We work in the kind of places you daydream about—countries with real range, from cities and coasts to jungles, mountains, and small towns. Our in-country insiders handle the planning, booking, and in-trip problem solving, so you can drop in, enjoy the highlights, and come home with stories that keep you inspired to keep exploring our amazing planet.
We can design transformative travel experiences for any group-type that match your unique style and your ideas for activities and dream locations. Let's build your adventure.
We can design transformative travel experiences for any group-type that match your unique style and your ideas for activities and dream locations. Let's build your adventure.
Guatemala's mountains blanket much of the country, making it a veritable haven for naturalists and adventurers. Did you know that some of the nation's highest mountain peaks are actually volcanoes? It's true! Many run along the spine of the Sierra Madre Mountains, giving you a two-for-one adventure story. Another bonus of trekking through the nation? Guatemala's mountains tend to rise around several important destinations, so you can pick and choose your adventures and accommodations accordingly.
If you enjoy a challenge, then stay in Quetzaltenango before hiking to the summit of Tajumulco Volcano; at an elevation of 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), its the highest point in Central America. Its non-volcanic counterpart is the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountain range; extending from Mexico to Guatemala, its highest point is at an elevation of 12,588 feet (3,837 m). You can access the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes from Guatemala's Huehuetenango. Keep in mind that there are still many more Guatemala mountains awaiting you near Retalhuleu, Santa Catarina Palopó, Escuintla, and more.
Your opportunities to get outside and explore are almost endless, and include hiking through forests, birdwatching, and (of course) mountain biking — Guatemala mountain biking can be a great activity for the entire family. Guatemala's mountains are waiting to lead you down the trail of an awesome adventure —the temperature tends to be cooler thanks to the higher elevation, so bring a jacket!
Destinations
Guatemala highlights: Guatemala Mountains
Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Guatemala
Lake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Guatemala’s gorgeous Lake Atitlán has captivated people for centuries. Visiting the lake in 1934, Aldous Huxley called it “The most beautiful lake in the world” and compared it to Lake Cuomo in Italy. Surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and studded with three volcanoes on its southern shore, Lake Atitlan is indeed spectacular. To this day it remains one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
Chichicastenango (Chichi, for short) is a rare mixture of authentic culture and unconcealed tourism. Set within the Western Highlands, Chichi is a small and traditional town that has grown into one of Guatemala’s most tourism-friendly places, largely because of its fascinating outdoor marketplace. While carousing the market, you’ll see Maya weavers right alongside photo-snapping tourists. It makes for an interesting site.
Guatemala’s second largest city, Quetzaltenango (pop. 300,000), is a world apart from Guatemala City. It’s a cosmopolitan place set at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and is the main population center for Guatemala’s K’iche’ Mayans. Despite being a fairly big city, its residents are friendly and approachable. Quetzaltenango’s original K’iche’ name of "Xelajú" is still widely used in an abbreviated form, Xela, today.
Set at the foot of the Cuchumatanes Mountains in Guatemala’s Western Highlands, the departmental capital town of Huehuetenango is a lively town that lies adjacent to the ruins of Zaculeu. It has a relaxed atmosphere despite the fact that it’s a hub for trade and transport in northwest Guatemala.
The small and traditional village of Santa Catalina Palopó lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Panajachel. The town borders Lake Atitlán and has some of the best hotels in the area.
The mellow town of Santa Cruz La Laguna is set along the shores of Lake Atitlán to the west of Panajachel. Accessible only by boat, Santa Cruz is both beautiful and supremely relaxed.
Santiago Atitlán is set within an inlet on the southwest corner of Lake Atitlán and lies in the shadow of the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. Santiago Atitlán is one of the largest lakeside villages and also one of the most traditional.
Retalhuleu is one of the larger towns along Guatemala’s Pacific Slope. It’s been growing in recent years thanks to its proximity to population attractions, including twin amusement parks and the Mayan ruins of Takalik Abaj.
Sololá is the departmental capital of Sololá. Set within the Western Highlands, Sololá resides some 2,000 feet (600 m) above Lake Atitlán and has a substantial population of Kaqchikel and K’iche’ Mayans. The town does have a colorful Friday market, but otherwise has little appeal for most travelers.
The departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz collectively make up an area known as “Las Verapaces.” Alta Verapaz, the more northern of the two departments, hosts verdant forests, turquoise swimming holes, large caves, and white-water rivers. Although this area is becoming an ecotourism destination, it still sees far fewer visitors than most places in Guatemala.
Baja Verapaz is a lovely department in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Together with Alta Verapaz, this region is collectively known as “Las Verapaces.”
The small town of Purulhá is located in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. The town itself is unremarkable, but it is close to the Biotopo del Quetzal and a number of other outdoor attractions.
San Marcos La Laguna is the New Age center of Guatemala. Set along the western shores of Lake Atitlán, San Marcos is best known for its yoga courses, meditation retreats, and holistic therapies. The town itself is rather small and basic.
The capital of the Quiché department, Santa Cruz del Quiché, will hold little interest for most travelers. It’s uninspiring and has very few sights, but it does have sufficient facilities and services if you find yourself stuck here. Santa Cruz del Quiché is 11 miles (18 km) north of Chichicastenango.
Set along Lake Atitlán’s southwest corner is the hip town of San Pedro La Laguna. Second in popularity of Panajachel, San Pedro is a favorite of international travelers who come here to hike the San Pedro Volcano, ride horses, or party. While the town has evolved to accommodate more travelers over the years, it hasn’t yet lost its Guatemalan flavor. And the setting is absolutely spectacular.
Ciudad Vieja was Guatemala’s second colonial capital. Its destruction by mudflows from the Agua Volcano in 1541 caused residents to move the capital to Antigua. These days it’s a small and sleepy city.
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Lake Atitlan
Chichicastenango
Quetzaltenango
Huehuetenango
Santa Catarina Palopo, Lake Atitlan
Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan
Retalhuleu
Solola
Chelemha, Alta Verapaz
Salama, Baja Verapaz
Purhula, Baja Verapaz
Sayaxche
San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
La Mesilla (border), Huehuetenango
Santa Cruz del Quiche
San Pedro la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Raxruhá Candelaria
Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepquez
Anywhere Guatemala
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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Anywhere Guatemala
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
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