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In this article, we’ll look at all the best places to visit in Guatemala. These are some of the best cities, towns and landmarks that should be a part of your Guatemala itinerary.

If you’ve started planning your Guatemala itinerary, you’re probably wondering where you should be heading. And we don’t blame you! There are so many beautiful places to visit in Guatemala.

After all, Guatemala is a beautiful country with so much to offer – beautiful landscapes, natural wonders, ancient Mayan sites, a rich history and a beautiful mix of cultures. If you ask us, the people are some of our favorite in the world, but we could fill a whole blog about that!

From colorful colonial towns to ancient Mayan temples, lush rainforests, abundant rivers, towering volcanoes, iconic lakes and more, we’ll be diving into some of the best places to visit in Guatemala. Of course, there are plenty of other places to explore in this big country, but these are our favorite ones by far!

Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the best that Guatemala has to offer!

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

About Guatemala

Before getting into all the amazing places in Guatemala, we figured it would be good to tell you a bit more about this country, so you know what you’re getting into!

Located in Central America, Guatemala is bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Its landscape, diverse and stunning, is known for its volcanic mountains, highlands, rainforests, and coastal plains. Guatemala is home to over 30 volcanoes, many of which are great to hike! It’s also where you can find a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes, said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Guatemala’s history is both rich and complex. It dates back to the ancient Maya civilization which reigned in this region for over 2,000 years. In the 16th century, the Spanish arrived and forever changed the landscape here, having an impact on the language, culture, and architecture of the country. Something we can still see today!

In 1821, Guatemala gained its independence from Spain, and since then, the country has been fighting against political instability, social inequality and violence. They even survived a brutal civil war, from 1960 to 1996. The effects of that war can still be felt today.

But Guatemala is changing. Today, the country is quite safe to visit. It’s been voted many times as one of the best destinations to visit in 2023. The beautiful people of the country, a melting pot of indigenous peoples, people of European, African and Asian descent, are ready to welcome travelers and show them what makes this country so unique.

Knowing all of this, let’s dive into the best places to visit in Guatemala. You’ll see how this all comes together in such a beautiful package!

The 10 best places in Guatemala you have to visit

Guatemala is full of amazing places to visit. From more remote locations to super popular cities. There is really something for everyone here. We wanted to shine a light on our 10 favorite places in Guatemala that you should add to your itinerary.

We wanted to create a diverse list that includes some musts, but also some places that aren’t always on the tourist trail. We’ve also included a good mix of city life, outdoorsy places and everything in between!

1. Antigua, a colonial city in Guatemala you have to explore

No list of beautiful places in Guatemala would be complete without including the city of Antigua. This colonial town is such a charmer! It’s an absolute must on any itinerary.

Located in the central highlands of Guatemala, Antigua stands out with its Spanish Baroque architecture and colorful buildings. Just walking around the city, you will fall in love with the colonial buildings. You’ll also see some ruins around the old capital of Guatemala, relics of the earthquakes that struck the city in the 18th century. Antigua is a popular destination on any tourist trail, for so many reasons.

If you’re looking to hike some volcanoes, go on day trips to Lake Atitlan or visit Hobbitenango, Antigua is very well-located. All these amazing things are quite close to it.

But beyond practical reasons for visiting Antigua, there are so many other things! Antigua is also a cultural hub, home to rich culture and historical heritage. There are plenty of museums to visit, as well as convents, churches, and more.

Antigua is also located in the valley, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. A quick climb to Cerro de la Cruz, a famous viewpoint in Antigua, will give you a glimpse of the stunning landscape around the city. Also, visit any rooftop cafe or restaurant, and you’ll instantly fall in love with the panoramic view.

Finally, the food scene in Antigua is unlike anywhere else in Guatemala. It’s a foodie paradise! With tons of amazing restaurants, cafés and street food vendors, there’s so much delicious food to discover here! Best of all, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to enjoy!

