In this article I have hinted at how amazing Guatemala is. There really is so much to explore! And because it is such a cheap country, you can really dig in and travel to the farthest corners of the country – as long as you adhere to some safety rules, of course. But with so much to see, how do you decide on the best places to visit in Guatemala? While you can read endless lists of the best things to do, here is a comprehensive overview of must-see destinations in Guatemala!

1. For Culture

South America is home to incredibly interesting traditions and history. This includes the ancient Mayan culture. While not a lot is left of this history, you can still find some remnants. An example of that is Tikal, arguably the most famous sight in Guatemala. It is one of the most significant pre-Columbian discoveries in archaeology. What a mouthful! The site includes Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas. Plus, it was featured in Star Wars! Another really cool Mayan site is the city of Nakum. Its moss-covered facades definitely have an air of mystery about them. You can also visit some villages in which Mayan culture is still very much alive. Some of these include Chichicastenango or Todos Santos Cuchumatan, where many people still live their heritage.

2. For Nature

Have you previously imagined Guatemala as one big coffee plantation? You’ll be surprised when you get there. It’s a country of incredible natural diversity. One example of that is Semuc Champey. It’s a beautiful collection of pools filled with turquoise water. To make it even better, they’re terraced atop natural limestone. And of course, there is the famous Lake Atitlan. Its volcano backdrop and lush rainforest make it one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala. Perhaps even more impressive is the Santa María Volcano. It probably is the ultimate place to go hiking in Guatemala. Never mind the spectacular views! You also can’t miss out on Los Siete Altares, also called the Seven Altars (except they’re not altars, they’re waterfalls). And if you want to see spectacular stars and some eerily blue water, go see Laguna de Lachuá.

3. For Food

Guatemala offers great and exotic food, from Chiles Rellenos or stuffed peppers to Elotes or roast corn. But where do we find these delicacies? What are the best places to visit in Guatemala for food? Well, it depends on what you’re after. Some might be after restaurant food that’s delicious but priced higher. For that try the popular destination of Antigua. If street food is what you’re after, Guatemala City is a great option. I have to admit, though, it’s a pretty chaotic city! For more authentic and possibly more exotic options, head to the markets of Chichicastenango. If you venture out even further you might find yourself in the Cuchumatán Mountains. Here you will find Mayan villages that offer truly authentic food. Do keep in mind that you might have to go with a program or tour to harder-to-reach destinations. There you go! Hopefully, this was a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit in Guatemala. If you want to compare the travel cost of Guatemala with other countries, check out this article.