18 Unforgettable things to do in Guatemala
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Last Updated on September 4, 2026 by Tiffany
Guatemala is truly a magical and beautiful place. During my two-week trip there, I hiked an active volcano, paddle boarded on a lake made from a volcano , and ate delicious food with some of the most beautiful views I’ve seen in my life.
There are so many things to do in Guatemala, and it is truly for every type of traveller.
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Tours to checkout in Guatemala
Things to know before visiting
Guatemalans Speak Spanish
While many people still speak English, it’s still important to brush up on basic Spanish vocabulary so that you can effectively communicate with people.
Bring Cold Weather Clothes
I went to Guatemala after backpacking a month in Jamaica and nearly two months in Colombia. I was used to tropical hot weather and maybe had one pair of pants. it’s safe to say I was widely unprepared.
Lake Atitlan especially would get extremely cold at night, and as someone who doesn’t bear cold weather too well, I wish I went more prepared!
Bringing extra sweaters, socks, gloves, long sleeve shirts, and various pairs of pants will be essential. At least if you don’t want to shiver to sleep every night like me!
Book your Volcano Tours in Advance
I did’t find out about the glory of Acatenango until around 2 months before my visit when I was backpacking around Colombia. I told people I was visiting Guatemala and everyone was asking if I was going to hike the volcano.
Don’t judge me, I’m a person that books my hostel a few days before and figures everything out later kinda gyal.
I was told it’s better to book my hike a month in advance as the more popular companies tend to sell out faster and they sure were right!
I was able to book mine about a month in advance and would suggest the same for others, especially backpackers hitting multiple different countries like I was.
Carry Enough Cash
I was using cash all the time, everyday during my visit to Guatemala. Paying Tuk Tuks, grabbing little souvenirs, paying for kayaking or paddle boarding and etc.
Now let’s get into it, here are some unforgettable things to do in Guatemala!
Paddle boarding in Lake Atitlan- Things to do in Guatemala
This was my first experience paddle boarding and it was SO much fun! There are many different towns around Lake Atitlan that offer this, Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Marcos la Laguna, and Panajachel.
I did this experience with a few friends I met at my hostel for about an hour and costed around 50 Quetzals for an hour of paddling.
You don’t have to be super experienced to do this as I’ve never paddle boarded before this and was still able to go far and wide!
My only advice to prep you is that the current of the lake behaves similar to that of an ocean, so the waves may be a bit rough!
Walk around San Juan La Laguna
By far one of my favorite experiences of the trip! This town is pure magic, filled with colors and bright Mayan patterns.
The colorful roads and beautiful painted murals are an ode to the indigenous Mayan people that live here. In the entire country, but especially this area, you will see women in beautiful traditional bright Mayan dresses.
If you love culture and colors as much as I do, you have to run over to San Juan La Laguna for sure. There’s also a lot of weaving textiles in this town, and tours for coffee, bee farming, and so much more!
Go Souvenir Shopping in Lake Atitlan- Things to do in Guatemala
Some of my favorite and cutest purses, wallets, and souvenirs in general are from Guatemala. I have a gorgeous bookmark and this handcrafted purse that I always get compliments on!
If you love bringing home little trinkets and hand made goodies for your friends and family back home, Lake Atilan is definitely the place to do it. Especially in San Juan La Laguna, there are so many artisans who beautiful craft such unique items.
Guatemala is also hugely known for chocolate! There are many chocolate tours that offer unforgettable experiences in which you can also take home local and delicious chocolate or cacao.
Hiking Acatenango- Things to do in Guatemala
Bet you’re not surprised to see this featured on the list of best things to do in Guatemala. Not to be dramatic, but hiking Acatenango was absolutely life changing for me and I personally think is an absolute must do if you visit Guatemala.
I decided to pay extra and hike Fuego. I personally thought that hiking to base camp was not that bad (please keep in mind I am a very active person), but Fuego was next level!
Due to the altitude, I was on the constant urge of fainting, and the uphill was brutal. However, the views were not only worth it, but some of the best I’ve seen in my life!
On the hike, you have to bring all your belongings you’ll need for the next 2 days and overnight on your back. And that includes your food and water. I hired a porter for the hike up so that I wouldn’t have to carry all that weight uphill, but I opted to carry it myself going back down.
Porters can a controversial topic because some of the hikers noted it wasn’t fair for a local to be carrying your bags while you easily stroll up the volcano. In my view, this is a great way to support locals and allow them to work. For most porters, carrying tourist’s items up the volcano and tipping is their only stream of income.
My porter was a 15 year old kid who said that he does this to bring in money for his family. I shared all my snacks with him and made sure that he was okay and I am eternally grateful for not only his, but the many hardworking porter’s efforts.
Walk around Antigua
Antigua was my first stop after landing in Guatemala City. I took a shuttle directly from the airport to my hostel, and it was such a calming vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of the capital.
This city is a hub for many activities, Hobbitenango, Pacaya, different farm tours, Acatenango, and is overall such a Cham filled place.
The Santa Catalina Arch has a lot of history and there are many hikes to do in the city and surrounding as well.
Flores- Things to do in Guatemala
Flores is a beautiful and charming island town in northern Guatemala, known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views over Lake Petén Itzá.