Regardless of what you’re into, whether it be architecture, history, culture, food or amazing nature escapes, Antigua has something for everyone. It’s no surprise it’s at the top of our list of amazing places to visit in Guatemala.

Where to stay in Antigua

While in Antigua, we mainly stayed in Airbnbs. As long-term travelers, we require having a kitchen, as it helps us keep costs low so that we can travel longer. However, there are plenty of great accommodations available in the city, regardless of what your budget is.

Here are some great places to check out:

• Budget-friendly options: Casa Rustica. Dionisio Inn. Hotel Aurora.
• Mid-range options: Hotel Mesón de María. Hotel Casa del Parque. Hotel El Carmen.
• Luxury options: Casa Encantada. Casa Santo Domingo. Palacio de Doña Beatriz.

Antigua can get fairly busy, especially during Semana Santa, the week before Easter. Antigua is the premier city in Guatemala that celebrates Easter in a big way. On the 4 Sundays leading up to Easter, main roads will be closed for celebrations, festivities and processions.

If you’re planning a visit to Antigua, make sure you book your accommodations ahead of time. During regular times, we’d recommend you book 2 weeks before coming. For Semana Santa, we recommend booking a month in advance.

Where to eat in Antigua

As we mentioned, there are so many amazing restaurants and cafes in Antigua. Here are a few that we really loved:

• Café Café Guatemala: The perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. They have great pricing, the service is great and the food is delicious. A must is trying their coffee. They produce it themselves and it’s so yummy! They also offer a few great vegan options.
• Once:once: This was, hands-down, our favorite restaurant in Guatemala! We ate here at least twice a week! It’s that good. Their whole menu is vegan, but even if you’re an omnivore, you’re going to love this place! Everything on the menu is delicious, and if you have room, we recommend trying their chocolate cake.
• El Bowl: Another restaurant we adored. They can pretty much all their meals vegan. We loved the bao buns, the kimchi fries, their Mediterranean bowl, and their pad Thai. But honestly, everything on their menu was amazing and decently priced.

If you’re looking for more Antigua recommendations, stay tuned, because we’re working on a full travel guide for you!

2. Quetzaltenango, a lesser-known destination to visit in Guatemala

Quetzaltenango may not be on many travelers’ itinerary, but it quickly became one of our favorite cities in Guatemala after spending a few days here. Although it’s the country’s second-largest city, it still feels small and welcoming! Locally, it’s referred to as Xela (Chella).

Truth be told, most travelers who come to Quetzaltenango are here to learn Spanish. We met so many long-term travelers who were here to take language classes. And we can’t blame them for coming here. It’s a great place to set up camp, away from the hoards of tourists, and to still explore the best of Guatemala.

Quetzaltenango is located in the western highlands of Guatemala. Xela is another city known for its Spanish colonial architecture, nearby Fuentes Georgina hot springs, volcanos, hikes and coffee plantations.

While in Xela, you will notice many people dressed in their indigenous garb. In fact, the city is home to many indigenous people of Guatemala, mainly the K’iche’ and Mam Mayan groups. You can see their culture reflected in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and arts and crafts.

Quetzaltenango is a great place in Guatemala to set up camp if you want to hike some volcanoes. There are 3 great volcano hikes nearby, mainly Laguna Chicabal, Santa Maria and Tajumulco. You can also hike from Xela to Lake Atitlan, a 3-day trek through the jungle, mountains and different villages.

Queztaltenango is really a great city in Guatemala. Despite its size, it has a ton of warmth and charm. Well worth the visit if you have the chance!

Best hotels in Quetzaltenango

Seeing as Xela is not on the tourist trail, there aren’t that many hotels to choose from. This means prices are also quite affordable. Here are some options for each price range:

• Budget-friendly options: Hostal Choja. Hotel del Ferrocarrgil. Hotel Ideal.
• Mid-range options: 7 orejas. Lar Antiqua Hotel. Hotel Boutique Casa Las Flores.
• Luxury options: Casa Morasan. LATAM hotel Plaza Pradera. Hotel Pension Bonifaz.

