Guatemala offers travelers a rich landscape of history and adventure. From the subterranean stalls of Mercado Central loaded with authentic handicrafts and local street food to the the ornate National Palace, the bustling Guatemala City, provides a variety of cultural sites. After visiting the capital, you can journey to the rare “fortress ruins” of Mixco Viejo, a stunning Postclassic site perched on a defensive ridge surrounded by deep ravines, offering a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more famous jungle temples.
The path leads next to the cobblestone elegance of Antigua, home to the world’s largest Easter celebration and a UNESCO World Heritage town framed by three massive volcanoes, where colonial ruins have been transformed into chic cafes and boutique hotels. On market days, the highlands come alive in Chichicastenango, a sensory explosion of vibrant textiles, aromatic incense, and ancient syncretic rituals performed on the steps of the 400-year-old Santo Tomás Church. Your exploration culminates at Lake Atitlán, a majestic volcanic crater often called the most beautiful lake in the world, where you can hop between indigenous Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel villages via traditional wooden lanchas.
