala trip with Pilot.

Are you excited to travel and experience all of the fantastic things to do in Guatemala? Don't forget to catch up on everything you should know about the Guatemala Airport to prepare for your journey there!

Now that you know all of the fun things you can do in Guatemala, you can start planning your trip! If you're ready to start planning your adventure, make sure to give Pilot a try!

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Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Cristina Miceli Blog
Written by:
Cristina Miceli
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