Adventure & Culture in Guatemala: From Antigua to Lake Atitlan

Explore the ruins of Tikal:

Walk among the towering Mayan ruins in the jungle at Tikal National Park. Arrive early for fewer crowds and the chance to hear howler monkeys echo through the trees. Don’t miss the view from Temple IV, where you can see the tops of the pyramids rising above the rainforest canopy.

Stroll the streets of Antigua:

Antigua is a charming colonial town with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and plenty of local culture. Spend time wandering through the markets and visiting the many historic churches. Make sure to try a cup of Guatemalan coffee at one of the local cafes.

Hike Pacaya Volcano: Pacaya is one of Guatemala’s most accessible volcano hikes and offers stunning views of the active crater. You can hike close enough to feel the heat from the lava, and some guides even bring marshmallows to roast at the top.

Take a boat tour of Lake Atitlan: Surrounded by volcanoes, Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Take a boat tour to explore the various villages around the lake, each offering a unique perspective on local culture. Spend time in San Juan for its artisan markets and art galleries.

Visit the Chichicastenango Market:

This market is one of the largest and most vibrant in Central America. Shop for colorful textiles, handcrafted goods and fresh produce while taking in the lively atmosphere. Try to visit on a Thursday or Sunday when the market is at its busiest.

Experience the coffee culture in Antigua: Guatemala is known for its high-quality coffee, and Antigua is one of the best places to experience it. Take a coffee tour to learn about the cultivation and production process, and enjoy a fresh brew while taking in the views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Swim in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey:

Tucked away in the jungle, Semuc Champey is a natural wonder with crystal-clear turquoise pools. You can swim, relax or hike to the viewpoint above the pools for an incredible panoramic shot. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the journey is well worth it.

Explore the caves of Lanquin: Nearby Semuc Champey, the caves of Lanquin offer a chance to explore underground rivers and limestone formations. You can also witness thousands of bats flying out of the cave at sunset, a mesmerizing sight.

Take a sunrise hike at Acatenango Volcano: For the more adventurous, hiking Acatenango provides an unforgettable experience. It’s a challenging two-day hike, but the reward is a view of nearby Fuego Volcano erupting in the distance, especially at sunrise.

Visit the historic churches of Guatemala City:

Guatemala City has a wealth of historic architecture, and visiting its churches is a great way to explore the city’s past. La Merced Church is a stunning example of baroque architecture, while the Metropolitan Cathedral provides a grant view over the central square.

Day trips

Hobbitenango—from Antigua: This eco-park, inspired by The Lord of the Rings, offers quirky Hobbit-style houses with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. It’s a short drive from Antigua and is perfect for families or anyone looking for a whimsical escape into nature. You can hike, enjoy local food, or even stay overnight in one of their tiny homes. Insider tip: Arrive early to catch the sunrise over the valley and avoid the afternoon crowds.

Iximche Ruins—from Antigua or Guatemala City: Explore the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel Maya at Iximche, which offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to Tikal. The ruins are well-preserved and provide insight into the region’s fascinating pre-Columbian history. Located about an hour from both Antigua and Guatemala City, it makes for an easy day trip. Insider tip: Combine this with a visit to Tecpan for a traditional Guatemalan lunch.

Chichicastenango Market—from Lake Atitlan or Antigua: While you can stay overnight, many visitors prefer to make Chichicastenango a day trip from Lake Atitlan or Antigua. On Thursdays and Sundays, the streets of this small town transform into a bustling market where locals sell handicrafts, textiles and produce. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive into Guatemalan culture. Insider tip: Get there early to avoid the biggest crowds and score the best deals.

Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo—from Lake Atitlan: These two colorful villages, located along the shores of Lake Atitlan, are perfect for a day trip by boat from Panajachel or San Pedro. The local women are known for their vibrant, handwoven textiles, and you can visit their workshops or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Santa Catarina Palopo, in particular, is famous for its brightly painted homes, part of a local art project. Insider tip: Hire a local guide to get the full story behind the community’s art project.

Volcan de Pacaya—from Antigua or Guatemala City: For a half-day adventure, Pacaya Volcano is one of the most popular hikes in Guatemala. The trek offers moderate difficulty and rewards you with views of flowing lava, along with the chance to roast marshmallows over volcanic heat. Guides are recommended, and some tours offer the option of a horseback ride partway up. Insider tip: Book a late afternoon tour for the opportunity to see glowing lava in the dark.

