Things to Do in Guatemala

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Despite its two coastlines, the Caribbean and the Pacific, Guatemala is far from being a beach destination. On the Antilles side, there is indeed Livingston with its Jamaican vibe, but its beaches often leave something to be desired, to the point that it’s better to continue to Belize or, conversely, Honduras if you’re looking for a good seaside spot on this part of the coast.

That leaves the Pacific coast, which is more interesting. Monterrico with its volcanic beaches (and its turtles) serves as a seaside resort for people from the capital. As for Champerico, further north, it’s the place to go for beaches and surfing.

Water Activities

Fishing: you can go sport fishing at sea on the Pacific coast. There are also opportunities in rivers or lakes like Izabal.

Diving: rather than at sea, it’s in Lake Atitlan that you’ll find the most opportunities for diving.

Water sports: it’s on the Pacific side that you can enjoy the country’s surf spots. There are also some kayaking options to explore the mangroves near Monterrico.

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Even though nature is omnipresent and varied, trekking is rarely associated with Guatemala’s image. Yet the possibilities exist, even if they remain somewhat limited or underdeveloped locally by tourism professionals.

You can set off for a day or more to discover the volcanoes around Antigua, climb Tajumulco at 4,211 metres from Quetzaltenango, explore the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes in the western region, or, above all, hike in Petén, or even simply walk around Lake Atitlan.

However, it’s worth noting that, with a few exceptions, it’s best to avoid setting off alone for this kind of exploration. Aside from the occasional difficulties or the risk of getting lost, there can be safety concerns, particularly around the volcanoes near Antigua.

Cycling

For cycling, it’s generally around Antigua that things happen. The city is surrounded by mountains and trails. Otherwise, you can also cycle around Lake Atitlan, between dirt tracks and paved roads, discovering the villages along its shores. And for the sporty and motivated, there’s the "Ruta Maya de los Cuchumatanes", which takes you west of the capital, towards the highlands of Quetzaltenango.

Cultural Life and Activities

Guatemala boasts a cultural richness that generally delights visitors. Between the numerous pre-Columbian sites in the country (plus Copán in Honduras, often included in itineraries), the architectural remnants of the Spanish era like in Antigua, and above all, a predominantly Indigenous population that has largely preserved its culture and traditions—visible in the markets—there’s plenty to discover.

Nightlife and Going Out

While it’s not huge, Guatemala does have a small festive side. And while the capital has a few spots, it’s really around Lake Atitlán and especially in Antigua that you’ll find the best options. These two places have long welcomed travellers and have developed a whole range of bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues.