Guatemalan Highlands Travel Guide

Discover the culturally and naturally rich Guatemalan Highlands with our comprehensive tour guide. Learn about the must-visit places, top activities, best hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Guatemalan Highlands

The Guatemalan Highlands, located in the central highlands of Guatemala, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience both the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of this Central American country. Spanning over 30,000 square miles, this region boasts a diverse range of attractions, from ancient ruins and museums to outdoor adventures and scenic views. In this travel guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Guatemalan Highlands.

List of Places to Visit in Guatemalan Highlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tikal Mayan Ruins: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient Mayan structures in the world.

  • Chichicastenango Market: This bustling market is a must-visit for those interested in the traditional textiles and handicrafts of Guatemala.

  • Casa Santo Domingo Museum: This museum is located in the former convent of Santo Domingo and showcases Guatemala’s colonial history, including an extensive collection of religious art.

Natural Attractions of Guatemalan Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Atitlan: Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, visit Lake Atitlan to enjoy stunning views and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and paragliding.

  • Pacaya Volcano: Take a guided tour to hike up this active volcano and witness lava flows, ash clouds, and steam vents.

  • Semuc Champey: This natural wonder features a series of turquoise pools connected by small waterfalls, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guatemalan Highlands

The Guatemalan Highlands offer a variety of scenic hiking and biking routes, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some popular options include:

  • Acatenango Volcano Hike: This challenging hike takes you up to the summit of Acatenango, offering stunning views of the neighboring Fuego Volcano.

  • Nebaj to Todos Santos Cuchumatán: This multi-day trek allows you to experience the beauty of the highland villages and the traditional Mayan culture of the region.

  • Mountain Biking in Lake Atitlan: This route takes you through several villages and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

Best Things to Do in Guatemalan Highlands: Activities and Tours

  • Traditional Weaving Workshops: Learn about the ancient art of weaving from local artisans and make your own souvenir.

  • Coffee Tours: The Guatemalan Highlands are known for producing some of the best coffee in the world. Take a tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the process and sample some delicious coffee.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the beauty of the Guatemalan Highlands from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guatemalan Highlands

Day 1: Visit Tikal Mayan Ruins Day 2: Explore the colorful Chichicastenango Market Day 3: Hike to the top of Acatenango Volcano Day 4: Take a coffee tour in Antigua Day 5: Go paragliding in Lake Atitlan Day 6: Relax at Semuc Champey Day 7: Hot air balloon ride over the Guatemalan Highlands

Food and Drink Scene of Guatemalan Highlands

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepian: This traditional stew made with chicken, vegetables, and spices is a staple of Guatemalan cuisine.

  • Tamales: These corn pockets filled with meat and vegetables are a popular street food in Guatemala.

  • Rellenitos: A sweet treat made with mashed plantains, stuffed with black beans, and fried.

Local Beverages

  • Cafe de Guatemala: The coffee grown in the Guatemalan Highlands is known for its unique flavor profile and is a must-try for coffee lovers.

  • Atol de Elote: This sweet corn drink mixed with cinnamon and sugar is a popular Guatemalan breakfast beverage.

  • Quetzalteca: This locally produced sugarcane liquor is a popular drink among locals.

Where to Stay in Guatemalan Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Guatemalan Highlands have a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some popular options include:

  • Posada de Don Rodrigo: Located in Antigua, this colonial-style hotel offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the city.

  • Hotel Casa Palopó: This luxury hotel in Lake Atitlan offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

  • Hostel El Portal: This budget-friendly hostel in Quetzaltenango offers dormitory and private rooms and is a great option for backpackers.

What to Buy in Guatemalan Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handwoven Textiles: Guatemala is known for its traditional textile art, and there are many markets and shops where you can buy beautiful handwoven fabrics and clothing.

  • Jade Jewelry: Guatemala is also known for its high-quality jade, and there are many jewelry shops where you can buy beautiful jade pieces.

  • Local Coffee: Bring home some of the world-famous Guatemalan coffee to enjoy at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Guatemalan Highlands

The Guatemalan Highlands are rich in Mayan culture and traditions, and it is important to be respectful of these customs while visiting. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites.

  • Respect the privacy of the local people and ask for permission before taking photographs.

  • Be aware of bargaining customs when shopping in local markets.

Best Time to Visit Guatemalan Highlands

The best time to visit the Guatemalan Highlands is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guatemalan Highlands

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to facilitate communication with locals.

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas.

  • Wander around alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

  • Carry large amounts of cash or valuable items.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guatemalan Highlands

While the Guatemalan Highlands are generally safe for tourists, there are some areas that should be avoided due to the risk of robbery and violence. Stick to well-traveled and tourist-friendly areas, and avoid traveling alone at night.

Health in Guatemalan Highlands

Altitude sickness can be a concern in the Guatemalan Highlands, especially for those who are not used to high elevations. Be sure to drink plenty of water, take it easy for the first few days, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if necessary. It is also important to practice good hygiene and drink only bottled or purified water.

Getting to Guatemalan Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Guatemalan Highlands

The La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is the main airport for the region. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the regional airports in Quetzaltenango or Flores.

Bus Stations Near Guatemalan Highlands

There are several bus stations in Guatemala City, from which you can take a bus to the Guatemalan Highlands. Some popular options include the Alamo and Litegua bus stations.

Other Options

Private shuttle services are also available from Guatemala City to the Guatemalan Highlands, as well as car rentals.

How to Get Around in Guatemalan Highlands

There are several transportation options for getting around in the Guatemalan Highlands, including buses, taxis, and private shuttle services. It is important to negotiate prices upfront and to be aware of the risk of robbery when using public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Guatemalan Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Antigua: This charming colonial city is only a few hours away from the Guatemalan Highlands and is known for its well-preserved architecture, nightlife, and amazing dining scene.

  • Flores: Located near the Tikal Mayan Ruins, Flores is a picturesque island town that offers a unique blend of Mayan and Spanish colonial cultures.

  • Volcano Pacaya: If you enjoyed hiking Acatenango Volcano, consider adding Volcano Pacaya to your list of excursions. This active volcano is a popular day trip destination.

Conclusion

The Guatemalan Highlands offer a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a diverse range of experiences. With this comprehensive tour guide, you are now equipped with everything you need to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this extraordinary region.