Is Guatemala Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go to Guatemala

Last Updated on October 4, 2023

Is Guatemala worth visiting? The short answer is yes! Guatemala is a Central American country south of Mexico. It’s home to volcanoes, rainforests, cities, towns, lakes, and ancient Mayan sites. 

Guatemala was first home to the ancient civilization of the Maya. This was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that can still be visited today at the site called Tikal.

The Maya civilization was at its height from around 250 AD to 900 AD, but when the Europeans arrived in the 14th century, they were beginning to decline.

In 1524 Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado conquered the Maya, and the region became a Spanish colony. It stayed a colony until 1821, when Guatemala gained its independence from Spain.

Is Guatemala Worth Visiting?

Yes, Guatemala is worth visiting for its diverse landscapes, culture, volcanoes, cities, towns, and more. If you’re looking to have a relaxing retreat by the water, head to Lake Atitlan. Or, if you’d like to take in Guatemala’s nature, there are plenty of beautiful hikes through rainforest and up to the summit of volcanoes.

5 Reasons to Go To Guatemala

There are plenty of things to do in Guatemala. When my partner and I were planning our Guatemala itinerary, our focus was on nature and hiking. Guatemala is part of the Ring of Fire, a zone known for being seismically and volcanically active.

The zone stretches across the globe in a horseshoe shape that hugs the Pacific Ocean. Being part of the Ring of Fire, Guatemala is a unique place to discover volcanos. There are lava tours, hiking options, and you can even go volcano boarding on a dormant volcano.

The tourism around volcanoes is something that stands out when comparing Guatemala vs. Belize, and other countries in Central America.

A trip to Guatemala doesn’t have to be adventure focused, though. There are must see spots in Guatemala that are easily accessible without hiking or extreme sporting. You can enjoy the views from a cute villa in Lake Atitlan, take food tours, or visit the Mayan deity Maximón.

Read on for 5 reasons why you should go to Guatemala!

1. You Can See An Actively Erupting Volcano

Guatemala is one of the few places on the planet that you can watch a volcano actively erupt from a safe distance. Volcan Fuego has been actively erupting since 2002, and in recent years has become a popular destination for tourists.

The volcano erupts every 15 minutes, spewing lava and smoke into the sky. The severity of these eruptions ranges from subtle to more violent, but they are always fascinating to watch.

To view Volcan Fuego erupt involves a difficult, but manageable hike to the summit of a neighboring inactive volcano, Volcan Acatenango. Most hostels in Antigua will arrange the hike for you, providing a local guide, equipment, and food. It is a two-day excursion which means that you’ll spend a night at the base camp of Volcan Acatenango, sleeping in a provided tent.

The hike is difficult, but the guides offer help and encouragement the entire way up. When you reach the summit, you’ll have climbed to 3763 meters. And it will be worth it because you’ll be up in the clouds with the view of a lifetime. So add the Acatenango hike to your list of things to do in Guatemala because it will not disappoint.

2. Spend Time on a Volcanic Crater Lake

Lake Atitlan is a massive crater lake is lined with many towns, beautiful mountains, and jungle. Here, you will be introduced to Guatemala’s diverse indigenous culture. The lake is about 2.5 hours from Antigua, and 3.5 hours from Guatemala City.

San Pedro La Laguna is a popular spot for backpackers, and famous for its not-so-secret cliff-jumping spot. San Marcos La Laguna is a larger town, with a stronger Mayan presence.

The lake is well connected by small boats. For a reasonable fee, you can fill your day with trips to other towns. Horseback riding, hiking, and swimming are other popular activities to take up with at Lake Atitlan. If you’ve got limited time in Guatemala, be sure to have Lake Atitlan on your itinerary.

3. You Can Visit a Mayan Folk Saint

The Indigenous Mayans of Guatemala have many important saints who are actively worshipped. Maximón, also known as San Simon, is one such saint. He is represented by a wooden statue who is dressed and decorated, seated on a chair. Unlike other saints, he smokes cigars and drinks alcohol.

Visitors travel to Santiago, Guatemala from near and far to visit and pray to Maximón. Visitors might ask him for protection, wealth, or specifics, like to be cured of a disease. Each year, Maximón is moved to a new house in which he will reside, always in Santiago. A family is given the responsibility of caring for him and welcoming visitors.

A visit to Maximón is a unique experience which gives insight into Mayan culture and beliefs. When staying in Lake Atitlan, it is easy to find him. Go by boat to Santiago, and once arrived, ask a tuk-tuk driver to bring you to Maximón.

As a show of respect dress modestly and bring an offering of cigarettes or liquor to leave at his feet. Maximón’s caretakers will ask that you pay a small fee to take photos.

4. Watch an Epic Sunrise From Indian Nose Lookout

There are many places to visit in Guatemala for a beautiful sunrise, but Lake Atitlan is one of the best spots. For an epic sunrise, book a tour to hike Indian Nose in the early morning.

The profile of the mountain looks like a sleeping person, and hence how the hike got its name. The peak from which you watch the sunrise is considered sacred by the Mayans, and historically, they conducted religious services at the top. Most hostels and hotels will arrange a group and guide for you.

The hike involves a bus ride, departing at 4:00 am, followed by a short hike to 2,863 meters. Although the Indian Nose hike is steep, the climb is over quickly. When you reach the summit, it will still be dark. Your guides will hand out bread and coffee as you wait for the show to begin.

Watching this sunrise is surreal. You will see the sky slowly brighten, and the clouds will slowly roll away revealing a panoramic view of Lake Atitlan. On a clear day, you can see Antigua and Volcan Fuego in the distance.

5. Explore the Markets of Antigua

Antigua was once the Spanish capital of Central America, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named for its Spanish architecture. The city’s architecture is beautiful, but it’s also a stark reminder of the colonial history of Guatemala.

The city is easily accessible and can be explored mostly on foot. There is plenty to do from exploring the plentiful markets to experimenting with street food and enjoying live music in a local bar.

The Parque Central, found in the center of the city, is always bustling with locals and vendors, making it a great spot to people watch. And, if you’re up for an easy hike, you can make your way up to Cerro de la Cruz.

This famous viewpoint hosts a large cross which is devoted to the city’s patron saint. On a clear day, you’ll have views of all of Antigua, and some of the volcanoes in the distance!

Final Thoughts: Visit Guatemala Responsibly

Is Guatemala worth visiting? Absolutely. Just be sure to travel responsibly. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously. 
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact in Guatemala.
• Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Support Indigenous communities when you travel in Guatemala. 

More on Guatemala:

• Guatemala Itinerary: Best Things to See and Do
• How to Visit the Mayan Folk Saint Maximon
• What Not to Do in Puerto Vallarta: 20 Essential Tips

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