The 4 Best Hikes in Guatemala – Ultimate Trekking Guide

With international travel back in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about planning your next overseas trip. If stunning scenery and a rich local culture interest you, Guatemala should be at the top of your travel shortlist. Located in Central America, Guatemala may look small on a map but it is jam-packed with plenty of adventure to be had. With at least 37 volcanoes scattered throughout the country and a wealth of natural beauty to explore, Guatemala offers an unparalleled hiking experience not found in the other traditional hiking destinations.

From trekking through the jungle to untouched Mayan ruins to scaling the highest volcano in Central America, Guatemala offers an incredibly unique experience that any hiking enthusiast will love. While there are too many to list them all, I have shortlisted some of the best hikes in Guatemala not to be missed!

Xela to Lake Atitlan

Xela to Lake Atitlan is easily one of the best multi-day hikes in Guatemala. This 3-day trek will take you from the second biggest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango (locally known as Xela) to the popular tourist destination Lake Atitlan. While you could easily take a quicker and bumpier chicken bus to Lake Atitlan, where’s the adventure in that! Instead, the Xela to Lake Atitlan hike will take you through the beautiful Guatemalan Western Highlands where you will trek through river valleys, climb steep cornfields and explore remote local villages. At the end of the hike, you will be greeted with jaw-dropping views of Lake Atitlan and its many neighbouring volcanoes. Also, if you book a guided hike you will often be staying overnight in a local homestay which comes with a warm shower and a delicious home-cooked Guatemalan meal which is invaluable after a long day of hiking.

Volcán Tajumulco

For all the peak baggers out there, Volcán Tajumulco is the hike for you! Sitting at a hefty 4,203m tall, Volcán Tajumulco is the highest mountain in all of Central America and a hike not to be missed. While on paper the height of Tajumulco may seem intimidating don’t let this dissuade you as this is a relatively moderate hike and is possible for anyone with a decent level of fitness. The biggest challenge with Volcán Tajumulco is the altitude. I would recommend that you spend a couple of days beforehand in the nearby city of Quetzaltenango (Xela) to acclimatise. While it is possible to do it as a day trip, it is preferable to climb Volcán Tajumulco over 2 days with a camp overnight on the volcano and catch the beautiful sunrise from the summit the next morning.

This 2-day hike of Volcán Tajumulco will take you through local farming villages, pine forests and finally to the summit of the biggest volcano in Central America. In the local Mayan language Volcán Tajumulco means “above the clouds” and it is very much true to its name as when you make it to the summit you will be greeted with incredible views across Guatemala and its neighbour Mexico. If the weather is on your side at the summit, it is also possible to see all the way to the Pacific Ocean from the top.

Volcán Acatenango

Easily the most popular hike in Guatemala, climbing Volcán Acatenango is an unforgettable must-do experience when in Antigua. Often underestimated due to its popularity, hiking up Volcán Acatenango can be a gruelling experience and can even challenge the fittest of hikers, but all the suffering is worth it when you reach the summit. While the hike up Acatenango is incredible in its own right as you hike through cloud forests to the 3,976m volcano summit, it is the incredible view of its neighbour Volcán de Fuego which cements it as one of the best hikes in Guatemala.

Fuego is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes and by hiking to the summit of Acatenango you will be rewarded with spectacular views of its frequent eruptions which can happen every 15-20 minutes. If you are feeling extra adventurous, depending on your tour you can do an additional hike to Volcán de Fuego which allows you to have a much closer view of the incredible eruptions. Make sure you bring warm clothing and a good jacket for this hike, as the summit can be freezing in the early morning.

El Mirador Jungle Hike

Want to channel your inner Indiana Jones and uncover hidden Mayan ruins located deep in the Guatemalan jungle? If so, the El Mirador Jungle Trek is the ultimate hike in Guatemala for you! This 5-6 day trek will take you through the dense Guatemalan jungle teeming with wildlife like the local howler monkeys and with the end goal of reaching the biggest Mayan site in all of Central America. These epic Mayan ruins are also home to the Danta Pyramid, the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Only accessible by either hiking in or taking a helicopter, the El Mirador jungle trek is a truly unique experience for any outdoor enthusiast or history buff.

Some things to know:

• While Guatemala is very much a safe country to travel to and has a booming tourism trade, always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when travelling throughout the country. Some areas of the country are considered less safe than others, so make sure you do your research on the places you will be travelling to prior to your trip.
• Guatemala is primarily a Spanish-speaking country and little English is spoken. It’s recommended that you learn some of the basics prior to your trip. There are plenty of free Spanish learning tools online which will help teach you the basics for your trip.
• Many of the hikes in Guatemala are at a high altitude so you may feel some of the effects of it. Prior to tackling these treks, you should try to spend some time at altitude and acclimatise.
• While most hikes are possible year-round, the rainy season typically lasts from May to October, so pack your rain gear if you’re visiting during these months.
• Make sure you bring a comfortable hiking pack. Check out the hiking packs at Paddy Pallin.

With so many different hikes on offer, Guatemala is truly a top holiday destination for any hiker out there.