Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations in Guatemala

The thing is, when it comes to traveling, we all want to plan ahead so nothing unexpected messes up our plans. That’s why doing a little research before you go is definitely the smartest move.

Getting around in a private car is always the best way to go

Not long ago, I went to pick up a tourist from the U.S. in Jalapa. Now, don’t get me wrong—Jalapa is a beautiful part of Guatemala, but it’s definitely not the most touristy spot. When I met Dustin (I’ll keep his last name private), I asked him how his trip had been so far. On our way to the airport, after spending two full weeks in Jalapa, he opened up and told me it had been pretty rough. Since no one around spoke English, even something as simple as ordering food turned into a challenge. Hearing Dustin’s story really struck me, and that’s what inspired me to sit down and write this as my very first blog post.

Guatemala is full of amazing places, but the ones travelers from all over the world choose the most are: Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán (often Panajachel), and El Paredón Beach. These three destinations are also the ones we visit most often with our clients—who usually end up becoming friends along the way.

If the destinations you had in mind aren’t on this list, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean they’re bad places. It just means they usually get fewer tourists, might take longer to reach by road, or require a bit more effort and curiosity to explore. So stick around and let me, as a local, share why travelers keep choosing these spots as the most visited—and why they’re absolutely right.

Antigua Guatemala is a beautiful destination. Its architecture has been preserved since the Spanish colonial days, and by law, buildings must look just as they did back in 1543. Be sure to bring comfortable sneakers, because the streets are cobblestoned—

Private transportation to Antigua with us for as low as $60 per seat when booking for 2 or more passengers

they were originally designed for horse carts. Looming over the city, the impressive Agua Volcano can be seen from just about anywhere. And of course, the food, bars, and attractions are all a lot of fun. Getting to Antigua from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City usually takes around 45 minutes without traffic, but it can stretch to 2 or even 3 hours if the roads are busy. That’s why your arrival time really matters—try to avoid landing during rush hour, or feel free to check with us (at no cost) for advice on your flight schedule.

Private transportation Panajachel with us for as low as $95 per seat when booking for 2 or more passengers

Lake Atitlán is absolutely stunning—and huge. Around it, you’ll find 12 different towns to explore (and honestly, even as a local I still haven’t visited them all). Three different Mayan languages are spoken in the area, along with Spanish and English. The best way to get around the lake is by boat—either public boats or private ones. To actually get there, it’s always easiest to first arrive in Panajachel and then take a boat to whichever town you want to visit. Just make sure to travel between 6am and 6pm, because after that the winds can get strong enough to flip the boats. Getting to Panajachel takes about 2.5 hours if you don’t get stuck in city traffic, or if you’re coming straight from Antigua Guatemala.

El Paredón Beach has really grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the creation of the new Sipacate municipality. This move brought better access to the area

Private transportation to El Paredon with us for as low as $90 per seat when booking for 2 or more passengers

and helped turn it into one of the most visited beaches for both locals and international travelers. Unlike other beaches like Monterrico—where the afternoon winds make the waves crash hard and pull you around—El Paredón has steady, consistent winds that create perfect waves for surfing. On top of that, the area offers plenty of places to stay, from budget-friendly hostels to hotels and Airbnbs, so you can easily find something that fits your style and budget. Getting to El Paredón takes about 2.5 hours if you manage to avoid city traffic or if you’re heading out from Antigua Guatemala.

As you can see, it’s always best to take advice from a local—it lets you get to know Guatemala before you even arrive. That’s why we want to be part of your journey and support you, even from the moment you’re deciding your flight arrival time.

If your trip is only a few days, don’t worry—we also offer something we call ‘Day Trip’ In just one day, we can pick you up from the airport, take you to Antigua Guatemala and wait while you explore as long as you’d like, then drive you to Panajachel so you can wrap up your day with an ice-cold Gallo beer by the lakeshore at your hotel or Airbnb. And here’s a little bonus: if you mention that you read this blog, we’ll include a stop at the Mayan ruins of Iximché, so you can enjoy this destination at no extra cost.

I hope this info was helpful. Drop your questions about other destinations in the comments, and stay tuned for our upcoming blogs. Remember—you can always reach out to us on WhatsApp with any questions, free of charge and with no obligation to book our services. Feel free to send us a message on WhatsApp and check out our website at www.mymayantrip.com —we’d love to help you plan your trip.

See you in the next post, and happy travels!

Jorge.