Here Are The Top 10 Things to do When in Guatemala.
As the heart of the ancient Mayan Civilization, Guatemala is a large and rich archeological site for exploration. Today, it represents a fusion of Mayan and European culture that embellish towns and traditions. You can find a lot of culinary indulgences that highlight Guatemalan culture. This includes Guatemalan enchiladas, internationally renowned coffee, and the award winning Zacapa rum! Allow approximately 2 weeks for this itinerary as it does take some time to get around the vast landscapes and cities. Here are my top 10 picks that will culturally immerse you in this expedition. After all, a great way to travel is to activate your five senses!
Guatemala is not really a credit card friendly country, so make sure you have cash on hand or can pull money out of an ATM.
Travel time needed: 10-14 Days
1. Hike a Guatemalan Volcano: Pacaya or Acatenango
Guatemala’s geology comprises heavily of volcanoes. 37 officially recognized volcanoes, to be exact. One of them is Acatenango, an inactive volcano reaching an elevation of 13,044ft. Considered a moderate to difficult hike. Pacaya is an active volcano that is not as difficult to hike and with a relevantly shorter time needed, standing at 8,366ft. If you’re seeking a challenging hike with a stellar summit view, Acatenango is for you. However, if you’re seeking a more moderate hike and a thrilling proximity to lava, Pacaya is what you want. You might just be encouraged to do them both, If you are a Geology and hiker enthusiast.
2. Explore the Ruins of Tikal National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage, Tikal will impress all of your senses. Standing in front of a 57 meter tall ruin, you will find yourself immersed in the heart of the Ancient Mayan Civilization. Today, some of the ruins are protected and blocked off from visitors. However, you’ll find other ruins that you can climb for breathtaking views of the jungle, accompanied by the melodious sounds of monkeys and birds surrounding the park. Plan to arrive very early in the morning to enjoy the positioning of the sun’s rays for some great shots!
3. Stay in Flores, A Picturesque Town
Flores is your ideal stay when visiting Tikal. It is an island town surrounded by Lake Peten Itza. It’s small enough to wander through and quite tropical, so expect to be caught in a fun, warm rainstorm as you run for shelter! After several hours of jungle and mayan ruins exploration, you’ll want to relax. How about a paddle in the lake? Or, skip the paddle and jump right in the lake! The water will feel refreshing and quite warm. Later in the evening, enjoy a refreshing drink and dinner at a lakefront restaurant.
4. Splash into the natural pools of Semuc Champey
While it may seem a bit of a ride to get to this paradise of limestone bridges and intriguing caves, it is absolutely worth it. You’ll be even more inclined as it will be your pit stop between Antigua and Flores. Be ready to hike and sweat through this secluded jungle as you make your way to the viewpoint that overlooks the turquoise pools. As you make your way down, you’ll be ready for a refreshing jump into the waters, which gently flow through the six natural pools. After this, you can take a fun guided tour of the caves. Lanquin is the closest village to all of these sites, which is where you’ll be able to choose your accommodation.
5. Explore Antigua
Upon arrival, you will find yourself surrounded by carefully preserved 16th century Spanish Colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It is a resilient city that has survived several earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. You will find historical landmarks like cathedral and monastery ruins, which have withstood the test of time. Be sure to indulge in dulce artesanal, or local candy, that is very colorful and quite diverse in flavor!
Delve into the vividly decorated bars, restaurants, and artesanal shops, where you can meet locals and tourists alike for casual mingling. You’ll find an assortment of artesanal art, local and international dining options, and thematic bars for any crowd. Antigua is best enjoyed during Semana Santa, Easter Week. It’s a beautiful and culturally rich time to visit given the intricate alfombras, or sawdust carpets that colorfully decorate the streets.
6. Have a Traditional Meal While Listening to Live Marimba
Many travel itineraries focus on sites and views, but there’s more to a culture and country. While in Antigua, be sure to plan a traditional meal and live Marimba music. I firmly believe that, among many cultural elements of a country, folk music is a must. Marimba may not be internationally known but it plays a significant role in the hearts of Guatemalans. Marimba is a percussion instrument, consisting of wooden bars and rubber mallets that may remind you of a xylophone. The melodic tunes will range from bubbly to sentimental that will sometimes be played by three or four musicians, sometimes even more! Make sure to order pepián, a traditional stew that consists of tomatillo, red chillies, garlic, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds (with your choice of meat of course). Be ready to have an appetite and dine like a local!
7. Take a tour at a coffee plantation
Guatemala is internationally renowned for its arabica coffee and it is no surprise as it’s the second largest producer of specialty coffee. It is produced throughout Guatemala and at different elevations. You can easily coordinate a tour at any of the cafetales, or coffee plantations in Antigua. Go and learn about the origins of coffee, how it’s harvested, what makes quality coffee beans, and the many flavors that each region and elevation produces. If you want to see the harvest, make sure to plan your trip during the months of November-April.
8. Visit Lake Atitlan
When in Lake Atitlan, you’ll realize that there are many things to do that will keep you connected to nature. With volcanoes surrounding the lake, you’ll want to catch a beautiful sunrise. Why not do it as you’re kayaking through the morning lake fog? Be sure to also catch a sunset as the views remain scenic and peaceful. Experience Guatemalan chocolate, then a drink at a terrace overlooking the lake; swim in the lake, check out local goods at the Sololά market, and hike to la Nariz, or “Indian Nose” for some needed cardio and breathtaking views. That should be plenty, don’t you think?
9. Explore the Different Villages in Lake Atitlan
There are many villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Each village wears a distinct huipil, that differs in colors and embroidery. A huipil is a traditional garment worn by many indigenous people. It can take months to complete from start to finish. You will see many styles of huipil throughout Guatemala but I encourage you to explore this throughout Lake Atitlan as every town proudly represents their own work. Additionally, every town caters to a different traveler. You’ll find hippies in San Marcos, backpackers in San Pedro, remoteness in Santa Cruz, and more movement and nightlife in Panajachel. There’s plenty for all!
10. Visit the Mercado in Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango’s market is effervescence. You will find an array of goods, from traditional huipil, textile souvenirs, fresh produce, masks, and pottery! Catering to Catholic and Mayan rituals, the church of Santo Tomas is a central spot for locals and tourists to gather and meet. There are street vendors cooking fresh food. Don’t be afraid to try it as I have no doubt it will entice your sense of smell. Once you’re ready to relax from your market exploration and shopping, be sure to have pulique for dinner as you make your way to a local restaurant. After all, you can’t go wrong with a meat and vegetable stew, Guatemalan style of course. ¡Buen provecho!
Bottom Line
Guatemala is chalk full of amazing things to do and see. Culturally rich, you will leave here feeling full, not just of the food, but the new experiences you have under your belt. This is a country that is a lot safer than most people believe. If you can, be sure to always book your excursions with a travel card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees and earns you a great return. It would also be a good idea to brush up on your Spanish as well.
