5 of the best places to go in Guatemala

From the colonial-era architecture of Antigua to the bohemian villages of Atitlán, discover Guatemala’s top spots

1. Antigua

Cobbled streets lined with candy-coloured buildings, cosy restaurants backed by hidden courtyards and mystical, cloud-capped volcanoes all around – tucked into Guatemala’s Highlands, Antigua is charming to the core. Journey Latin America’s 22-day Central America Discovery includes two days in the city, with prices from £3,807.
journeylatinamerica.com

2. Lake Atitlán

Set amid the mountains, Lake Atitlán lures visitors with its quaint, sleepy villages, shimmering blue banks and the lively town of Panajachel. Exoticca includes two nights in Panajachel on its 11-day Antigua, Atitlan & Tikal’s Mayan Ruins tour, from £1,599.
exoticca.com

3. Rio Dulce

To see a totally different side to Guatemala, head to the country’s Caribbean coast. At the heart is Livingston, known for its vibrant, Afro-Indigenous Garifuna culture, and the Rio Dulce, a lush, palm-lined river that flows from the jungle into the Caribbean Sea. Rainbow Tours’ 13-night The Mayan World trip includes a boat cruise and a night in Livingston, from £5,195 including flights.
rainbowtours.co.uk

4. Tikal

For clients after a lesservisited but equally astounding alternative to the likes of Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, the Maya ruins of Tikal should be high on the list. Set within a vast, verdant rainforest, these towering temples are believed to have been inhabited from about 800 BC. G Adventures visits on its 12-day Mayan Encounter tour, from £937.
gadventures.com

5. Semuc Champey

Guatemala isn’t short on otherworldly landscapes, but among its most jaw-dropping is Semuc Champey, where natural, aqua-blue pools glow out from the middle of an enchanting, emerald forest.

Swimming, hiking and tubing through candle-lit caves are among the activities on offer.

Explore visits on its 15-day Guatemala – Land of the Maya tour, from £2,199.
explore.co.uk

PICTURES: Shutterstock/Fotos593, Salmonnegro-Stock, WitR, tolobalaguer.com