Welcome to The Guatemalan Highlands: The Top 3 Must-See Destinations
Situated in the southwestern part of the country, the Guatemalan Highlands encompass the region between the Petén lowlands and the Pacific Ocean. Known as the heart of the Mayan world, this geographical area is home to jaw-dropping natural beauty, geological history, and cultural significance.
A trip to Guatemala wouldn’t be complete without some time exploring the highlands.
Visitors appreciate the ease of travel in this area while also experiencing the area’s important culture and history. Traveling along the “Gringo Highway” from Guatemala City and on Highway 1, you’ll get to see the exceptional beauty of the country and appreciate the convenience of stopping at all the major destinations along the way.
Join us, in this Naturally Smart Travel blog post, as we explore the top 3 must-see destinations in the Guatemalan Highlands. We’ll touch upon the fascinating histories, cultural significance, and top attractions of these hand-selected locations.
The Top 3 Must-See Destinations in the Guatemalan Highlands
Yes, The Highlands are breathtaking. Yes, you’ll find some of the country’s most coveted tourist destinations here. Yes, it’s considered the heart of the Mayan world and boasts a rich cultural history. But that’s not all— this striking region is also home to active volcanos, shimmering lakes, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush valleys.
Join us as we travel to the shores of Volcanic lakes, through historic streets, and uncover authentic hidden gems. But before we dive in to our three not-to-miss destinations, let’s take a quick look at the cultural and geographical significance of the Highlands!
There’s so much interesting history here, we’ll only scratch the surface. We hope this article piques your interest, inspires your wanderlust, and motivates you to meet us for the adventure of a lifetime to the Guatemalan Highlands.
Mayan Cosmology & The Highlands
The Mayan civilization left behind remarkable architectural wonders such as the towering pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala, the majestic temples of Chichen Itza in Mexico, and the intricate carvings of Palenque in Mexico. These sacred sites served as cosmic centers, linking the earthly realms with the celestial spheres.
Mayan cosmology provides a captivating system of beliefs and rituals interconnecting the spiritual and natural realms. The Mayans believed that Earth consisted of thirteen heavenly layers that extended from above the back of a large monster reptile that floated on the ocean.
This story originates from the Popol Vuh which translates to “Book of the Community”. This sacred Mayan text was recorded in the 1550s, however, these tales and beliefs stretch back to 300 BCE. The Popol Vuh contains stories of human creation, the Mayan gods, and the K’iche people.
In the Mayan creation myth is the sea monster, Cipactil, who is a mixture of crocodile, frog, and fish. The gods kill Cipactil, free the universe, and create the land, the heavens, and the Earth from his body parts. His tail becomes the underworld, his head the thirteen heavens, and his spine the mountainous lands. While, his legs are transformed into the four rain gods. Through all of this, Cipactil remains alive. In his angered state, he demands blood sacrifices from the gods. This story led to the belief that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are created by the enraged Cipactil.
The Popol Vuh describes the sea monster’s spine as the mountainous Pacific region which is known today as the Guatemalan Highlands. When we turn the page on mythology and look toward science, we’ll find a different explantation for the geographical formation. Simply put, this land was formed as the result of millions of years of volcanic explosions and tectonic activity.
Geography & The Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands are part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, extending along the western side of the country. This Arc was formed by activity from two tectonic plates, the Caribbean Plate and the Cocos (the North American Plate).
The Cocos Plate is tucked underneath the Caribbean Plate; the activity between these plates is responsible for the area’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This is a highly active tectonic area that’s created a dramatic landscape.
Guatemala is home to active volcanoes, mountainous terrain, and lush valleys. Now that we’ve covered the historical and geographical significance of this region, let’s jump into the top 3 must-see destinations in the Highlands!
#1 Antigua
Let’s kick things off in beautiful, Antigua! This is a lovely introduction to Guatemala, captivating visitors from across the globe. Antigua is an ideal spot to experience the country’s rich cultural history, architectural heritage, and vibrant local communities.
