Tourist Attractions in Guatemala

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Guatemala

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Guatemala

Guatemala is a small country in Central America. Once one of the centres of the Mayan civilisation, the country has preserved a huge number of antiquities and monuments that attract tourists from all over the world. You can also come here to see active volcanoes, tropical forests, authentic Indian villages, beaches and shopping – all this can be easily found in Guatemala. The best time to visit the country is from November to May, when the weather is most favourable to tourism. In Guatemala you should always wear sunscreen and drink only purified or boiled water.

Those wishing to visit Mayan archaeological sites should include such places as Quirigua, Flores, Yaxha, Ceibal and Ishimche in their itinerary. Tourists who appreciate natural sites among other attractions will enjoy the volcanoes of Pacaya, Aqueitnango, Agua and Fuego, Lakes Atitlan and Peten Itza, Quetzal and Tikal parks. As a memento of your visit to this colourful country, you can bring back jade products, hand-woven clothing and household items or antiques. Tourists should not forget that it is customary to bargain at Guatemalan fairs to bring down the price.

Top-27 Tourist Attractions in Guatemala

Tikal National Park

 4.9/5

7637 reviews

One of the largest Mayan sites, which has been considered a national park since 1955. In the I – IX centuries AD, Tikal was one of the most important cities of the Mitul Kingdom. Today, Tikal is a popular tourist centre and a famous archaeological monument of Guatemala.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Antigua Guatemala

 0/5

This famous museum city dates back to the 16th century. Since then, Antigua Guatemala has been badly damaged by many earthquakes, but the preserved local colonial monuments still attract many tourists. The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced and the local town hall are among the most visited sites in Antigua Guatemala.

Acropolis of Quirigua

 4.7/5

997 reviews

In the south-east of Guatemala lies the famous Mayan city of Quirigua. At present there is an archaeological park, showing tourists many amazing monuments of antiquity. Among them are sculptural calendars and stone monuments, which are considered to be the main “written” chronicles of the ancient civilisation.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lake Atitlán

 4.8/5

1379 reviews

Travelling west from the state capital, you can reach the famous Lake Atitlan, which covers an area of more than 100 km². The beauty of this volcanic body of water and the local colourful Indian settlements attract many tourists. You can also climb the three low volcanoes located near the lake.

Chichicastenango Market

 4.3/5

575 reviews

The famous Chichicastenango market is considered one of the largest shopping centres in Central America. During the fairs, many Guatemalan tourists come here to shop. The Chichicastenango market sells souvenirs, various textiles, crockery and household items, as well as fruit and flowers.

Open time

Monday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

El Mirador

 4.7/5

92 reviews

It was only in the 20th century that one of the largest Guatemalan metropolises of Preclassic Maya culture was discovered. The first traces of human habitation in El Mirador date back to the 1st century BC. To see two large pyramids and a Mayan temple, tourists have to travel quite a long way through the tropics, so many excursions suggest travelling here on horseback.

Open time

Flores

In the north of Guatemala is the city of Flores, which until the 18th century was home to Tayyasal, a post-classical Mayan city. Today, visitors come to Flores to visit ancient Indian settlements and the Actun-Can caves, as well as to enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Lago de Petén Itza, which is regularly travelled on excursions.

Playa de Monterrico

 4.6/5

860 reviews

One of the best beaches in Guatemala attracts tourists with its almost black volcanic sand and the many sea turtles that come ashore at Monterrico to lay their eggs. At low tide, tourists should be careful as the underwater currents are quite strong.

Pacaya

 4.5/5

733 reviews

To the south of the capital of Guatemala lies one of the largest volcanoes on the planet – the active volcano Pacaya. The local trails are quite comfortable and not too difficult. Officially it is forbidden to climb to the very vent of Pacaya, but many extreme climbers do not pay attention to these restrictions.

Central America Park

 4.6/5

12665 reviews

As early as the eighteenth century, the central square of Quezaltenango, which is now the main park of the city, began to be designed. The main attraction of the central park is the rotunda, built in honour of the famous composer Ovalle, who wrote the music for the Guatemalan anthem. Another decoration of the square, the column located in its centre, was erected in honour of one of the presidents of this country.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Livingston

 0/5

In the eastern part of the country is the city of Livingstone, home to the fascinating Garifuna people, who are a blend of Caribbean, European and Guatemalan cultures. Tourists will find comfortable hotels, restaurants and cafes in Livingstone, and in addition to beach holidays there is also sea fishing.

Lago Peten Itza

 4.7/5

304 reviews

The country’s second largest lake, Peten Itza, is located in northern Guatemala. It is home to many animals, including toucans, jaguars and crocodiles. For tourists, the ancient Mayan settlements located near Lake Peten Itza are of interest, above all.

