But after spending several months in Guatemala, I was completely blown away by its beauty in every form. There are so many reasons to visit Guatemala, and there is no better time to do it than now!

Whether you’re looking for culture and history or stunning natural sights and landscapes, there’s something for everyone in Guatemala. Read on to find out why you should visit Guatemala. (This post is written by Sean Lau. Read his bio at the bottom of the post!)

Why Visit Guatemala?

1. To Enjoy The Relaxed Vibes of Guatemala

Latin American destinations have a title for being a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and glistening waters. But in Guatemala, tropical paradise is more than just the beachside towns – it is Lake Atitlan, a volcanic crater lake in the highlands of Guatemala. 

This massive lake is situated 1,562 meters above sea level and is surrounded by many different ethnic villages and soaring volcanoes.

Visitors can enjoy the things Guatemala is most famous for in Lake Atitlan- culture, volcanoes, and relaxed vibes.

Each village in Lake Atitlan offers something different for tourists. San Pedro is popular for backpackers and is filled with nice bars and restaurants. San Marcos is known as a hippie town, and it is a hub for everything wellness related

Enjoy waking up from one of the beautiful hotels in Lake Atitlan every morning to the sun rising behind epic volcanoes in Guatemala, before jumping into the lake for a refreshing swim. Spend your day exploring the different villages in Guatemala, and finish your day with a sunset hike on one of the volcanoes surrounding the village. 

Lake Atitlan-living is paradise living at its simplest form!

2. Go Surfing on the Black Sand Beaches of Guatemala

On the Pacific Coast of Guatemala are unique black sand beaches that are the result of numerous volcanic eruptions in the past. The volcanic eruptions expel black sediments that eventually settle on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. 

These beaches are super beautiful to look at, but they are not the only reason why visitors come to explore this region. Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is the perfect place for surfing, especially for advanced surfers. But if you are a beginner surfer, worry not, there are plenty of surf camps and instructors that are more than eager to help you enjoy the epic waves.

Perhaps the most famous beach town on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is El Paredon, a small community where WiFi is weak and simple living is at its best. There is only a handful of accommodations, and even less for the ones with air-conditioning. Visitors come here to enjoy the off-grid living and enjoy surfing on El Paredon’s beach.

If you are visiting from September to December, you might even be able to enjoy releasing some turtle hatchlings into the ocean!

Just be careful with the black sand beaches in Guatemala. Because they are black, they absorb heat very quickly and easily. This means if you are walking on them in the middle of the day, you’ll most definitely need some foot protection!

3. Hike Volcanoes And See Volcanic Eruptions

There are a total of 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, and a handful of them are still active. Without a doubt, hiking volcanoes are some of the most iconic activities in the country.

In fact, two of the most popular things to do in Antigua Guatemala are hiking Volcano Acatenango and Volcano Pacaya.

Volcano Acatenango is the more demanding of the two hikes, usually lasting 2 days and 1 night. But the reward is much greater as well – hikers can summit the nearly 4,000-meter volcano and see the nearby Volcano Fuego erupt. Fuego Volcano is very active, with eruptions happening around every 30 minutes. 

It is truly a remarkable experience to watch it erupt on the Volcano Acatenango hike.

If you are visiting Guatemala with kids, then maybe the Volcano Pacaya hike is more suitable. This is an easy 3-hour hike where you can roast marshmallows using the active volcano’s lava! You can also get a horseback ride up to skip some of the most difficult parts of the hike.

4. Discover the Cobblestone Streets of Antigua, Guatemala

The small city of Antigua is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. This ex-capital of Guatemala is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the iconic Spanish architecture that resides here in ruins. 

Because Antigua is situated in a very high seismic activity region, the city was hit multiple times by devastating earthquakes. This eventually caused the capital to be moved to present-day Guatemala City, but many of the best attractions of the country still reside here.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the gorgeous colonial-style buildings. Check out the ruins that were once some of the most iconic landmarks of the country, such as San Jose Cathedral and Santa Clara Convent. Visit Cerro de la Cruz and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views.

Antigua is one of the main reasons why visitors come to Guatemala!