The historic center of Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site and dates back to the 16th century. It’s a lovely place to stroll through city streets, admire the extraordinary architecture, get acquainted with the country, and try the tasty local cuisine.
Nestled between towering volcanoes and lush landscapes, Antigua is home to cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. Yes, the city is like a living museum with history around every turn but you’ll also find engaging activities like coffee plantation tours, cooking classes, chocolate-making workshops, and more!
Go for an exhilarating Volcano hike up the Volcán Pacaya or Acatenango. You can also learn about traditional crafts in artisan workshops and go shopping in the local markets.
Antigua also has a vibrant food scene! Indulge in traditional Guatemalan flavors, bite into the mouth-watering street food, discover tasty tacos, and savor homemade tamales. You’ll find everything from upscale restaurants to casual eateries.
Not To Miss:
The Arco de Santa Catalina - One of the city’s most recognized monuments.
La Merced - The Church and Convent of La Merced.
San Francisco - One of the most visited churches in the city.
Santa Clara - A two-story convent and one of the most stunning venues.
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Maxán - Woman-owned with Mesoamerican cuisine.
Por Qué No? Café - An 18-seat restaurant with friendly service and tasty food.
Cactus - Enjoy inventive tacos and cocktails at this female-owned eatery!
Nana - A thrift shop, deli, and brunch spot are all under one eclectic roof.
Franca - Italian-American favorites with al fresco dining.
Hector’s Bistro - A popular bistro with a tasty menu and an elegant atmosphere.
#2 Lake Atitlán
The second stop on our list is Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by towering volcanoes, this majestic lake is known as the "Jewel of the Highlands." It captivates visitors from around the world with its breathtaking beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant Mayan communities.
There are three towering volcanoes around the lake: Volcan San Pedro, Volcan Atitlán, and Volcan Toliman. The crystalline blue waters of Lake Atitlán span approximately 50 square miles and are fed by numerous rivers and streams. With a depth of up to 1,120 feet (340 meters), it’s one of the deepest lakes in Central America.
This picturesque landscape is home to Indigenous communities renowned for their intricate textile craftsmanship and vibrant traditional clothing. Lake Atitlan's origins are intertwined with Mayan mythology and history. It’s believed the lake was considered sacred by the ancient Mayans, who revered it as a gateway between the natural and spiritual realms.
This slice of Earthly paradise is one of Guatemala’s true gems. And, its spiritual ambiance attracts travelers in search of self-discovery and personal growth. The lake's serene environment and the wisdom of the indigenous communities offer an ideal setting for spiritual retreats, yoga, and meditation practices.
Check these out:
Granja Tzikin - Tzununá permaculture farm with guest houses.
CECAP - Amigos de Santa Cruz - A vocational school that teaches everything from carpentry and hospitality training to women’s empowerment and culinary skills. The school was built in response to the area’s growing tourism. It impacts and supports 7 communities with education from preschool through scholarship through universities. It’s also home to the best terrace in Lake Atitlán.
La Voz - San Juan LLA is a coffee cooperative that invests in community development and hosts coffee tours. Come tour, taste, and take home a bag of homegrown goodness!
Santiago Atitlán -This is a great location for bird watching. Go on a walking tour that includes the outdoor market and Mayan myth tour highlighting Maximon. Reach out to us for a list to hire a local guide!
San Antonio Palopó - This small town is perched on a mountainside and is known for its clay pottery and artisan highlights. A less touristy destination that’s perfect for a half-day excursion.
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Circus Bar - Located in Panajachel. This festive restaurant began in 1983 with German roots. The menu boasts Italian classics and there’s live local acoustic Spanish guitar.
Sabor Cruceño - Santa Cruz LL - Eat with stunning views on the best terrace on the Lake. This restaurant is run by graduates of CECAP and proceeds go to supporting the local community.
