[takeaways] • Guatemala offers an extraordinary range of experiences — from hiking Acatenango volcano and sailing Lake Atitlán to exploring Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park and swimming at Semuc Champey.
• Guatemalan coffee is one of the country's biggest exports and a must-try — rich, sweet, and available in a remarkable variety of beans.
• The Pacific coast is a vital sea turtle breeding ground, with volunteering opportunities available through conservation organizations like ARCAS.
• Never drink tap water in Guatemala — bottled water only, for drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Cash is essential across much of Guatemala — not everywhere accepts card payments, and local markets and handicraft vendors almost always prefer cash.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Guatemala keeps you connected to find attractions, book tickets, and navigate on the go. [/takeaways]
Whether you're keen to explore volcanic peaks, learn more about the ancient Mayan civilization, or just want to try some of the best coffee on the planet, there are plenty of things to do in Guatemala to keep you busy. Home to stunning UNESCO Heritage landscapes and one of the biggest collections of ecosystems in Central America, you're only limited by your imagination here.
In this guide, we take you through the best sights, attractions, and experiences open to you as you make your maiden voyage to this endlessly fascinating country.
Things to do in Guatemala: our top picks
Visiting Guatemala for the first time means making some tough choices — there's simply a lot to see. Here are the experiences the SIMOVO crew rate most highly, covering everything from active adventures to laid-back lake towns. While you're at it, check out our fun facts about Guatemala before you travel, too.
[numbered title="Hike Acatenango" pill="Volcanoes and hiking"]Hiking Acatenango is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — things you can do when visiting Guatemala. Make it to the top and you'll be rewarded with extraordinary views of some of Guatemala's erupting volcanoes. It's rough going unless you have hiking experience and a solid team around you, so prepare ahead of time. Also worth adding to your list: the impressive Rostro Maya, previously known as the Indian Nose.[/numbered] [numbered title="Try the local coffee" pill="Food and drink"]Guatemalan coffee is a very big deal — it's one of the country's biggest exports, and there's a tasty reason for that. Guatemalan coffee is popular for its rich, sweet flavor, and the sheer variety of beans on offer means you'll never run out of new cups to try. Don't leave without sampling several.[/numbered] [numbered title="Sail Lake Atitlán" pill="Lakeside scenery"]Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala's most popular spots for tourists who want to spend time on the water. This crystal-clear lake is nestled between three dormant volcanoes and sits close to small town areas like San Pedro La Laguna — though you won't be blamed for simply spending a day trip sailing around and taking it all in.[/numbered] [numbered title="Go surfing" pill="Pacific coast"]Guatemala's southern Pacific coastline offers some genuinely impressive waves for challenging surf. If you'd prefer calmer waters, the northeast Caribbean side is better suited to beach walks and sunbathing — but for surf, head south.[/numbered] [numbered title="Explore the local markets" pill="Culture and crafts"]Guatemala City and its surrounds have no shortage of market scenes, but the Chichicastenango market — easy to access from Lake Atitlán — is the standout. It runs every Thursday and Sunday. If it doesn't fit your itinerary, try Antigua Square's weekend markets or the Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative in San Juan, a great spot for authentic local handicrafts.[/numbered] [numbered title="Antigua Guatemala's architecture" pill="UNESCO Heritage Site"]Antigua Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places for first-time visitors to dive into local history. The square in particular draws visitors for its historic cathedral, cobbled streets, and earthquake ruins — a remarkably well-preserved snapshot of colonial Guatemala.[/numbered] [numbered title="Tikal National Park" pill="Mayan ruins and wildlife"]Tikal National Park is a highlight for anyone fascinated by the ancient Mayan civilization — jungle pyramids, ruins, and artifacts left over from centuries past, alongside incredible local wildlife. Book tickets well ahead of your trip if you can; this is one of the most popular attractions in the country.[/numbered] [numbered title="Volunteer with sea turtles" pill="Conservation"]The Pacific coast is a vital breeding ground for sea turtles, with nesting activity concentrated on the south coast toward fall and winter. There are active conservation efforts you can join — check out ARCAS Volunteering if you want to give something back during your time in Guatemala.[/numbered] [numbered title="Santa Cruz La Laguna" pill="Lake village"]Santa Cruz is one of several villages surrounding Lake Atitlán, but it stands apart for how close it sits to the lake itself. You'll find excellent walking routes, kayaking, scuba diving in the lake, local craft workshops, and plenty of coffee shops to rest at between adventures — there's no spot easier to explore from.[/numbered] [numbered title="Swim at Semuc Champey" pill="Natural pools"]Semuc Champey is a must-visit for anyone who wants to swim in Guatemala's most spectacular natural pools. Found within the Guatemalan mountains, the site features a series of turquoise pools perfect for bathing and swimming. If you'd rather explore on foot, there are also stunning caves nearby for spelunking.[/numbered] [numbered title="San Marcos La Laguna" pill="Wellness and eco stays"]San Marcos is another Lake Atitlán village — one that's earned a reputation as something of a spiritual locale. You'll find a wide range of hostels and eco-hotel spots here, making it a great base for a greener trip. Try a yoga class, a sound bath, or some meditative exercises while you're there.[/numbered] [esim flag="🇬🇹" label="Guatemala" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$30.70" href="/products/guatemala" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Guatemala — book tickets, navigate, and explore with reliable data[/esim]
Travel tips for Guatemala
A few essential things to keep in mind before and during your trip.