5. Explore One of the World’s Best Mayan Ruins

Geographically, Guatemala was where the heart of the Mayan civilization rest. Though the Mayan Civilization has vanished, they have left many incredible ruins that give us clues to the past. And perhaps there are no better Mayan Ruins in the world than Tikal, once the beating heart of their civilization.

Located in the Peten department of Guatemala, Tikal National Park is situated in the rainforest of the country. Exploring the ruins feels like you are in Indiana Jones, as you have to go through thick forestry and traverse the 60 square kilometers (23 sq mi) park.

If you are lucky (or unlucky) you might encounter some of the native wildlife in the region, such as tarantulas, howler monkeys, and jaguars.

But with the right guidance, exploring this iconic Mayan Ruin is an incredible experience. Visitors can see the stunning temples that were built entirely by hand several hundred years ago. The tallest one is 213 feet (65 meters), but the massive archaeological site is still under excavation so there is more to be discovered!

6. Guatemala is Affordable

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to visit Guatemala is its affordability. Travelers can spend a fraction of the cost in Guatemala compared to other destinations around the world and have about the same quality of travel. 

Combined with its beautiful tropical weather, excellent food options, and stunning landscapes, Guatemala surely has lots to offer!

7. Find Paradise At Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a natural monument of Guatemala. Known for its stunning turquoise pools surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic canyon, Semuc Champey is the definition of nature’s paradise. 

The beautiful place in Guatemala is uniquely formed by the Cahabón River, which existed under the limestone bridges that were naturally created over time.

Its unique geological formation is one of the reasons for its outstanding beauty. Visitors can hike up to the canyons nearby for a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, go cool off in one of its pools, and explore the cave inside the park. 

If you are the type of traveler that likes adventure in off-the-beaten-path destinations, then you’ll love Semuc Champey!

8. For One of the Biggest Outdoor Markets in Central America

Guatemala is home to one of the biggest outdoor markets in Central America, Chichicastenango. The market attracts vendors from every little village in Guatemala, and the market especially comes to life on Sundays.

Here visitors can find anything and everything they might need (and not need) – from Mayan trinkets to old electronics and tons of produce. If you try to browse through every single stall in Chichicastenango, it might take you more than an entire day. 

And like every Guatemala market there is, expect a lot of chaos, but it is the chaos that makes this market so authentic and beautiful.

If you want to shop for souvenirs in Guatemala, this is the best place to do so. It can be a little bit touristy though, which means vendors mark up the price for foreign tourists. Make sure you negotiate if you are going to purchase something!

9. Learn Spanish in Guatemala

One of the reasons why travelers come to Guatemala is to learn Spanish. There are many different accents of Spanish around the world, but the Guatemalan version is one of the most neutral. This means you are more likely to be able to use your Guatemalan Spanish elsewhere.

As a result, Guatemala has become a hotspot for travelers looking to dive deeper into learning Spanish. Spanish schools are abundant in the country, and many of them offer immersive 1-on-1 learning and the option to do a homestay with a Guatemalan family. If you want to learn Spanish in the shortest amount of time, then Guatemala is a place you should visit!

10. Try Some Local Guatemalan Coffee

One of the biggest export of Guatemala is coffee, and it is no surprise why. Thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, mild subtropical weather, and high altitude, Guatemalan coffee is rich and bold. The coffee beans are mostly Arabica beans (similar to the coffee beans from Colombia), which means they are of the highest quality.

And for travelers, there are plenty of cafes in Antigua where you can enjoy a cup of freshly made coffee on an outdoor terrace overlooking Volcano Agua, Antigua’s most recognizable volcano! It is an experience every traveler must have in Guatemala!

Final Verdict

If you were wondering why you should visit Guatemala, hopefully our guide has now given you all the reasons you need! This country is full of beauty everywhere you look, and the time to go is now before it gets too overcrowded!

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As part of our “City Guides” series, we interviewed Marina K. Villatoro who has been been living in Antigua since 2009.

Marina shares with us her insider travel tips and knowledge on what to do in Antigua, Guatemala for those looking for the best places to see, eat, stay, drink, and explore.

Take it away Marina…

Why Visit Antigua?

