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Maya ruins at Tikal

Things to do in Guatemala

Maya ruins at Tikal
Despite its compact size, Guatemala is incredibly diverse. From atmospheric towns oozing colonial charm to impressive Maya ruins and abundant wildlife, there’s plenty to see and do.

Explore the World Heritage-protected city of Antigua for its charming colonial architecture or wander through colourful Chichicastenango market where traditionally-dressed locals sell everything from fruit and vegetables to textiles and wood crafts. Alternatively, glide across the calm waters of Lake Atitlán and marvel at the beauty of its surrounding volcanoes or visit the temples and palaces of Tikal, one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Central America, before hiking through the surrounding jungle to see howler and spider monkeys.
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Ideas for experiencing Guatemala

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Guatemala, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • Tikal Tour
    Mayan pyramid in Tikal

    Tikal Tour

    Tikal & El Petén

    Tikal Tour

    Tikal is most definitely the most impressive of all the Mayan sites in Central America not only for its historical remains but because it is also a haven for wildlife, making the trip to Tikal all the more enchanting.

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  • Uaxactun camping excursion
    Mayan ruins at Uaxactun

    Uaxactun camping excursion

    Tikal & El Petén

    Uaxactun camping excursion

    A two day / one night excursion visiting the ruins of Uaxactun and the opportunity to enjoy a locally cooked, evening meal.

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  • Antigua Valley Mountain Biking
    El Fuego Volcano, Antigua, Guatemala

    Antigua Valley Mountain Biking

    Antigua

    Antigua Valley Mountain Biking

    This is a great way to explore Guatemala and see how the local people live. You visit tranquil villages and churches, coffee plantations and come into contact with the local Mayans.

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  • Antigua City Tour
    Antigua, Guatemala

    Antigua City Tour

    Antigua

    Antigua City Tour

    Stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets of Antigua and visit the city's highlights, including the Church of St. Francis, the Central Plaza, the San José Cathedral and the Church of La Mercedes.

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  • Guatemala City Tour
     Guatemala City

    Guatemala City Tour

    Guatemala City Tour

    This Guatemala city tour will cover the main monuments of the capital, including the cathedral, the National Palace, the Central Square and the main craft market.

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  • Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion
    Antigua, Guatemala

    Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion

    Antigua

    Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion

    This morning you will be met at your hotel by a local NGO representative and driven by local 'Chicken' bus to Ciudad Vieja.

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  • Pacaya Volcano Hike
    Smouldering lava fields at Volcano Pacaya

    Pacaya Volcano Hike

    Antigua

    Pacaya Volcano Hike

    Hike up the smouldering cone of the active Pacaya volcano to see small eruptions and glowing hot lava flows, all framed by magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and imposing, distant peaks of neighbouring volcanoes.

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  • Santiago Bay Kayak & Hike
    Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

    Santiago Bay Kayak & Hike

    Lake Atitlán

    Santiago Bay Kayak & Hike

    Begin your exploration of Lake Atitlán by taking the kayaks to paddle through Santiago Bay where you pass by the local Tzutujil Maya people working in the fields, washing clothes and fishing from their unique wooden boats.

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  • Acatenango Volcano Hike
    Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

    Acatenango Volcano Hike

    Antigua

    Acatenango Volcano Hike

    Trek through open fields, farmland and Pacific cloudforest with spectacular views over the Antigua valley area.

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  • San Pedro Volcano Hike
    Volcan Toliman and Atitlán, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

    San Pedro Volcano Hike

    Lake Atitlán

    San Pedro Volcano Hike

    Embark on a challenging hike through patchwork fields and beautiful cloudforest to the top of San Pedro volcano. Enjoy a delicious lunch near the summit whilst gazing out across Lake Atitlán and the towering peaks of the surrounding mountains.

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  • Antigua Textile Tour
    A Petate mat weaving demonstration, Santiago Zamora

    Antigua Textile Tour

    Antigua

    Antigua Textile Tour

    In the morning, you take a guided tour around Antigua, with the focus on learning about the complex Guatemalan and Mayan textiles and folk art.

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  • Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour
    Murals, Comalapa Market, Guatemala

    Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour

    Antigua

    Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour

    Travel through the stunning scenery of the highlands passing local communities farming their land using traditional methods, for about an hour, before reaching San Juan Comalapa.

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  • Yaxha at Sunset
    Sunset at Yaxha

    Yaxha at Sunset

    Tikal & El Petén

    Yaxha at Sunset

    Yaxha, q'equchi' for green water, is located 73 km from Flores. This Maya site, discovered in 1904 by architect Teobert Maler, is situated within the Maya Biosphere Reserve along with the sites of Nakum and El Naranjo.

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  • Chichicastenango Market
    Chichicastenango, Guatemala

    Chichicastenango Market

    Lake Atitlán

    Chichicastenango Market

    Explore the colourful fruit, vegetable, craft and textile stalls at this famous market. This excursion allows you to explore Chichicastenango Market at your own pace with the advantage of your own driver to take you there and back to your hotel at the end of the day.

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  • Excursion to San Juan Comalapa
    The church of San Juan Comalapa

    Excursion to San Juan Comalapa

    Lake Atitlán

    Excursion to San Juan Comalapa

    Explore the historic town of San Juan Comalapa and its bustling market, where local traders sell everything from fruit and flowers to beautiful tapestries and paintings. Your guide will take you to see the other highlights throughout the town including museums, local art galleries and excellent bakeries to sample the much-loved roscas.

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  • Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlán
    Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

    Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlán

    Lake Atitlán

    Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlán

    Travel across the calm waters of Lake Atitlán by boat to the lively village of Santiago de Atitlán. Here you can explore the fascinating Catholic church and haggle for a bargain at the bustling market.

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  • Responsible Travel Coffee Tour
    Roasting the coffee

    Responsible Travel Coffee Tour

    Antigua

    Responsible Travel Coffee Tour

    Visit coffee farmers in the lush plantations surrounding Antigua and see how the families pick, pulp, ferment and roast the fresh beans to produce some of the finest coffee in Guatemala. Your visit will also help support a local charity working to improve the lives and pay of the farming families.

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  • Street food tour of Antigua
    Comalapa market, Guatemala

    Street food tour of Antigua

    Antigua

    Street food tour of Antigua

    This is the perfect tour for any foodies with a flair for local flavour and an adventurous attitude toward cuisine!

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