Guatemala, as the birthplace of the Maya, is not short of ancient ruins to explore, most notably in Tikal National Park, which can be found deep in the jungle with hundreds of temples peeking out of the top of the tree canopy. But there is more to this country than ancient ruins: the city of Antigua Guatemala is well worth spending some time in, with its colourful, cobbled streets and surrounding volcanoes. Nearby is Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by villages that provide the perfect opportunity to learn a little more about authentic Guatemalan culture. The combination of the history, culture and the country's natural beauty makes Guatemala an unforgettable place to visit, and these are our top picks for where to go to make the most of all that is on offer here.
Places to Visit in Guatemala
Where to go in Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
A highlight of any Guatemalan trip; Antigua competes with Cusco and Cartagena as Latin America's most beautiful colonial city.
Lake Atitlan
A huge body of deep blue water that stretches into the distance and takes at least half an hour to cross by motorised boat, the lake has an amazing...
Tikal National Park
A 45-minute flight from Guatemala City to Flores in the steamy Petén region of northern Guatemala, Tikal’s 3,000 temples, shrines, ceremonial...
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What to do in Guatemala
Chichicastenango
The mountain village of Chichicastenango, three hours from Antigua, is especially worth visiting on Thursdays and Sundays when indigenous Mayans...
Iximche
Perched on top of a fortified hilltop, and surrounded by a deep moat, sits the pre-Colombian archaeological site of Iximche.
Lake Atitlan Villages
Lake Atitlan is surrounded by a dozen or so small villages, each with its own distinctive feel. Although most remain fairly quiet, tourism is...
Solola Market
Set on a natural balcony overlooking Lake Atitlan, Solola’s Tuesday and Friday market is one of Central America’s finest, drawing crowds...
Flores
The slow paced island village of Flores is often overlooked as a mere start off point for trips around the Peten region, but it is worth spending...
El Mirador
Tucked away near the Mexican border and still largely covered in thick vegetation, the ancient Mayan ruins of El Mirador are believed by many...
Yaxha
45 miles to the west of Flores, the gateway to the north, lie the archaeological site of Yaxha.
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Load moreLuxury Hotels in Guatemala
Palacio de Dona Leonor
Palacio de Dona Leonor is an authentic mansion steeped in 500 years of history, evident the minute one steps through its heavy oak doors.
Casa Encantada
One of the most hospitable places to stay in one of Latin America's must-see cities.
El Convento
Hidden away down one of Antigua’s cobbled streets, El Convento is located opposite the 18th Century Capuchin convent, and is at once quiet...
Panza Verde
Panza Verde is a gorgeous boutique property with plenty of character and warmth.
Posada del Angel
This pretty little inn is built in the Spanish colonial style but has a strong Guatemalan feel, from the friendly staff to the brightly woven...
Hotel Atitlan
The welcoming rooms in this converted family coffee farm are individually decorated with traditional Guatemalan textiles and furniture.
Casa Palopó
90 miles from Guatemala City, Casa Palopó is a beautiful villa built on the hills surrounding Santa Catarina Palopó village, on the shores...
La Lancha
The Mayan ruins at Tikal and Yaxha require long days of exploring, so a relaxing hotel is in order afterwards, and the best in the region is...
Showing 1 - 3 of 8 hotels
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Eight of the Best Alternative Destinations to Escape the Crowds
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If your idea of holiday hell is visiting a famous tourist hotspot with crowds jostling for the perfect shot and you'd much rather spend your precious time exploring under-the-radar hidden gems that are away from the masses, then may we introduce Undertourism. Aspiring Undertourist and…
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Travel by Colour: our Top Five Destinations in Latin America
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Latin America is a region of many characters; football is practically a religion; the steak is the best in the world (and the only vegetarian item you're likely to find on the menu is a mojito) and the jeans are very, very tight. It's also a continent awash with colour - from bright woven…
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The Best Destinations for a Last-Minute Holiday in 2017
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Whoever said failure to prepare is preparation for failure clearly never experienced the thrill of being spontaneous. While it's all very commendable to plan things months and years in advance, sometimes it's just wonderfully liberating to make a snap decision. Never more so than with…
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The Colours of Guatemala and El Salvador
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My first trip to Central America was so colorful that I have
been living in monochrome ever since. I urge anyone with a penchant
for pastels, a fetish for fluorescents or a bias for bolds to
visit. Here are my most colourful moments from Guatemala and El Salvador.
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Spotlight on Latin America
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Latin America has it all, whether you're meandering through the bustling, colourful markets of the world's highest capital city, La Paz, reclining with a robust malbec in Mendoza, or soaking up the sun on the picture perfect beaches of Brazil. It's a region that has enthralled Original…
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