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The Best of Guatemala
Brice Wheeler • Mar 11, 2020
Whether you fly, run, swim, or drive... get to Guatemala and then lose yourself and the location of the vehicle you took to get here.
About Guatemala
Guatemala has a very special place deep in our hearts. But beyond our personal bias, Guatemala truly possesses an unmistakable magic known to both locals and visitors alike. A country full of cultural richness that goes back centuries in time, it is also home to incredible natural beauty and some of the world’s friendliest and most cheerful people. It has also faced disaster, tragedy and injustice and continues to recover from the civil war and prevail over present day challenges. Still, like many of its Latin America neighbors, Guatemala and its people exhibit a resilience and indomitable spirit that is nothing short of inspiring. Just be careful, you might come intending to stay a week only to find that the weeks turn into years and you’re still around town pinching yourself because you can’t believe it’s all real.
Top 5 Spots to Visit While Here
1. Ride in a “chicken bus”
These brightly painted American school buses are common throughout parts of central America, and Guatemala is the perfect place to hop aboard.
They earned the nickname “chicken bus” because locals bring everything on board—from machinery parts to giant bags of produce to, you guessed it—chickens!
Depending on the route, the bus might be really crowded. But don’t be surprised when the driver stops to pick up more passengers. There is always room for everyone on a chicken bus!
Unless you have lots of time to spare and are really looking for adventure, we’d recommend trying a shorter route. These local buses can take infinitely longer than direct shuttles, so a cross-country drive can take a really, REALLY long time.
And don’t expect comfort. While you might have a whole seat to yourself, you may also be squished between strangers for the whole bumpy ride.
Insider tip: When entering the bus, tell the driver your destination to be sure it’s going the correct direction. Then find a seat or a place to stand. Someone will come around to collect the fare, and the amount will be based on your final destination. But don’t worry, it is cheap!
2. Explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal
Things to do in Guatemala Tikal Ruins
Central America is full of Mayan ruins to explore, but one of the most loved sites is Tikal. Located in the jungle of northern Guatemala near the borders of Belize and Mexico, this used to be one of the most powerful cities in Mayan civilization.
Being that it is a bit difficult to get to, Tikal sees less visitors than other popular ruins. Plus, the complex is huge and spread out through a jungle, so you can pretend you are Indiana Jones as you roam about the ruins.
Insider Tip: We’ve put together a complete guide to visiting Tikal packed with everything you need for for planning your trip!
3. Jump off a rope swing
Things to do in Guatemala Flores Jorge's Rope Swing
The town of Flores is cute, but the main reason people pass through is to visit Tikal. However, there is one more thing you shouldn’t miss before heading onward.
Jorge’s Rope Swing is set in a secluded bay on the lake, and it is a seriously fun place to escape the afternoon heat.
Order a drink (or two!) and relax on hammocks, mingle with other travelers, swim in the tepid waters or take a leap and jump off the famous rope swing. You’ll be happy you came!
Do it yourself: Here are details on getting to Jorge’s Rope Swing as well as more info about what to do in and around Flores.
4. Visit the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey
Things to do in Guatemala Semuc Champey
The turquoise pools of Semuc Champey are something out of a dream, and they truly are as beautiful as they look on Instagram.
Spend the day swimming, splashing and taking photos. Oh, and don’t forget to go up to the mirador for the most beautiful view. We have a complete guide to visiting Semuc Champey, which will help you plan your trip and know exactly what to expect.
Important Note: The thing that you have to understand before putting Semuc Champey on your itinerary is that it is not easy to get to. The long (and bumpy!) bus rides, however, mean that there are fewer crowds than you might expect in a place this breathtaking.
Caving by candlelight
The pools aren’t the only thing to see in Semuc Champey. There is a cave system which can be explored on a tour. And you’ll use candles to light the way!
Extreme Tubing at Semuc Champey
Many hostels organize groups to go tubing on Rio Cahabon. After spending a day in the pools, we grabbed tubes (and a beer or two!) and joined the group headed back to our hostel.
It is called it “extreme tubing” for a reason! The river has a series of rapids and sharp turns, so it was a wild (but fun!) ride back.
5. Fall in love with Antigua
Things to do in Guatemala Antigua Arco de Santa Catalina
This charming city is hard not to love. Wander through cobblestone streets and past colorful buildings.
Take a break in a cafe with some Guatemalan coffee
Photograph the famous Arco de Santa Catalina
Explore Antigua’s ancient ruins
Visit Caoba Farms for lunch or their famous Saturday farmers market
Read More: Our favorite things to do in Antigua (including where to eat and where to stay!).
Whatever you do have a great time, be safe and bring lots of friends!
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Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Notable architectural examples include baroque La Merced church. It’s an integral part of the city’s famous Semana Santa, a holy week with parades and rituals. Visitors can explore the life of 18th-century nuns in the well-preserved ruins of Capuchinas Convent, featuring courtyards, gardens, bathing halls and private cells. Also partly in ruins is 17th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral on Plaza Mayor, the city’s central square. Shopping options range from high-end jewelry and clothing stores to art galleries and street vendors selling local crafts. Spanish-language schools also abound. Outside the city, guided hikes ascend Pacaya, an active volcano rising 2,552 meters. Other outdoor pursuits in the area include mountain biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. Things to do Based on traveler visits and local insights
Learn about the people and the culture so you are prepared for your trip.
Why you should sell your house and move to Guatemala today!