Santa Catalina Arch

 4.8/5

13119 reviews

One of the most popular tourist attractions in La Antigua is the Arch of St Catalina, which connects the two parts of the monastery. The date of construction of this arch is considered to be the XVII century, but modern decorations in the form of a clock tower appeared on this structure in the XIX century.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Grutas de Lanquín

 4.6/5

705 reviews

The fascinating and intricate Lankin cave complex was once a sacred site for the Maya. Descendants of the ancient civilisation still use these caves for their ceremonies. Currently, only about 400 metres of Lankin Cave is available for tourists to explore. Among other activities, you can take an inflatable boat ride on the underground cave river.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Castle of San Felipe of Lara

 4.7/5

3881 reviews

The Spanish colonial fort of San Felipe de Lara is considered a very popular tourist attraction in the east of the country. The first human settlements appeared here as early as the 2nd century BC, and the fort itself was built in 1644 for defence against pirates plundering the local port.

Open time

Lake El Golfete

 4.5/5

44 reviews

El Golfete Lake is a beautiful lake nestled between mountains in the eastern part of Guatemala. It is home to amazing manatees, howler monkeys and many birds. Lake El Golfete, with its abundance of fish, attracts especially eco-tourism and fishing enthusiasts.

Sololá

 0/5

The small town of Solola is usually visited on the way to Lake Atitlan. The central square of Solola hosts a noisy fair every week, where local villagers come together in their national costumes. In addition to “market shopping” in Sololá, a trip to the local historical museum is worthwhile.

Semuc Champey Natural Monument

 4.8/5

4286 reviews

One of the most beautiful places in Guatemala, favoured by tourists, is the Semuc Champey waterfalls. There are several tourist routes to see this natural attraction, the most difficult of which allows you to see the waterfalls from a bird’s-eye view.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Biotopo del Quetzal

 4.7/5

1019 reviews

In the 20th century, a special biosphere park of the same name was created to protect the sacred Maya birds of Quetzals. Two hiking trails – the Fern Trail (about 2 km) and the Moss Trail (about 4 km) – will familiarise tourists with local animals and birds, and if lucky, park visitors will be able to admire with their own eyes the bright plumage of 35-centimetre-long quetzals.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

PLAZA SANTANDER

 4.3/5

503 reviews

The city of Panajachel, located in the south-west of the country, is home to the famous Santander Street. It connects the historical centre with Lake Atitlan. On this street you can buy almost any products made by the Mayans – ceramics, national clothes, household items, various souvenirs. Apart from shops and shops, there are also restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Royal Palace of the Captains General

 4.7/5

190 reviews

In the second half of the eighteenth century, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, also called the residence of the Captain Generals, was built in La Antigua. In addition to administrative services, it housed stables, a court, a mint, military barracks and reception halls. Today, the palace is used for municipal purposes and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in La Antigua.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Iximche

 4.6/5

2812 reviews

The ancient Mayan city, inhabited since 600 BC, is located between two lagoons in northern Guatemala. More than 500 structures have been discovered here, including pyramids, ball stadiums and a whole network of sacred roads connecting different parts of the ancient city. Ceremonial and domestic pottery found at Yaxha is decorated with depictions of historical and mythological scenes of Maya life.

Open time

Hill of the Cross

 4.6/5

7348 reviews

About half an hour’s walk from the centre of La Antigua is the Cerro de la Cruz hill, which has one of the best views in the city. Three volcanoes can be seen from the hill, as well as the main attractions of La Antigua. On the Cerro de la Cruz hill, a stone Redeemer Cross was erected in the first half of the 20th century, which is visited by many Guatemalan believers.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Constitution Plaza

 4.4/5

17990 reviews

Zone 1 in the nation’s capital is the Central Plaza of Guatemala City. It has a kilometre zero and an eternal flame dedicated to unknown heroes, and is flanked on different sides by the National Palace, the Cathedral and the National Library of Guatemala. The central square hosts the most important celebrations and concerts, and on weekends there is a bustling fair.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

San Juan La Laguna

 0/5

On the southern shore of Lake Atitlan is one of the municipalities of Sololá, San Juan la Laguna. This small town is famous for its painting – the walls of many houses here are used as a canvas for paintings. You can also buy various items of traditional Guatemalan art at a bargain here.

Iximche

 4.6/5

2812 reviews

In the northern part of the department of Petén there is a famous tourist site – the archaeological park of Ceibal. The park has preserved a lot of evidence of the ancient Mayan civilisation, among which there are about 20 steles and two temples, one of which was used for astronomical observations.

Open time

Iximche

 4.6/5

2812 reviews

Ishimche was once the capital of a Mayan tribe. Today, this archaeological monument of antiquity is divided into six zones, of which only half is open for inspection. More than one hundred and fifty Mayan structures can be seen here, including palaces, temples and ball fields.

Open time