- Vibe: Colonial charm and relaxed sophistication
- Why visit: Antigua is famed for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and cobblestone streets. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, it offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature. Visitors can explore its ancient ruins, charming cafés, bustling markets, SPAs
- Must-see: Santa Catalina Arch, Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, and the ruins of San Francisco Church.
- Juan: Stay at Hotel casa Santo Domingo and try the SPA for a day, a good restaurant is "El Tenedor del Cerro" with a fantastic view. Antiuga is great city to walk around and explore the ruins, the markets, the restaurants. There is a lot of tourism here. It's a good starting place because there are a lot of tours that take you to Atitlan, Tikal, etc
- Vibe: Tranquil and spiritual with a bohemian twist
- Why visit: Lake Atitlán is surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Maya villages. Each village has its own distinct character, from the backpacker-friendly vibe of San Pedro to the artistic atmosphere of San Marcos. Visitors come for the stunning views, water sports, hiking, and to experience the rich Maya culture still present in daily life.
- Must-see: Volcán San Pedro, the artisan markets of Panajachel, and the spiritual retreats of San Marcos.
- Juan: San Marcos is a must it give vibes like "The Beach" movie. You can jump from a platform to the lake. Swimming is great but really cold.
- Vibe: Modern metropolis
- Why visit: Incredible Restaurants and good shopping places.
- Must-see: Impressive Cayalá shopping district, Fontabella shopping district.
- Juan: Gong to "Donde Mikel" restaurant is a must. Order "Mar y Tierra" Surf and Turf. "Jake's" is another fantastic restaurant. "Montano's" is also fantastic steakhouse. "Ambia" is a lounge great for cocktails. Stay and Cayala "AC Marriot" hotel is basic but you can check out the Cayalá mall.
- Watch out: Traffic is terrible, avoid rush hours
- Vibe: Laid-back surf town with eco-friendly and beachy vibes
- Why visit: El Paredón is Guatemala’s top destination for surfers and beach lovers, located on the Pacific coast. With its black volcanic sand beaches and consistent waves, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. The town has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, with eco-lodges, yoga retreats, and surf camps. It’s also a great spot for witnessing turtle releases and enjoying quiet sunsets away from the crowds.
- Must-see: Surfing the waves, participating in a turtle release program, and taking a boat tour through the nearby mangrove forest.
- Juan: Never been there, but some friends recommend for surfing and wakeboarding. It's at the pacific ocean, you might need a car or shuttle, the beaches have black sand and the water is warm.
- Vibe: Ruins, archeology, nature, jungle, jaguars
- Why visit: Tikal is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world, located deep in the jungles of northern Guatemala. Once a powerful city during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization, Tikal boasts towering pyramids, expansive plazas, and rich wildlife. Visitors can explore ancient temples while listening to the calls of howler monkeys and spotting exotic birds in the surrounding rainforest. It’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Maya history.
- Must-see: The Temple of the Grand Jaguar (Temple I), the towering Temple IV (offering panoramic views of the jungle canopy), and the Great Plaza. Don’t miss watching the sunrise over the temples, an otherworldly experience.
- Juan: Tikal is great if you like ruins, you need to fly there since its far away from the city (8 hour drive, not recommended). You can take shuttles but its 8 hours.
- Vibe: Panajachel is the main gateway to Lake Atitlán and has a lively, bustling atmosphere. It’s a popular hub for tourists with a variety of restaurants, markets, and accommodations.
- What to visit:
- Calle Santander: The main street filled with local handicrafts, cafés, and bars.
- Atitlán Nature Reserve: Great for hiking, zip-lining, and birdwatching, offering incredible views of the lake.
- Public Dock: Ideal for catching boats to other towns or just admiring the sunset over the lake.
- Juan: Fun city, lots of party and markets. There is a lot of people here, so I recommend start here and then take the boats to other towns where you can swim and have more of a chill vibe.
- Vibe: A bohemian and laid-back town, popular with backpackers and those interested in meditation, yoga, and Spanish language schools. It's also a nightlife hub on the lake.
