Guatemala City Travelers Recommend

There are plenty of things to do in Guatemala City, but it’s what is nearby that truly offers an opportunity to fall in love with the country. In fact, three days in the area is likely not enough time, especially when, there are so many magical places to learn more about the Guatemalan culture and experience traditional life.

However, there can definitely be a lot packed into three days in this area. So, get out your stop watch and get going!

Day One: Getting to Know the City Guatemala City itself has plenty to offer visitors. From diverse dining options to shopping to cultural attractions and clubs, a lot can be packed into a day in this large city. Start in Zona 1, the heart of the historic district, then venture further and hit up Zona 10 and the Popol Vuh Museum to check out pre-Columbian artifacts. No visit to the city is complete without visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Civic Center and Ixchel Museum.

Day Two: Day Trip to Copan Rise and shine! Start your day early and hop on the bus to Copan, Honduras to check out massive ancient ruins from the Mayans. It’s easy to spend days here, but hit up the major attractions in the area – the acropolis, ball court, tunnels, hieroglyphic staircase and plaza – to get the basic idea of the magnitude of these ruins. Then, hop back on the bus and head into Guatemala City for a late dinner and dancing. For a serious nightclub party, check out NYX in Zona 10.

Day Three: Lake Atitlan Exploration This is the deepest lake in Central America (and likely also the most beautiful). Surrounded by volcanoes, spend time here either on the shore or on the water. In the afternoon, head in to one of the local villages to learn more about Guatemalan culture, then head over to Chichicatenango. If visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, be sure to pay a visit to the popular market which sells handmade wares

The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) is an ancient Aztec cultural tradition practiced throughout Central America. Despite the name, it’s a joyful celebration—a time to remember and pay tribute to deceased ancestors, friends, and family. Here’s what to know about Guatemala’s Day of the Dead.

When to Go

Guatemala’s main Day of the Dead celebrations are held on Nov. 1 and 2, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Preparations often begin months in advance, and if you’re visiting Guatemala in the weeks before the festival, you might see local families and children crafting colorful kites, making sugar skulls, and decorating gravestones with traditional offerings.

Where to Go

The Day of the Dead festival is celebrated all around Guatemala, but the most spectacular events are held in the highland villages of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, about a 30-minute drive from Guatemala City.

Ways to Celebrate

Head to Santiago Sacatepéquez or Sumpango to see the giant kite festival, Guatemala’s most spectacular Day of the Dead celebration. Locals launch giant kites (some as tall as a 5-story building) into the skies. The kites are believed to keep away evil spirits and provide a method of communicating with the dead. The vibrant kites are handcrafted using delicate tissue paper and traditional papel picado techniques, with messages are attached to the tail of each kite. Other traditions include cleaning and decorating family grave sites and feasting on traditional foods such as pan de muerto.