If you know anything about Travel Patterns, it will be no surprise that we love Guatemala! This small country isn’t typically the first destination that comes to mind when you are looking for a vacation. However, we are in love with this hidden gem that can offer so much to those who are willing to look for them! Below you will find a highlight of three can’t miss cities in our Beloved Guatemala and we hope it gives you inspiration to plan your own trip there very soon!

PANAJACHAL

Situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan, this little town is definitely a must if you are looking for a more scenic getaway. Pana is one of the more touristy towns on Lake Atitlan, however, the amenities are worth the stay. With natural beauty being one of it’s strongest selling points, this city is perfect for the traveler looking to slow down and enjoy the view. If you decide to get out and do some exploring, it’s as easy as taking a water taxi across the lake to visit one of the surrounding towns. Don’t miss out on the delicious street food offerings -- our favorites are traditional tacos and the Guatemalan Fried Chicken! 

Whether you want to spend your trip shopping the local handicrafts and textiles, taking sunset cruises around the lake, or heading out of town to explore some of the beautiful terrain, don’t miss out on Panajachel!

TIKAL

Tikal, home to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, is another one of our Can’t Miss cities. Because it is only a quick hour flight from Guatemala City, Tikal can be the perfect starting point for your Guatemalan Adventure! Hidden in the Guatemala rainforest, the Tikal ruins is one of the largest archeological sites in Central America. If you are a fan of historic sites, Tikal is the perfect place to spend a day (or two or three) exploring! One of our recommendations is to get to the Tikal National Park early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Also, there is nothing better than the early morning light reflecting off the ancient temples. Make sure that you don’t forget to keep sunscreen and a camera handy. You definitely don’t want to miss out on capturing some of the rainforest wildlife that can make an appearance every once and a while.

Antigua

Probably the most well-known city on our list, Antigua features colorful walls, traditional cobbled streets, and beautiful views. One of our favorite facts about Antigua is that it’s original urban core is built on a grid system, inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Also, we love how walkable the city center is since it only covers less than one square mile. Though there are many things for tourists to explore, at times you may feel as though you are stepping back in time due to all of the beautifully preserved spanish architecture. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the distinguishable Santa Catalina Arch, found in the middle of some of the best shopping in Antigua. Pro-tip; the view is spectacular so we encourage you to find as many rooftop dining spots as possible. 

From gardens and ruins, to volcano hiking treks and fine dining, Antigua really is a great vacation spot no matter your style!

This list is certainly not all of our Guatemala faves but it is definitely a great starting point for your Guatemalan adventure.

Don’t forget to check out our Antigua Travel Guide for a more in-depth look!

Take Heart, Take Flight!

-Travel Patterns Team