🗺️ Key Destinations

History: Founded in 1527, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital for over 200 years until the devastating 1773 Santa Marta earthquakes. The city became known as "La Antigua Guatemala" (Old Guatemala) when the capital moved to Guatemala City.

Must-See Sites:

• Parque Central: Buzzing city hub surrounded by colonial architecture
• Cathedral de Santiago: Atmospheric ruins from 1545
• Santa Catalina Arch: Most photographed monument in Guatemala (built 1694)
• San Francisco el Grande: Final resting place of Brother Pedro
• Las Capuchinas Convent: 18th-century ruins with beautiful courtyards
• Cerro de la Cruz: 10-minute hike for panoramic city views

Markets & Shopping:

• Mercado Central: Authentic local market (busiest Mon/Thu/Sat)
• Nim Po't: Best for traditional Maya textiles and handicrafts
• Mercado de Artesanías: Touristy crafts near Las Capuchinas

Recommended Restaurants:

• Cafe Sky: Rooftop with volcano views, 2-for-1 breakfasts
• El Mirador Rooftop Patio: 360° views, budget-friendly
• Union Café: Best brunch spot
• La Bruja: Excellent vegetarian/vegan courtyard cafe

Elevation: 3,976 meters (13,045 ft) | Difficulty: Challenging

What Makes It Special:

Acatenango offers a front-row seat to Volcan de Fuego, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Watch spectacular eruptions from your basecamp as lava shoots into the sky every 15-30 minutes!

Day 1 Schedule:

• 07:00 - Breakfast at supply center
• 10:00 - Start 5-hour ascent through different climate zones
• 15:00 - Arrive at Camp 2 basecamp
• 16:00 - Optional hike closer to Fuego for better eruption views
• 20:00 - Dinner, marshmallows, and watching eruptions

Day 2 Schedule:

• 03:45 - Wake up (very early!)
• 04:00 - Summit push in darkness
• 06:00 - Sunrise at 360° viewpoint
• 07:45 - Descend to supply center (hard on knees)
• 11:30 - Return to Antigua

What to Pack:

• Warm layers - it's COLD at the top!
• Good hiking boots
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Water (3L minimum)
• Snacks
• Camera with extra battery

Location: 75 miles west of Guatemala City | Depth: 340m max

Lake Atitlán sits in the caldera of an ancient supervolcano (last eruption 85,000 years ago). Three stunning volcanoes - San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán - tower over the lake.

Santa Catarina Palopó:

Guatemala's most photogenic town! A community art project transformed 850 houses with vibrant traditional Maya designs in blues, greens, and pinks. The patterns reflect the lake's colors and Maya cultural heritage.

San Antonio Palopó:

Known for distinctive hand-painted pottery. Visit ceramic workshops for unique souvenirs. Less touristy than other lake towns.

Panajachel:

• Walk Calle Santander for shopping
• Mirador de Lago Atitlan viewpoint
• Water sports rentals

Activities:

• Kayaking or SUP to nearby towns
• Boat tours to Islote Santa Barbara museum
• Visit Mirador Rey Canek viewpoint
• Paragliding from Panajachel

Meaning: "Where the river hides under the earth" (Q'eqchi' language)

One of Guatemala's most incredible natural wonders! The Cahabón River flows UNDERNEATH a 300-meter natural limestone bridge, while on TOP are cascading turquoise pools fed by smaller streams.

Main Attractions:

• El Mirador Viewpoint: 45-min steep jungle hike for breathtaking aerial views
• Natural Pools: Swim in crystal-clear turquoise water
• Underground River Viewing: See where the Cahabón disappears
• River Tubing: Float downstream (beer holders included!)

K'An Ba Caves:

The ultimate adventure! Explore pitch-black water-filled caves with only candlelight:

• Wade through pools
• Climb slippery ladders
• Swim through dark passages
• Climb waterfalls inside caves
• Cliff jump in total darkness

Tip: Bring a headlamp! Candles often go out when wet. Not for claustrophobes!

What to Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Water shoes
• Waterproof bag
• Headlamp (better than candles)
• Change of clothes

Tikal National Park:

The crown jewel of Maya civilization! Tikal was one of the most powerful Maya city-states during the Classic Period (200-900 AD). At its peak, over 100,000 people lived here.

Must-See Structures:

• Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar): 47m tall funerary temple
• Temple II: Facing Temple I across the Grand Plaza
• Temple IV: At 65m, the tallest structure - climb for jungle canopy views
• Grand Plaza: Heart of ancient city
• Lost World Complex: Older ceremonial area
• Central Acropolis: Royal palace complex

Uaxactun:

Older and less touristy than Tikal! One of Guatemala's oldest Maya cities (2,000+ years).

Highlights:

• Group E - Astronomical Observatory: Three temples aligned with winter solstice, equinoxes, and summer solstice sunrises!
• Temple of the Masks: Huge preserved masks on pyramid
• Groups A & B: Political center from Maya Middle Ages
• Active Maya Village: Real community still living among ruins

Visiting Tips:

• Buy all park tickets at Tikal entrance (saves backtracking)
• Tickets: Tikal Q150, Uaxactun Q50, Sunrise/Sunset Q100 each
• Hire a guide for rich historical context
• Wear good walking shoes
• Bring water and snacks
• Watch for wildlife: howler monkeys, toucans, coatis

Flores Island:

Second oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas! The last Maya city to fall to Spanish (1697).

Things to Do:

• Walk the Malecon waterfront promenade
• Explore colorful streets
• See Maya stelae in main square
• Kayak to Mirador Rey Canek
• Visit Islote Santa Barbara museum
• Watch sunset from Sky Bar

Best Restaurants:

• Maracuya: Fresh meals, great ambiance
• Maple & Tocino: Amazing breakfast with lake views
• Terrazzo: Rooftop Italian dinner spot
• Cool Beans Cafe: Perfect afternoon chill spot

Rio Dulce & Playa Blanca:

Playa Blanca: Guatemala's pristine white sand Caribbean beach! Crystal-clear turquoise water, palm trees, and peaceful vibes.

Garifuna Culture: Unique Afro-Caribbean community around Livingston with coconut-seafood cuisine and vibrant traditions.

Activities:

• Boat tour to Playa Blanca (80 min)
• Visit 7 Altars waterfall
• Explore Livingston town
• Kayaking on Rio Dulce
• Water skiing