Guatemala: Beyond Hiking the Volcanoes

Your ultimate travel guide to plan the perfect vacation in Guatemala, including the best destinations and activities beyond yoga classes and hiking the volcanoes (which is pretty amazing, too).

If you are looking for a stunning destination for an intrepid adventure, then look no further. Guatemala is known for imposing volcanic landscapes, Mayan culture, awe-inspiring lakes, and color-splashed colonial towns. Compared to the number of visitors received by Costa Rica, Guatemala is an off-the-beaten-path destination boasting an impressive array of attractions. Encapsulating everything you can expect from an unforgettable vacation jam-packed in one country, Guatemala has active volcanoes, mountains, lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, and big cities.

We spent one week on lake Atitlan and one week in Antigua and must confess that Guatemala might be our favorite destination in Central America. It certainly was one of the most memorable and fascinating adventures we’ve had in this part of the world. We want you to have an epic vacation in Guatemala, too, so here is everything you need to know to plan your visit, including the best activities and attractions of Guatemala because there is so much more to this country beyond the volcanoes!

What to Expect Visiting Antigua

Antigua is the original capital of Guatemala. But the title was moved to Guatemala City in 1733 after an earthquake struck Antigua. Thankfully, many of the historic structures and architecture have survived, and now Antigua is one of the top places to visit in Guatemala. 

We were absolutely charmed by its colonial architecture and vibrant colors and will go as far as to say that Antigua is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Central America. What sealed the deal for us was, of course, the people we met! On the very first day of exploring, our first Antiguan tuk-tuk driver, tuk-tuk being the main mode of transportation in the city by the way, managed to convince us to ride up to the hills to get the lay for the land and stand on a wooden hand. The views of the city below and volcano peaks in the distance were incredible, and so was our pizza split among newfound friends.

Whether you plan on staying for a week or less, here are the activities to look forward to in Antigua!

Take in Unparalleled Views

One of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala is the breathtaking views, which can be enjoyed by hiking up Cerro de la Cruz. But the views are especially unique when the volcanic landscape is paired with quirky displays like wooden troll hands, tree swings, and…hobbit houses?! Yes, any Lord of the Rings fans will be pleased to find a little themed park in the hills of Antigua called Hobbitenango, where you can take epic photos and enjoy the views of the valley and volcanoes. Apparently, you can even stay overnight in the hobbit holes!

Visit the Iconic Yellow Arch

If you have ever seen any photos of Antigua, it most likely featured a vibrant yellow arch with Agua Volcano in the background. That iconic arch is called the Santa Catalina Arch, which also acts as the city’s symbol of resilience, for it was one of the structures that survived the 1773 earthquake. The arch was once used by nuns to cross the street privately, and now it is the most photographed Guatemala tourist attraction! 

Pro Tip: align your visit with Holy Week (Semana Santa) at the beginning of April to see a mesmerizing magic carpet made out of dyed sawdust and flowers laid out along the Santa Catalina Arch Avenue and people dressed in violet carrying floats displaying scenes of Christ. A true bucket list experience!

Admire Antigua’s Historic Churches

Three blocks north of Plaza Mayor, the heart of Antigua, you will find the stunning Iglesia de la Merced. This iconic church that survived multiple earthquakes dates back to 1767 and boasts an intricate white floral design on a vibrant yellow façade. It is adjacent to convent ruins on one side and Parque la Merced on the other and is definitely worth visiting.

Pro Tip: on weekends, Parque la Merced turns into a local food market, which is a proper feast for the senses. We sampled a whole bunch of things we loved – a tostada with a mountain of scrumptious toppings, mole, and a local version of doughnuts. Do not miss out on this experience!

Explore Antigua’s Historic Church Ruins

You can wander around the remains of the still impressive churches that were damaged by the earthquake. There are so many worth visiting but if you are short on time, you will find the Church of Candelaria ruins on your way to Cerro de la Cruz, and the breathtaking Cathedral de San Jose is located near Plaza Mayor. Alternatively, take a walking tour to see them all.

What to Expect Visiting Lake Atitlan

By far, one of the most coveted Guatemala destinations is Lake Atitlan. It is the deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by three volcanoes and allegedly hiding Mayan ruins at the bottom. Visiting Lake Atitlan can be done on a jam-packed day trip from Antigua full of activities or as a destination in and of its own.

We decided to give all of the many things to do around Lake Atitlan the time they deserve and spent a week exploring and taking in gorgeous lake views backed by volcanoes from our charming Airbnb. The village we chose was Santa Cruz la Laguna, a quaint Mayan town situated on a steep hill. We loved the peace and privacy, but if you enjoy a livelier atmosphere, we suggest staying in Panajachel. It’s a well-developed town with a variety of accommodations and entertainment.

Getting to our Airbnb, we had a very bumpy boat ride, but the following morning we were treated to calm waters, which we glided through en route to explore Mayan villages around the lake. 

Take a Boat Tour to Visit Mayan Villages

Lake Atitlan is a popular yoga destination. We spotted many shalas, but the most popular village for yoga and spiritual practice is the vibrant San Marcos la Laguna, known as the hippie town. That’s where we grabbed our breakfast burritos and set out in search of culturally enriching experiences.

San Juan la Laguna hypnotized us with an array of saturated colors. This village is famous for its textile cooperatives where Mayan women create all sorts of products made and dyed by hand. You can learn about the ancient process, watch them weave, and grab an authentic bag, clothing, or shawl, knowing you are directly supporting these incredible Mayan women.

Did you know that Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate? In the same village, San Juan la Laguna, you can join a cacao tour to learn about the ancient methods of preparation. We were more than thrilled to try the final product, of course, which you can sample in a variety of ways. We were asked to pick between standard chocolate and chocolate rum. Can you guess which option we went for? 

After learning that Guatemala is the producer of some of the world’s best coffee, we had to also join a coffee tour. The excellent quality of local beans can be attributed to the perfect climate created by the volcanic highlands. In San Juan la Laguna, you can visit the plantations, learn about the different steps of production and taste it, of course.

Participate in a Guatemalan Cooking Class

And we wouldn’t be John and Bev if we didn’t take a cooking class in Guatemala. Getting to this one, though, was unlike any other. We had to hike along the coast out of our Airbnb and take a tuk-tuk up the mountain. The views were incredible, and so were the homemade tamales we whipped up at Café Sabor Cruseño, which has a reputation for serving the best Guatemalan food on the lake.

What to Expect Visiting Tikal Ancient Mayan Ruins

Hidden deep in the jungle of northern Guatemala sits the breathtaking ancient capital of the Mayan civilization – Tikal. Protected under UNESCO World Heritage, Tikal is the most spectacular Mayan ruin site. Any traveler that once drooled over Indiana Jones and Lara Croft movies will be utterly satisfied by the imposing grandeur of the temple rising above the jungle. Unfortunately, our Guatemala itinerary did not include Tikal, but it remains on our bucket lists for the next visit.

If you are up for a bumpy ride, we are certain you will fall in love with Guatemala, just like we did and many others before us. We hope these destinations and activities in Guatemala help you plan your journey and gift you the most unforgettable experiences.