Explore Guatemala’s destinations organized by department. Each of Guatemala’s departments is unique and has its own charm. Find your next trip, whether that’s swimming in a tiny lagoon in the center of a national park in Alta Verapaz or riding motorcycles around Guatemala’s most famous caldera lake in Sololá.

Table of Contents
Alta Verapaz
Chimaltenango
Escuintla
Guatemala
Huehuetenango
Izabal
Petén
Sacatepéquez
Sololá

Alta Verapaz

Alta Verapaz is a beautiful lush region of Guatemala. The scenery here is breathtaking and there are many interesting tourist destinations. Visit the famed Semuc Champey, venture into the cardamon-growing regions surrounding Chisec, and spend time at a tiny jungle lagoon surrounded by the roar of howler monkeys.

Chimaltenango

Chimaltenango is best known for being home to two of Guatemala’s most famous volcanoes: Acatenango and Fuego. If you have a taste for adventure, look no further than this stunning hike. Since Fuego and Acatenango are connected by a saddle ridge, you can hike them both in one go.

Escuintla

Escuintla Guatemala offers many wonderful black sand beaches, including now-famous surf destinations like El Paredón. You can also explore less known beaches such as Sipacate and Tecojate.

Departamento de Guatemala

Although the Department of Guatemala doesn’t get a lot of attention, there are actually many great things to do here. Don’t miss out on visiting Guatemala’s historic zone one, home to the national palace, the Cathedral of Santiago, and a bustling atmosphere.

Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango is a perfect destination for anyone looking for something off the beaten track. Enjoy visiting these rugged and less-explored spots in western Guatemala.

Izabal

Izabal is another fabulous Guatemalan department to explore. Visit incredible community tourism projects, eat a farm-to-table meal at an exotic fruit tree nursery, and swim in a thermal waterfall.

Petén

This is Guatemala’s largest department and features vast stretches of humid jungle interspersed with thousands of Mayan ruins. Some have been excavated, and others remain hidden beneath the lush foliage. Tikal National Park is the most famous and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth visiting.

Sacatepéquez

Sacatepéquez is home to Guatemala’s original capital city, la Antigua Guatemala. This sought-after tourist destination offers many wonderful activities from mountainous coffee plantations to colonial ruins.

Sololá

Sololá is one of Guatemala’s most famous departments because it is home to Lake Atitlán, a gorgeous caldera lake surrounded by picturesque mayan towns.