So many reasons…

1. It’s the last true Colonial City remaining in Latin America.
2. You can have the cheapest Spanish lessons in the world here.
3. Antigua is surrounded by three gorgeous volcanoes (one which is VERY active and gives off smoke daily).
4. The cobblestoned streets, colorful houses and huge Central Park to watch the local life go by.
5. The Mayan culture and people which intermingle with the foreigners.
6. Exquisite, international restaurants.
7. You simply get SO much more for your money with hotels, restaurants, souvenirs and other stuff.

What to Do in Antigua

Antigua experienced two severe earthquakes. You can visit hundreds of ruins all around the city that are preserved to bring you back to those moments.

I’m not a huge church goer, but Semana Santa – Holy Week – is without a doubt one of the most unique, colorful and traditional celebrations you will ever experience any where in the world.

The whole city transforms into building huge, intricate alfombras (carpets) along the streets as processions with hundreds of people pass over them and finish at the churches. This is a site not to be missed.

Along with the ruins of churches that once were, there are still 35 active churches in Antigua as well. The most popular one stands along Antigua’s famous Central Park.

Coffee is one of Guatemala’s most priced commodities and some of the best coffee plantations are a few minutes outside of Antigua.

Jade – Antigua is world known for the best jade. This was a sacred stone to the Maya and is sold in stores all over the city. You can visit the museums for free that are attached to shops. One word of advice, for good quality Jade get it in the stores, not at the markets.

Markets, markets, markets…I love outdoor markets with local handicrafts and there are three in Antigua to walk around and shop to your heart’s content.

Antigua is one of the main reasons why visitors come to Guatemala!

Where to Eat in Antigua

Antigua is probably one of the best places in Central America for restaurants. You can find everything from typical Guatemalan restaurants to internationally known chefs cooking up gastronomical masterpieces.

However, it’s the street food that will give you the best flavors and is so cheap. There are street vendors all around Antigua, mainly by the parks and churches.

Where to Drink in Antigua

Antigua is a party town – at night. The best bars are closer to Central Park, they change often so just follow the crowd.

Best Place for a Night on the Town in Antigua

I’m not a party girl anymore, so my night out on the town is different for those without kids. However, for my husband and I an ideal night out would be:

1. Romantic restaurant – which is almost all of them with either courtyards or terraces.
2. Walk to Arc Street – the most popular street in Antigua
3. Get a drink at any of the little cafe’s or lounges around Antigua Center
4. Some people like to hire horse carriages – I think it’s a bit cheesy, but you only live once – so why not.

Where to Stay in Antigua

Antigua has some of the most gorgeous colonial hotels this part of the world. You can stay in a luxury hotel for less than $100. Although, there is no shortage of the hundreds of hostels for backpackers.

But one hotel, stands out above all else Santo Domingo. Staying here is more of an experience rather than just a place to sleep. Chances are if you don’t stay here you will definitely visit it at one time or another during your visit to Antigua.

Best Markets and Shopping in Antigua

Definitely the markets. There are three main areas to shop:

1. Arc Street where all the best Jade is sold
2. Central Market which is close to the bus terminal – this is more of a local market with a handicraft market attached to it
3. Capuchinas Ruins market – this is a year round market of great handicrafts – during the week it’s only indoors and on weekends they have more vendors sit outside

Events and Festivals in Antigua

Antigua, Guatemala is known for two of the most unique festivals in the world:

November 1 – Day of the Dead Kite Festival

On this day Guatemalans set out kites that are between 10 – 30 feet in diameter. They are huge. They believe that the kites they send soaring are talking to the spirits of their loved ones.

Semana Santa – Easter/Holy Week

No where in the world will you see alfombras (carpets) and processions as you would in Antigua. The two main days are the Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday.

Getting around in Antigua

Antigua is small enough to be able to walk everywhere you have to. However, if you want to get somewhere fast or are tired there are hundreds of Tuk Tuk’s and taxis.

The public buses take too long and are more for the surrounding areas rather than Antigua center.

Is Antigua WiFi friendly

Everywhere you will find wifi and it’s FREE.

