#1 Explore the ancient Mayan ruins- Tikal

Discovered in the 1840s, Tikal was once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayans during the Classical Era of more than 1000 years ago. Tucked away in the dense jungle, the UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity site has some temples that archaeologists are still in the process of uncovering. Some of the temples can be climbed, thanks to steep wooden staircases, and there are plenty of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the site. 

#2 Kayak in a volcanic crater in Lake Atitlan

A good base is Panajachel. Lake Atitlan was once called “the most beautiful lake in the world” by British novelist Aldous Huxley. He was not wrong. Although it is recognized as Central America’s deepest lake (estimated at over 340 meters), Atitlan is so deep it has yet to be properly sounded. It is the result of a massive volcanic explosion 84000 years ago, known as the Los Chocoyos eruption.

It is surrounded by three volcanoes, Volcano Atitlan, Volcano San Pedro and Volcano Toliman. In addition, a forth volcano, Fuego can often be seen smoking on the horizon. The shorelines are dotted with traditional Mayan villages, the lake itself surrounded by towering volcanoes and the colour of the water has to be seen to be believed. The towns surrounding the lake are all unique and some feature luxury resorts while others cater to backpackers and have no roads, simply offering paths to travel on. Where you stay will affect your experiences here, as there are many hiking paths to explore, while some travellers prefer to lounge on the beach, kayak the lake and swim in the waters. Sunrise and sunset are both amazing at this lake and provide many opportunities to snap amazing photos.

#3 View the colorful cemetery of Chichi

Away from the town center of Chichicastenango (Chichi), Guatemala, on a hill that rarely touched by tourists, one of the most colourful cemeteries in the world hidden in plain sight. Steeped in Mayan tradition, the vibrant rainbow of pigments celebrates the afterlife, and can symbolize different family roles, like a colour-coded clue to the puzzle of the dead.

Featuring rows upon rows of painted crosses and tall mausoleums, the Chichicastenango Cemetery is a perfect example of Guatemala’s brighter outlook on burials. In a town where the majority of the population is indigenous Mayan K’iche, the cemetery is also the home to a variety of rituals on Day of the Dead, including incense, alcohol, and the occasional chicken as offerings to the deceased.

Many tombs are coloured based on the person’s family status. Tombs may be paint in white to represent purity; graves of mothers are painted turquoise for protection; grandfathers are marked in yellow to indicate that the golden sun will protect humanity. Other graves break this more traditional mold, painted in lime green or red or the favorite color of the deceased.

(Image source: GoSeeWrite website)

#4 Roast Marshmallows on Volcanoes!

Guatemala is home to dozens of volcanoes, several of which remain active, where you can indeed roast marshmallows in the heat emanating from the summit. That is Pacaya, one of the most accessible volcanoes in Guatemala. It is just a few hours by bus from Antigua, and a short (but steep) hour and a half climb to the top, making it one of the most popular volcano hikes in the country. While there are trails and hiking opportunities open to the public, this is not a site for the faint of heart and care should be given in the preparation of your visit. If you have got your heart set on climbing Volcan Pacaya and seeing the magnificent view it affords, plan on setting aside at least one whole day for your journey – if not more.

#5 Admire the natural wonders of Semuc Champey

Tucked away in the densely forested mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, lies an idyllic limestone paradise that despite the grueling hours of off-road forging it takes to get there is one of the most beautiful of the world’s hidden natural gems. Semuc Champey is a natural monument that consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, which the Cahabon River passes underneath. Water still passes over the top though and has formed bright turquoise pools and small waterfalls, perfect for swimming in. Some of the water is deep enough to dive into from the higher limestone shelf, while other pools are perfect for just lounging in. The water is incredibly clear, so clear you could read a book if it were underwater at the bottom. The sounds of nature, the butterflies all around you and what can be described as a tropical paradise is what Semuc Champey promises every visitor. Make sure to check out the hidden caves behind the waterfalls for an even cooler experience.

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