We stayed at Hotel Ideal and found it was a lovely stay. It’s conveniently located near the main park in town, making it close to all the attractions and restaurants. The hotel owner was quite friendly and helped us plan some excursions. There’s also a lovely rooftop where you can get a nice view of the city. The kitchen they offer is small but functional enough to make all the meals we needed. For the price, it’s a great stay!

Best restaurants in Quetzaltenango

We found quite a few great restaurants in Quetzaltenango. Here were our favorites:

• Mandarina: Our all-time favorite. Great for breakfast and lunch. It’s also the perfect place to work from as many people in town have discovered. The owner is super friendly and will do her beat to remember your name. Everything on their menu is delicious. Seriously! And they will try hard to make it vegan if it’s not!
• Sabor de la India: After 3 months in Central America, it was nice to have something different than the typical meals here. We loved their vegetable curry and the saag paneer. The service was sweet and very fast. We recommend coming early as they did fill up quite quickly.
• Punto Vegano: This little eatery is set up as a buffet. Each dish costs $8 QTZ and is delicious. It was a very affordable meal, with healthy portions. everything is made fresh and is vegan. It’s a no-fuss eatery, but well worth it.

If you’re looking for more Xela recommendations, stay tuned, because we’re working on a full travel guide for you!

3. Flores, a must-see town in Guatemala

Flores is a beautiful little island located in Lake Petén Itzá, in the north of Guatemala. There is a long bridge that connects it to the mainland. Flores is often used as a base to explore Tikal, but it’s a lovely place to discover in Guatemala.

Another town with colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, being in Flores, you’ll almost feel like you’re in Europe. It has a very Lake Como feel to it. You might even forget you’re in Guatemala!

There are also some great things to do in and around Flores. Grab a boat and explore some of the beaches on the other side. You can also visit some of the other towns like El Remate. Flores is also home to some epic hikes (El Mirador is a 3 or 5-day hike in the jungle), or you can walk up to the Mirador Del Rey Canek, a much easier hike.

There are also a ton of delicious eateries in Flores. You’ll also find plenty of arts and crafts being sold here. Many shops offer handmade textiles, pottery, and other artisanal products.

If Tikal is on your list, we recommend spending some time in Flores. It’s well worth exploring this lovely little island!

Where to stay in Flores

There are many options for hotels in Flores. For some cheaper options, you can stay in Santa Elena, the town that connects Flores by bridge. Here are some of the different accommodations within the usual price ranges:

• Budget-friendly options: Hotel Villa Maya. Hostal Inn 2. Casa Maya Itza.
• Mid-range options: Hotel Peten Express. Casa Ramona. Hotel Casa Turquesa.
• Luxury options: Hotel Isla de Flores. Bolontiku Boutique Hotel. Hotel Santa Barbara Tikal. Note that some of the luxury hotels are not located in Flores but around the island. Often, they will offer complimentary boat rides to mainland Petén or Flores.

Where to eat in Flores

There are plenty of delicious restaurants in Flores. Being creatures of habit, we often went to these establishments that not only offered tasty food, but had amazing service as well.

• Maracuya: Located right on the water, Maracuya is one of the best restaurants we went to in Flores… and maybe even Guatemala. Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have a great variety of foods, and the view can’t be beaten. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth every penny. They also offer some amazing vegan options.
• Maple & Tocino: One of our favorite places for breakfast. Located right on the water, they have a lovely terrasse where you can eat. And their meals are quite large and delicious.
• Cool Beans Cafe: Another great affordable restaurant with quite a few vegan options. We tried so many different things here and loved every dish. The service is quick and nice, plus they have a cool little courtyard where you can eat.

