Guatemala is a land of legends and adventure, a raw gem nestled in the heart of Central America. Between towering volcanoes that seem to touch the sky and dense jungles where the history of ancient Mayan civilizations still resonates, every corner of this country promises breathtaking moments. Whether you’re drawn to the exhilarating ascent of Acatenango, where the clouds part to reveal grand volcanic panoramas, or to the mystical tranquility of Lake Atitlán, a water mirror surrounded by enchanting mountains, visit Guatemala is an invitation to escape. And for the more adventurous, the natural pools of Semuc Champey offer a dive into wild, untouched nature, a true hidden treasure of the region.
Usually arriving at Guatemala City airport, it’s quite common not to stay there too long but quickly head to Antigua. Uber is very easy to use in the capital, but to travel from one city to another, you’ll need to either opt for a shuttle or take the risk of the ‘chicken buses.’ These old-school buses, very common in Central America, are repainted in bright colors and can take you anywhere in Guatemala. However, be mindful of your luggage, as many stops and people are getting on and off the bus. For the shuttle option, you can easily ask your hotels, although they might charge an additional fee, or you can directly use a transport agency. The one I used was called NewWay, and they offered the best prices. You can contact them via WhatsApp at +502 48561674.
For an overnight stay in the capital, I often stay at Central Hostel Reforma, close to the airport. Comfort is not their strong point, but the neighborhood is very convenient. I can also recommend Tequila Sunrise Hostel. Once you arrive in the tourist hub of Antigua, you can easily explore the rest of southern Guatemala. I highly recommend discovering the pastel facades of the old colonial remains under the gaze of distant volcanoes. Visiting the churches or certain shops like McDonald’s and Starbucks, which are among the most beautiful buildings, is a must. I recommend staying at Maya Papaya, which certainly didn’t disappoint me. Many Spanish schools will delight travelers looking to learn. But without a doubt, one of the must-do activities in Guatemala is hiking Acatenango.
Visit Guatemala while climbing volcanoes
Climbing
As you ascend, the vegetation gradually fades away, revealing breathtaking panoramas where the valley appears tiny beneath your feet. By nightfall, you reach your campsite perched above the world, facing the Fuego volcano, which erupts with an almost mystical regularity. It’s a stunning spectacle: with each rumble, the ground trembles slightly beneath your feet, and the glowing flames light up the black sky with red bursts. Huddled around the fire with your guides, you roast marshmallows, sharing a moment of calm in the vastness of the mountain. The guides, true guardians of these lands, tell fascinating stories of climbs, nights spent under the stars, and ascents.
Then comes the dawn. Still wrapped in the freezing darkness, you begin the final portion of the ascent, breathless but with your heart pounding with excitement. When you reach the summit, the sun finally rises, pouring its golden light over a silent and infinite world. Up there, above the clouds, it’s as if time stands still. You’re face to face with vastness, the wind brushing your face as Fuego continues its majestic eruptions, a natural spectacle that never fades. The earth roars, and you witness a wild, untamable force.
Up there, on the roof of the world, surrounded by the endless horizon and the eternal eruptions of Fuego, you realize that this moment is an adventure etched in your memory forever. I undertook this long climb with V Hiking, a tour offered by Guatemalans, which, for me, makes a significant difference. But after the raw intensity of the mountains and the eruptions of Fuego, Atitlán offers a more serene yet equally grand escape.
Visiter Guatemala while chilling in Atitlán Lac
Around this mythical lake, the volcanoes rise with their imposing silhouettes, like ancestral guardians watching over the deep and serene waters. When you gaze upon
Your journey begins in
The next day, a ferry takes you across the lake’s peaceful waters. Your destination is
But Lake Atitlán doesn’t reveal itself only from the water. The hiking trails that wind around its shores offer breathtaking views. The ascent of
But if serenity leaves you wanting more,
Not far from there, the town of
Each village around Atitlán is a gateway to a different facet of the Guatemalan soul. From the deep calm of its waters to the lively nights of San Pedro, and the mystical heights of San Marcos, Lake Atitlán is a world of its own, a journey beyond the boundaries of imagination.
Visit Guatemala while on an adventure in Semuc Champey
In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, far off the beaten path, lies a gem that seems straight out of a dream:
The adventure in Semuc Champey begins with a hike through the hills and cornfields. The path leads you to a spectacular viewpoint: below, the famous natural pools of Semuc Champey stretch out like a series of jewels embedded in the jungle. The vibrant colors of the pools – from turquoise to emerald green – are a breathtaking sight. These fascinating hues result from an incredible geological formation: a roaring river disappears beneath a limestone bridge, giving way to these tranquil natural pools, where the clear water reflects the surrounding vegetation.
After admiring this wonder, the adventure continues in the pools themselves. When the moment comes, you plunge into the crystal-clear waters, immediately feeling their soothing freshness. And, to your amusement, little fish gently nibble at your skin, feasting on dead skin cells as a natural treatment provided by nature itself. Lying in the water, surrounded by the untamed beauty of Semuc Champey, it’s a moment of pure connection with the environment, a moment where you are both an adventurer and a witness to the magnificence of the jungle.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. The jungle holds another secret, hidden in the darkness of a mysterious cave. Armed with just a candle, you enter the underground world of Semuc Champey, where the water surrounds you up to your waist. Here, every step is an exploration, and each flicker of flame casts shadows on the rock walls as you slowly navigate through narrow passages, sometimes swimming. The ultimate goal is to leap from a height of three meters into a deep pool below.
After this unforgettable day of adventure, Utopia Hostel becomes your refuge in the heart of the jungle. Nestled in this lush nature, it offers a calming contrast after an exciting day. You relax in hammocks, rocked by the soothing sounds of the surrounding forest. The stars gradually reveal themselves in the dark sky, and the cool night air envelops the campsite. Gathered around a shared meal with other travelers, everyone shares their experience of Semuc Champey, but words often seem powerless to capture the grandeur of what you’ve experienced.
Other Destinations Unavoidable to Visit Guatemala
Tikal
Nestled in the heart of the jungle,
Chichicastenango
Dive into the vibrancy of the
El Paredón
On the Pacific coast,
Río Dulce and Livingston
The