5 Adventures and Experiences to Try in Guatemala

Guatemala is the place to go if you’re seeking adventure, history and culture, but with so much to see and do, how do you choose what makes the list? For an all-around experience of the best of this Central American country, these five adventures promise everything and more:

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Discover Guatemala’s Wild Side

Outside of its cities and towns, Guatemala is rich with biodiversity. The country stretches from the Pacific coastline to high-altitude cloud forests, meaning its landscapes support a wide range of species, many of which can only be found in Guatemala. Maya Biosphere Reserve in the north is home to tapirs, jaguars and flocks of parrots. Bird enthusiasts will also be excited to know more than 700 recorded bird species (like the electric-blue motmot and delicate hummingbirds) call the country home. The elusive Resplendent Quetzal, the country’s national bird, can often be spotted in cloud forest sanctuaries like Biotopo Quetzal.

On the coast, meanwhile, you can take part in whale-watching excursions during migration season (December–April) and watch baby sea turtles make their first journey to the ocean in places like Monterrico.

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Explore a Lost Ancient City

Deep within Petén jungle is Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important ancient Mayan cities discovered. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a glimpse into pre-Columbian civilization across its grand plazas, royal palaces and temples. While walking around the ruins, you may even hear or see troops of howler monkeys. Toucans, spider monkeys and even the occasional jaguar are known to roam these 1,000-year-old grounds.

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Summit a Volcano, Eat Pizza on Lava Rocks

Did you know there’s 37 volcanoes in Guatemala? In fact, you can climb some, such as Acatenango, a nearly mile-high volcano requiring at least two days of hiking. A more accessible climb is Pacaya Volano, which continues to see ongoing volcanic activity and occasional lava flows. You can even eat pizza cooked over the volcano’s natural heat at Pizza Picaya. These pizzas are baked in steam vents and lava-heated ovens, making for a particularly unique experience.

Learn About Indigenous Identity

Guatemala’s culture is significantly shaped by its indigenous heritage, with 24 recognized ethic groups each preserving its own dress, language and practices. In San Juan La Laguna, the Women’s Weaving Cooperative is a great way to see the survival of traditional techniques. Here, women use natural dyes and backstrap looms to craft textiles. You might even spot these traditional patterns and textiles when driving through the highlands, where towns each have their own traditional traje with colors and patterns denoting a person’s community, status or marital situation.

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Head to markets, too, to see a thriving atmosphere. Chichicastenango Market (Thursday and Sunday), is among the largest in Central America and features vendors selling handwoven blankets, carved wooden masks, incense, fresh produce and more. Guatemala City’s Mercado Central and Craft Market, meanwhile, give urban visitors a chance to shop directly from artisans and support families.

Have an Adventure on Lake Atitlán

This lake sits in a volcanic crater surrounded by lush hills and the three volcanoes of Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro. The lake is popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, but it’s also great for exploring hidden coves. Quiet fishing villages line the coast, and secret swimming spots along the shoreline allow for endless water adventures.

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Even the land surrounding the lake is full of thrilling experiences. Zip line above the lake and get views of the crater rim, or go on a scenic hike through the hills and local villages. One of the most popular treks is an early-morning climb up Indian Nose, a steep ascent promising sunrise views over mist-covered volcanoes and waters below.