- What to visit:
- Indian Nose Hike: A short but steep hike offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
- San Pedro Volcano: More challenging than Indian Nose, but hiking to the summit offers a rewarding view.
- Café Culture: A variety of lakefront cafés where you can relax and meet other travelers.
- Juan: Never been here.
- Vibe: San Marcos is known for its tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a magnet for yoga retreats, holistic healing centers, and eco-conscious travelers.
- What to visit:
- Yoga & Healing Centers: Numerous options for yoga classes, meditation, and alternative therapies.
- Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: A beautiful nature reserve where you can hike and swim in the lake.
- Spiritual Retreats: A wide selection of places offering workshops on mindfulness, sound healing, and even cacao ceremonies.
- Juan: Love it for swimming and walking around. Super chill and small town. Lots of tourist.
- Vibe: Antigua exudes a charming blend of historic elegance and modern cosmopolitan energy. It’s a place where cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and ruins coexist with chic cafés, boutique hotels, and an exciting nightlife scene. It attracts a mix of travelers, from history buffs and foodies to adventure seekers and artists.
- Atmosphere: Laid-back but lively, with a strong expat community and frequent cultural events.
- What to see: This iconic yellow arch is one of Antigua's most famous landmarks. Built in the 1600s, it was originally part of a convent, and today it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city.
- Why it’s special: From under the arch, you can catch a spectacular view of the Agua Volcano on clear days.
- What to see: Antigua’s central plaza is the heart of the city. It’s a lively spot filled with locals, tourists, and street vendors.
- Why it’s special: The square is surrounded by important landmarks such as the Antigua Cathedral, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and numerous cafes. A great place for people-watching and taking in the colonial architecture.
- What to see: This impressive 16th-century cathedral has partially survived numerous earthquakes, and its ruins add an extra layer of historical intrigue.
- Why it’s special: Explore the beautiful main church that’s still in use, as well as the ruins of the larger original cathedral behind it.
- What to see: A hilltop with a large cross offering panoramic views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes.
- Why it’s special: It’s a short hike from the city center, and the views make it well worth the effort. This is one of the best places to photograph the entire city with the Agua Volcano as a backdrop.
- Convento de las Capuchinas: A peaceful convent with well-preserved ruins, known for its unique circular tower and serene atmosphere.
- La Merced Church: One of Antigua’s most beautiful and vibrant baroque-style churches, featuring a striking yellow-and-white façade and an elaborate fountain in its courtyard.
- San Francisco Church: One of the oldest churches in the city, home to the tomb of Saint Hermano Pedro, a revered figure in Guatemala.
- Convento de Santa Clara: Explore the ruins of this convent with its intricate arches, courtyards, and gardens.
- What to see: This is one of Antigua’s most picturesque streets, lined with charming colonial buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants.
- Why it’s special: It’s a great place to explore Antigua’s vibrant culinary scene, shop for traditional handicrafts, or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
- What to see: Learn about Guatemala’s world-famous coffee with a tour of this nearby coffee farm.
- Why it’s special: You’ll get an up-close look at the coffee production process, from the plants to the cup, with tastings along the way. The farm also offers zip-lining, birdwatching, and horseback riding.
- Mercado de Artesanías: A lively artisan market where you can buy traditional Guatemalan textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and other crafts.
- Mercado Municipal: A vibrant local market where you can sample Guatemalan fruits, vegetables, and street food while mingling with locals.
- What to see: This active volcano is located just outside Antigua and is one of the most accessible volcano hikes in the area.
- Why it’s special: The relatively easy hike leads you to the base of Pacaya, where you can get up close to lava rocks and, on some tours, roast marshmallows over heat vents. The views from the top are stunning, especially during sunset.
- Juan: If you like hiking volcanos, this one is great. Is active so you can see lava. Check if its safe before hiking to avoid eruptions.
- Always hike with a guide, especially on active volcanoes like Pacaya, Fuego, or Santiaguito.
- Pack proper gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing for high altitudes, and plenty of water.
- Start early in the day to avoid afternoon rain showers and ensure you have enough daylight for the descent.
- Be prepared for altitude sickness on higher volcanoes, such as Tajumulco or Acatenango, and acclimatize if necessary.