Types of Travel in Guatemala

Travel Themes

Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .

Nature-Adventure

Mountains, high plateaus, dormant or semi-active volcanoes, forests, lakes, plus a small coastline on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides—Guatemala offers real diversity. While not "exceptional" like in other countries, the nature here is abundant and more than enough to charm visitors. As for "adventure," it’s mostly found on the high plateaus and, especially, in the jungles of Petén, though usually with a local provider.

Culture

This is the destination’s strong point, with a cultural richness that generally delights visitors. You can explore the many pre-Columbian sites in the country (plus Copan in Honduras, often included in itineraries), starting with the unmissable Tikal, as well as the architectural remnants of the Spanish era, like in Antigua, whose heritage is UNESCO-listed. But Guatemala is also its people—mostly Indigenous—who have largely preserved their culture and traditions, which shouldn’t be overlooked.

Relaxation-Holidays

Though the country is bordered by the Caribbean and the Pacific, and there are a few "beach resorts" like Monterrico, Guatemala isn’t really a "relaxation-holiday" destination, whether by the sea or inland.

Independent Travel

Guatemala isn’t a particularly difficult destination for independent travelers, especially if you speak some Spanish, thanks to plentiful and easy-to-use accommodations and transport. However, the country does have security issues. While you don’t need to be "paranoid," it’s best to take precautions and avoid reckless behavior to steer clear of trouble.

In short, the destination is better suited for "beginner/somewhat experienced" travelers. If you’re exploring Central America for the first time with little experience, it might be wiser to start with Costa Rica or the Yucatán in Mexico.

Organized Travel

While not a must for travel agencies, Guatemala is often included in their programs. They typically offer one or two itineraries of 10 to 20 days, sometimes with hiking options. Meanwhile, organizations specializing in language stays almost always include the country in their offerings, particularly the city of Antigua, known for its many reputable Spanish schools.

Local providers are also numerous, logically concentrated in places like Antigua, Panajachel/Lake Atitlán, or Flores/Tikal. Their services range from day trips to multi-day guided hikes and "shuttle" transport, with varied offerings that can appeal for practical reasons (visiting "remote" sites) or even safety. While their prices are generally affordable, they can add up over time.

Family

To Do

To Avoid

Senior Travelers

Women Travelers

Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Like many countries in the region, Guatemala is quite macho and rather homophobic, even though no discriminatory laws exist. Additionally, the Church—or rather, churches—and their influence are strongly present in society...