Guatemala

Country: Guatemala

Explore Guatemala!

Vacation in Guatemala is a journey deep into the history of Latin America, to the Mayan pyramids right in the Pre-Columbian era. The settlement of Tikal, El Mirador, Seibal, Ishimche, as well as the ruins of the city of Yashkha are grandiose monumental archaeological complexes, once hidden from the eyes of people among the impenetrable Guatemalan jungle.
They are still fraught with many unsolved mysteries that excite the minds of not only scientists, but also ordinary tourists. Sights are not limited to pyramids or colonial monuments, these are also amazing natural attractions - Pacaya volcano, Peten Itza lakes, Atitlan, Quetzal National Park, volcanoes Agua, Fuego, Akeitango.
The bright bazaars of the country and the numerous souvenir shops of Guatemala abound with handmade goods. Therefore, shopping lovers will definitely be able to bring something to remember from the country - be it clothes with bright ornaments, jade products, painted masks. as well as antiques. To do this, we advise you to look at the Chichicastenango market. The cities of Guatemala are interesting for their color, for example, Antigua Guatemala is, first of all, an open-air museum of colonialism.
The picturesque city of Flores, located on the Lago de Peten Itza lake, combines a mix of attractions - these are Indian settlements, colonial buildings, and the natural beauty of the Actun Can caves. Another cave sacred to the Maya is the stalactite "complex" Lankin, along the underground river of which you can even take a boat trip! One of the other picturesque corners of the nature of Guatemala are the Semuc Champey waterfalls, and the Quetzal Biosphere Reserve is literally created for eco-travellers.

Two trails lead through the park - the Moss Trail and the Fern Trail, where you can see the legendary Quetzal bird in all its magnificent plumage. Few people know, but Guatemala is also a beach holiday. The most famous beach in the country of Montericco is black! Here you can not only soak up the shore under the rays of the sun, but also watch the sea turtles that breed offspring on the Guatemalan shores. Fans of outdoor activities will love the hiking trails that are laid on the volcanoes. We especially love Pacaya in this sense. A trip to Guatemala is a varied and eventful vacation in the amazing exotic of Central America!

Here are the top 11 reasons to book today. Believe me, you'll be planning the next visit before you finish the first:

  • Really cool ruins

    If you’ve ever fantasised about being Indiana Jones for a day or just love old, stone things, Guatemala’s ruins will blow you away. The most famous is coastal Tikal, which will impress even the most jaded traveller. Then you’ve got the remarkable ruins of Yaxha, Uaxactan and Quirigua scattered around the country looking fabulous. And if you’re up for a 5-day hike and a bit of roughing it, then El Mirador lies deep within the jungle and is believed to be the cradle of Maya civilisation.
  • Lake Atitlan

    This crater lake is a big drawcard for travellers and there’s a very good reason for it – it’s amazing. Surrounded by three volcanoes and littered with villages where Guatemalans live a traditional life, Lake Atitlan is a place to relax and soak in some culture and nature. You can choose to get away from a more rambunctious atmosphere by staying in the villages outside of Panajachel, and there is hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and sunbaking to wile away the days here.
  • Food like you’ve never tasted before

    We all know how good Mexican food is, but the cuisine of Guatemala is equally as impressive (though not as spicy). There are some culinary crossovers, but on the whole Guatemalan cuisine is as unique as the country itself. Make sure to taste chiles rellenos, hilachas, shucos, pollo con loroco, pastel de banano and the thousand and one varieties of tamales.
  • Dazzling beaches

    While everyone else is at Lake Atitlan, you can be swimming in the turquoise waters of the Pacific or Caribbean. Since most of the tourist attractions are inland, you’ll find Guatemala’s beaches are largely undisturbed. Playa Blanca near Livingston, Champerico, Iztapa and Playa Tilapa are all worth travelling for.
  • Volcanoes

    There are upwards of 25 volcanoes in Guatemala – many are dormant but some still threaten activity. The most recent scare was this January, when small amounts of lava flowed and ash erupted from the popular Pacaya, which led to the evacuation of people living closest to it. But despite the occasional fiery drama, Guatemala’s volcanoes are usually in gorgeous places and offer great hiking and spectacular views.
  • Lovely people

    Travelling in a place where the locals are warm and welcoming makes all the difference on a trip away. We’ve often been overwhelmed by the friendliness and kindness of the Guatemalan people – who are usually quietly spoken and ready to smile.
  • Chichicastenango

    It sounds like a dance and it often feels like it while weaving your way through the stalls here, but Guatemala’s most colourful – and famous – markets are certainly a highlight of any tour of Guatemala. Thursday and Sundays are when ‘Chichi’ comes alive and it’s a wonderful place to buy artisan souvenirs and do some serious people watching. Be mindful of using your camera here – always ask permission as ‘guerilla’ photography can often cause offence.
  • Tikal

    Devoting any less than a couple days to the massive Mayan ruins at Tikal would be an injustice of O.J. proportions. Set among lush tropical rainforest, the views surrounding Tikal are just as impressive as the ruins themselves. Don’t miss climbing the ridiculously steep steps of Temple I and Temple V (pictured right).
    Spend the night at the nearby Jaguar Inn to explore the ruins just after dawn, a time when the howler monkeys outnumber the tourists many times over.
  • Budget-Friendly Holistic Offerings

    Guatemala seems to attract a very hippie-style traveler, and you’ll find many lodges and venues offering yoga, delicious vegan meals, permaculture classes, massages and other holistic health and wellness offerings for very cheap. My personal favorite holistic offering was staying at the secluded Earth Lodge near Antigua, located up in the mountains and not accessible by car. Their most expensive accommodation is the Treehouse for $35 a night, totally worth the splurge to wake up to unobstructed views of the surrounding volcanoes. The property is located on a farm, and meals incorporate ingredients sourced onsite and from the market in Antigua. Enjoy complimentary morning yoga, a dry sauna, sports offerings like badminton and volleyball, scenic hiking and just lounging in hammocks with a Guatemalan Gallo beer and enjoying the natural beauty around you.
  • The Views

    Whether you’re driving down the highway or lounging at Zoola’s pool on Lake Atitlan Guatemala has no shortage of striking natural views. My favorite view was from the treehouse of the above-mentioned Earth Lodge, where from my comfortable bed and private patio hammock I enjoyed clear aerial views of Ciudad Viejo, Hocatanengo Village, and the volcanoes of Agua, Acatango and the active Fuego. Gliding vultures that appear close enough to touch enhance the visual.
  • The Hiking

    With a landscape dominated by volcanoes and mountains there’s no shortage of scenic and challenging hikes to enjoy. My favorite trekking experience in Guatemala was a sunrise hike up Indian’s Nose from San Pedro. The steep uphill 45-minute hike — and the early 4am meeting time — is worth the effort as you sit above a blanket of clouds hovering over the emerald green Lake Atitlan, watching hot pinks, oranges, yellows and purples streaking the sky and mixing with black clouds over San Pedro Volcano.

Cities and sights of Guatemala

There are over 31 large cities and most popular places in Guatemala

Antigua de Guatemala

Guatemala City

Quetzaltenango

Cobán

Lago de Atitlán

Lago Izabal

Lívingston

Peten

San Pedro La Laguna

Tikal & Flores

Huehuetenango

Chichicastenango

Choose My tour to Guatemala

Choose the places or cities, duration, budget, type and theme of your tour. Also check out our multi-country tours.

Tours to Guatemala and exciting itineraries

Travel Advice Information

For travellers to Guatemala

- Guatemala city with the old ruins of the Mayan city of Kaminaljuyú
- Tikal and its well-preserved archaeological sites
- Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango with its Indian market and cobbled stone streets
- Antigua is a colonial-style city, full of historic buildings

Ada Tours travel agency is happy to organize your unforgettable vacation in Guatemala, as well as excursions to the best sights of Guatemalan cities - Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Livingston, Huehuetenango, Flores and the ancient settlements of Tikal and Peten. We invite you to enjoy the nature of the unique eco-systems of the country and its natural parks, volcanoes and pearl-turquoise lakes - San Pedro de Laguna, Lago Isabel, Lago de Atitlán.

Beach tours to the ocean, turtle watching, climbing volcanoes, hiking trails and swimming in waterfalls are waiting for you in Guatemala! Shopping tours, cultural tours for festivals and holidays, and combined itineraries with neighboring countries of Honduras and Mexico.

We will be happy to develop a route through the delightful exotic Guatemala, where you can effectively combine a beach holiday with sightseeing of cultural and historical sights and marvelous corners of the wild nature

Bespoke travel itineraries and Tours to Guatemala by Tour Operator Ada Tours

The Leasure in Guatemala

Ada Tours travel agency is happy to organize your unforgettable vacation in Guatemala, as well as excursions to the best sights of Guatemalan cities - Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Livingston, Huehuetenango, Flores and the ancient settlements of Tikal and Peten. We invite you to enjoy the nature of the unique eco-systems of the country and its natural parks, volcanoes and pearl-turquoise lakes - San Pedro de Laguna, Lago Isabel, Lago de Atitlán.

Beach tours to the ocean, turtle watching, climbing volcanoes, hiking trails and swimming in waterfalls are waiting for you in Guatemala! Shopping tours, cultural tours for festivals and holidays, and combined itineraries with neighboring countries of Honduras and Mexico.
We will be happy to develop a route through the delightful exotic Guatemala, where you can effectively combine a beach holiday with sightseeing of cultural and historical sights and marvelous corners of the wild nature.

Bespoke travel itineraries and Tours to Guatemala by Tour Operator Ada Tours