The top things to do in Guatemala, from cultural experiences to volcano treks

11.10.2023 - 07:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Guatemala is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventurers, and while the country has no shortage of outdoor adventures, it offers so much more than volcanoes and jungles.

From studying Spanish in the mountain town of Quetzaltenango to experiencing a sacred Mayan cacao ceremony at Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala serves up plentiful opportunities to forge a deeper connection with the people and the land.

Here are our top 12 things to do in Guatemala.

The astounding beauty of Lago de Atitlán is usually appreciated from its serene shores or from the peak of the San Pedro volcano, but a more unusual way to take in all of its beauty is by paragliding over the placid waters.

Real World Paragliding will take you on a soaring flight that offers bird’s-eye views of the deep crater lake and the towering trifecta of volcanoes that surround it. The tours take about 45 minutes and start in the village of Santa Catarina Palopo, near Panajachel, or from the village of Santa Clara La Laguna, closer to San Pedro La Laguna.

The black-sand beaches of Guatemala's Pacific coast are growing in popularity as great places to surf. The laid-back fishing village of El Paredon is less crowded than other surf beaches in Central America, and it has waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The long-established beach-front El Paredon Surf Camp offers basic accommodations, surf lessons and board rentals.

Made on traditional backstrap looms, Guatemalan textiles are some of the most beautiful in the world, and if you spend any amount of time in this country, you’re bound to become curious about how these colorful patterns are made. The lakeside village of San Juan La Laguna is the perfect place to take a deep dive into the world of weaving while indulging in some socially responsible shopping at the same time.

The narrow streets of San Juan La Laguna are lined with dozens of women’s cooperatives, where Mayan weavers create gorgeous, intricate textiles. Arrange a tour through a company such as Casa Flor Ixcaco to visit one of these co-ops and learn how the weavers use local organic cotton and natural dyes made from fruits, vegetables, plants and herbs to create the fabrics. A visit is an excellent way to learn about Guatemalan culture, support local artists, and find some ethical souvenirs to bring back home.

The mountain town of Quetzaltenango is full of Spanish schools, and cafes where you can swot up on grammar dot its rustic, charming cobblestone streets. With a cooler climate than the rest of the country and more economical prices than Antigua, it’s the perfect place to stay and study Spanish in a town less frequented by tourists.

Spanish schools offer homestays and lots of activities to complement in-class learning,