Holiday In Guatemala
You’ve always wanted to live out a Harrison Ford movie plot, and now is your chance. Practice your dramatic pauses and book an exciting Guatemala holiday.
Trekking around ancient pyramids, meandering through misty jungles and navigating crowded outdoor markets in a foreign land are within your grasp! If you learn how to say “Throw me the idol I’ll throw you the whip!” with the appropriate levels of angst and gusto…you just might give Mr. Ford a run for his money. But your trip to Guatemala isn’t just about outdoor exploration. You can also use the money you save booking packages to Guatemala to grab a seat on an iconic chicken bus (it’s a real thing) or buy an epic cup of coffee. Believe us, folks in this part of the world know how to brew a bean like it’s going out of style.
Things to Do in Guatemala
Start your tour of Guatemala in the city of Antigua. Simply put, this city is a bad-arse. Despite facing devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and being stripped of its title as capital, the resilient destination still thrives. Tour the Catedral de Santiago, hike a local volcano (there are three to choose from, you lucky dog) and practise your Spanish by chatting up a shoe shiner in the Parque Central. Some folks plan their entire holiday in Guatemala around the Chichicastenagno Market. So yes, it’s kind of a big deal. The massive market opens on Thursdays and Sundays, where native residents sell everything from flowers to livestock. You’ll find it—where else—in a town called Santo Tomás Chichicastenango.
Sorting out which historical sites to visit in Guatemala is a bit like choosing the best brick of brie in Paris. There’s just too many! If you let your head spin, it will, so start with the major ruins and then go where your heart (or experienced tour guide) leads. A good place to begin is Tikal National Park, which is home the largest excavated site of Mayan ruins. Follow your compass to the northeast corner of the country, where the isolated Yaxhá temples are begging you to live out your Indiana Jones fantasies.
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Chichicastenagno isn’t the only game in town when it comes to Guatemalan shopping. Nim Po’t in Antigua is a huge indoor Mayan retailer, while Joyería del Angel is the spot to go if you want to buy your special someone some new bling.
Leave your picky eating habits at home when you head to Central America it would be a crime to leave Guatemala without savouring the potent flavours on the menu. Order some stuffed peppers (chiles rellenos) and a fiambre chef salad, and finish your meal with some fried buñuelos.
From cosy whiskey dens to Shakespearean pubs, your holiday to Guatemala offers up plenty of places to drink and mingle. Put your coffee drinking to bed and order up a fine wine or cool glass of beer, then ask the locals about hidden spots in their city.
What’s Next?
Book one of the cheap Guatemala packages on lastminute.co.nz, and you’re off to explore the highlands in no time. If you don’t want to rely on public transit, book one of our Guatemala car hire deals and grab a map!
Top hotels for your Guatemala holiday
Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo
Reviewed on 12 Dec. 2024
Barceló Guatemala City
Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2024
Wyndham Garden Guatemala City
Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024
Popular places to visit
Tikal National Park
Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Tikal National Park, a popular green space in Flores. Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area.
Tikal
You can learn about the history of Flores with a stop at Tikal. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunrises.
Quetzaltenango Central Park
Explore the great outdoors at Quetzaltenango Central Park, a lovely green space in Quetzaltenango. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and shops.
Book your Guatemala holiday package
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.co.nz from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.