Mar 2026
Central America · Guatemala
Central America
Guatemala
Guatemala is by far my favorite country in Central America. It has everything the region is known for: stunning volcanoes, world class chocolate and coffee plantations, jungles teeming with wildlife, Mayan ruins, and traditional villages, just to name a few. Hiking its famous Volcán Acatenango to watch neighboring Volcán Fuego erupt was one of the most otherworldly experiences I've had in my life and one I will never stop raving about. I've already convinced a friend to book a trip to Guatemala to do the same! And now I'll try to convince you.
Top Locations
Antigua: A stunning colonial city surrounded by towering volcanoes, including Volcán Acatenango, which you can summit to get a fantastic view of the neighboring active volcano Fuego.
Lake Atitlan: A gorgeous lake surrounded by volcanoes and traditional villages.
Tikal National Park: The ruins of one of the most powerful Mayan cities, deep in the jungle.
El Paredon: A surfer's paradise on the Pacific Ocean known for its black sand beaches.
Semuc Champey: A limestone bridge with turquoise pools.
Watch Before You Go
I watched a number of documentaries on Tikal and the Maya before my trip to Guatemala. I enjoyed PBS's Ancient Maya Metropolis, Remodeling the Immense Maya Monument, and Secrets of Tikal.
I also watched Voice of the Mountain which tells the story of Guatemala's 36-year civil war through the eyes of former guerrilla fighters who have rebuilt their lives as coffee farmers.
Photo Highlights
Articles (2)
Articles focused primarily on Guatemala.
Referenced In (1)
Roundups and multi-destination stories that include Guatemala.
