last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Guatemala
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Location Map of Guatemala
Guatemala
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Guatemala has 3 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Antigua (1979)
Officially known as Antigua Guatemala. The country's former capital is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Officially known as Antigua Guatemala. The country's former capital is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tikal (1979)
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of Latin America and a must-see on any trip to Guatemala. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of Latin America and a must-see on any trip to Guatemala. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quirigua (1981)
A stunning UNESCO-listed archaeological site. It lies on the road between the capital and Puerto Barrios.
A stunning UNESCO-listed archaeological site. It lies on the road between the capital and Puerto Barrios.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Antigua
Officially known as Antigua Guatemala. The country's former capital is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Officially known as Antigua Guatemala. The country's former capital is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Castillo de San Felipe
A small Spanish fort built in the 17th century at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, on the Caribbean side.
A small Spanish fort built in the 17th century at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, on the Caribbean side.
Champerico
On the Pacific coast, not far from Mexico, this seaside town is visited for its beaches and surfing.
On the Pacific coast, not far from Mexico, this seaside town is visited for its beaches and surfing.
Chichicastenango
This small high-altitude tourist town is internationally renowned for its colorful market.
This small high-altitude tourist town is internationally renowned for its colorful market.
Cobán
A large city on the route from Guatemala City to Tikal, set in a landscape of mountains, caves, waterfalls, and forests.
A large city on the route from Guatemala City to Tikal, set in a landscape of mountains, caves, waterfalls, and forests.
El Remate
This village on Lake Petén Itzá, like Flores, is an alternative to the latter as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area, primarily the site of Tikal.
This village on Lake Petén Itzá, like Flores, is an alternative to the latter as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area, primarily the site of Tikal.
Flores
Though it has a certain colonial charm, this lakeside town in Peten primarily serves as a base for visiting Tikal and other Mayan sites.
Though it has a certain colonial charm, this lakeside town in Peten primarily serves as a base for visiting Tikal and other Mayan sites.
Guatemala City
Touristically, the Guatemalan capital is mainly known for its museums and a few historical sites.
Touristically, the Guatemalan capital is mainly known for its museums and a few historical sites.
Huehuetenango
It's a large city, not necessarily one of the most touristy, on the route from Guatemala City to Mexico.
It's a large city, not necessarily one of the most touristy, on the route from Guatemala City to Mexico.
Livingston
A small Garifuna town on the Caribbean coast. Beyond the local culture, which might make you feel like you're in Jamaica, you can discover some beaches and waterfalls.
A small Garifuna town on the Caribbean coast. Beyond the local culture, which might make you feel like you're in Jamaica, you can discover some beaches and waterfalls.
Monterrico
With its black sand beaches, this is Guatemala's only seaside resort—or nearly so—on the Pacific coast. You can surf here and watch sea turtles nesting in season.
With its black sand beaches, this is Guatemala's only seaside resort—or nearly so—on the Pacific coast. You can surf here and watch sea turtles nesting in season.
Panajachel
Main town on Lake Atitlán. It typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Main town on Lake Atitlán. It typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Puerto Barrios
It’s the port on the Caribbean coast (and in the country) used to reach Livingston or Belize.
It’s the port on the Caribbean coast (and in the country) used to reach Livingston or Belize.
Quetzaltenango
Also known as Xela, it is the second-largest city in the country. It has a historic centre featuring 19th to early 20th-century architecture.
Also known as Xela, it is the second-largest city in the country. It has a historic centre featuring 19th to early 20th-century architecture.
Pre-Columbian Sites
El Mirador
A vast Mayan site, rarely visited due to its difficult access. It is located in the north of Peten, not far from the Mexican border.
A vast Mayan site, rarely visited due to its difficult access. It is located in the north of Peten, not far from the Mexican border.
Iximche
This Maya site is close to Lake Atitlan, which draws quite a few visitors even though it’s far from the most spectacular.
This Maya site is close to Lake Atitlan, which draws quite a few visitors even though it’s far from the most spectacular.
La Blanca
In the municipality of Melchor de Mencos, a Maya site on the border of Guatemala and Belize.
In the municipality of Melchor de Mencos, a Maya site on the border of Guatemala and Belize.
Quirigua
A stunning UNESCO-listed archaeological site. It lies on the road between the capital and Puerto Barrios.
A stunning UNESCO-listed archaeological site. It lies on the road between the capital and Puerto Barrios.
Tikal
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of Latin America and a must-see on any trip to Guatemala. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of Latin America and a must-see on any trip to Guatemala. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yaxha
A beautiful pre-Columbian site on the route between Tikal and Belize. It sits on the shore of Lake Yaxha, which also houses the ruins of Topoxte on one of its islands.
A beautiful pre-Columbian site on the route between Tikal and Belize. It sits on the shore of Lake Yaxha, which also houses the ruins of Topoxte on one of its islands.
Natural Heritage
Quetzal Biotope
A nature reserve in the heart of the country dedicated to protecting the habitat of the quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.
A nature reserve in the heart of the country dedicated to protecting the habitat of the quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.
Ixil
Also called the "Ixil Triangle". A stunning mountainous region in the west where you can hike. It’s home to several remote villages that have preserved their traditions.
Also called the "Ixil Triangle". A stunning mountainous region in the west where you can hike. It’s home to several remote villages that have preserved their traditions.
Lake Atitlan
Alongside Tikal, this is the "big" tourist attraction of Guatemala. Boat and walking tours (as well as diving) are available to explore the surrounding villages and volcanoes.
