Everything You Need to See in Guatemala from Jungle to Volcano

Guatemala is one of the most adventurous, interesting, and beautiful countries in Central America. It is a country with a complex, deep, and sometimes dark history, but also one filled with incredible landscapes, rich culture, and some of the most loving and beautiful people I have ever met.

But the big question is always, where do you go?

Where to Go in Guatemala: A Route That Covers It All

If Guatemala has been on your list and you are not sure where to start, I have got you. I spent almost five weeks traveling through the country, making my way from the northeast all the way down to the southwest. And honestly, every corner of Guatemala has something to offer.

Every city, every town, every lake, every mountain, every volcano. It is diverse, it is packed, and it is full of life changing experiences that so many people should experience.

One of the things I appreciated most about Guatemala is how different everything feels depending on where you are. The activities, the vibes, the atmosphere, it all shifts as you move through the country.

It makes traveling here feel really unique because you are constantly experiencing something new. So I am going to walk you through the exact route I took, what I did in each place, and what I would recommend if you are planning your own trip.

Flores & Tikal: Jungle Ruins and Island Charm

One of the many temples in Tikal. 

I started in the northeast in Flores, coming in from Belize, and this is honestly a really great way to enter Guatemala.

Flores is a small island city with colorful buildings, surrounded by water, and it has a really relaxed charm to it. It was actually the last place in Guatemala to be conquered by the Spanish, which gives it a bit of a unique historical feel even though it is small.

There is not a ton to do on the island itself, but it is a really nice place to walk around, grab food, and ease into the country.

Where Flores really shines is as a base for visiting Tikal.

Walking Through Tikal: Ruins, Wildlife, and Pure Wonder

Tikal is absolutely amazing. It is a hidden ancient city deep in the jungle, and walking through it feels surreal. You are surrounded by massive ruins, wildlife, and thick jungle in every direction. It really does not feel real at times.

Learning about it from the local guides makes it even more impactful because you get a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site.

It is one of the most impressive places I visited in the entire region.

I spent three nights in Flores and did one full day trip to Tikal, and for me that felt like the perfect amount of time before continuing on into the rest of the country.

Lanquín: Slow Down and Breathe in the Jungle

Next on my list was Lanquín, and this place is quite literally in the middle of nowhere Guatemala. It is a very small jungle town located along a river, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, and it feels completely removed from everything.

It is peaceful, quiet, and a really nice reset in the middle of traveling.