Tom Pyman

Guatemala Travel Expert

Despite deep cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and an adventurous appetite, Guatemala remains a relative secret to the outside world. So, whether camping beneath the stars in remote Mayan temples, paddling in isolation across Lake Atitlan or sharing a cup of freshly-brewed coffee with the locals, a tailormade vacation in Guatemala offers unique insight into a destination few others know anything about.

Tom Pyman

Guatemala Travel Expert

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Guatemala Highlights

One of Central America’s more diverse, less discovered countries, Guatemala is a captivating, cultural hot spot for any traveler who wishes to venture off-the-beaten track. Thanks to the ancient Mayan people, Guatemala plays host to numerous age-old, sacred temples and iconic, Mesoamerican step-pyramids, which offer a unique and riveting insight into the lives of yesteryear.

More about Guatemala

MORE ABOUT GUATEMALA

Like Colombia, its bigger and beefier neighbor, Guatemala is an area only gently experiencing the first serious pangs of travel. It is unknown but warm; boutique rather than bossy; easy to get around and perfect for a short luxury break. Without chain hotels and a landscape that includes stately volcanoes, beautiful lake Atitlan, charming colonial towns with cobbled streets, and the massive Tikal National Park – with its adventure-goading ancient ruins-, it’s a true feast for the senses. So eat up.

Private tours in Guatemala

INDIANA JONES WOULD BE JEALOUS

A private tour around Guatemala is an ideal way to experience a country that hasn’t been hollowed-out by chains and mass tourism. Experiencing the jungle ruins of Tikal – stepping through warm-moist hanging vines, and glimpsing ancient grey-green stone emerging from between the trees – is a truly heart-stopping moment, fit for any Indiana Jones film. Except the new one. We’re not fans.

Guatemala's best hotels

BOUNTIFUL BOUTIQUES

Unfiltered and boutique is the way that Guatemala does its hotels; passing up chain hotels for small boutiques that still uphold levels of luxury service that you’d expect anywhere else in the world. Whether you stay among the cobbled streets and brightly colored colonial buildings, smothered in jacaranda and filled with the scent of cooking, in Antigua, or at a relaxing resort at the edge of the shockingly blue Lake Atitlan, the options quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

Honeymoons in Guatemala

A MAYAN HONEYMOON

From ancient Mayan ruins and glassy lakes to deep, misty jungles and bustling, cultured cities and towns, Guatemala makes for a seriously enriching and alternative luxury honeymoon. Go your own way and avoid the crowds and the queues. Glamp among the ruins at Tikal, before star-gazing over a romantically different candle-lit dinner.

Guatemala Highlights

One of Central America’s more diverse, less discovered countries, Guatemala is a captivating, cultural hot spot for any traveler who wishes to venture off-the-beaten track. Thanks to the ancient Mayan people, Guatemala plays host to numerous age-old, sacred temples and iconic, Mesoamerican step-pyramids, which offer a unique and riveting insight into the lives of yesteryear.

Where to stay in Guatemala

WHERE TO STAY

The mysteries of Guatemala’s Mayan past don’t mean that the country is tethered to its past. Modern facilities, eco-glamping, world-class service, and unforgettably fine-dining await you at the country’s luxury hotels and resorts. Just don’t expect chains (this is why we love it).

Stay in the city of Antigua

IN THE CITY

Antigua was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979. Because of its baroque-influenced and pastel-shaded architecture and 16th century churches, it is a sumptuous place of joy and spectacle. Framed by a great, blue mountain, enjoy the city from the comfort of the El Convento; a luxury hotel which marries Guatemalan charm with contemporary chic, right at the heart of the city.

Stay on the lakes in Guatemala

ON THE LAKE

Located in the Guatemalan highlands, on the shore of Lake Atitlan, Casa Palopo is a luxury boutique which offers home-away-from-home comforts among near unbelievably amazing views across this incredible region. It’s the ideal base from which to explore Mayan ruins, deep jungle, and warm, clear waters.

Stay in the jungle of Guatemala

IN THE JUNGLE

Within 300 acres of private reserve, Las Lagunas looks out over the shimmering waters of its own lagoon. Its luxury rooms and facilities offer the perfect ‘after’ for your trekking, kayaking, birding, and ATV adventures around the surrounding area. Which is beautiful, we should add; and within jumping distance of the wonders of Tikal.

  • Population Population 15,470,000
  • Capital Capital Guatemala City
  • Currency Currency Quetzal
  • Language Language Spanish
  • Time difference Time difference GMT - 7 | ET - 2
  • Expert Tip Expert Tip

    "Spend a few days exploring Lake Atitlan, with it's towering volcanic peaks and peaceful lakeside communities.

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