Guatemala Bucket List: 10 Beautiful Places to Visit

1. Antigua 

When you think about the most beautiful places in Guatemala, Antigua is often the first place that comes to mind. It’s compact, safe, and easy to explore on foot.

The city is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and amazing volcano views. I was actually surprised by how much there is to explore in such a small town. Be sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in Antigua.

Antigua is also incredibly picturesque. Your camera will likely work overtime as you wander the streets and courtyards. And I am sure that you will leave your trip with some amazing Antigua postcards.

Antigua is also practical. Day trips, volcano hikes, and nearby villages are easy to organize. Cafés, restaurants, and coworking-friendly spaces in Antigua continue to grow. If you ask me, it is the best place to start and base yourself while exploring Guatemala travel destinations.

2. Lake Atitlán 

Lake Atitlán sits between steep volcanoes, with small villages along the shore, and it is one of the most scenic destinations in Guatemala. It reminded me a little of Lake Como in Italy, though quieter and less glamorous.

The towns around the lake are small but full of character. Panajachel is the most popular destination, but you will want to visit San Pedro, San Juan La Laguna, and Santa Catarina Palopó as well, together with other beautiful places around Lake Atitlán.

The area is full of character. You can learn about Mayan culture, take a coffee tour, go hiking, do some shopping, sample the local food, or simply enjoy a morning paddle on the lake. There are plenty of things to do around Lake Atitlán.

Despite that, Lake Atitlán is a good destination for slow travel. You can start the morning with a local coffee, take a boat to explore a different village, and spend the afternoon at your hotel with a view of the lake. Or you can just spend an entire day wandering one of the national parks in the area.

Some visitors do a day trip from Antigua, but I don’t recommend it. Lake Atitlán is better experienced at a slower pace. You can enjoy the lake without worrying about crowds or a packed itinerary.

3. Tikal National Park

Tikal is one of the most mystic and legendary destinations in Central America and a true must-see in Guatemala. Once a major political, economic, and military center of the ancient Maya civilization, the site is home to impressive pyramids.

Unlike places such as Chichén Itzá, Tikal has not been overtaken by mass tourism. If you’re interested in learning about Mayan culture beyond the surface, you will truly love this Guatemala destination.

With fewer people around, wildlife sightings are common. You can hear howler monkeys in the trees, see toucans flying overhead, and spot a jaguar in the distance if you’re lucky.

However, infrastructure is more limited, and several areas of the site are still closed to the public. This is why you should consider visiting Tikal with a guide (group or private!). With a guide, you can move through the ruins more easily and understand Tikal’s role in the Mayan world.

You will likely organize your visit from Flores, and there are several local tour operators. Availability can be limited, especially in high season, so booking in advance is a good idea. I personally recommend the sunrise tour for the best experience.

Here are some of the best-rated tours:

• Group tour
• Sunrise small group tour
• Private tour

If you are considering visiting Tikal during your time in Guatemala, you will want to read this Tikal guide that covers practical travel tips and other insights. It was one of the highlights of my Guatemala trip, and reading the guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

4. Flores and Lake Petén Itzá

Flores is a small island town set directly on Lake Petén Itzá. It’s compact, easy to walk, and defined by low buildings and lake views in nearly every direction. Most travelers stay here as a base for visiting Tikal, but the town is worth more than just an overnight stop.

From Flores, it’s easy to explore the lake by local boat. You can relax at Chechenal Beach or climb up to Mirador Rey Canek for one of the most iconic views of Flores. From above, the island town sits right in the middle of the lake.

Tayasal is a short boat ride away. It’s quieter than Flores and has a small lakeside promenade and a Mayan museum. Yo Amo Petén is another place you should visit. However, make sure to check out my Flores travel guide so you don’t miss a thing.

Flores can be reached by a short domestic flight from Guatemala City or by a long overland journey from Antigua. I recommend spending 2-4 nights in Flores to explore the town, nearby lake villages, Tikal, and Parque Nacional Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo.

5. Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, often called Xela, is Guatemala’s second-largest city. Despite its size, it sees relatively few foreign visitors, which makes it one of the quieter hidden gems in Guatemala.

The historic center is where most of the highlights are concentrated. Here you’ll find impressive examples of religious and civic architecture, including the Municipal Theatre, the Catedral del Espíritu Santo, and the nearby Municipalidad de Quetzaltenango. 

The city also offers pleasant green spaces, such as Parque Centro América and Parque Municipal Cerro El Baúl, perfect for a short break between sightseeing.

If you wish to make your Guatemala itinerary complete, push yourself slightly outside the city to discover the Minerva Temple, the village of Salcajá, and St. Andrew Xecul Catholic Church, one of the best Guatemala photography spots.

6. Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is known for its market, one of the largest in Central America. It’s a place where Mayan and colonial traditions come together and remains one of the most visited Guatemala tourist attractions.

