Things to Do in Guatemala: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Tikal National ParkMustNorthern Lowlands4.8(10,000)

This is Guatemala’s defining Maya archaeological experience: monumental temples embedded in dense forest, with wildlife often part of the visit. Give it a full day at minimum, or stay nearby so you can enter early and avoid treating it as a rushed day trip.

7h Walk upArrive at opening; the central plazas are much quieter before tour groups arrive.

Pairs with: Templo IV, Tikal · Acropolis Norte Yaxha

#2Lake AtitlánMustWestern Highlands4.8(1,800)

Atitlán is not a single lookout but a lake-and-villages experience, with each shore town offering a different pace and cultural texture. Base yourself for several nights, use public boats, and choose villages deliberately rather than trying to collect them all in a day.

24h FreeMornings usually bring calmer water and clearer volcano views; boat crossings can become rough later in the day.

Pairs with: Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil · Chichicastenango Market

#3AcatenangoMustCentral Highlands4.7(910)

This is the country’s marquee highland trek, valued less for a summit checklist than for the overnight volcanic landscape and views toward active neighboring peaks. It requires solid fitness, warm layers, and a reputable outfitter; it is not a casual Antigua add-on.

24h Book aheadMorning departures give the best chance of setting camp before afternoon cloud and rain.

Reserve a reputable guided overnight trek several days ahead, especially in dry-season and holiday periods.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Pacaya

#4Antigua GuatemalaMustCentral Highlands

Antigua is Guatemala’s essential urban stop: a walkable colonial city of ruined churches, courtyards, markets, and volcano-framed streets. Give it multiple nights so its individual landmarks, food scene, and nearby hikes do not become a rushed checklist.

24h FreeWalk the core streets early, when delivery traffic has eased but day visitors have not fully arrived.

Pairs with: Arco de Santa Catalina (Tourist attraction) · Iglesia de la Merced · Casa Santo Domingo

#5Semuc Champey (Tourist attraction)ShouldNorthern Lowlands

The terraced turquoise pools are one of the country’s most distinctive natural sights, but the journey is part of the commitment. Use it as an overnight stop from Lanquín rather than attempting it between major destinations.

4h Walk upGo early on a weekday and visit the viewpoint before swimming, when the trail is cooler and less congested.

#6Arco de Santa Catalina (Tourist attraction)ShouldCentral Highlands

Antigua’s signature arch is a compact but essential stop because it frames the city’s preserved streetscape and volcanic backdrop. See it while wandering between the central plaza, churches, and cafés rather than making a special excursion.

15m FreeCome early in the morning for a clear street view; late afternoon is livelier but busier.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Iglesia de la Merced · Convento Capuchinas

#7Cerro de La Cruz (Tourist attraction)ShouldCentral Highlands

This is the classic overview of Antigua, showing why the city’s low-rise colonial grid and surrounding volcanoes are so compelling. It works best as a short sunrise or late-afternoon walk, not as a major standalone outing.

45m FreeGo shortly after sunrise or near sunset, preferably with a clear-weather forecast.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Arco de Santa Catalina (Tourist attraction) · Iglesia de la Merced

#8Iglesia de la MercedShouldCentral Highlands4.7(5,900)

Its richly decorated yellow façade is among Antigua’s most recognizable colonial images, and its setting makes it easy to fold into a walking route. Pause for the exterior and courtyard, then continue toward the arch and central streets.

30m FreeVisit in the morning, before the surrounding streets fill with photo stops and traffic.

Pairs with: Arco de Santa Catalina (Tourist attraction) · Convento Capuchinas · Antigua Guatemala

#9Templo IV, TikalShouldNorthern Lowlands4.9(1,700)

The tallest and most dramatic temple experience within Tikal merits a separate mention for its elevated forest-and-temple vista. Build it into your circuit through the national park, allowing time for the walk rather than treating it as a quick viewpoint.

45m Walk upReach it early in your Tikal visit, before the main pathways become busy.

Pairs with: Tikal National Park · Acropolis Norte Yaxha

#10PacayaShouldPacific Lowlands4.6(952)

Pacaya is the more accessible volcano outing from Antigua or Guatemala City, offering a rewarding active-landscape hike without the commitment of Acatenango. Conditions change frequently, so choose a licensed guide and go for the hike and views rather than expecting a particular lava spectacle.

4h Book aheadAn afternoon departure can provide cooler hiking and sunset light, though weather may be less stable.

Arrange a guide or tour at least a day ahead; operators adjust routes according to volcanic conditions.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Acatenango

#11Casa Santo DomingoShouldCentral Highlands4.7(6,300)

This former convent complex combines substantial ruins with small museums and galleries, making it Antigua’s most layered indoor cultural stop. It is especially useful in rain or midday heat, and rewards travelers who want more context than a quick exterior photo provides.

