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Things to Do in Guatemala

Choose from 44 Fun Things to Do in Guatemala

Uaxactún

Uaxatún (wa-sha-TOON) is best known as the most accurate observatory in the Mayan world. The city was founded centuries before Tikal, and may well be the birthplace of the Mayan calendar and writing system; the oldest known arch in the Mayan world is also here. It was conquered by Tikal in 378AD, but probably become a learning center for elites from the capital, rather than a vassal state.

Today, its pyramids and plazas are interspersed with the tiny houses of a modern village (also called Uaxatún), once dedicated to the gathering of chicle. Tourism is now a small but growing business.

The city's original Mayan name, Siaan K'aan, or "Born in Heaven" reflects the city's astronomical obsession. Solstices are marked by temple pyramids, which form part of the oldest known Mayan calendar. While crowds come to see these impressive alignments, you may have the site to yourself other times of year.

Practical Info

Uaxactún is located 87km (54 miles) from Flores, 23km (14 miles) north of Tikal. It can only be reached in 4WD vehicles or public buses. In rainy season, the road may be impassable.

Buses leave the Santa Elena market in Flores in the afternoon, returning very early the following morning. Since you need to obtain permits and pay fees at Tikal, independent travelers usually spend the first day at Tikal, catch the afternoon bus to Uaxactún, then spend two nights in the village, with a full day at the ruins.

Uaxactún, Guatemala

From $ 80

San Antonio

This authentic Mayan town is located on the shores of picturesque Lake Atitlan in Guatemala's Western Highlands. Visitors in search of old world Guatemala will find plenty to explore amid the streets of this quiet village that is a far cry from touristy, and instead offers a true slice of the local daily life.

Known for its handmade pottery and brightly colored traditional dresses, travelers can loop through the steep, uneven streets of San Antonio and visit the iconic church of Saint Anthony of Padua. In addition to its stunning colonial architecture and beautifully white-draped interior, the hilltop offers breathtaking views of the lake and town.

Practical Info

San Antonio is accessible only by boat and travelers must cross Lake Atitlan on a local water taxi. Be sure to pick up some of the hand-woven textiles available from local vendors that line the San Antonio streets.

San Antonio, Guatemala

From $ 60

Petencito Zoo

The Petencito Zoo, located on two small islands just east of Flores, offers visitors the chance to encounter local wildlife such as ocelots, pumas, jaguars, spider monkeys, lizards, and crocodiles.

A suspension bridge connects the two islands. Colorful native birds such as the scarlet macaw and toucan can also be spotted here. The zoo maintains various forested trails to walk through as you look for the animals, and several local trees and shrubs can be seen throughout.

Signs in Spanish, English, and Mayan identify the different species. A visit to the zoo grants the opportunity to see the local wildlife from a much closer perspective. Expansive views of the surrounding lake add to the scenery and experience. One trail leads up to a treehouse outlook of the water and surrounding jungle. There are concrete water slides that lead into the lake, though some advise against their use.

Practical Info

The Petencito Zoo can be reached via cayuco (small motorized boat) hired from Flores. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is 40 Guatemalan Quetzel. Camping is permitted.

Lake Peten Itza, Santa Elena, Flores, Guatemala

Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Admission: 40 Guatemalan Quetzel

From $ 120

Passion River (Rio La Pasión)

The Rio La Pasión and its tributaries cover nearly 2,000 square miles in Guatemala, forming a diverse ecological zone and a main transportation source. Many visitors to Guatemala use the river to access the many Mayan archeological sites alongside it.

Arising in the Sierra de Santa Cruz, the river flows through the western part of the region of Peten. The waters, along with heavy rainfall, created several dense swamp and jungle habitats home to animals such as crocodiles, iguana, howler monkeys, and several hundred endemic species of birds and fish. There are also many indigenous medicinal plants. Dozens of small villages are built alongside the riverbanks, where many local farmers and fisherman live.

The river traces the ancient trading route used by the Mayans. Maya ceremonial and urban centers located within the region include Dos Pilas, Aguateca, Ceibal, Tamarindito, Altar de Sacrificios, and Machaquila.

Practical Info

Several ferries offer transportation across the Passion River. Most visitors access the river via the town of Sayaxche, which is located between Flores and Cobán. There are frequent bus routes between the two that stop at Sayaxche.

Guatemala

From $ 100