Why I Visited These 6 Off Path Destinations In Guatemala

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Have you ever thought of visiting Guatemala? I spent a number of months touring on this underrated Central American nation, and these have been my favourite locations.

Although Guatemala has been rising in recognition as a vacationer vacation spot, it nonetheless doesn’t obtain as many guests as neighboring Mexico, which noticed over 18 million tourists in 2022.

Meanwhile, Guatemala peaked at 2.5 million guests in 2019.

Atitlan Lake in Guatemala with two piers going out into the water and two mountains in the distance

One of the most well-liked locations to go to in Guatemala is Antigua, the nation’s colourful colonial capital. Antigua is quaint, lovely, and surrounded by volcanoes, two of which (Pacaya and Acatenango) are widespread for climbing.

But these are some extra off path locations in Guatemala that shouldn’t be missed:

(*6*)

1. Guatemala City

Many guests skip proper over Guatemala City and head straight from the airport to Antigua, about one hour away.

Although Guatemala’s capital metropolis will get a nasty status for being harmful, there are secure areas which might be price visiting. It’s gritty, vibrant, and concrete, and jogs my memory of Mexico City.

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2. Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, positioned about two hours away from Antigua, is among the most magical locations in Guatemala.

It surprisingly jogged my memory of Lake Como in Italy, with its dramatic surroundings and clear blue water. The cities round Lake Atitlan every have their very own distinct character, and you will get round to all of them by way of lancha — small native boats that solely price a few {dollars} for a journey.

San Marcos is a hippie paradise, San Pedro is an inexpensive haven for backpackers, Santiago is residence to conventional Mayan tradition, and Panajachel is a bustling hub on the lake.

empty wooden pier leading to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Mountain View in the distance

3. El Paredon

Guatemala is probably not identified for its seashores in the best way that neighboring international locations are, however this nation has a number of nice seashores.

I visited El Paredon on the Pacific Coast, about two hours from Antigua. This sleepy fishing village has been reworked right into a laidback surf city in the previous couple of years.

In addition to browsing, you possibly can go to a sea turtle hatchery or take a ship tour of the close by mangroves, which empty out into the ocean.

Sunset on the beach in El Paredon, Guatemala

4. Semuc Champey

Although it’s not simple to succeed in, Semuc Champey is among the most breathtaking locations in Guatemala.

Located about 9 hours away from Antigua down bumpy, winding roads, Semuc Champey is a pure formation deep within the jungle identified for its pure tiered limestone swimming pools with clear turquoise water.

Swimming within the swimming pools and waterfalls, tubing on the river, and caving are simply a number of the adventurous actions that await you at Semuc Champey.

5. Xela

I spent two weeks in Quetzaltenango, higher often known as Xela, and completely fell in love with this metropolis.

It’s Guatemala’s second-largest metropolis after Guatemala City, nevertheless it has a totally completely different vibe. It’s secure and delightful, with distinctive structure and a local weather that is still cool and delicate year-round.

Xela is a good place to take Spanish courses for an especially inexpensive value. (So is Antigua, however since Xela is much less touristy, you possibly can observe extra!) There are additionally volcanoes and sizzling springs close by.

6. Tikal

Tikal National Park is a must-visit vacation spot in Guatemala. Located within the jungles of the northern a part of the nation, Tikal is residence to a number of the best Mayan ruins on this planet.

This historic metropolis is a sight to behold, and I discovered it to be a lot much less crowded than related ruins in Mexico. This is partially attributable to its dimension (Tikal is huge) and the truth that it doesn’t obtain almost as many guests.

If you’re actually up for an journey, go to El Mirador. These distant Mayan ruins are solely accessible by way of a two-day hike or an costly personal helicopter. (I didn’t make it to those ruins, however I’d love to return to Guatemala someday to see them!)