2h Walk upVisit around midday, when outdoor sightseeing in Antigua is less comfortable and the galleries offer a break.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Convento Capuchinas · Cerro de La Cruz (Tourist attraction)

#12Chichicastenango MarketShouldWestern Highlands

This is Guatemala’s best-known highland market, mixing practical local commerce, textiles, flowers, food, and ritual life around the church precinct. Visit on a market day, arrive early, and treat purchases with patience rather than expecting a curated craft fair.

3h FreeArrive early, before tour groups and midday crowds concentrate in the central lanes.

Pairs with: Lake Atitlán · Iximché Archaeological Site

#13Quiriguá Archaeological ParkShouldCaribbean Coast

Quiriguá is a compact UNESCO-listed Maya site celebrated for exceptionally carved stone monuments and an evocative riverside-lowland setting. It is a strong stop on an overland route through eastern Guatemala, but needs less time than Tikal.

2h Walk upVisit near opening, before the exposed grounds become hot and humid.

Pairs with: Río Dulce · Livingston

#14Río DulceShouldCaribbean Coast

The Río Dulce journey is one of Guatemala’s best scenic transitions, moving by boat through tropical river landscapes toward the Caribbean. Use it as an overnight break between the highlands or Petén and the coast, with a boat outing rather than just a roadside stop.

4h Walk upTake an early boat trip for softer light, cooler temperatures, and less river traffic.

Pairs with: Livingston · Quiriguá Archaeological Park

#15National Palace of CultureIf timeCentral Highlands4.6(4,200)

The former national palace offers a useful counterpoint to Guatemala City’s more modern-facing image, with ceremonial interiors and political history in the center of town. It is most worthwhile for visitors spending a deliberate day in the capital rather than passing straight through.

1.3h Timed entryChoose an early tour time on a weekday, when security procedures and group sizes tend to be easier.

Visits are generally guided and scheduled; check current entry procedures and bring photo identification.

Pairs with: Museo Popol Vuh

#16Acropolis Norte YaxhaIf timeNorthern Lowlands4.9(160)

Yaxhá is a quieter Maya-site alternative to Tikal, with ceremonial structures, forest paths, and lake views that reward visitors wanting more than one archaeological stop. The North Acropolis is a key part of the site, best visited on an organized day trip or with private transport.

2.5h Walk upA late-afternoon visit can be especially atmospheric, but confirm transport plans before staying for sunset.

Pairs with: Tikal National Park · Templo IV, Tikal

#17Convento CapuchinasIf timeCentral Highlands4.7(3,300)

This former convent is one of Antigua’s most legible ruin complexes, with evocative cells, courtyards, and a distinctive circular section. Visit it as part of a church-and-ruins walk through the northern side of the old city.

45m Walk upGo near opening for quieter interior rooms and better photographs.

Pairs with: Iglesia de la Merced · Arco de Santa Catalina (Tourist attraction) · Antigua Guatemala

#18Museo Popol VuhIf timeCentral Highlands4.6(920)

This compact, serious collection gives needed context for the Maya art, ceramics, and religious imagery encountered at Guatemala’s archaeological sites. It is a strong choice for a culture-focused day in Guatemala City, especially before or after a trip to Tikal.

1.5h Walk upWeekday mornings are generally the calmest time for an unhurried visit.

Pairs with: National Palace of Culture · Tikal National Park

#19Reserva Natural Cerro TzankujilIf timeWestern Highlands4.7(2,000)

This small reserve near San Marcos La Laguna provides an easy way to earn a wide Lake Atitlán view and, for confident swimmers, access to the water below. Use it as a short active break while exploring the lake’s western villages.

1.3h Walk upGo in the morning for calmer conditions and clearer views across the lake.

Pairs with: Lake Atitlán · Chichicastenango Market

#20Iximché Archaeological SiteIf timeCentral Highlands

Iximché is an accessible highland Maya capital whose plazas and ceremonial spaces offer a different setting and history from the great lowland cities. It makes a worthwhile cultural stop between Antigua, Guatemala City, and Lake Atitlán.

2h Walk upGo early, when the open site is cooler and before organized groups arrive.

Pairs with: Antigua Guatemala · Chichicastenango Market · Lake Atitlán

#21LivingstonIf timeCaribbean Coast

Reachable primarily by boat, Livingston offers a distinctly Caribbean, Garífuna-inflected contrast to Guatemala’s highland and Maya-heartland itineraries. Come for the food, music, coastal atmosphere, and the boat approach rather than expecting a conventional monument-heavy destination.

6h FreeArrive by morning boat from Río Dulce so you have time to explore before arranging the return or an overnight stay.

Pairs with: Río Dulce · Quiriguá Archaeological Park