Best Time of Year to Visit Antigua

It depends. If you want to come for Semana Santa, then Easter week is the best time.

But high season which is also the best weather of the year is mainly November through April and June – August

Low season is May (the weather is still great) and also September and October (but it can get rainy).

My advice, if you’re not coming for the major festivals, coming off season is the perfect time to be here. It hardly rains, certainly not enough to put a damper on your trip. And you have Antigua for yourself!

Getting There and Away?

To get to Antigua, Guatemala you need to fly to Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City which is about 45 minutes from Antigua itself.

To travel within Guatemala you will need to do either private or collective shuttles to other destinations such as Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Tikal and other areas of interest.

Best insiders Tip for Antigua

Antigua has tons of NGO’s, but one has a really fun experience giving travelers a chance to meet local kids but in a most unique way.

It’s called Kids Restaurant. Every Friday the kids of this NGO open the doors to their house and make it into a restaurant. They cook, serve and hang out with you.

They practice their English and all the money they make (after the food costs) goes to them and to the program the NGO is running for surgeries for children born with Cleft Palates.

I Love Antigua Because…

It’s home. I’ve lived in so many cities and countries all over the world but I have to say, this place is so special and unique on every level. It’s small enough, yet big enough to have everything you need.

The people are humble and kind and they love kids. The food selection is amazing. And there is always something new to do.

Thanks so much for the fun interview!

Do you have any tips on what to do in Antigua Guatemala?

More Resources for Guatemala

• 10 Reasons why you need to visit Guatemala
• Experiencing the Best and Worst Guatemala Has to Offer in One Weekend
• How to choose a Spanish speaking school in Guatemala
• More posts on Central America here

About the Author
Marina K. Villatoro is an expat living and traveling in Central America with her family for over 10 years. She blogs all about her family’s adventures and life ay TravelExperta.com.

With all their miles under their belts, she’s written a useful family guide book for traveling to Guatemala with kids – tested and approved by her family. Join Marina on Facebook and Twitter for more fun Central and Latin American fun.

Guatemala is known for its nice people and its high crime rate, especially in Guatemala City. In one weekend I got to experience both extremes. But there is a funny twist to experiencing its high crime rate…

After volunteering for a week at Maya Pedal in San Andres Itzapa, Guatemala, it was time to head to Honduras.

But along the way, why not visit the capital? I had heard how dangerous it was, but after visiting 49 countries and never really having a bad experience, what was the worst that could happen?

Confusing Arrival In Guatemala City

The chicken bus I took to Guatemala City dropped me off in the middle of nowhere. Using my awesome (it’s not awesome) Spanish, I asked a guy who got off the bus with me where the city center was.

The truth was, I didn’t have a place to meet my couchsurfing host as he hadn’t written back to me with where to meet. But I figured the city center is usually a good place to meet.

The local guy, Pedro, explained where I had to go to take a bus to the city center. I didn’t understand what he was saying, but I watched his hands and I planned to walk down the street as instructed, turn right, and then ask someone else since the sign language became less clear after that.

Pedro realized I had no idea where to go. I also had a gigantic backpack that screamed tourist as loudly as a flashing light and siren scream police car. He asked me if I wanted him to accompany me to where I needed to go. I didn’t think it was too far away, so I agreed.

15 minutes later we arrived at the TransBus station! Along the way, he told me how dangerous the city was. He used to live in New York and he said that Guatemala City is a million times more dangerous than New York.

We even climbed up a highway overpass. I didn’t hear that part during his explanation or I might have just grabbed a taxi from the start. Instead, my glutes got a serious workout courtesy of said gigantic backpack.

When we got to the bus station, he walked with me to the gate and, as I’ve experienced in many other countries, this was the time where the local help expected to be rewarded.

So I reached into my pocket and pulled out enough money for a small meal. But he flat out refused. I was so thankful I even asked for a picture so I could remember the nicest guy in Guatemala City.

He reluctantly agreed. I then tried to give him the money again, and he refused. He gave me 30 minutes of his day and pleasant conversation and expected nothing in return.

What a great way to start at trip in this supposedly danger-filled city.

Fast forward two days.