Come here to explore a lakeside town to hop for sentimental souvenirs, meals by the riverside, and sunset gazing. Flores is also the perfect base for exploring the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal too!
Semuc Champey
An insanely gorgeous array of crystal coloured pools in the middle of the jungle. Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural wonders and a must visit in my opinion.
The limestone pools mingle with the lively rainforest make for the perfect picture settings and the most beautiful, relaxing setting. For the best views, hike up to the El Mirador viewpoint, where you can see the striking chain of pools winding through the jungle below.
Exploring Mayan Ruins (Tikal National Park)- Things to do in Guatemala
Tikal National park is truly a sight to see. This park holds ancient Mayan pyramids that held indigenous civilizations thousands of years ago.
This pyramid town is one of Guatemala’s most unforgettable destinations, with beautiful lush rainforest and rich with ancient Mayan secrets.
Located in the Peten region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal hold pyramids, temples, places, and ages old indigenous culture. a must visit for history buffs and people who value highly nature.
Hike Volcan Pacaya- Things to do in Guatemala
If hiking Acatenango is too intense for you, then I would highly consider hiking the day trip to Volcan Pacaya!
Also an active volcano, Pacaya is over 2,500 meters above sea level and has stunning hiking views. There are many ways you can hike this trail and experience this worldview. Viator and Get your Guide are just a few websites that offer pick ups from Antigua and Guatemala City.
So, if you’re a nature lover, but have a very limited amount of time to see the country and still want to say you hiked a volcano, Pacaya is 100% the way to go!
Visit the Nature Reserve in Lake Atitlan
This was such a fun experience right outside of the town of Panajachel! The nature reserve was just a short walk (you can also take a tuk tuk) from my hostel in Panajachel, and was such a lovely experience.
Reserva Natural Atitlan opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM and costs around $10 for entry. They have a beautiful butterfly Sanctuary, and is the perfect place to chill and visit after you had busy and energy packed activities the day prior.
Take a bus to Chiapas Mexico- Things to do in Guatemala
Chiapas is easily one of my favorite places in Mexico! Filled with beauty and charm, this State is one a few hours drive away from Guatemala, and many travellers find themselves taking this route.
Many hostels and transportation companies offer affordable one way shuttles to and from both countries, and this is one of the smartest ways to see two countries in one trip!
Ride a chicken bus
An experience that is truly unforgettable. While these busses started out as your typical American yellow school bus, they’re repainted with bright colors and often have their destination written on the top of the bus.
The drive is fast, music is loud, conversations are vibrant, Chicken busses are the ultimate Guatemalan experience. If you’re on a tight backpackers budget, this will be far cheaper than shuttle transport from city to city.
Learn about Caribbean culture in Livingston- Things to do in Guatemala
A lesser known city, but extremely culturally rich, is Livingston. Located in eastern Guatemala on the Caribbean side, Livingston is an Afro-Indigenous town predominately of Garifuna people.
Although Livingston is on the smaller side, it is a town packed with culture and I would say is a must visit for History lovers.
There are various things to do in the city like checking out museums, relaxing and the coast by the beach, cruising on boat tours, and delving more intensely into the Afro-Caribbean culture.
Visit Hobbitenango
In my opinion, an underrated and under-visited experience! Only 20 minutes outside of Antigua, Hobbitenango is truly a magical place that offers so many activities for different styles of travellers.
With stunning views of nearby volcanos, mini golf, archery, restaurants, and beautiful photo ops, this activity is perfect to do with as a family, couple, or even alone!
Chicicastenango market- Things to do in Guatemala
This bustling market is one of Guatemala’s most colorful and fascinating cultural experiences, that highlights Indigenous traditions, vibrant textiles, handmade crafts, and local food in Chichicastenango. As a gyal that loves to learn about culture everywhere she goes, this one is also a must visit.
Visiting here on a market day offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Guatemala’s living culture, meet local artisans, and take in the incredible colors that indigenous Mayans prioritize and value.
Try delicious Guatemalan food
Guatemala food is unique, flavourful, and so delicious! As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I was worried about options, and not being able to try authentic food.
However, to my surprise, I was able to find tofu dishes with authentic Guatemalan seasonings nearly everywhere I went, especially in Lake Atitlan!
One of the dishes that I was obsessed with and ate basically everyday was pepian. Made with a base of different seeds, aromatics, and dried chillies, many different restaurants would serve this with your choice of protein, tofu being commonly offered!
El Paredon
If you desire the coast and are into surfing, El Pardon is a must visit. El Paredón is a super laid-back beach destination on the Pacific coast, famous for its black volcanic sand, powerful waves, and major surfer vibes.
It’s the perfect place to slow down after exploring Guatemala’s cities and highlands, especially after hiking volcanoes or discovering lost cities.
The village has lots of hostels so it’s a great place to meet other travellers, and definitely with adding to your itinerary!
Take a Spanish Class- Things to do in Guatemala
There are plenty of places to take Spanish in Lake Atitlan at affordable rates. One of the girls that I was hanging out with from my hostel went to a Spanish class school, and the views were stunning!
The classes took place on a porch overlooking the lake, and if you’re a learned that prefers to be outside in a beautiful space, doing it in Atitlan is for you!
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