Alongside Tikal, this is the "big" tourist attraction of Guatemala. Boat and walking tours (as well as diving) are available to explore the surrounding villages and volcanoes.
Petén
The largest department in Guatemala, located in the far north. Rich in pre-Columbian ruins and nature reserves, this jungle region is also home to significant wildlife and flora.
The largest department in Guatemala, located in the far north. Rich in pre-Columbian ruins and nature reserves, this jungle region is also home to significant wildlife and flora.
Rio Dulce
The small river connects the Caribbean Sea to Lake Izabal. You can travel upstream on a stunning boat ride from Livingston.
The small river connects the Caribbean Sea to Lake Izabal. You can travel upstream on a stunning boat ride from Livingston.
Must-see & highly recommended
Antigua
★★★★ Officially known as Antigua Guatemala. The country's former capital is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and is a…
Lake Atitlan
★★★★ Alongside Tikal, this is the "big" tourist attraction of Guatemala. Boat and walking tours (as well as diving) are available to explore the…
Tikal
★★★★ Undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in all of Latin America and a must-see on any trip to Guatemala. It is also a…
Recommended
Chichicastenango
★★★ This small high-altitude tourist town is internationally renowned for its colorful market.
Ixil
★★★ Also called the "Ixil Triangle". A stunning mountainous region in the west where you can hike. It’s home to several remote villages…
Quirigua
★★★ A stunning UNESCO-listed archaeological site. It lies on the road between the capital and Puerto Barrios.
Rio Dulce
★★★ The small river connects the Caribbean Sea to Lake Izabal. You can travel upstream on a stunning boat ride from Livingston.
Yaxha
★★★ A beautiful pre-Columbian site on the route between Tikal and Belize. It sits on the shore of Lake Yaxha, which also houses the ruins of…
Worth a look / Other
Aguateca
★★ A charming pre-Columbian site built near Lake Petexbatun, south of Flores.
Quetzal Biotope
★★ A nature reserve in the heart of the country dedicated to protecting the habitat of the quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.
Castillo de San Felipe
★★ A small Spanish fort built in the 17th century at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, on the Caribbean side.
Ceibal
★★ Maya ruins in Peten, about forty kilometres south of Flores.
Cobán
★★ A large city on the route from Guatemala City to Tikal, set in a landscape of mountains, caves, waterfalls, and forests.
El Mirador
★★ A vast Mayan site, rarely visited due to its difficult access. It is located in the north of Peten, not far from the Mexican border.
Flores (Guatemala)
★★ Though it has a certain colonial charm, this lakeside town in Peten primarily serves as a base for visiting Tikal and other Mayan sites.
Lake Güija
★★ Another beautiful volcanic lake straddling Guatemala and El Salvador.
Livingston
★★ A small Garifuna town on the Caribbean coast. Beyond the local culture, which might make you feel like you're in Jamaica, you can discover…
Monterrico
★★ With its black sand beaches, this is Guatemala's only seaside resort—or nearly so—on the Pacific coast. You can surf here and…
Nakum
★★ A small pre-Columbian site between Tikal and Yaxha.
Panajachel
★★ Main town on Lake Atitlán. It typically serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Petén
★★ The largest department in Guatemala, located in the far north. Rich in pre-Columbian ruins and nature reserves, this jungle region is also…
Quetzaltenango
★★ Also known as Xela, it is the second-largest city in the country. It has a historic centre featuring 19th to early 20th-century…
Semuc Champey
★★ Natural pools and waterfalls located in the heart of Guatemala, not far from Coban.
Uaxactun
★★ Another Mayan site in Peten, about twenty kilometres north of Tikal.
Pacaya Volcano
★★ It is very close to the city of Antigua and can be easily climbed.
Zaculeu
★★ A small pre-Columbian site near Huehuetenango, on the way to Mexico.
Champerico
★ On the Pacific coast, not far from Mexico, this seaside town is visited for its beaches and surfing.
El Remate
★ This village on Lake Petén Itzá, like Flores, is an alternative to the latter as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area…
Esquipulas
★ A small town near the borders of Honduras and El Salvador, known for its basilica.
Guatemala City
★ Touristically, the Guatemalan capital is mainly known for its museums and a few historical sites.
Huehuetenango
★ It's a large city, not necessarily one of the most touristy, on the route from Guatemala City to Mexico.
Iximche
★ This Maya site is close to Lake Atitlan, which draws quite a few visitors even though it’s far from the most spectacular.
La Blanca
★ In the municipality of Melchor de Mencos, a Maya site on the border of Guatemala and Belize.
Puerto Barrios
★ It’s the port on the Caribbean coast (and in the country) used to reach Livingston or Belize.
Sololá
★ A town just above Panajachel with a beautiful view of Lake Atitlán and a weekly market.
- Quetzal Biotope
- Ixil
- Lake Atitlan
- Petén
- Rio Dulce
- Semuc Champey
- Pacaya Volcano
- Antigua
- Tikal
- Quirigua
- Castillo de San Felipe
- Chichicastenango
- Cobán
- El Remate
- Esquipulas
- Flores (Guatemala)
- Guatemala City
- Huehuetenango
- Livingston
- Monterrico
- Panajachel
- Quetzaltenango
- Sololá
- Aguateca
- Ceibal
- El Mirador
- Iximche
- La Blanca
- Nakum
- Uaxactun
- Yaxha
- Zaculeu
- Puerto Barrios
- Champerico