Thwarting Robbery With A Magic Weapon

I spent my last night in Guatemala City with someone I met via Couchsurfing. We were meeting for the first time and I was really exited to meet Connie. She is a journalist and I looked forward to talking about the media, her work, and publicity in general.

Connie picked me up in front of the Palacio Nacional in the center of the city. She spent the weekend near the beach and was not dressed for the cool nights of Guatemala City. We went back to her place so she could change.

We talked as she inserted the key into the door of her building. All of a sudden a motorcycle pulled up next to us about 7ft/2m away. He said “buenes noches” or “good night” in a friendly way. I assumed he was a friend of Connie’s and completely switched gears into Practice Spanish Mode.

In Practice Spanish Mode I never interrupt since that would be rude. I focus intently on the speakers and do my best to decode what they are saying. If I can’t understand anything, I invent my own ridiculous subtitles to stave off boredom and make myself feel better about still being so bad at Spanish.

With Practice Spanish Mode in full swing, I stared at the motorcyclist as if it were a staring contest. He spoke extremely fast and with a very low volume. I couldn’t understand anything he said.

My attention span was approaching funny subtitle territory, when all of a sudden I saw a second motorcycle go by and I heard Connie scream. She was a good 30ft/10m away and running like an Olympian.

The motorcyclist in front of me was no longer a friend of Connie’s, nor motorcyclist. He was a robber! And the second motorcycle was obviously part of his team.

It was kind of strange to have a paradigm shift like that in an instant. Not really knowing what to do, and given that my instincts proved about as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane up to this point, I ran after Connie without looking back.

Connie ran into a restaurant diagonally across the street. When I got there, the owners were already running to close the gigantic metallic gate to protect us (and them).

Connie was shaking and close to hyperventilating. At this point, I still really didn’t know what happened. They called the police and they surprisingly showed up in less than five minutes.

Connie explained that she heard him say, immediately after he said buenes noches, “Dame tus chivas.” Well, to me Chivas is a brand of Scotch and a Mexican soccer/football team.

Apparently, in Guatemalan slang chivas is the same as cosas, or things. So he was telling me to give him my things. But it doesn’t matter. I didn’t hear him say this anyway.

It was nice to know, however, that Connie bolted immediately and literally left me in the dust the whole rest of the time!

Looking back, the robber could only have assumed that I was deaf, had cajones made of steel given the unafraid and unflinching stare I gave him, or was paralyzed by shock.

I prefer to think option two prevailed in his mind. In reality, my bad Spanish saved me from handing over my backpack (which had my computer, Kindle, passport, and other important stuff).

Connie apologized for the lopsidedness of her fight or flight response. We think my lack of action disrupted the timing of the teamed robbery. Connie running away and screaming probably didn’t help either…

Had the robber had a weapon, obviously I would have known immediately what was going on and I wouldn’t enjoy telling this story.

We still went out and had a nice time that evening. We chose to forget what happened, which wasn’t too difficult for me since it wasn’t at all traumatic for me during the incident!

In the end, I had a great time in Guatemala and I would go back in a heartbeat. What happened to me could happen anywhere in the world.

I choose to remember Guatemala for its nice people, especially the nicest Guatemalan in the world who helped me find my way upon my arrival to Guatemala City.

Also read: What to Do in Antigua, Guatemala and 10 reasons to visit Guatemala

Bio: Adam Pervez is an engineer/MBA who achieved the life he thought he wanted most – working in renewable energy and enjoying the high quality of life available in Scandinavia. Then he realized he was living someone else’s dream. He figured out what his passions were and how he could live a life incorporating all of them.

He took the plunge into a happier and healthier life and hasn’t looked back since. He blogs regularly at Happiness Plunge and has a Facebook page. You can follow his corporate tool to nomadic idealist Happy Nomad Tour there as he tries to leave each place a bit better than the way he found it through local volunteering.

It can be hard choosing a Spanish school in Guatemala- there are so many of them, so I’ve put together some tips to help you narrow it down.

Wandering if Guatemala is a country worth visiting? Check out these 10 reasons why it is!

Decide where you want to study

There are Spanish schools in pretty much every town in Guatemala, so the first thing to figure out is where you want to study.

