Best time to visit
31 things to do in Guatemala
Swimming at Finca el Paraíso
The blend of a hot waterfall and a chilly river can harden your body and calm your mind
Lake Atitlán
The sight of the ethereal crater basin is said to make the best of those who observe the beauty
Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil
As the clock strikes 6, the townspeople of Guatemala City leave their homes to set the devil on fire
Festival de Barriletes Gigantes or Day of the Dead Kite Festival
Giant flamboyant hand-made kites embody the millennia-old tradition of communicating with the dead
Scuba Diving
The underwater wealth of Guatemala's basins includes abundant flora and fauna, ship wrecks, and entire ancient settlements
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua
Deemed world's greatest Easter Week Festival, local celebrations amaze with fervent and colorful ceremonies
Mayan Equinox and Solstice
Living Mayan history and culture can be observed during the Equinox and Solstice ceremonial celebrations
Mayan Pole Flyer Dancing or El Baile del Palo Volador
Stunning air dancers resemble circus acrobats, but in fact, this is a part of Guatemala's ancient Mayan cultural heritage
Semuc Champey: Natural Pool Staircase
A collection of turquoise pool stairs are remarkable for their natural perfection, uniqueness, and beauty
Tamales
Guatemalan norms of etiquette allow only one of these multicolored delicacies to be eaten at a time
Maximón
A womanizer, drunkard, and chain-smoker is worshipped in some parts of Guatemala as a saint
Nisperos
Apart from being eaten raw, sweet nisperos are used in syrups, jams, chutneys, jellies, tarts, and pies
Boat Trip around Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce, and Livingston
Lake Izabal provides a gateway to Rio Dulce which will carry your lazy boat to an isolated peninsula town populated by African refugees
Corn Specialties
Along with common yellow corn, local farmers cultivate unique multicoloured varieties that are likewise delicious!
Birdwatching
Guatemala's rich avifauna boasts the fairy-like quetzal and over 700 more species
Trekking and Volcano Climbing
The most impressive and challenging hiking trails wind up and down Guatemala's active volcanoes
Zapote Mamey, Chico Zapote, and Mamey
Zapote season brings lots of delights from natural chewing gum to smoothies, fruit punch, and other fruit delicacies
Candlelit Caving
Feel the urge of a thrilling adventure? Challenge yourself to the dark waterways of Guatemala's bat-filled caves
Día de la Independencia
Historical reenactments such as the torch relay and "La Conquista" represent the uniqueness of the independence festival
Coffee Harvest
There is never too much coffee. Indulge in Guatemala's best during the harvest festivities
Ceiba Trees in Bloom
Thousands of blossoms open one after another and hundreds of bats converge on the trees to collect the sweet nectar
Mayan New Year's Celebration
Observe authentic indigenous traditions in the 21st century
Zompopos de Mayo
Mmm, yummy ant butts taste and crunch like peanuts and the season is too short to linger!
Boqueron Canyon
Guatemalan wildlife literally roars just a few steps away from your lonely boat crossing the canyon
Speedy Turtles
Watching recently-hatched baby turtles "rushing" towards the sea is adorable and affordable for everyone
White Water Rafting
This raging river flows along tropical forests full of iguanas and toucans watching the rafters from the banks
Fiesta de Santo Tomás
In honour of this Catholic Saint, Guatemalans perform a traditional indigenous dance
Pitaya or Dragon Fruit
These famous magenta-coloured Guatemalan licuados and yoghurt smoothies are made of red dragon fruit
Jocote
Green, yellow, and red—very sour, moderately sour, and sweet—you decide what to eat