Konojel -- San Marcos - Part of a nonprofit, this restaurant employs women with the proceeds going towards community development. The food is freshly-prepared and delicious. Eat well and support an excellent organization.
Alma de Colores - San Juan - Delicious and fresh food is what you’ll find i in the eatery that’s centered around employing people living with disabilities. There’s an organic garden and a shop shelling handmade artisan crafts.
Hotel Posada - Santiago Atitlan - This ecohotel is tucked alongside the water. Enjoy spectacular views, an artisan shop, and an eclectic menu.
#3 Quetzaltenango
The 2nd largest city in Guatemala is Quetzaltenango, whose name comes from Guatemala’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. This beautiful bird is featured on the Guatemalan flag. It has a bright yellow bill, shimmery emerald feathers, red underparts, shaggy green plumage, and a tail feather that’s 2x the length of its body.
The male and female birds have different physical characteristics but these birds are monogamous breeders. The bird’s cultural significance dates back to the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations and was considered sacred to the Aztec and Mayan cultures. The bird’s feathers were worn by royalty and priests during ceremonies.
photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash
Revered a “god of the air” it was forbidden to kill a Quetzal but they were often trapped so the feathers could be collected and then released. The feathers were used as currency, and today, Guatemala’s national currency is: The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).
The city of Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is hilly and surrounded by beauty. It’s a less touristy destination that offers a more authentic experience of the country. Here, hardly anyone speaks English, so it’s a great place to perfect your Spanish skills while experiencing the country’s culture, language, and daily life. Xela is an ideal spot to study language, either on your own, or by taking an intensive Spanish course at one of the various language schools in the area.
And, if outdoor adventure is more your speed, you’ll find no shortage of that here! There are plenty of action-packed excursions in the area from camping and hiking to horseback riding.
Want to climb a volcano?! Take your pick! There’s The Santa Maria Volcano, the 4th highest volcano in the country, it’s large and active! Want to start on an inactive volcano? Spend the afternoon on Chicabal, this 7.6km loop trail takes about 3 1/2 hours and has a huge lake in its crater. When you’re ready to rest your traveling bones, head to Fuentes Georgina for a soak in natural hot springs.
Xela also has expansive local markets that are great for buying local artisan goods, trinkets, foods & regional produce. The two largest markets are La Democracia (La Demo, for short) and the Minerva Market. You can also check out the Central Market’s stores selling handmade crafts, and if you’re in Xela on the first Sunday of the month, Parque Central has a pop up with a range of vendors to bargain with. Happy shopping!
Besides Xela’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, artisan shopping, and authentic vibes, the city is a great hub for traveling to lesser-visited locations like Totonicapan, Huehuetenango, and San Marcos.
Thanks for Reading Our Guide to the Top 3 Must-See Destinations in the Guatemalan Highlands
We hope this guide sparks your curiosity and inspires you to start planning your travels to the Guatemalan Highlands.
As always, you’re welcome to join us on one of our curated ecotours! Naturally Smart Travel is a Guatemalan-based ecotour company specializing in group trips and private tours focused on culturally immersive travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices!
So, whether you’re in the mood to swim in glistening lake waters, learn about Spanish colonial architecture, hike volcanoes, or go on a gastronomic journey…let’s make it happen! It’s time! Come and be immersed in the wonders of The Highlands, its majestic volcanoes, and vibrant Mayan communities.
We hope to see you soon!
Resources:
Nair, Nitten. Mythlok, “Cipactil: The Insatiable Crocodile.” https://mythlok.com/cipactli/
Smithsonian National Museum of The American Indian, “ Creation Story of Maya.” https://maya.nmai.si.edu/the-maya/creation-story-maya
Sinasac, Jenn. Whitehawk, “National Bird of Guatemala: The Resplendent Quetzal.” https://www.whitehawkbirding.com/national-bird-of-guatemala/