Antigua

The most popular option, Antigua, is about an hour from Guatemala. It’s a UNESCO world heritage listed town and appropriately pretty, atmospheric and clean.

The entire centre of town is geared towards tourists and Spanish students – there are all sorts of safe, clean restaurants selling things like bagels, pizza, and fondue, the bar scene is insane and almost the entire town is wired with internet.

Personally, I found it a little too sanitised for my liking. Additionally, most people speak English, making it less likely that you need to use your Spanish for everyday transactions.

Antigua is one of the main reasons why visitors come to Guatemala!

Xela

Those who are a little more serious about travel and a little more serious about learning Spanish head to the highland town of Quetzaltenango (Xela).

About four hours north of Antigua, it’s very much a Guatemalan city and much grittier than Antigua, and for me, that was the attraction.

There are still plenty of vibey cafes and restaurants frequented by (mostly American) Spanish students, although things are a little cheaper in Xela.

Not many locals speak English, so basically every transaction or interaction will have you speaking Spanish. There are also loads of hiking opportunities in the nearby hills, and plenty of projects to volunteer with.

Lago de Atitlan

I didn’t study here, but Lago de Atitlan, partway between Antigua and Xela, is quickly becoming a popular location to learn Spanish in Guatemala. The wifi is incredibly fast and the food available rivals Antigua for variety. More laid back and often cheaper, Lago de Atitlan’s picturesque setting makes for a pretty chilled lifestyle.

Talk to people who’ve done it

I chose my Spanish schools in Antigua and Xela based solely on recommendations from other travellers.

I talked with travel bloggers and read posts on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forums and this helped me make an educated decision. Feel free to ask me questions in the comments below.

Ask about the Spanish teachers

At both my schools, the Spanish teachers were hugely experienced. Both had more than 10 years of teaching Spanish behind them and it showed. Their English was enough to ensure I understood everything we were discussing when necessary.

Ask about the Spanish school’s philosophy, extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities

Most Spanish schools will organize extracurricular activities that are often free or very cheap such as salsa classes, lectures, film screenings or guided walks.

Many also run projects that are funded by your school fees. I chose my school in Xela based on its philosophy and the fact that almost all of its profits go back into their clinic, stove building project and daycare centre. They also offered volunteer opportunities nearly every day, whether you were studying for one week or one month.

Look at the accommodation options on offer

There are generally three different types of accommodation options when you’re studying Spanish in Guatemala.

Home stay

Particularly popular in Xela, your school can usually place you with a local family for a nominal extra cost. Most families have extensive experience housing foreign students and will cook you three meals a day and you get your own room. I heard some even have wifi. This gives you the chance to totally immerse yourself in the language.

Had I stayed in Xela for two weeks, I would have spent my second week with a local family.

Student house

Not all schools offer this. I stayed in a student house in Antigua and loved it. I made instant friends and it was more comfortable and homey than staying in a hostel, and more flexible and relaxed than a home stay. We were provided with three meals a day. In all honesty, the food wasn’t great, but a lot of the food in Guatemala isn’t brilliant.

Hostel, guest house or hotel

You can also choose to organise your own accommodation and stay in a nearby guesthouse, which was what I did in Xela.

You can look for accommodation for Xela, Antigua and Lago de Atitlan through our Booking.com, or accommodation partner.

Price of a Spanish School in Guatemala

Price may or may not be an issue for you, but I would suggest going with the best Spanish school rather than going with the cheapest.

In Antigua, I paid $250 a week, which was on the expensive side and included 4 hours of private lessons a day, a registration fee and my accommodation and meals in the student house.

In Xela, I paid $145 for 5 hours of private lessons a day. The school waived the registration fee and had I chose to stay with a local family it would have cost an extra $40.

Go with your gut instinct

Because it will rarely get you wrong.

Bio: In 2010, Megan quit her job and left Sydney, Australia to travel solo through Asia and the Middle East. A scribbler of notes, a lover of food, yoga and photography, she’s now traveling through Latin America. Get inspired by her adventures at OnMyWayRTW.com, follow her on Twitter @megan_rtw or catch up with her on Facebook.