The 6 Most Amazing Road Trips in Guatemala

From the stunning western highlands to the jungle-clad ruins of Tikal, Guatemala offers a wealth of breathtaking sights, and having a vehicle allows you to explore the country at your own pace.

With a growing network of roads, hostels that provide parking for RVs and cars, and the guiding route of the Pan-American Highway, embarking on a road trip in Guatemala is relatively easy—even if plans occasionally go awry.

While Guatemala is generally safe for driving, unexpected hurdles like traffic congestion and spontaneous protests can occasionally disrupt your itinerary. If you’re adaptable, driving here can lead to rewarding experiences and hidden gems that are otherwise difficult to reach.

Here are our six recommended road trips to maximize your visit to Guatemala.

1. Sierra Madre Mountains

Top Road Trip for Local Shopping Antigua to Lake Atitlán; 77 km (48 miles); plan for two days

This well-loved road trip meanders through charming towns in the Sierra Madre mountain range, culminating at the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, featuring stunning views and abundant shopping options along the route.

Starting from Antigua, make your way north to Chimaltenango and merge onto the Pan-American Highway. This one-hour segment will lead you past street vendors offering pottery, fruits, flowers, jewelry, and vibrant textiles, so be ready for multiple stops.

At Los Encuentros, take the RN-1 exit, which will lead you straight to Panajachel, the largest town along the shores of Atitlán. The drive becomes more challenging as you navigate the winding descent through narrow streets of mountain villages, providing a glimpse into the daily life of rural Guatemala.

If you're still in the mood to shop, continue north on the Pan American Highway towards Chichicastenango at Los Encuentros instead of taking the RN-1. This minor detour will add about 40 minutes of driving time each way, but the historic market in Chichicastenango, open on Thursdays and Sundays, is definitely worth it.

Set in the lush mountains of the highlands, this town boasts one of the largest markets in Central America. The maze of stalls features vendors selling textiles, jade, gold, pottery, leather goods, and jewelry, and it will take a few hours to fully explore, so you might find the sun setting as you finish.

Consider spending the night in Chichicastenango and heading to the lake in the morning, or arrive a day early to enjoy the market before hitting the road. The drive from Chichicastenango to Panajachel takes about an hour and a half, where you'll find artisans selling traditional textiles, jewelry, clothing, and crafts every day.

2. Guatemala’s Pacific Coast

Ideal Road Trip for Beach Enthusiasts Antigua to El Paredon; 100 km (62 miles); plan for two hours

Just a few hours' drive from Antigua, El Paredon is a charming fishing village that attracts surfers and travelers seeking a break from the usual tourist spots.

This laid-back town is also a popular weekend destination for families and couples. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush mangroves on the other, it offers a serene escape from the bustling Antigua while still providing plenty of outdoor activities to keep both kids and adults entertained for a couple of days.

Reaching El Paredon is a relatively straightforward drive by Guatemalan standards, with most of the route following the Pan-American Highway. As you near the coast, you’ll notice a marked shift in the ambiance compared to the rest of the country.

The climate becomes warmer and more humid, with lush, tropical vegetation. Palms and flowering trees line the roads, and you’ll start to see vendors selling coconut water, papayas, and pineapples. While the main road in El Paredon isn't paved, it's easily manageable by car. Once you arrive, you can stay for several days, and many hostels provide parking for RVs and trailers.

3. Volcano route

Best road trip for breathtaking views Lago de Atitlán–Quetzaltenango; 84km (52 miles); plan for a three-hour journey

This volcanic road trip starts with a thrilling ascent as you navigate a mountain road, taking in the captivating Lago de Atitlán and its trio of majestic volcanoes diminishing in size. The route then leads you through lush mountains and volcanoes to Guatemala’s second-largest city, the vibrant highland hub of Quetzaltenango.

Perched at 701m (2300ft) above sea level, the city is encircled by magnificent volcanoes, including Volcán Zunil, Volcán Santa Maria, and the smaller Santiaguito, offering a spectacular landscape for your drive, as well as challenging treks for the adventurous once you arrive.

4. Central cloud forests

Best road trip for exploring jungles, caves, and natural pools Cobán–Río Dulce; 215km (134 miles); allow three days

Ideal for nature enthusiasts, this journey leads you through the wild landscapes of Alta Verapaz, where vibrant cloud forests and jungles filled with colorful birds and blooming flowers invite you to step out and explore.

Prepare for unpaved roads dotted with numerous natural wonders along the route, including caves, waterfalls, and the stunning Biotopo del Quetzal National Park.

The charming town of Lanquín, nestled amid forested mountains and bordering the Río Cahabón, makes for a perfect stopover. Discover the iconic turquoise pools and limestone bridge hidden deep within the jungle at Semuc Champey, or explore the nearby K’anba Caves known for their enchanting candlelit underground pools.

From Lanquín, head down to Río Dulce and then to Lago Izabal, the largest lake in the country—ideal for a day of swimming.

5. Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes

Best road trip for an off-road thrill Quetzaltenango–Laguna Brava; 250km (155 miles); allow two days

Nestled amidst the stunning Cuchumatanes, the tallest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America, Laguna Brava in Huehuetenango is notoriously challenging to reach without a 4x4 and a spirit of adventure.

Certain parts of this journey can be quite technical, making it suitable for those confident in their driving abilities. The trip from Quetzaltenango to Huehuetenango is straightforward, but the final hours to the lagoon involve off-road driving through rivers, rocky hills, and rough dirt paths filled with potholes.

This effort rewards you with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by three cenotes and lush mountains. You can camp or rent a cabin for the night before heading back. The drive may be tough, but immersing yourself in nature's untouched beauty is truly unmatched.

6. Guatemala’s northeastern route

Best road trip for uncovering jungle ruins Antigua–Tikal; 535km (332 miles); allow one week

If there’s one destination in Guatemala that truly justifies having your own vehicle, it’s definitely Petén. For those seeking an unforgettable multi-day road trip, the route from Antigua is delightful.

Petén is home to the ruins of Tikal, a vast ancient Mayan city nestled deep within the forest. This region also boasts numerous smaller archaeological sites and protected jungle areas perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Many of these locations are much more accessible with your own transportation.

When traveling from Antigua, it’s ideal to break up the journey with an overnight stop in Río Dulce, where you can enjoy swimming in Lago Izabal and visit the unique hot waterfalls before continuing your trip the next day.

The drive from Río Dulce to Flores (the largest town near the ruins) takes about three to four hours, and once in Flores, having a car will greatly enhance your exploration of the area over the next few days.

Driving to Tikal from Flores takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing you to also discover lesser-known ruins in the vicinity, such as Yaxha (as stunning as Tikal but more rugged and less crowded) and Nakúm, a national park housing the most restored structures in Petén aside from Tikal and Uaxactún – a smaller site previously utilized by the Maya as an astronomical observatory.