The market takes place on Tuesdays and Sundays, from early morning until late afternoon, with most stalls fully set up by around 9 am. Due to its importance, the market attracts visitors from all over the world. 

As I am passionate about markets myself, this was really a mindblowing experience and at times even a bit overwhelming. Stalls sell everything from fresh produce and textiles to handicrafts, souvenirs, and livestock.

The vendors are friendly and smiley, like in the rest of the country, but I recommend bargaining for prices if you wish to purchase something. Cash is essential, as there are no ATMs nearby, so it’s best to arrive with enough quetzals.

Chichicastenango is easy to visit on a day trip, and many tour operators organize guided visits, which means you can easily add it to your Guatemala itinerary. We ended up booking this private tour from Antigua (a bit pricey, but definitely worth it as we didn’t want to rush with a group tour!).

7. Hobbitenango

Hobbitenango is an outdoor park located in the hills above Antigua. It’s designed around Hobbit-inspired houses, viewpoints, and walking paths spread across a large hillside. Even though it’s close to the city, Hobbitenango feels like another world.

The park has more than ten viewpoints across the hillside, with El Nido and La Mano Gigante being the busiest. There’s also a large swing and a few simple activities, including archery, axe throwing, and a small mini-golf course.

The park is explored on foot, with cafés and seating areas spread across the site. You can expect to spend around 2 to 4 hours in the park. Some areas are busier than others, mainly around the main viewpoints, but it rarely feels crowded.

If you’re into The Lord of the Rings, traveling with children, or enjoy photography, Hobbitenango is a must-visit in Guatemala, and it’s easy to combine with Antigua as a half-day visit. If you’re planning a visit and want practical details, I’ve covered everything in my Hobbitenango guide.

8. Beaches on the Pacific Coast

Guatemala’s Pacific coast is often overlooked by travelers. It’s a must if you’re looking for an affordable beach destination with fewer crowds than other parts of Central America. The coastline is defined by dark volcanic sand, wide beaches, and strong Pacific waves.

Monterrico is known for its volcanic black sand beach. Beyond the shoreline, the Reserva Natural de Monterrico stretches across mangroves, canals, and estuaries. The lush setting has earned it the nickname El Hawaii.

El Paredón has a different feel. It’s more compact and social, with surf hostels, small cafés, and places. The beach runs straight through town, which makes it easy to move around on foot. Surfing is the main draw, but even non-surfers often stop here.

Puerto San José is larger and more local. It’s one of the easiest beaches to reach from Guatemala City and functions as a working port as well as a beach town. While it’s less polished, it feels very local and ‘real’.

These beaches are not ideal for swimming due to strong waves and currents. They are better suited for walking, surfing, or spending time by the water. The Pacific coast fits well into a Guatemala itinerary as a low-cost beach stop between inland destinations.

I also wanted to include a few places on the Caribbean coast, but I couldn’t quite make the logistics work this time, so I decided to save them for another trip. Río Dulce, Playa Blanca, and Livingston are still high on my Guatemala bucket list… next time!

9. Volcanoes Around Antigua

Antigua is surrounded by three main volcanoes, each offering unique experiences and stunning views: Volcán de Agua, Volcán de Fuego, and Volcán de Pacaya. Hiking the volcano in Guatemala is a bucket list experience, especially if you are an adventurous traveler. 

If you decide to hike, the most popular option is Volcán de Pacaya, an active volcano just an hour’s drive from the city. The hike is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, and typically takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit.

These are the top-rated hikes to Volcán de Pacaya:

—> Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua (up to 20 people)
—> Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua Guatemala on Private Vehicle (private)
—> Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef (private tour with horse and lunch included)

For those seeking a more challenging hike, Acatenango offers a more strenuous climb with equally impressive rewards. The hike usually involves an overnight stay, allowing you to catch the sunrise and witness eruptions from the neighboring Volcán de Fuego.

These are the top-rated hikes to Acatenango:

—> Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure (up to 12 people, 2 days)
—> Antigua: 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Trek with Meals & Guide (up to 12 people, 2 days)

10. National Park Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a natural area in Guatemala known for its clear blue pools above the Cahabón River. The park is a bit of a hassle to reach, with long drives on uneven roads and occasional river crossings, but it is worth the effort.

The pools are arranged in small terraces, some suitable for swimming and others best seen from above. From the main viewpoint, you can take in the pools and the surrounding jungle.

There are also caves and short jungle trails in the area, usually explored with a local guide. Semuc Champey is often mentioned among the hidden gems in Guatemala, mainly because it takes more planning than other destinations.

Most visitors base themselves in the nearby village of Lanquín. Staying overnight is pretty much a must, as day trips involve long travel times. Facilities inside the park are limited, so it’s best to arrive prepared with water, proper footwear, and cash for entrance fees.

Despite the effort required to get there, it is a real paradise, and only the most adventurous travelers unlock it. If you are one of them, make sure you add Semuc Champey to your Guatemala bucket list. You can also book this tour from Antigua.