Guatemala travel guide
Volcanoes, jungle-clad Mayan ruins, vibrant fiestas – no wonder Guatemala is one of Central America's hottest tickets
Guatemala, birthplace of the Maya, is a land of kaleidoscopic colours.
The red lava tongues of Guatemala’s volcanoes contrast with the shadows of the caves in the southern Petén region and the thick lush jungles of the north – home to howler monkeys and rare scarlet macaws.
Further south, blankets of white sand coat the Caribbean Coast near Lívingston, while on the black-sand Pacific Coast, turtles and fabulous orange sunsets can be found at Monterrico.
Antigua, a cultural sideshow to Guatemala City, lies in the shadow of three volcanoes. Its cobbled streets are lined with pastel-coloured homes, toppled church arches, columned courtyards, flowers and fountains galore.
Also on everyone’s must see list in Guatemala is Tikal, the majestic Mayan city buried deep in the jungle.
Wanderlust recommends
- Trek to the greatest city of the ancient Maya, buried deep in the jungle – El Mirador
- Freewheel through the Guatemalan highlands
- Fly a kite in Santiago Sacatepéquez
- Hire a local guide in Antigua: you’ll discover rooftops and private areas you might otherwise miss
- Take a boat cruise along Río Dulce through dramatic jungle-covered gorges
Wanderlust tips
If you’re in Guatemala in November head to Todos Santos Cuchumatán for three days of drinking, dancing and a wild all-day horse race.
If you arrive by bus into Guatemala City, get a cab to your hostel: it’s a notoriously dangerous area, especially at night.