4. Tikal, a unmissable place in Guatemala

Did you think we would list the best places to visit in Guatemala and not include Tikal? Tikal might be one of the top attractions in Guatemala and a must in every traveler’s itinerary. Truly, no trip to Guatemala would be complete without a stop here. Even people who are in San Ignacio in Belize choose to take a day trip to Tikal.

Tikal is an ancient Mayan city that is located close to Flores. That’s why so many people choose to stay there. However, there are places to stay that are located much closer to Tikal.

Tikal was once one of the most powerful and influential cities in the Maya civilization, and its history dates back to the 4th century BC. Today, Tikal is a popular tourist destination and was even named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Fun fact, you can see some of the temples of Tikal in the Star Wars Episode IV movie too.

The ancient Mayan city is known for its impressive pyramids, temples, palaces and other structures. Each showcases the incredible achievements of the Maya civilization. The most notable structures in Tikal include the Great Plaza, Temple I, Temple II, Temple III, Temple IV, and the Lost World Complex.

The best way to explore Tikal is by getting a guided tour. They will include transport to and from the site, as well as a knowledgeable guide who will tell you all the fascinating things about the Maya civilization and the structures. Entrance fees and meals will not be included in the pricing. The great thing about the tours is that they actually give you enough free time to visit the site and take you through shortcuts so you don’t waste time wandering about.

While you’re visiting Tikal, you’ll likely see plenty of wildlife like howler monkeys and exotic birds. Some people have seen jaguars or pumas, but they are rarer sightings.

Overall, Tikal is a fascinating historical site and a must-visit destination in Guatemala for anyone interested in the ancient Maya civilization and the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala.

5. Livingston, a hidden gem in Guatemala

We know that Livingston is not on many people’s bucket lists when it comes to visiting Guatemala. It’s usually a stop for those who want to cross over to Belize or to Honduras. But if you have the time, we highly recommend you come to visit this hidden gem.

Located on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Livingston is a melting pot of cultures with the most chill vibes in the country. This town is known for its large Garifuna population, and it’s why it’s such a great place to visit in Guatemala. You’ll get to try some delicious food, experience live music and admire the colorful architecture. There are many places in town where you can partake in the Garifuna culture.

Although there aren’t a ton of things to do in Livingston, you could easily spend a few days here. Most time should be spent enjoying the chill vibes. You can also walk the town’s colorful streets, where you’ll see many vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do like fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours of the Rio Dulce. One of the most popular tours includes a stop at the Siete Altares, a series of natural waterfalls and swimming holes that are located just a short boat ride from the town. During this tour, they’ll also take you to Playa Blanca, a small beach with white sand and palm trees. Don’t get your hopes up that high – it’s a nice beach, but not one of the best beaches in Central America are made of!

Overall, Livingston is a unique and culturally rich destination in Guatemala that offers a different experience from other popular tourist destinations in the country. It’s worth the detour if you have the time and don’t mind the long journey to get there.

Where to stay in Livingston

Livingston is a small town so accommodations might not be quite like we’re used to in other parts of the country. However, there is still a nice range of places to choose from:

• Mid-range: Hotel Casa Rosada. Hotel Salvador Gaviota. Livingston Resort Hotel.
• Budget-friendly: Posada El Delfin. Casa Nostra. Casa de la Iguana.
• Luxury: Villa Caribe.

We stayed at the Casa Rosada and loved it. The staff was friendly, and it was such a social place to stay. There was a restaurant at the hotel with good pricing. Breakfasts were good, and for dinner, they had many traditional dishes to try. The rooms are simple and they have the option of sleeping in dorms too. They also organize tours and water taxi shuttles, so it makes traveling around easy! Overall, it was a great place to spend a few nights while exploring the town.

Where to eat in Livingston

Again, Livingston is a small town, so there aren’t a ton of places to eat around here. However, there are still some great options available.