[warning]Never drink tap water in Guatemala — it is not safe. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth throughout your trip, regardless of where you're staying.[/warning] [tip title="Always carry cash"]Not everywhere in Guatemala accepts card payments, and international cards are even less reliable outside of major cities. If you want to buy local handicrafts, pay at markets, or cover costs in smaller towns, you'll need small amounts of cash on hand.[/tip] [tip title="Wear sturdy footwear — even if you're not hiking"]Guatemala's rocky terrain can be uneven and challenging underfoot, even outside of hiking routes. Reliable, sturdy footwear is a sensible choice wherever you're exploring, not just when hiking Acatenango or heading into the mountains.[/tip] [tip title="Pack layers — temperatures change with elevation"]Temperatures across Guatemala vary significantly depending on elevation, and conditions can shift quickly even when the weather looks fine. Always pack a variety of clothing and plenty of layers, regardless of the forecast.[/tip] [tip title="Be a responsible tourist"]Much of Guatemala's natural beauty is completely unspoiled — keep it that way by following the rules at temples and sacred sites, leaving no trash behind, and respecting the ecosystems and communities you visit.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Guatemala?[/q] [a]Guatemala's top experiences include hiking Acatenango volcano, sailing Lake Atitlán, exploring the Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park, swimming at Semuc Champey, visiting the UNESCO-listed Antigua Guatemala, surfing the Pacific coast, and volunteering with sea turtles on the south coast. The country's local markets — especially Chichicastenango — and its world-class coffee are also unmissable.[/a] [q]Is Guatemala safe for first-time visitors?[/q] [a]Guatemala is a rewarding destination for first-time visitors, but some precautions are worth taking. Stick to bottled water throughout your trip, carry cash for smaller vendors and markets, and follow local guidance when visiting sacred or natural sites. Checking your government's travel advisory before booking is always recommended.[/a] [q]When is the best time to see sea turtles in Guatemala?[/q] [a]Sea turtles nest on Guatemala's Pacific south coast primarily in fall and winter. Conservation organizations like ARCAS run volunteering programs during this period, giving visitors the chance to actively help protect nesting sites and hatchlings.[/a] [q]What is Lake Atitlán?[/q] [a]Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala's most iconic destinations — a crystal-clear volcanic lake nestled between three dormant volcanoes in the Guatemalan highlands. It's surrounded by small towns including San Pedro La Laguna, Santa Cruz La Laguna, and San Marcos La Laguna, each with its own character and things to do.[/a] [q]Is the coffee in Guatemala really that good?[/q] [a]Yes — Guatemalan coffee is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. It's known for its rich, sweet flavor profile and is one of the country's most important exports. The variety of growing regions and bean types means there's always something new to try, and sampling local coffee is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Guatemala.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Guatemala?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Guatemala is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip — useful for booking tickets to attractions like Tikal National Park, navigating between destinations, and finding local markets and coffee shops on the go. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇬🇹" label="Guatemala" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$30.70" href="/products/guatemala" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Guatemala[/esim]
