(Map Coming Soon!)
The Supér-Express Trip.
Antígua to Lago Atitlán with a day side trip to Chichicastenango. Many travelers will then head to either Copán (Honduras) or Tikál (or both). Many also make the trip to the Caribbean coast via the Rio Dulce.
See A lot, Move A little.
Part of what's great about Guatemala is that it's small size and excellent transport links make it easy to see a lot in limited time. Only have a week and willing to travel fast? Or have a month but what to take it slow? Consider this itinerary, kicking off your trip in Antígua:
- CHICHICASTENANGO: Highland town renowned for its unique blend of Maya and Catholic religion and a huge twice-weekly market. If you’ve an eye for a souvenir, this market (Thurs & Sun) is bursting with colorful clothing, eye-dazzling textiles, ceramics and leather.
IXIL: An isolated region of evergreen hills and forested mountains, bowl-shaped valleys and some of the most traditional Maya villages in the nation – it’s a huge draw for trekkers.
TODOS SANTOS CUCHUMATÁN: Only reached at the end of a vertiginous journey from Huehuetenango, this Mam village is famous for its textiles, walking trails and breathtaking scenery.
- QUETZALTENANGO (AKA. XELA): Guatemala’s second city is coming into its own with an expanding cultural scene, a great base for forays to the region’s sights.
FUENTES GEORGINAS: A high-altitude natural hot-spring spa, half-way up a volcano – the ideal place to soak away an afternoon.
- LAGUNA CHICABAL: A short ride from Xela, this near-circular volcanic lake makes a perfect day-trip.
SOLOLÁ: Often overlooked, you won’t find many souvenirs at this huge Maya market, but its energy and color is authentic and mesmeric.
- LAGO DE ATITLÁN: Not only is the volcanic scenery out of this world, this lake is also the ideal place to kick back and paddle a kayak, learn some Spanish or just invest in some hammock time.
All Guat, All The TIme.
Got lots of time and want to see the best of Guatemala? Here's where you should start:
ANTIGUA: Guatemala’s former capital – a mandatory stop – is a heady vision of cobbled streets, colonial mansions, Baroque churches and the nation’s best dining scene.
CHICHICASTENANGO: Highland town renowned for its unique blend of Maya and Catholic religion and a huge twice-weekly market.
LAGO DE ATITLÁN: Idyllic lake, surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with Maya villages, with all kinds of activities on offer – from scuba diving to studying Spanish.
FLORES: Refined and very easy on the eye, Flores is a pocket-sized colonial gem that juts into the pretty blue of Lago de Petén Itzá.
TIKAL: The Maya World’s number one archeological site, the ancient name for this pivotal Classic Maya city may have been the aptly named “Place Where Gods Speak”.
SEMUC CHAMPEY: Gorgeous kingfisher-blue series of limestone pools in the tropical forests of Alta Verapaz; close by you’ll find some impressive cave systems and a forest-fringed river to tube. Make sure to check in (or at least check out the view) at Zephyr Lodge.
RÍO DULCE: An astonishing sight, this magisterial gorge system is the highlight of Guatemala’s Caribbean region.
GUATEMALA CITY: An untamed capital that gets a bad press, but contains the nation’s best museums and a lively cultural life.
GETTING OFF THE BEATEN PATH.
INTO THE MYSTIC... A MAYAN ADVENTURE
Guatemala’s most northern region, Petén, contains hundreds of beautiful Mayan sites but you don't have to limit yourself. Other ruins are scattered around the country, and you'll be astonished at how little traffic you'll run into compared to other ancient sites of this caliber (think Angkor Wat).
LAGO DE PETEXBATÚN: Stunning jungle-fringed lake ringed with Maya ruins – Aguateca is the main attraction but Dos Pilas also has a fascinating history.
YAXHÁ-NAKÚM-NARANJO NATIONAL PARK: This protected reserve harbors the huge Maya site of Yaxhá in a breathtaking location on the banks of an emerald lake, and Nakúm, with well- restored ceremonial buildings.
TIKAL: Lording it above the surrounding rainforest, Tikal’s giant temples, palaces, plazas and monuments make it a superstar Maya attraction
EL MIRADOR: Two thousand years ago this city was approaching its peak, today it’s the most enigmatic, remote and ultimately rewarding of all Petén’s ruins.
CANCUÉN: This affluent Maya trading town is little-visited but worthwhile, with a stupendous palace and a lovely location.
QUIRGUÁ: A modest site in the south of the country, with a collection of giant, carved stelae out of all proportion to its size.
COPÁN: Just over the border in Honduras, Copán boasts an astounding hieroglyphic stairway, some exquisite carving and, close by, the lovely town of Copan Ruinas.