• La Buga Pizza: Ok, you might be wondering why we recommend eating pizza in Livingston, but this restaurant has a wood-burning oven and they make a mean pizza. However, the main reason to come eat here is for the Garifuna band that plays pretty much every night starting at 8 pm-ish. (They were never on time)! Good food, good entertainment, good vibes. What more can you ask for?
• Buga Mama: This restaurant has a great view over the water. The food is good, the portions are big and the staff is awesome. In fact, their staff are students who are learning to be in the hospitality industry. They are eager to learn and practice their English. In fact, Buga Mama is involved in many other community initiatives, so supporting them helps them on their mission!
• Restaurante Casa Rosada: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel restaurant has a bit of everything to enjoy. Since we were staying at the hotel, we found it was a convenient place to eat, but many others would come enjoy the food here, even if they weren’t lodging at the hotel. You can try the typical tapado, a Garifuna dish, or one of their curries. You won’t be disappointed!

6. Rio Dulce, a town in Guatemala worth exploring

This is another place in Guatemala that doesn’t often make the cut as one worth visiting. Most people come to Rio Dulce as a gateway either coming into Guatemala or leaving for Honduras or Belize. Big mistake if you don’t stop here, at least for a full day.

Rio Dulce, as the name suggests, is located on the river. And just riding on this river, you’ll fall in love with the views. Surrounded by mountains, with little mangrove islands, secret routes, towering cliffs and waterfalls, this place is absolutely stunning. Once you’re on the river, you won’t want to leave.

Along the river, you’ll find plenty of little accommodations that are tucked in from the main part of the river. Make sure to book a stay here. You’ll be able to swim in the river while being tucked away in a beautiful nature getaway. With all the amazing nature around, it’s no surprise that Rio Dulce is home to plenty of wildlife, from monkeys, tropical birds, manatees and more.

If you’re looking for things to do in the main part of town, there is the Castillo de San Felipe, a 17th-century Spanish fortress you can see. There’s also more Garifuna culture to take in here. And you can also enjoy El Boqueron, a secret location where you can paddle among the cliffs, surrounded by nature. You can also kayak the little rivers that shoot off the main one. Some will take you to waterfalls, or hot springs, or natural swimming pools.

Overall, Rio Dulce is a unique and beautiful destination in Guatemala that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventurers to those looking to relax and soak up the local culture.

Where to stay in Rio Dulce

There are many places to choose from in Rio Dulce. You can stay in the main part of town, or you can stay in one of the places on the river. Since we stayed in both, we’re only going to make 2 recommendations here.

First, if you’re staying in town, we suggest Hotel Backpackers. We’ll be honest, the place itself needs some work. But the rooms are comfortable and they have dorms, as well as private rooms. The reason we recommend it is that they’re associated with Casa Guatemala. This amazing NGO provides food, housing and education to the indigenous children of Rio Dulce. They also take care of the parents and elders of the communities around them. You can learn more about the work Casa Guatemala does by checking out our documentary on YouTube. Any help you can provide for them to continue their great work will be so appreciated!

The next place we recommend is Hotelito Perdido. This property is located in the middle of nowhere, between Livingston & Rio Dulce. The only way to get here is by taking a boat. But once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave. There are dorm rooms available and they also have private cabanas. There’s a dock to hang out on where they have hammocks and tons of seats available. You can also tube on the water or chill on the swings. You can also swim in the river, paddleboard or kayak. There’s a main common area where they have more seating and where all guests enjoy a home-cooked meal every night.

If you’re looking for other places to stay, there are plenty of other options on Booking.com.

7. Chichicastenango, a unique Guatemalan town known for its market

There are places in Guatemala that are unique to the whole region. Chichicastenango is one of them. This little town is located in the highlands of Guatemala, near Lake Atitlan.

What makes Chichi so unique and worth visiting is that it’s home to one of the largest and most colorful markets in Central America. This market happens every Thursday and Sunday. Here, you can spend hours walking around the market and checking out all the things they have. From textiles, pottery, and handicrafts, but also produce, metal works and so much more. If you’re looking for souvenirs to buy, this is the place to do it.

