11 Reasons To Visit Guatemala: Central Americas Last Hidden Gem!

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Rarely do I hear people say Guatemala is on their bucket list. It’s not the first Latin American country you think of, it’s often overshadowed by countries like Costa Rica and Mexico who get all the TV ads and fanfares.

Though Guatemala doesn’t have the marketing support that other Central American countries have, this is precisely why you should go.

Guatemala still remains a hidden gem, unspoiled by overtourism, undeveloped and not characterized by resorts, and its beauty is unrivaled in every form.

colorful historical buildings in Antigua Guatemala with volcano in the background Antigua, Guatemala

This is just one out of many reasons to visit Guatemala. If you’re on the fence about visiting the Republic of Guatemala, allow me to persuade you…

Reasons to visit Guatemala

Whether you’re looking for culture and history or stunning natural sights and landscapes, there’s something for everyone in Guatemala.

Read on to find out why you should visit Guatemala.

1. To enjoy the relaxed vibes

Man sitting on a rock looking out over Lake Atitlan Gautemala Lake Atitlan Gautemala

Latin American destinations are known for being a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and glistening waters. While Guatemala isn’t famous for its beaches, it’s still known as a tropical paradise – this is because of Lake Atitlan, a volcanic crater lake in the highlands of Guatemala.

This massive lake is situated 1,562 meters above sea level and is surrounded by many different ethnic villages and soaring volcanoes.

Visitors can enjoy the things Guatemala is most famous for in Lake Atitlan – culture, volcanoes, and relaxed vibes.

Each village around Lake Atitlan offers something different. San Pedro is popular for backpackers and is filled with nice bars and restaurants. San Marcos is known as a hippie town, and it is a hub for everything wellness related.

Enjoy waking up from one of the beautiful hotels in Lake Atitlan every morning to the sun rising behind epic volcanoes in Guatemala, before jumping into the lake for a refreshing swim.

Spend your day exploring the different villages in Guatemala, and finish your day with a sunset hike on one of the volcanoes surrounding the village.

Lake Atitlan-living is paradise living at its simplest form!

Top tip: Check out this tour of Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves.

Experience an ancient Mayan custom at a fire cleansing and protection ceremony at the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. Immerse yourself in the mysticism of a holy place, and learn why the highland tribes travel for hours to connect with the spirits. Learn more here.

2. Go surfing on the black sand beaches

sunset on black sand beach guatemala

On the Pacific Coast of Guatemala you’ll discover unique black sand beaches that are the result of numerous volcanic eruptions in the past.

The volcanic eruptions expel black sediments that eventually settle on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.

These beaches are super beautiful to look at, but they are not the only reason why visitors come to explore this region.

Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is the perfect place for surfing, especially for advanced surfers.

If you are a beginner surfer, worry not, there are plenty of surf camps and instructors that are more than eager to help you enjoy the epic waves.

Perhaps the most famous beach town on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is El Paredon, a small community where WiFi is weak and simple living is at its best.

There is only a handful of accommodations, and even less for the ones with air-conditioning. Visitors come here to enjoy the off-grid living and enjoy surfing on El Paredon’s beach.

If you are visiting from September to December, you might even be able to enjoy releasing some turtle hatchlings into the ocean!

Just be careful with the black sand beaches in Guatemala. Because they are black, they absorb heat very quickly and easily.

This means if you are walking on them in the middle of the day, you’ll most definitely need some foot protection!

3. Hike volcanoes and see volcanic eruptions

Man watching Volcano Acatenango in Guatemala erupt at night Volcano Acatenango

There are a total of 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, and a handful of them are still active.

Without a doubt, hiking volcanoes is one of the most iconic activities you can do in the country.

In fact, two of the most popular things to do in Antigua Guatemala are hiking Volcano Acatenango and Volcano Pacaya.

Volcano Acatenango is the more demanding of the two hikes, usually lasting 2 days and 1 night, but the reward is much greater as well.

Hikers can summit the nearly 4,000-meter volcano and see the nearby highly active Volcano Fuego erupt. Fuego Volcano is a ferocious volcano, with eruptions happening around every 30 minutes, sometimes less.

It is truly a remarkable experience to watch it erupt on the Volcano Acatenango hike, especially if you camp at the base camp at night where you can really see the vibrancy of the lava.

If you are visiting Guatemala with kids, then maybe the Volcano Pacaya hike is more suitable.

This is an easy 3-hour hike where you can roast marshmallows using the active volcano’s lava!

You can also get a horseback ride up to skip some of the most difficult parts of the hike.

Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure: Trek from Antigua traveling through La Soledad village and on to Acatenango. See the beautiful landscapes that Guatemala has to offer. Learn more here.
Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs with Lunch: Enjoy a walk on one of the most amazing volcanoes in Guatemala during your relaxing day tour that includes lunch at Kawilal Hot Springs. Learn more here.

4. Discover the cobblestone streets of Antigua, Guatemala

the colorful buildings of Antigua Guatemala Antigua Guatemala

The small city of Antigua is one of the biggest draws to Guatemala.

This ex-capital of Guatemala is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the iconic Spanish architecture that resides here in ruins.

Because Antigua is situated in a very high seismic activity region, the city was hit multiple times by devastating earthquakes.

This eventually caused the capital to be moved to present-day Guatemala City, but many of the best attractions of the country still reside here.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the gorgeous colonial-style buildings.

Check out the ruins that were once some of the most iconic landmarks of the country, such as San Jose Cathedral and Santa Clara Convent.

