Curator’s statement
We spent a full week in Guatemala with our three sons, ages 8–13. It makes an amazing family vacation, full of adventure and culture, but also would be an ideal destination for couples, solo travel or friends. It is a place for all ages. Each experience is so rich, and the people are so kind and the country so diverse. You could spend weeks here and not run out of things to do! For a one-week time frame, my top three destinations are Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal.
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Things to do in Guatemala
Explore, shop and eat your way up and down the cobblestone streets of Antigua. The markets, textiles and food are all top rate!
Take a coffee finca tour. Guatemalans are serious about their coffee! There are many tours from organic farms, tours on bikes or ATVs, as well as walking tours. We chose Finca La Azotea, as it’s a huge, gorgeous compound located on the right in the middle of town.
Take your group and fight it out with Filadelphia Mountain Paintball. They take you up the mountain in open air trucks into the Guatemalan jungle above Antigua, outfit you in gear and let you tackle numerous courses. It was a “blast” and an incredible way to see the mountainside.
Hike Pacaya Volcano. Truly an amazing experience to hike up changing terrain, feel and see the volcano exploding and then roast marshmallows on the side of the mountain. Unreal!
Visit Caoba Farms. For a truly farm-to-table experience, you can see the most amazing produce, volunteer, listen to live music and eat the freshest meal ever!
Walk through Convento de la Capuchinas, a thriving home for nuns between 1736 and 1773, destroyed in an earthquake. The ruins are preserved and beautiful and provide amazing views.
Kayak on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan.
Visit the hippie village of San Marcos La Laguna on Lake Atitlan. You can hike through Cerro Tzankujil Nature Preserve and jump off the high platform into the glistening waters of Lake Atitlan. Eat and drink from numerous health food shops, or take a yoga class.
Shop in Panajachel village in Lake Atitlan. All the villages on Lake Atitlan are accessible by water taxi. Take a taxi over to this village to find handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. As one of the more bustling villages, you can organize tours, watch the weaving art form or check out small art museums. Hire hiking or ATV guides from this location.
Day trip via flight to Tikal from Antigua or Guatemala City. Experience one of the ancient world’s most incredible archaeological sites at Tikal, a celebrated Mayan city deep in the Guatemalan jungle. This is possible in a day, but you may want to spread it over two and spend one night.
Places to eat & drink in Guatemala
Porque No: This is a tiny restaurant with a ton of character and delicious food and cocktails.
Fat Cat Coffee House: For the perfect lattes and delicious breakfasts.
Cafe Boheme: This is an artisanal cafe and bakery focused on healthy French food with a beautiful outdoor terrace to enjoy.
Casa Escobar Antigua: This is an amazing steak and drinks spot with a fabulous atmosphere.
Libra: Sweet little space with incredible food.
Sababa Restaurant: Israeli food with breathtaking lake views.
Smokin’ Joes: This spot is only open on the weekends. It has delicious BBQ in a casual setting on the lake.
La Casa Zapote in San Marcos: For the yummiest charcuterie board paired with wine.
Need to know
Guatemala is a very special place and relatively easy to get to! Flying into Guatemala City is recommended. Then, Antigua is only an hour from there. It is recommended to have private transportation organized before your trip if you are traveling from place to place. It makes the travel easier and more enjoyable.
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Keri Bartlett
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For more inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our Guatemala page.