Chichicastenango is also home to a large indigenous community, and the town’s architecture, art, and traditions reflect this heritage. Visitors can explore local churches, museums, and art galleries to learn more about the town’s history and culture. In fact, the main church in town was built over a Mayan site. Today, both faiths are celebrated there. You can also visit the local cemetery where you can see how death is celebrated here.

Finally, Chichicastenango is also known for its lively festivals and events. If you want to get a glimpse into a different side of this culture, you can visit during the Carnival of San Tomas and the Day of the Dead (on November 1). The Carnival is celebrated on December 21st each year. This festival is a combination of indigenous and Catholic traditions. During the festival, the town’s streets are taken over with parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes.

Overall, Chichicastenango is a unique and fascinating destination in Guatemala that offers visitors a chance to experience the city’s rich culture and history. If you’re in Lake Atitlan during one of these days (either Thursday, Sunday or during the festivals), Chichicastenango is well worth visiting. No need to stay overnight, you can visit the highlights of the town on a day trip from Panajachel.

8. Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful place that should be included on any Guatemala itinerary! Many have said that it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, akin to Lake Como. Knowing this, you can’t miss this amazing destination in Guatemala.

Located in the western highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is a crater lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Doesn’t that already sound stunning?! The landscape at Lake Atitlan is like nowhere else in the country. It’s well worth visiting this location for at least a few days up to a week if you can!

The lake is lined by 3 massive volcanoes, all of which can be hiked. You have San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlan. In the distance, on clear days, you can also see Fuego and Acatenango. You can also climb up Maya Rostro (Indian Nose) to get an impressive view of the lake and its volcanoes, without hiking for hours! You can not only hike at the lake, but you can swim (in cleaner towns), kayak, paddle board, and more.

One of the best things to do on the Lake is to visit the different towns. If you can, we recommend staying in 2-3 different towns so you can get a good feel for the place, or you can take the boat taxi and go village hopping! Each town has some unique and different to offer because so many different Mayan communities live there.

If you have more time in Guatemala, you can also take Spanish classes in Lake Atitlan. There are so many different language schools here. You can also take yoga classes, painting classes or crafts classes. The inspiring surroundings might have a role to play in bringing out people’s artistic side!

Overall, Lake Atitlan is a must-see destination in Guatemala. You have a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic community of Guatemala.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan

If you’re looking for places to stay at Lake Atitlan, you have so many different options! Instead of giving you hotel recommendations, we’ll tell you about the different towns you can choose to stay in.

• San Pedro La Laguna: This is a great option if you want to explore the towns nearby. It has a backpacker party vibe, with plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from. It’s very walkable, there are plenty of amenities, and it’s in a great location to set up camp for Lake exploration.
• Panajachel: If you want a bigger town that is closer to mainland activities (like getting to Antigua or visiting Chichicastenango), this is the place for you. You can also explore the other towns from Panajachel as it’s a quick boat ride to other places. There are also a great variety of hotels and restaurants here.
• San Marcos: Known as the hippy yoga town on the lake, San Marcos is great for those who want to do a yoga or wellness retreat. There are plenty of wellness providers, yoga studios, vegan restaurants, different types of accommodations and more. Located in the middle of the different towns, it’s a good option if you want to explore the towns around the lake.
• Santa Cruz: Built on the mountain, Santa Cruz is a cute little town to stay in. There aren’t that many places to stay or to eat here, but you have some selection, still. You can hop on a boat and explore the other towns around. If you’re looking for a more quiet stay, this is the town for you!

9. Semuc Champey, a natural beauty in Guatemala you need to experience

This attraction in Guatemala is hard to get to. It’s a long journey to get to the town of Lanquin, and another long journey to get to Semuc Champey, but it’s totally worth every minute of travel!

