Top Activities to Experience in Guatemala, from cultural immersions to volcano hikes

Guatemala is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, offering an abundance of outdoor adventures along with rich cultural experiences beyond just volcanoes and jungles.

Whether you're learning Spanish in the mountainous town of Quetzaltenango or participating in a sacred Maya cacao ceremony at Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala provides countless ways to connect more deeply with its people and landscapes.

Here are our 12 favorite things to do in Guatemala.

Experience Paragliding Over Lago de Atitlán

While the stunning beauty of Lago de Atitlán is often admired from its peaceful shores or the summit of San Pedro volcano, an exhilarating alternative is to paraglide above its tranquil waters for a unique perspective.

Real World Paragliding offers an incredible flight that provides breathtaking aerial views of the deep crater lake and the impressive trio of surrounding volcanoes. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes and departs from either Santa Catarina Palopo, near Panajachel, or Santa Clara La Laguna, closer to San Pedro La Laguna.

Surf on the Black Sand Beach at El Paredon

The black-sand beaches along Guatemala's Pacific coast are becoming increasingly popular for surfing. The relaxed fishing village of El Paredon is less crowded than other surf spots in Central America, offering waves suitable for both novice and seasoned surfers. The well-known beachfront El Paredon Surf Camp provides basic accommodations, surf lessons, and board rentals.

Explore the women weavers of San Juan La Laguna

Crafted on traditional backstrap looms, Guatemalan textiles are among the world's most stunning. Spending time in this country will surely pique your interest in how these colorful designs are created. The lakeside village of San Juan La Laguna offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of weaving while also engaging in socially responsible shopping.

The narrow lanes of San Juan La Laguna are dotted with numerous women’s cooperatives where Maya weavers produce beautiful, intricate textiles. Schedule a tour with a company like Casa Flor Ixcaco to visit one of these co-ops and discover how the artisans utilize local organic cotton and natural dyes from fruits, vegetables, plants, and herbs to craft their fabrics. This visit provides a wonderful way to learn about Guatemalan culture, support local artists, and find ethical souvenirs to take home.

Learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango

The mountainous town of Quetzaltenango boasts numerous Spanish schools and cafes, perfect for brushing up on grammar as you stroll its charming cobblestone streets. With a cooler climate than other areas of the country and more affordable prices than Antigua, it’s an ideal spot to study Spanish away from the typical tourist crowds.

Spanish schools offer homestay options and various activities that enhance classroom learning, including trips to local hot springs, volcano treks, and cultural evenings featuring guest speakers who share insights into the region's history. Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco has long been known for its socially responsible language programs, run by a team of skilled educators, making it highly recommended for those looking to understand Guatemala's social, political, and economic landscapes.

Participate in a cacao ceremony in San Marcos La Laguna

For a unique travel experience, take part in a hot chocolate ceremony. This growing trend in San Marcos La Laguna invites participants to enjoy Guatemalan-style hot chocolate in a ceremonial circle, guided by a local expert. Cacao has been grown in Guatemala since before the arrival of the conquistadors, and many consider it the birthplace of chocolate. This ancient ingredient was once used as currency and has long been celebrated for its health benefits and aphrodisiac properties.

In a cacao ceremony, a Mayan spiritual guide prepares a drink made from ground cacao, sweeteners, and spices. The ceremony introduces participants to the sacred and healing qualities of the cacao bean, traditionally recognized as a heart-opening beverage that fosters connections with nature, each other, and oneself.

Explore a coffee plantation near historic Antigua

Due to their high elevation, pleasant climate, and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, the highlands of Guatemala produce some of the finest coffee globally. Many of the country's coffee plantations are nestled in the hills surrounding Antigua, making it an ideal day trip from this picturesque city.

Guests can enjoy a luxury tour of the renowned Finca Filadelfia, a stunning plantation that has been around for over 140 years, or visit a smaller co-op like De la Gente, where the coffee growers themselves lead community tours. Both experiences take visitors through the complete coffee-making journey from seed to cup, concluding with a delightful coffee tasting.

Hike a volcano and roast marshmallows over lava

Choosing a volcano to hike in Guatemala can be challenging, but Volcán Pacaya is a great choice for most adventurers. This moderately challenging hike begins near Antigua and can be completed in a single day, with the thrill of witnessing fresh lava at the summit.

As Pacaya is a national park, there are plenty of amenities, including spots to rest and purchase local snacks along the trail. However, the highlight is the snack break near the summit, where hikers roast marshmallows over the cooling lava. Hiking Volcán Pacaya makes for an easy day trip from Antigua, ideally arranged through a local agency.

Explore the bustling Chichicastenango market

Set in the lush mountains of the western highlands, the town of Chichicastenango hosts a renowned artisans’ market every Sunday and Thursday. This market is a must-visit for avid shoppers in Guatemala. It was once the primary trading hub for the Quiché region before the arrival of the conquistadors, and the tradition of villagers coming together to sell their goods remains vibrant today.

Visitors can expect a maze of stalls overflowing with stunning textiles, with huipils—the traditional blouses worn by Mayan women—being among the most sought-after items. The market also features crafts such as wood carvings, masks, leather products, pottery, and jade and silver jewelry. It's an easy day trip from either Quetzaltenango or Lago de Atitlán.

Enjoy a drink at Guatemala City's oldest bar

El Portal, rumored to be Che Guevara's favorite spot during his visits to Guatemala City in the 1950s, opened its doors as the capital's first proper bar in 1932. Nestled in the heart of the historic center, a visit here feels like a journey back in time. The menu has remained largely unchanged, allowing patrons to enjoy a cold pint of Gallo beer at the old wooden bar while listening to marimba music in a welcoming atmosphere.

Birdwatch in the pristine cloud forests of Alta Verapaz

Brimming with orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, the cloud forests of Alta Verapaz represent a pristine wilderness, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The Biotopo del Quetzal nature reserve is the prime spot to catch a glimpse of Guatemala’s national bird—the vibrant red and teal quetzal. These forests, filled with pine, cypress, and eucalyptus, are home to a variety of tropical birds, including the emerald toucanet and forest falcons. The optimal months for spotting quetzals are March or June, just before or after their nesting season.

Explore the jungle ruins of Tikal

Nestled deep within the jungle of El Petén, the ruins of Tikal are enveloped by dense vegetation and alive with the calls of howler monkeys and the vibrant colors of toucans. Once the heart of the Maya civilization, this remarkable ancient site features over 200 structures, many still hidden beneath the jungle's embrace.

The most striking structure is Templo IV, a towering pyramid that reaches 65m (213ft) above the grassy courtyard below—an ideal spot to witness the sunrise. A full day is needed to explore the ruins, offering an unforgettable experience rich in archaeological significance and surrounded by remarkable biodiversity. The lush jungle is home to countless tropical birds, crocodiles, snakes, coatis, monkeys, and even the occasional jaguar.

Swim in the stunning pools of Semuc Champey

With its tiered turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge, Semuc Champey is a dream destination for water enthusiasts and photographers alike. This national monument can be accessed through a moderate hike that winds through lush greenery, culminating in a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the spectacular pools and the verdant gorge. Nearby, the K’anba Caves offer an exciting extension to the hike, with local tour companies providing candle-lit swims through the enchanting underground river system.