Central Highlands Travelers Recommend

There are plenty of things to do in Guatemala City, but it’s what is nearby that truly offers an opportunity to fall in love with the country. Start in Zona 1, the heart of the historic district, then venture further and hit up Zona 10 and the Popol Vuh Museum to check out pre-Columbian artifacts. No visit to the city is complete without visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Civic Center and Ixchel Museum. Start your day early and hop on the bus to Copan, Honduras to check out massive ancient ruins from the Mayans. It’s easy to spend days here, but hit up the major attractions in the area. This is the deepest lake in Central America. Surrounded by volcanoes, spend time here either on the shore or on the water. In the afternoon, head in to one of the local villages to learn more about Guatemalan culture, then head over to Chichicatenango. If visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, be sure to pay a visit to the popular market which sells handmade wares.

Lace up those hiking boots and hike an active volcano. Start the early morning off with a trek up Pacaya. The two hour hike is not too difficult and treats visitors not only to spectacular views, but also to hot lava. Then, head back to town and do the 30-minute walk to the Cerro de la Cruz. Guided tours take place twice a day, and is the best bet to ensure you won’t be a victim of petty theft. After that, head to Parque Central to unwind and soak up some sun and snack on fresh tortillas. Then, get walking/bussing again and visit the Museum of Colonial Art and La Merced Cathedral. At sunset, hit up Café Sky for spectacular views. For some seriously beautiful nature, wake up early and make a day trip out of this spot. The deepest lake in Central America, it is renowned for its stunning beauty. Surrounded by volcanoes, the lake and its surrounding areas offer a chance to become immersed in Guatemalan culture. On the way back to town, stop at Chichicatenango.