Guatemala is one of the most underrated destinations in Latin America.

From colorful colonial streets to ancient Mayan ruins to breathtaking volcanoes and warm, vibrant traditions, this country has a variety of unforgettable experiences to offer.

Whether you're looking for adventurous experiences in the jungle or a relaxing stay at the beach, there's a bit of everything for everyone.

Here are some pictures from our favorite places in Guatemala.

ROUTES WE RECOMMEND:

1. Cobán - Petén - Río Dulce - Belize (the nature/adventure route):

- This route is perfect if you’re into nature, adventure, and that feeling of slowly drifting from jungle to sea.

Here’s how it feels more than how it looks:

- You start in Cobán, surrounded by misty mountains, waterfalls, caves, and lush green everywhere. It’s cooler, calmer, very nature-forward. Think hikes, Semuc Champey vibes, and waking up to fog rolling over the hills.

- Then you move north to Petén, where the jungle gets thicker and history hits harder. This is where you explore Tikal and other Mayan ruins, totally immersed in ancient energy, monkeys overhead, and sunsets that feel unreal. It’s adventurous but also deeply grounding.

- From there, you head to Río Dulce, and the transition is magic. You literally move through a river canyon surrounded by jungle, palm trees, and tiny communities along the water. Life slows down. Boats replace buses. Days are about swimming, hammocks, and sunset beers by the river.

- Finally, you cross into Belize, where the jungle melts into the Caribbean. Clear water, islands (cayes), snorkeling, diving, reggae rhythms, and that laid-back island energy. After all the adventure, Belize feels like the reward.

VERY IMPORTANT: distances might seem short because of how many km it says on Google Maps, but Guatemalan roads are very very bad... so it takes way longer than it seems.

* You can drive on your way to Coban, Peten, Rio Dulce and Belize and fly back to Guatemala City (either from Belize, Puerto Barrios or Flores).

2. Antigua – Acatenango – Lake Atitlán – Chichicastenango (the culture & volcano route):

This one is about people, traditions ,and landscapes.

- You start in Antigua, colonial, creative, walkable, full of cafés, ruins, and that slow-but-inspired energy. It’s a great base to ease into the country and connect with travelers, creatives, and local culture.

- Then comes Acatenango. This is the peak experience; literally. Hiking the volcano and watching Fuego erupt through the night is one of those moments that rewire you a bit. Hard, cold, intense… and unforgettable.

- After that intensity, you head to Lake Atitlán, which feels like a soft landing. Each village has its own personality:

San Marcos → spiritual, wellness, yoga

San Juan → art, textiles, community

Santa Cruz / Jaibalito → quiet, nature, views

San Pedro → colorful, community, Spanish language courses

Santa Catarina Palopó → ceramic, art, culture

Here it’s all about slowing down, reflection, swims and sunsets.

- You finish in Chichicastenango, especially on market days. It’s loud, colorful, raw, and deeply traditional. One of the most authentic expressions of Mayan culture in the country, a powerful contrast to the calm of the lake.

4. Antigua – Acatenango – El Paredón – Lake Atitlán (the fire → ocean → calm route)

This route is all about contrast.

You start in Antigua, grounding yourself in colonial streets, cafés, markets, and that creative expat energy. It’s the ideal base to prepare mentally (and physically) for what comes next.

Then you climb Acatenango: the ultimate challenge. Cold nights, burning legs, and the surreal moment of watching Volcán de Fuego erupt under a sky full of stars.

Intense, humbling, unforgettable.

- From there, you head straight to El Paredón, and the shift is everything. Black sand beaches, surf culture, salty hair, barefoot days. Life slows down fast here. Mornings are for waves, afternoons for hammocks, sunsets for beers and bonfires.

Total nervous-system reset.

- You finish at Lake Atitlán, where the energy softens again. After the ocean, the lake feels introspective. Choose your village based on your mood—spiritual, artistic, or quiet—and let the trip settle into you.