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. In fact, three days in the area is likely not enough time, especially when, there are so many magical places to learn more about the Guatemalan culture and experience traditional life.

However, there can definitely be a lot packed into three days in this area. So, get out your stop watch and get going!

Day One: Getting to Know the City Guatemala City itself has plenty to offer visitors. From diverse dining options to shopping to cultural attractions and clubs, a lot can be packed into a day in this large city. 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.

Day Two: Day Trip to Copan Rise and shine! 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 – the acropolis, ball court, tunnels, hieroglyphic staircase and plaza – to get the basic idea of the magnitude of these ruins. Then, hop back on the bus and head into Guatemala City for a late dinner and dancing. For a serious nightclub party, check out NYX in Zona 10.

Day Three: Lake Atitlan Exploration This is the deepest lake in Central America (and likely also the most beautiful). 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

While its colonial landmarks and UNESCO-listed historic center are a draw, the former capital of Antigua also serves as a gateway to some of Guatemala’s most impressive natural wonders and archaeological sites. See below for how best to spend three days in the city. 

Day 1: Volcanoes and Viewpoints

Spend your first day getting your bearings among the colonial landmarks of Antigua’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get the inside scoop on the enclave, opt for a walking tour. Staple sights covered include the 16th-century Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco), the butter-yellow La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced), Antigua Central Park, and the Museum of Colonial Art. 

Then, opt to either delve deeper into local culture on a market tour and cooking class or head to the outskirts of the city to climb to the summit of Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. The hike to the top takes around two hours and is recommended for travelers of a moderate fitness level—tours typically include refreshments and round-trip transfers from your Antigua hotel.  

Day 2: Lakes and Local Life

Dedicate day two to one of the largest lakes in Latin America, Lake Atitlan. Located 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Antigua, in the shadow of the looming Atitlan Volcano, the lake is one of Guatemala’s natural highlights. Day trips typically stop at the towns of Santiago and Chichicastenango (home on Thursday and Sunday to one of the continent’s largest markets)  and include both a cruise on the lake and free time to explore the waterfront villages. Tours typically return you to Antigua in early afternoon, giving you time to ascend Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), from which you can see the Pacaya volcano and all of Antigua Old Town.

Day 3: Travel Back in Time

Devote your final day to ancient Maya ruins. Choose between visiting the archeological site of Mixco Viejo, which dates back to postclassic Mayan civilization and features more than 120 elaborately painted temples, pyramids, and palaces, or the well-preserved Maya kingdom of Iximche, where you’ll find ceremonial plazas surrounded by ball courts. Being the closest archaeological site to Antigua, Iximche tours are often coupled with a visit to the nearby market town of San Juan Comalapa. 

Alternatively, if you’re prepared to do more traveling, head out to the prestigious archeological site of Copán, an important UNESCO World Heritage Dite in Central America. Day trips include transport across the border to Honduras and offer insight into the 7th-century ruins. 

With its wealth of colonial and natural attractions, Antigua should be at the top of every traveler’s Guatemala itinerary. Two days give you time to explore the Old Town and delve deeper into local culture on a day trip. Here’s how.

Day 1: Essential Antigua

**Morning:**Devote your first morning to exploring Antigua’s colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its brightly-colored churches and cobbled streets. The area lends itself well to walking tours, which reveal hidden details you may otherwise miss if traveling by car.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon on the outskirts of the city in Pacaya, home to an active volcano. There are plenty of tour options for visiting the volcano. Some take you to the summit on a moderate 2-hour hike, while others transport you to vantage points that are perfect for taking pictures of the natural landmark.

**Night:**Back in Antigua, see one of the city’s best views at sunset from the top of Hill of the Cross (Cerro de la Cruz), from which you can see the Pacaya volcano and all of Antigua Old Town. Once you’re back at sea level, toast your first day with a cocktail on a roof terrace in the historic center.

Day 2: Lake Atitlan and Local Markets

**Morning:**Rise early to discover Antigua’s natural surroundings on a day trip to Lake Atitlan, a mountain lake surrounded by volcanoes and emerald hills. Tours minimize the stress of organizing your own transportation, and many offer a sightseeing cruise on the lake, as well as stops at waterfront villages.

**Afternoon:**Many day trips continue on into the afternoon with a stop in the town of Chichicastenango to explore the Chichicastenango Market, one of the largest handicraft markets in Guatemala. On certain days of the week, locals arrive from the surrounding area to sell crafts, textiles, produce, food, and more.

**Evening:**When you return to Antigua, dedicate your final evening to its culinary culture by taking a cooking class that reveals dishes and delicacies that you may otherwise have missed. Classes typically include a walk around the local market and, once you’ve finished cooking, a meal of your own making.

Characterized by its bright, colonial architecture and volcanic surroundings, the city of Antigua is one of the finest in Guatemala. One day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site gives you time to check off several historic attractions and see the best views from different vantage points. Here’s how.

Morning: Views from a Volcano

On your first morning, rise early, lace up those hiking boots, and trek to the top of an active volcano. The two-hour hike to the summit of the Pacaya volcano is suitable for travelers of a moderate fitness level and treats visitors not only to spectacular views but also to hot lava. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from Antigua and come with lunch and bottled water for the trek. Some also include a stop to soothe aching muscles at Kawilal Hot Springs, which boasts 12 hot springs and 25 steam baths.

Afternoon: Colonial Delights

Use the afternoon to get to know Antiqua’s colonial center. Orient yourself with ease on a walking tour, which offers a more intimate glimpse into the area than you’d get if traveling by car. Staple sights include the butter-yellow La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced), Antigua Central Park, and the 16th-century Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco), and some tours also stop at a jade stone factory and a textile museum and allow ample free time to shop for souvenirs. Most tours include round-trip transfers from your hotel.

Night: City Lights

If you’re hungry for more culture, devote your evening to Antigua’s culinary scene by taking a market tour and cooking class. Small-group classes often begin with a tour of Antigua Market and give you access to ingredients and equipment that you may not have back home. Plus, you’re likely to learn how to make local staples, such as tamales accompanied by spicy salsa and avocado-based dips. If you’ve got the energy following your class, head back into the UNESCO-listed Old Town for a cocktail on a rooftop terrace.

The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) is an ancient Aztec cultural tradition practiced throughout Central America. Despite the name, it’s a joyful celebration—a time to remember and pay tribute to deceased ancestors, friends, and family. Here’s what to know about Guatemala’s Day of the Dead.

When to Go

Guatemala’s main Day of the Dead celebrations are held on Nov. 1 and 2, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Preparations often begin months in advance, and if you’re visiting Guatemala in the weeks before the festival, you might see local families and children crafting colorful kites, making sugar skulls, and decorating gravestones with traditional offerings.

Where to Go

The Day of the Dead festival is celebrated all around Guatemala, but the most spectacular events are held in the highland villages of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, about a 30-minute drive from Guatemala City.

Ways to Celebrate

Head to Santiago Sacatepéquez or Sumpango to see the giant kite festival, Guatemala’s most spectacular Day of the Dead celebration. Locals launch giant kites (some as tall as a 5-story building) into the skies. The kites are believed to keep away evil spirits and provide a method of communicating with the dead. The vibrant kites are handcrafted using delicate tissue paper and traditional papel picado techniques, with messages are attached to the tail of each kite. Other traditions include cleaning and decorating family grave sites and feasting on traditional foods such as pan de muerto.