Guatemala travel tips Archives

Santiaguito Volcano erupting beneath Santa María Volcano as seen from Reserva Patrocinio in Guatemala

Reserva Patrocinio: A Beautiful Nature Lodge Beneath Santa María and Santiaguito Volcanos

Some places are beautiful, and some places make you stop in your tracks. During our two nights at Reserva Patrocinio, I walked through the forest at dawn with tears in my eyes, watched Santiaguito erupt beneath Santa María, searched for frogs and armadillos after dark, and ate breakfast surrounded by birds with volcanoes rising beyond the trees. It was one of the most magical nature stays I have experienced in Guatemala.

Tips for visiting Chuitinamit Mayan Site in Atitlan

Guide to Chuitinamit in Santiago Atitlán: Ancient Tz’utujil Maya Site

Chuitinamit, also known as Chiya’, is a little-visited Tz’utujil Maya archaeological site across the bay from Santiago Atitlán. Reached only by boat and a 45-minute hike, it combines ancient stone carvings, archaeological remains and some of the most striking views on Lake Atitlán.

Guest standing on a flower-filled balcony at Hotel Casa Realeza in Antigua Guatemala during sunset.

Hotel Casa Realeza Antigua Guatemala Review: Stay by La Merced

Casa Realeza Antigua Guatemala is a beautiful colonial boutique hotel in the heart of Antigua’s historic center, directly across from the iconic yellow-and-white La Merced Church and just a short walk from the Santa Catalina Arch, Parque Central, restaurants, cafés, and many of the city’s most famous landmarks. I stayed here with my two kids, … Read more

Restaurant terrace and pool at Hotel Atitlán during sunset with volcano views across Lake Atitlán

Best Restaurants in Panajachel: Where to Eat in Pana

Panajachel has more restaurants than any other town at Lake Atitlán, and plenty coast on location. These are the Pana restaurants I would send friends and family to, from breakfast and Guatemalan food to lake-view dinners, coffee, and street food.

Kinnik restaurant on the lakeshore at Lake Atitlán with yellow tables, umbrellas, and volcano views

Best Restaurants in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala: Where to Eat Around the Lake

Eating well at Lake Atitlán takes more planning than it looks. These are the restaurants I actually recommend around the lake, from local kitchens and longtime favorites to meals worth crossing the water for.

Caramel flan topped with edible flowers at 27 Adentro in Antigua Guatemala, with Volcán de Agua in the background.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala From A Local

Looking for gluten-free restaurants in Antigua Guatemala? Here’s where to eat safely, from clearly labeled GF menus to the traditional dishes worth asking about, plus pizza, pasta, pancakes, hotels, and bakeries.

Where to Eat Tamales in Guatemala

Discover where to eat the best tamales in Guatemala, from tamales colorados in Guatemala City and Antigua to paches in Xela and tamalitos in Cobán and Lake Atitlán. This local guide includes trusted restaurants, markets, regional specialties, and tips for ordering.

Best Antigua Guatemala Wedding Venues: Ruins to Hotels

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places and services I have personally used or vetted. Antigua Guatemala wedding venues split into two categories that could not be more different … Read more

Hiker standing on a cliff overlooking Lake Atitlán during the Mayan Nose sunrise hike

2 Week Guatemala Itinerary: A Local’s 14-Day Route Beyond the Usual Stops

This 2 week Guatemala itinerary is for travelers who want to see Guatemala with enough time to actually enjoy it, not just rush from Antigua to Lake Atitlán to Tikal and call it done. In this article I’m sharing the exact 14-day route I would recommend to a friend who wants volcano views, Maya culture, … Read more

Fuego volcano erupting with glowing lava at night as seen from Acatenango base camp

Acatenango Hike: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go From A Local

The Acatenango hike is the volcano experience almost every visitor to Guatemala asks me about, usually right after seeing a video of Fuego erupting in the dark and wondering if that could actually be them standing there. It can be. But the real hike is harder, colder, dustier, muddier, and more complicated than most short … Read more

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