Antigua

Founded in the 16^th century, Antigua remains a beautiful city of cobbled streets, fountains, plazas and low, multi-colored buildings. The town is set in a small valley encircled by three volcanoes and Guatemala travellers often spend their days in Antigua wandering the streets, visiting museums and soaking in the atmosphere. Aside from its historic attractions, Antigua is known for its high-quality jade, ceramics and textiles which can be purchased at the local markets.

Coban

Coban is located on the banks of the Cahabon River and is known for its coffee, handwoven textiles, silver handicrafts and colonial-era architecture. Surrounding Coban are several natural attractions for adventurous travellers including Semuc Champey Waterfalls, which tumble more than 300 meters, and Languin Caves.

Guatemala City

Guatemala’s capital is, on first appearances, a modern sprawling city with a great selection of hotels, restaurants and shops. However there are still traces of its historic roots- as evidenced by the colonial houses in the old quarter- and a fabulous range of cultural centres to explore, including the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the National Museum of Modern Art.

Lake Atitlan

Volcanic in origin, Lago de Atitlan is located just 50 kilometers from Antigua and a ‘must see’ on any Guatemala holiday. Most travellers access the Lake via the town of Panajachel due to its excellent transportation connections; however, there are many small villages that are accessible by boat around Lake Atitlan’s shores offering homestays or small guesthouses.

Monterrico

Guatemala’s best beach is a relaxed, idyllic place accessed by a combination of bus and boat. While it is not on par with many of the other Central American beaches, the black sands and charming town continue to attract travellers looking for a quiet escape. Active travellers can tour the large wildlife reserve nearby, explore the mangrove forests or visit the turtle sanctuary.

Quetzaltenango

Set amid the mountains in the country’s southwest, Quetzaltenango is a mix of modern and traditional architecture and cultures. The town highlights include the City Hall and Natural History Museum as well as the central plaza and colonial laneways that branch off of the plaza. The area around Quetzaltenango offers up a range of day trips including visits to the sulfur springs at Fuentas Georginas and the historic town of Salcaja. 

Tikal

Meaning ‘City of Voices’, Tikal is home to more than 3000 Mayan ruins crammed into a space of just 16 square kilometers. The city of Tikal is thought to have been settled in 800 BC and flourished for more than a century. Today the ruins are one of the main highlights of a Guatemala holiday and it is recommended to spend at least two full days exploring the site.  Travellers can stay within the park in basic lodges or in the neighboring towns of Flores, El Remate or Santa Elena.