Best Things to Do in Guatemala
Guatemala packs an unusual amount of variety into a relatively small country: rainforest archaeology in the north, colonial architecture and volcanoes in the highlands, and a Caribbean coast in the east.
Tikal National Park remains the country's signature experience — a Maya city rising above the rainforest canopy, still home to howler monkeys and toucans. Nearby Yaxhá offers a quieter alternative with dramatic sunset views.
In the highlands, Antigua Guatemala's colonial streets sit beneath three volcanoes, two of which — Pacaya and Acatenango — can be hiked. Lake Atitlán, ringed by Maya villages, is best explored by private boat, while Chichicastenango's market is one of the most vivid in Central America.
Travelers with more time often continue east to Río Dulce and Livingston, where jungle waterways meet Guatemala's Caribbean coast and Garifuna culture.
How to Get to Tikal
Tikal National Park is located in the Petén region of northern Guatemala. Most travelers reach it through Flores, the closest town with an airport and accommodation options.
From Guatemala City, the most common route is a short domestic flight to Flores, followed by a private overland transfer of roughly an hour to Tikal.
Travelers based in Belize can also reach Tikal on a private day trip, crossing the border at Melchor de Mencos before continuing by road into the Petén region — see our Guatemala from Belize page for details.
However you arrive, an early departure is worth considering — the park is quieter and cooler in the morning hours.
Traveling from Belize to Guatemala
A growing number of travelers combine Belize and Guatemala into a single trip, most often to add Tikal National Park or a longer Guatemala extension to a Belize itinerary.
The main land crossing between the two countries is at Melchor de Mencos, connecting to Guatemala's Petén region. From there, Tikal, Flores and Yaxhá are all reachable by private vehicle.
Because border procedures, hours and requirements are set by Guatemalan and Belizean immigration authorities and can change, we recommend confirming current information before travel — our team shares the latest guidance at the time of booking.
Rose Adventure Tours coordinates the Guatemalan side of these journeys, including transportation and guiding, so travelers can focus on the experience.
Best Time to Visit Guatemala
Guatemala's climate is generally divided into a dry season (roughly November through April) and a wet season (roughly May through October), though this varies by region.
The highlands around Antigua and Lake Atitlán enjoy a mild climate year-round, often described locally as the "land of eternal spring." The lowland Petén region, home to Tikal, is warmer and more humid, with afternoon rain more likely during the wet season.
The dry season is generally the most popular time to visit for hiking-focused itineraries such as Acatenango and Pacaya, while the wet season brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds at major sites.
Guatemala Travel Guide: Trip-Planning Basics
Guatemala is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other Central American country, spanning ancient Maya cities, colonial architecture and natural landscapes.
The country is broadly divided into distinct travel regions: the Petén rainforest in the north (Tikal, Flores, Yaxhá), the central highlands (Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango), and the Caribbean coast in the east (Río Dulce, Livingston).
The local currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ); US dollars are accepted in many tourism-oriented businesses. Spanish is the official language, alongside more than twenty Maya languages spoken across different regions.
For a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel dates and interests, contact Rose Adventure Tours to start planning.
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