San Juan La Laguna—from Lake Atitlan: A day trip to this serene village on Lake Atitlan’s western shore offers a more relaxed pace than some of the other towns around the lake. Known for its eco-conscious initiatives and thriving arts scene, San Juan La Laguna is home to women’s cooperatives that create beautiful, naturally dyed textiles. Insider tip: Visit the art galleries and support the local women’s weaving cooperatives to learn about traditional techniques.

El Paredon—from Antigua: If you’re craving some beach time, El Paredon is a laid-back surf town about two hours from Antigua. It’s known for its black sand beaches and is a hotspot for surfing, though you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy its relaxed vibe. Insider tip: Spend the day lounging at a beach club like Cocori Lodge or The Driftwood Surfer.

Semuc Champey—from Lanquin: While a bit more of a trek, Semuc Champey can be done as an extended day trip if you’re based in the region. This natural limestone bridge creates a series of terraced turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and relaxing. A hike to the viewpoint gives breathtaking views of the entire site. Insider tip: Consider a guided tour to explore both the pools and nearby caves.

Breakfast & coffee

Fernando’s Kaffee—Antigua: A local favorite for breakfast and coffee, Fernando’s serves some of the best Guatemalan coffee along with hearty breakfasts. It’s a cozy spot with a small garden area, perfect for a relaxed morning. Try the fresh pastries!

Cafe Condesa—Antigua: Located right off the main square, this cafe offers great breakfast options and locally sourced coffee. The peaceful garden area is a hidden gem in the middle of the bustling town. Their quiches and fruit bowls are highly recommended.

Lunch & dinner

Toko Baru—Antigua: A fusion restaurant offering a mix of Middle Eastern, Asian and Guatemalan cuisine. Toko Baru is known for its affordable yet flavorful meals, such as falafel and curry dishes. It’s great for a casual lunch or dinner. Insider tip: Try their sauces—they are house-made and delicious. No direct website, but highly rated on local listings like TripAdvisor and Google.

Cafe Sky—Antigua: Famous for its rooftop view overlooking the city and volcanoes, Cafe Sky is a great place for casual meals with a view. They offer a mix of Guatemalan and international options, with excellent margaritas. Insider tip: Go just before sunset for the best views.

Los Tres Tiempos—Antigua: For a modern take on traditional Guatemalan cuisine, this is the place to go. Located in a beautifully restored colonial building, they serve classic dishes like pepian and kak’ik in a more upscale setting. Insider tip: Order the tasting menu to try a variety of local dishes.

La Fonda de la Calle Real—Antigua: One of the most well-known restaurants in Antigua for authentic Guatemalan cuisine. It’s a great spot to try national dishes like tamales, chiles rellenos or jocon. The rustic colonial decor adds to the experience. Insider tip: Their portions are large, so consider sharing.

Saul Bistro—Guatemala City: Saul Bistro offers creative, international dishes in a chic, artsy setting. The decor is vibrant and eclectic, making it a fun spot for a lunch or dinner break while exploring the city. Insider tip: Great for vegetarian options and fresh salads.

Drinks & nightlife

Fridas—Antigua: A lively spot for Mexican food and cocktails in Antigua, Fridas is known for its fun atmosphere, good music and strong drinks. It’s a great place to enjoy a few margaritas or mojitos while people-watching. Insider tip: The tamarind margarita is a favorite!

Ulew Cocktail Bar—Guatemala City: A trendy bar in the heart of Guatemala City, Ulew is perfect for craft cocktails and a more upscale night out. Their mixologists are known for creating innovative, locally inspired drinks, often using Guatemalan ingredients. Insider tip: Ask the bartender for off-menu creations—sometimes they have specials that aren’t listed. No direct website, but highly rated on Google and social media platforms.

El Barrio—Antigua: El Barrio is more than just a bar—it’s a collection of small bars and eateries in one spot, giving it a fun, communal vibe. It’s perfect for bar hopping in one location, with everything from craft beers to tequila shots available. Insider tip: The rooftop bar offers great views of the city.