Visit Cerro de la Cruz and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views.

Antigua is one of the main reasons why visitors come to Guatemala!

Combo Tour: Colonial Antigua & Guatemala City Explorer Tour: Enjoy 2 wonderful cities, ancient colonial city of Antigua, a UNRSCO World Heritage Site, and Modern Guatemala City at the same day. Learn more here

5. Explore one of the world’s BEST Mayan ruins

stone building of the Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala Tikal Mayan Ruins

Geographically, Guatemala was where the heart of the Mayan civilization rest.

Though the Mayan Civilization has vanished, they have left many incredible ruins that give us clues to the past.

And perhaps there are no better Mayan Ruins in the world than Tikal, once the beating heart of their civilization.

Located in the Peten department of Guatemala, Tikal National Park is situated in the rainforest of the country.

Exploring the ruins feels like you are in Indiana Jones, as you have to go through thick forestry and traverse the 60 square kilometers (23 sq mi) park.

If you are lucky (or unlucky) you might encounter some of the native wildlife in the region, such as tarantulas, howler monkeys, and jaguars.

But with the right guidance, exploring this iconic Mayan Ruin is an incredible experience.

Visitors can see the stunning temples that were built entirely by hand several hundred years ago.

The tallest one is 213 feet (65 meters), but the massive archaeological site is still under excavation so there is more to be discovered!

Tikal Day Tour From Flores With Lunch: Visit the archeological site of Tikal and explore this important site at the heart of the Mayan world. Travel from Flores on this full-day tour. Learn more here.

6. Guatemala is affordable

bright red sunset at lake peten itza guatemala Lake Peten Itza Guatemala

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to visit Guatemala is its affordability.

Travelers can spend a fraction of the cost in Guatemala compared to other destinations around the world and have about the same quality of travel.

Combined with its beautiful tropical weather, excellent food options, and stunning landscapes, Guatemala surely has lots to offer!

7. Find paradise at Semuc Champey

Man enjoying the views over green pools, canyon and jungle of -Semuc Champey Guatemala Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a natural monument of Guatemala. Known for its stunning turquoise pools surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic canyon, Semuc Champey is the definition of nature’s paradise.

The beautiful place in Guatemala is uniquely formed by the Cahabón River, which existed under the limestone bridges that were naturally created over time.

Its unique geological formation is one of the reasons for its outstanding beauty.

Visitors can hike up to the canyons nearby for a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, go cool off in one of its pools, and explore the cave inside the park.

If you are the type of traveler that likes adventure in off-the-beaten-path destinations, then you’ll love Semuc Champey!

8. For one of the biggest outdoor markets in Central America

colorful wooden figures at te Chichicastenango markets in Guatemala Chichicastenango

Guatemala is home to one of the biggest outdoor markets in Central America, Chichicastenango, in a small town in the Guatemala Highlands.

The market attracts vendors from every little village in Guatemala, and the market especially comes to life on Sundays.

Here visitors can find anything and everything they might need (and not need) – from Mayan trinkets to old electronics and tons of produce.

If you try to browse through every single stall in Chichicastenango, it might take you more than an entire day.

And like every Guatemala market there is, expect a lot of chaos, but it is the chaos that makes this market so authentic and beautiful.

If you want to shop for souvenirs in Guatemala, this is the best place to do so.

It can be a little bit touristy though, which means vendors mark up the price for foreign tourists. Make sure you negotiate if you are going to purchase something!

Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour From Antigua: Discover Chichicastenango, the site of the largest and most colorful outdoor market in Latin America. Visit the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan for spectacular views. Learn more here.
3-Day Tour of Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market: Delve deep into Mayan culture where you’ll visit Chichicastenango, explore the town of Panajachel, and enjoy a cruise on spectacular Lake Atitlan. Learn more here.

9. Learn Spanish in Guatemala

indigenous woman in Guatemala wearing colortful clothes

One of the reasons why travelers come to Guatemala is to learn Spanish.

There are many different accents of Spanish around the world, especially in Central and South America, but the Guatemalan version is one of the most neutral.

This means you are more likely to be able to use your Guatemalan Spanish elsewhere.

As a result, Guatemala has become a hotspot for travelers looking to dive deeper into learning Spanish.

Spanish schools are abundant in the country, and many of them offer immersive 1-on-1 learning and the option to do a homestay with a Guatemalan family.

If you want to learn Spanish in the shortest amount of time, then Guatemala is a place you should visit!

10. Try some fresh Guatemalan coffee

workers in a coffee plantation field Guatemala Coffee plantation

One of the biggest export of Guatemala is coffee, and it is no surprise why.

Thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, mild subtropical weather, and high altitude, Guatemalan coffee is rich and bold.

The coffee beans are mostly Arabica beans (similar to the coffee beans from Colombia), which means they are of the highest quality.

And for travelers, there are plenty of cafes in Antigua where you can enjoy a cup of freshly made coffee on an outdoor terrace overlooking Volcano Agua, Antigua’s most recognizable volcano!

It is an experience every traveler must have in Guatemala!

11. Friendly people

Guatemalans are known for their friendly and warm nature, and this extends to tourists as well. If you have the pleasure of staying with a family in a homestay, they will welcome you with warm smiles and treat you as one of the family.

They have a strong connection to family and have deep-rooted family values.

Wherever you go, people might greet you with a simple “buenos días.” They don’t want anything from you, they just want to extend hospitality.