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, in the Alta Verapaz region. It’s a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls formed by the Cahabón River. Once you’re here, you’ll love jumping into the turquoise pools and admiring the cliffs around the waterfalls. If you’re looking for a relaxing day, this is it!

But if you want adventure, there are many tour providers that will offer an adventure package, including time spent at the pools. The tours include hiking and cave exploration. You can also go tubing here, or cliff jumping. There are so many different things you can do to enjoy the great outdoors here.

Since many different indigenous communities live here, you can also choose to dive deeper into their culture and traditions.

Overall, Semuc Champey is a unique and beautiful natural wonder in Guatemala. It gives you a chance to experience adventure, eco-tourism, and traditional Mayan culture all in one place.

Where to stay in Semuc Champey

When you visit Semuc Champey, you have 2 options for where to stay. These details will help you decide where you prefer to stay.

You can choose to set up camp in the town of Lanquin, the closest town to Semuc Champey Natural Monument Park. We recommend this if you plan on visiting Semuc Champey only once during your stay.

Staying here, you’ll be closer to town, so any amenities you may need like shops, markets, ATMs, etc. Most hotels here are set up on the river, so you can always go for a dip if you’d like. Most accommodations also have restaurants, because, although the town is small, it’s quite hilly, and distances are long. But if you’re looking for a selection, you have some options in town.

If you want to visit the Semuc Champey monument, you’ll need to take a 4×4 which will cost $25 QTZ. The trip will take 45 minutes each way. If you plan on making the trip many times, keep this in mind. Also, note that the route to Semuc Champey is currently under construction and you will only be able to leave town early in the morning, before 9 am, and exit the site around 1 or 3 pm.

If you want to visit Semmuc Champey many times, we recommend staying in one of the accommodations around the Natural Monument. This way, you’ll only need to do the trip once to your accommodations. From there, you’ll need to walk a few minutes before getting to the site.

All accommodations near Semuc Champey also have their own restaurants. However, everything will be more expensive staying closer to the site. From food to accommodations, everything was priced much higher than the equivalent in town. For us, who visited Semuc Champey once, the premium was not worth it. But again, if you plan on visiting many times, it might be worth it for you in terms of saving time along the bumpy route.

Booking.com

10. Fuego Volcano, Guatemala’s famous landmark you can’t miss

The final destination you have to visit in Guatemala is an unmissable one. It’s one of the places that Guatemala is most famous for. Not many countries in the world can brag about having an active volcano. Which is why Fuego is a must.

Fuego is a volcano located near Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Its imposing presence dominates the landscape around Antigua. On clear days, you can see it erupt from Antigua or Lake Atitlan. During the day, thick gray clouds puff out of the summit, while at night, you can see the lava eruptions.

Although you don’t have to hike Fuego, we highly recommend you do! If there’s one volcano hike in Guatemala you have to do, this is it! Fuego can be hiked as a very strenuous day hike, or you can do it as a part of an overnight hike to Acatenango. We opted for the latter and it was amazing. Grueling, but amazing!

This hike is hard, but to stand on the ridge of Fuego and feel its heat as it erupts, feel the ground shake and see the lava up close is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience! If you’re physically able, we recommend you make the trek. Most hikes leave from Antigua, so you can pick a provider there.

Overall, the Fuego volcano is a unique and beautiful natural wonder in Guatemala!

Top 10 best places to visit in Guatemala

There you have it! The 10 best destinations in Guatemala that you should visit! If you can fit all 10 into your itinerary, you will probably have an amazing time! But we know that it’s not always to fit in so much on shorter vacations.

As a reminder, here are the 10 best places to visit in Guatemala:

1. Antigua
2. Quetzaltenango
3. Flores
4. Tikal
5. Livingston
6. Rio Dulce
7. Chichicastenango
8. Lake Atitlan
9. Semuc Champey
10. Fuego

Let us know in the comments which one you’re most excited to visit. Are there other destinations we should be adding to our list? Which ones? We really loved Guatemala, so we don’t mind going back again!

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