Why Guatemala is a Must-Visit Destination in 2025

Guatemala has easily claimed our recommendation as a top travel destination for 2025 (and the National Geographic agrees). Let us tell you why!

Nestled just below the southern tip of Mexico, Guatemala is home to a vibrant melting pot of Mayan culture and Spanish influence. Known for its colorful textiles, delicious coffee and cacao, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no surprise the country has seen a recent uptick in interest from travelers across the globe. With temperate weather and relatively low prices compared with other hotspots within the region, Guatemala has easily claimed our recommendation as a top travel destination for 2025. 

History Comes Alive on Antigua’s Cobblestone Streets

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, we recommend heading for Antigua - roughly a ~1.5 hour journey - with options from private transfers (including Uber) ranging from $35-50, shared shuttles from $15-20, or public transportation (chicken buses) for around $2. You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when the paved roads turn to colonial cobblestone streets, boasting some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas. Plan to spend at least 3 nights to explore the highlights, and at least a week if you’re planning to include the famous volcano hikes like Acatenango and Fuego in your itinerary. There are ample free guided walking tours to help get you acquainted with the picturesque city, which also offer the opportunity to slowly acclimate to any altitude sickness or jet lag you may encounter, depending on where you’re visiting from. You’ll quickly notice that each block is home to a cafe (or three!) which make for excellent people watching after finishing up your walking tour. 

Soak in Scenic Views and Volcano Hikes

If you’re short on time and still want to take in the gorgeous scenery from a couple of top vantage points, the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint of the city is a short ~25 minute walk from the downtown area, and the Pacaya Volcano hike takes about 2.5 hours, making it a much more accessible alternative to the overnight hikes like Acatenango and Fuego. Note that while Pacaya doesn’t necessarily require proper hiking boots the way that the larger treks do, you’ll still want to opt for tennis shoes (avoiding Chacos or Tevas) given the sharp and uneven terrain of lava rock along the way. 

Dive into Local Life and Learn Spanish

If you have the luxury of time during your visit to Antigua and are keen to brush up on your Spanish skills, there are several Spanish schools with flexible classes for all levels, starting as low as $70 per week. For a truly immersive experience, many schools offer the option to stay with a local family (room and board around ~$100/week). Since classes are typically offered in 4 hour blocks per day, you’ll find yourself with ample time to explore the city and put your new Spanish skills to the test in real life! 

Uncover the Roots of Guatemalan Coffee

Given our passion for a good cup of coffee, it’s no surprise that one of our favorite activities in Antigua is a coffee farm tour. Many local farmers belong to a co-op (we recommend De La Gente) which allows them to gain access to higher end equipment shared amongst the community, without having to purchase these expensive items themselves. Co-ops like DLG can pair you with a local family who will bring you to their family’s farm and invite you into their home to show you the traditional way beans are harvested, roasted, ground, and brewed. For the aspiring chefs looking to learn the traditional way to make Pepian, the local dish of Guatemala, DLG also offers excellent cooking classes where you can learn the secrets of the experts, directly from their home kitchens. The families are accustomed to accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets. 

Dance to the Rhythms of Antigua

Finally, to round out your cultural learning experience in Antigua, there are free salsa classes offered nearly every night of the week at the famous Las Palmas restaurant in the heart of the city. These one-hour lessons start with the basic steps at an approachable pace before matching you with a partner to test out your new skills!

Unwind at Lake Atitlán

After a few days in Antigua, we recommend heading to the lake to experience an even more relaxed pace of life in Atitlán. Similar to the transportation options from Guatemala City to Antigua, you can travel to the lake via private transfer or Uber ($80-100), a shared shuttle service ($15-25), or by chicken bus ($5-10 - note that this option will involve at least one transfer, and is only recommended if you’re confident in your Spanish skills).

Live Lakeside in Panajachel

Panajachel is the largest city along the lake, and will be your gateway to the rest of the nearby towns. Each town is known to offer it’s own unique vibe - San Pedro is popular with backpackers and known for it’s nightlife, San Marcos is the unofficial “hippie village” home to many yoga studios and expats from around the world, San Juan is famous for its art and beautiful textiles, etc. For your first visit, we recommend staying in Panajachel, as this will give you the greatest access to the lanchas (public boats) that connect with all the towns across the lake. Pana is also the most developed city in the area, offering more restaurants, cafes, shopping, and accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for your first Guatemalan adventure.

Explore Atitlán’s Wild Side

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the many hiking trails, waterfalls, and nature reserves around the lake. One of the most popular hikes is El Rostro Maya, offering routes from ~2.5-5 hours to reach a breathtaking view of the lake. Most hikers opt to start their trek at 3am, taking the shorter route to reach the summit just in time for sunrise. Nature reserves in both Panajachel and San Marcos offer up close encounters with wildlife, lush vegetation, and activities like ziplining (Pana) or cliff jumping (San Marcos). 

2025 Awaits: Journey to the Heart of Guatemala

With it’s natural wonders, emphasis on authentic cultural connections, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Guatemala is quickly emerging as the next big hotspot for backpackers and digital nomads alike - and we’d love to share the experience with you! Registration for our March 2025 Antigua & Atitlán trip is officially open - secure your spot today, or reach out to learn more!