Guatemala

The heart of the Maya world, with volcanoes and living traditions.

US travel advisory: Level 3 · checked 2026-11-02
Photo: Mundo Maya · CC BY-SA 4.0
This is a first draft of the Guatemala list. The full region guide is being written, and tiers may still change.

The Short List

Must-See

Must-See
Heritage · UNESCO

Tikal

Giant Maya temples rising above the jungle canopy, with howler monkeys at dawn.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Cities · UNESCO

Antigua Guatemala

A ruin-studded colonial town between three volcanoes. Holy Week here is famous.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Nature · Lakes

Lake Atitlán

A volcano-ringed lake with Maya villages, each reached by boat.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Worth a Detour
Nature · Volcanoes

Acatenango Volcano Hike

An overnight climb to watch Fuego erupt beside you. Tough and thrilling; go with a guide.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Nature · Pools

Semuc Champey

Turquoise pools stepping over a limestone bridge in the jungle.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Cities · Markets

Chichicastenango

The country's most famous market, around a church where Maya rites still go on.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Volcanoes

Pacaya

An active volcano you can climb in a morning from Antigua.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

If You're Nearby
Heritage · Maya

El Mirador

A vast early Maya city, reached by a five-day jungle trek or helicopter.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Cities · Islands

Flores

A pretty island town on a lake, the base for Tikal.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Heritage · UNESCO

Quiriguá

The tallest Maya stone monuments anywhere.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.