Guatemala's Top Ten Must-Sees

Guatemala’s top ten must-sees range from colonial towns and archeological sites to majestic volcanoes and stunning emerald green limestone pools. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure traveler.

• La Antigua Guatemala: This fascinating colonial town flanked by volcanoes is just an hour from the Guatemala City airport. Among the ruins of old convents destroyed by an 18th-century earthquake are brightly colored restored colonial structures housing some of the country’s best restaurants and fanciest hotels. Explore the cobblestone streets on foot, on Segway, or by horse-drawn carriage.
• Volcano Climbs: Much of Guatemala’s highland region is dotted with majestic volcanic guardians. Active Pacaya Volcano is a fairly easy climb that most anyone in reasonable shape can do. Acatenango Volcano is extremely difficult, but you’ll get an unparalleled view of Guatemala’s amazing scenery, complete with an unobstructed view of lava-spewing Fuego Volcano right next to it.
• Lake Atitlán: Compared by writer Aldous Huxley to Italy’s Lake Como but with the added embellishment of three conical volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is spectacular. Its fringes are populated by small towns quickly gaining popularity with foreign travelers and residents, each with its own vibe.

Lake Atitlán. Photo © Al Argueta.

• Chichicastenango’s Market: This twice-weekly affair is Latin America’s largest outdoor market. Much of it is local trade among Mayan people, but there is also considerable trade in handicrafts.
• Iztapa and Monterrico: Guatemala’s Pacific Coast offers warm weather year-round in addition to black-sand beaches. Iztapa is well known by anglers for its impressive yields of sailfish and billfish. In season (Dec.-Feb.) it also serves as the gateway for whale-watching tours. Monterrico (and the village of Hawaii to the east) is the site of sea turtle conservation efforts but also has become popular with travelers seeking sun, sand, and surf.
• Río Dulce National Park: This waterway connects Guatemala’s Caribbean Coast to its largest lake. Its impressive canyon is lined with jungle scenery. There are numerous lodges from which to enjoy outdoor activities and the eponymous town at the mouth of the river’s confluence is a popular boat marina. Also at the confluence with the Caribbean Sea is the charming Garífuna enclave of Lívingston.
• Semuc Champey Natural Monument: Slowly gaining more popularity (but still not mainstream due to its remote location and difficult access), the emerald green limestone pools and waterfalls of Semuc Champey are a huge hit with those who make it here.

Semuc Champey. Photo © Al Argueta.

• Tikal National Park: This impressive archaeological site is among the finest in the Mayan world and the exuberant tropical forest all around (full of wildlife) only adds to the allure.
• Yaxhá: This archaeological site has its own unique feel because it overlooks not only verdant forests but two large lagoons. The sunsets viewed from its tallest structures are amazing.
• El Mirador: Many people come to Guatemala just to see the Mayan ruins, so it’s not surprising that three of Guatemala’s top ten must-sees are archaeological sites. Accessible only by helicopter or a two-day mule trek, the pyramids here are among the largest ancient structures in the world. The largest, La Danta Complex, is bigger (in volume) than Egypt’s Great Pyramid.

Excerpted from the Fifth Edition of Moon Guatemala.