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Guatemala

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Tourist looking at old mayan ruins from high lookout (Temple IV and temple of the Lost World), Tikal National Park, Peten, Guatemala

© Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

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Overview

Guatemala's diverse country captivates travelers with its extraordinary landscapes and a civilization-spanning culture that reaches back centuries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Stone water bowl at Hotel Casa Santa Domingo.

    Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo

    Antigua

    Founded by Dominican friars in 1542, Santo Domingo became the biggest and richest monastery in Antigua. Following three 18th-century earthquakes, the…

  • Reserva Natural Atitlán

    Reserva Natural Atitlán

    Panajachel

    A former coffee plantation being reclaimed by natural vegetation, this reserve is 200m past the Hotel Atitlán on the northern outskirts of town. It makes…

  • Market

    Chichicastenango

    Some villagers still walk for hours carrying their wares to reach Chichi's market, one of Guatemala's largest and a highlight of many people's trips to…

  • Iglesia Merced

    Antigua

    At the northern end of 5a Av is La Merced – a striking yellow building trimmed with white plaster filigree. Its facade is one of the most beautiful in…

  • Casa MIMA

    Guatemala City

    A wonderfully presented museum and cultural center set in a house dating from the late 19th century. The owners of the house were collectors with eclectic…

  • Arco de Santa Catalina

    Antigua

    The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua's most iconic monument, and an early-morning or late-afternoon photo opportunity framing Volcán Agua through its…

  • La Galería

    Panajachel

    Overflowing with art by Guatemalan painters and sculptors, this gallery functions as both an exhibit space and cultural center, hosting lectures, films…

  • Templo Maya el Ceibal Peten, Guatemala; Shutterstock ID 1029397006; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Ceibal

    El Petén

    With its strategic position on the west bank of the Río de la Pasión, the independent kingdom of Ceibal amassed considerable power controlling commerce…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Guatemala is a dream destination for adventurers and a great place for cultural immersion. Here are the top things to do.

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Best Places to Visit

The epicenter of Mayan culture in Central America, Guatemala is famed for its volcanoes, beaches, jungles and ruins. Here are the best places to visit.

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Best Time to Visit

The rainy and dry seasons set the schedule for visitors to Guatemala, but you can enjoy a trip here at any time of year. Here are the top times to come.

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Things to Know

As you plan your next trip to Guatemala, keep in mind these key tips on planning, etiquette and safety to make your journey truly memorable.

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Transportation

To take in Guatemala’s pyramids, ruins, jungles, volcanoes and thriving Mayan culture, you’ll need to take to the road. Here’s how to get around.

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Visa Requirements

Guatemala is becoming ever more popular with travelers and with good reason. Here's everything you need to know about visas before you go.

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Money and Costs

Guatemala may be an inexpensive country to visit but that doesn't mean there aren't lots of ways to stretch your budget further. Here's how to do it!

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Traveling with Kids

Guatemala welcomes teeny travelers with open arms and warm smiles, but there are some challenges when visiting with kids. Here's how to handle them.

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Best Road Trips

Explore the wild and beautiful landscape of Guatemala in places a bus can't get to. These are our favorite 6 road trips in this Central American gem.

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