Guatemala
is awe-inspiring landmarks
is a geological treasure
is artisanal creations
Why I love Guatemala
“Having lived here for over 10 years, I've found my love for Guatemala change and develop. At first it was purely visual – the dramatic, volcano-studded horizons, the lush forests and cobblestone streets. And then the little cultural jolts – traditionally dressed Maya toting iPhones, pistol-packing cowboys in boots, belt buckle and...” Read More
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El Petén and ecotourism: a Guatemalan success story
Apart from harboring Tikal and numerous other intriguing remnants of the Classic Maya civilization, El Petén is also Guatemala’s natural wonderland boasting an extraordinary biodiversity and various ways to access it. As a vital complement to these attractions there’s Flores, the beautiful islet with the most sophisticated tourism infrastructure in the country.
From elotes to buñuelos: a crash course in Guatemalan street food
True street foodies won’t want to miss the simple joy of a freshly barbecued corn cob, or the surprisingly delicate mix of meat, spices and bell pepper in a chile relleno. Wash it down with the tangy fermented pineapple drink known as tepache and top it off with some syrup-drenched buñuelo donut balls and you may just decide never to enter a restaurant again.
Guatemala for first-timers
Should you be worried? No! Guatemala’s a very accessible, welcoming country and with a bit of planning and the right smarts, you’re in for an enchanting ride. Here’s Lonely Planet’s classic itinerary and insider tips for the perfect, hassle-free first-timer’s trip.
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Guatemala adventures
Mayan Encounter
Trek though jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Belize and Guatemala with an adventure that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua's cobblestoned streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the lost ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays and finish up lounging in gorgeous Caye Caulker. With accommodation and transport arranged by a CEO, this trip offers the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe.
8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins
Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s fascinating history and beautiful scenery on this 8-day tour. See some of Guatemala’s best-known destinations as you take a city sightseeing tour around Antigua, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, hike up Pacaya Volcano and more. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient way to get the most out of your trip to Guatemala!
Tikal Day Trip by Air from Guatemala City with Lunch
Take an exciting air tour from Guatemala City to discover the beauty and ancient history of the Mayan ruins of Tikal! After a scenic flight to Tikal, spend a day in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tikal National Park exploring the incredible archaeological site of Tikal, located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Your expert guide will show you around the impressive ruins and teach you all about the history behind the steep-sided temples and plazas. See one of Guatemala's most beautiful ruins in an easy and convenient way!Enjoy a scenic flight from Guatemala City to the Mayan ruins of Tikal on this exciting day trip! Visit the incredible archeological site of Tikal, located in the Guatemalan jungle, and experience the history, culture, beauty and nature of Guatemala.After pickup from your Guatemala City hotel in the morning, head to airport, hop on a small plane, and set off toward the town of Flores in northern Guatemala! When you arrive, you'll be driven to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tikal National Park (Parque Nacional Tikal). With an area of more than 341 square miles (550 sq km), this national park is home to thousands of separate ruin structures scattered around, each full of intriguing history.Follow your expert guide through these Mayan ruins and visit the Central Acropolis, a maze of courtyards and small temples, before continuing to Complex Q and R, where you'll see twin pyramid complexes with altars set in front of the temples. Visit the massive Temple I (also known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar), built to honor and bury King Moon Double Comb. This 144-foot (44-meter) temple encloses three rooms with outside stairs leading to the top of the steep temple. Walk a short distance to the equally beautiful Temple II, the Temple of the Masks. After your tour, enjoy a delicious lunch before taking some time on your town to explore the ruins at your leisure. Then, head back to the Flores airport to begin your transfer back to Guatemala City.
Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Guatemala City
Take a day trip from Guatemala City to see Guatemala's most active volcanoes! Get an up-close look at the impressive Pacaya Volcano as you hike through volcanic vegetation with your expert guide. Admire the incredible Guatemala landscape and take in gorgeous views of three other nearby volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. This full-day adventure is one you won't forget!Enjoy a full-day trip to the Pacaya Volcano from Guatemala City and discover the beauty of this natural gem! Towering over 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, Pacaya is considered Guatemala's most active volcano.After pickup from your Guatemala City hotel, head southeast about 15 miles (25 km) to the base of Pacaya, where you’ll embark on a 2.5-hour hike up the volcano with your expert guide. Enjoy a mild walk to a viewing spot at the lagoon of Calderas and take in panoramic views of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. As you continue hiking toward the top, learn about the history of this active volcano and spot unique volcanic vegetation along the way. Once you arrive at a plateau along the trail, marvel at spectacular views of the Guatemala landscape and see the main crater of the volcano. To ensure your safety, you won’t be able to visit the crater, but you will get an amazing view of red-hot lava flowing and steam baths created by the heat of Pacaya. Take a break and relax here as you take in more scenic views before hiking back to the base of the volcano.
Guatemala Journey
Anyone looking for a tropical getaway that's so much more than a beach vacation will love this quick eight-day introduction to Guatemala's cultural and natural highlights. Visit the lakeside communities of Lake Atitlán, walk the well-preserved Spanish Baroque neighbourhoods of Antigua, and take in a cooking lesson on the picturesque shores of Lake Petén Itzá. Add in some trekking, ziplining, or fishing, and you’ve got a Central American adventure you'll always remember.
8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins
Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s fascinating history and beautiful scenery on this 8-day tour. See some of Guatemala’s best-known destinations as you take a city sightseeing tour around Antigua, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, hike up Pacaya Volcano and more. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient way to get the most out of your trip to Guatemala!