What Are Three Places to Visit in Guatemala?

Guatemala surprised me.

I visited for work, so I didn’t get to see as much of the country as I wanted. Still, everything I did experience made me want to return.

Guatemala has a great mix of history, Maya culture, Spanish colonial buildings, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. And yes, I thought the coffee was some of the best I’ve ever had.

Here are three places to visit in Guatemala that I think are worth knowing about.

La Antigua: One of the Places to Visit in Guatemala

While I was in Guatemala, I stayed in La Antigua Guatemala, usually just called Antigua. This beautiful colonial city sits between three volcanoes, with stone-paved streets, historic buildings, and courtyards that invite you to slow down and explore.

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, consider visiting these three places.

Antigua was once the capital of the Spanish colonial administration for much of Central America. Today, its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with churches, convents, and other buildings that reflect its Spanish colonial past.

I also have to mention the food. Antigua has many great restaurants, and trying a new one each night was a highlight of my visit.

Three that I particularly enjoyed were:

Casa Troccoli

Elú Restaurant at El Convento Boutique Hotel

Pistilos at Mil Flores Luxury Design Hotel

I don’t usually recommend specific restaurants because they can change over time, but it’s been years since I last visited Antigua, and all three are still open. That says a lot.

Tikal National Park

Of all the places to see in Guatemala, Tikal would be one of my top priorities on a return trip.

Tikal is in the rainforest of northern Guatemala and was once one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya civilization. Today, Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive Maya ruins and the surrounding natural beauty.

You can’t really grasp how big Tikal is until you see how much the jungle hides. Temples, plazas, and other buildings rise above the trees, and vegetation still covers many ruins.

In 1956, the University of Pennsylvania started a major archaeological project at Tikal. They excavated, mapped, and restored different parts of the ancient city.

I wouldn’t want to rush through Tikal. I’d rather take my time exploring the ruins and enjoying the surrounding rainforest.

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán is also high on my list of places to revisit. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, it’s often called one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.

The lakeshore is dotted with small towns and villages, each with its own character. It’s also known for Maya communities where artisans practice traditional weaving and garment making, which are central to daily life and culture.

There are many ways to enjoy the lake. You can visit the lakeside communities, spend time on the water, go hiking, or relax and take in the scenery.

Where you stay can make a difference in how you experience a destination. At Lake Atitlán, I think I’d choose a hotel with a balcony overlooking the lake. Watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlán sounds like a wonderful way to start the day.

Why I’d Return to Guatemala

My time in Guatemala gave me just a small taste of the country and showed me there are so many more places to visit in Guatemala. Antigua was my introduction, and Tikal and Lake Atitlán are two great reasons to return.

Maybe that’s one of the best things about traveling—you don’t have to see everything on your first visit.

Part of my job is to help travelers choose which experiences to include, which ones to take slowly, and which will make their trip truly meaningful.