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.
Make your Guatemala vacation a Mayan adventure! In many ways, the nation is synonymous with the Mayans. The ancient ruins here are some of the best in the world! It's not uncommon to book a trip simply to witness the sheer magnificence of Guatemala's Mayan ruins, but the country is more than its remnants of the past. History is alive and well, and its found in the blood and traditions of Guatemala's people and culture. From Guatemala City to San Marcos La Laguna, the country is full of 'modern day Mayans.'
The lively communities of Guatemala Mayans today are diverse, but this will be obvious to you when you see the contrast between the nation's modern cities and regions where people uphold their heritage by carrying on with the traditions, language, and attire of their ancestors. In the following destinations, you will have the opportunity to directly experience Guatemala's Mayan culture. That might mean touring the Sololá marketplace, trekking to the temples of Tikal, or simply enjoying authentic Guatemalan food in Flores and Santa Elena. No matter the place or activity, you’ll be certain to gain an appreciation for Guatemala's mayan culture. For an especially memorable experience, make sure you book your vacation during one of Guatemala's holidays.
Destinations
Guatemala highlights: Guatemala Mayan Vacation
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.
The misty alpine town of Cobán sits within the highlands of Las Verapaces. This moderately sized town (pop. 65,000) is close to several natural attractions and has good hotel and restaurant options.
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 within a lush valley in Guatemala’s Central Highlands, the small town of Lanquín is becoming well known for two attractions—the Lanquín caves and the Semuc Champey limestone pools.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 town of Esquipulas is located near the border with Honduras and El Salvador. It’s popular with Central American travelers who come here to see the Black Christ in the town’s large basilica. There are also a few natural attractions outside of town.
Baja Verapaz is a lovely department in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Together with Alta Verapaz, this region is collectively known as “Las Verapaces.”
Yaxhá is the third largest Mayan site in Guatemala. It’s located in the heart of the Petén department to the east of Lake Petén Itzá. This destination is fairly isolated, and as such doesn’t see huge crowds of tourists. The few hotels here provide travelers with intimate access to this remote jungle area.
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.
Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala. It’s still largely undeveloped, but that may change in the coming years as word gets out about its natural beauty and tranquil vibes.
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.
Carmelita Village is a small town in Petén that serves as a jumping off point for treks to El Mirador. The village is set within the Maya Biosphere Reserve at the end of the road from Flores.
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.
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.
Cobán, Alta Verapaz
Quetzaltenango
Lanquin
Chichicastenango
Lake Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan
Huehuetenango
Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Santa Catarina Palopo, Lake Atitlan
Retalhuleu
Solola
Esquipulas
Salama, Baja Verapaz
Yaxhá
Purhula, Baja Verapaz
Sayaxche
San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Lake Izabal, Izabal
La Mesilla (border), Huehuetenango
Santa Cruz del Quiche
Raxruhá Candelaria
Carmelita Village
San Pedro la Laguna, Lake Atitlan
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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