culture trip guatemala

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Cultural Tours & Holidays in Guatemala

A culture trip of Guatemala lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 25 cultural adventures lasting from 1 days to 16 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion. Click here to see all cultural tours .

25 cultural tours of Guatemala with 40 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
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Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market 3D/2N

Things that were great: The shuttle pick-ups were reliable and close to on-time. The places the tour took me were exactly where I wanted to go. The price was right. Things that were not great: The Kakchiquel hotel in Panajachel didn't have hot water and was not very clean (felt like a flophouse). The shuttle from Panajachel to Antigua stopped 30 minutes into the 2 hour ride because the driver got a phone call saying there were more passengers for him to take. We idled on the side of the road for 30 minutes waiting for these late passengers to be driven to where we were waiting. That was weird, and it delayed the whole bus load getting to Antigua.

The Best of Guatemala

Guatemala - Discovering Guatemala

Great tour, everything was organized well, we only had some problems with the breakfast times, as the pickup time sometimes was too early to make it on time and once the pickup time on our voucher was wrong. But overall, great guides, great hotels, would recommend

Guatemala Encompassed

Guatemala - Guatemala Highlands

Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

First time traveling with G Adventures and I really enjoyed this tour! The itinerary was great. Snorkeling in Belize and visiting Tikal were absolute highlights. Antigua is a gorgeous city too with lots to do. The tour made travel easy and stress-free. One area for improvement would definitely be the accommodation. I did not expect to be spending so many nights in a dorm with 9 other girls. I was expecting to share a room with a partner throughout the trip but that was never the case. Outside of that, great trip and great memories!

Two days in the best of the Mayan world

From Flores: Tikal Ruins Guided Day Trip

Guatemala - Land of the Maya (Day Of The Dead)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Best of Guatemala and Belize

Lake Atitlan Tours

Kanba Cave & Semuc Champey

Guatemala to Belize Experience

Great and well organized tour to discover beauty of Guatemala. Both of us, me and my wife do not speak Spanish, so Olivia from Marvelous travel assisted much via cell phone when we had any issues. We looked for budget solution, so hotels were two-three stars, but well located for sightseeing, clean and with helpful staff.

Start Belize City end Guatemala city

The trip was exciting, the sites were exotic and the people were friendly and helpful, especially the entire team at Casa Amarilla. ????????

• Local Living

Maya Home stay San Jorge

Cultural guatemala tour reviews.

Great trip with memorable moments.

Our tour was very well organised and Guatemala and Belize are wonderful places with so much to offer.

In-depth Cultural Tours

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Travel Styles

• 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
• 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025

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Guatemala: Culture and Heritage

Culture of Guatemala

There is a proud and very vibrant artistic scene across Guatemala. Much of the art in Guatemala has a strong colonial element to it and often represents those periods of history. The epicenter of this art scene of course, is  Guatemala City  – from its world class National School of Plastic Arts to the Mayan influenced street art everywhere. There are wonderful craft shops that sell hand cut carvings of Mayan gods, festive masks and characters from Guatemalan folklore. After all who wouldn’t want a handmade  cadejo  to take home?

Guatemala may have a biodiversity unlike anywhere else, but there is also a distinct culture and history hidden in its far flung cities such as Flores. Commonly known as the gateway to the UNESCO protected  Tikal National Park  and Tikal, this island city is a beautiful place full of cobblestone streets and multi-colored houses. It’s perfect for some relaxation and reflection.

Religion in Guatemala

Religion comes in many forms in Guatemala. For those traditionalists out there, Christianity has prevailed since its introduction by the Spanish and has been interspersed with classic Mayan elements. From the Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá in Flores to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Escuintla, the cathedrals of Guatemala are remarkable monuments that stand the testament of time traversing the length and breadth of the country.

Sports in Guatemala

If football were an actual religion in Guatemala, it would be the most popular. And the mecca of football stadiums here,  The Estadio Nacional Doroteo Guamuch Flores , with a capacity of 26,000, sits proudly in Guatemala City. As a side note for the culture vulture, it’s a little-known fact that Guatemala is also the most successful national team when it comes to  futsal ; a variant on football played indoors on a hard court with five people to a team.

Music in Guatemala

Every country needs a soundtrack to their history and Guatemala is no different. Throw yourself into Guatemala’s vibrant music scene. Guatemalans’ style of indigenous music blends together afro-Caribbean influence, Colombian and Mayan elements and can be traced back centuries. Guatemalans even adopted the West African instrument the marimba as their own. After exposure to European sounds in the 16th-Century, Guatemalan music has been evolving in new ways ever since.

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Magnificent Natural Wonders On Your Costa Rica Vacation

A Costa Rica vacation is an experience you won’t soon forget. Costa Rica is a land teeming with wildlife, from the many species of tortoise in Tortuguero, to monkeys of Monteverde, and the great flocks of colorful birds around the Arenal. To experience this natural world is to experience nature at its richest. The Costa Rican government works hard to preserve and…

Tikal National Park – The Complete Guide

Traverse through the dense Guatemalan jungle to uncover the mysteries of Tikal National Park – one of the most spectacular ruins of the Americas and a testament to the ingenuity of the Mayan people.

Popular Trips to Guatemala

Volcano Trekking in Guatemala

Explore active volcanoes, tranquil volcanic lakes and verdant forests at your own pace on this Guatemala vacation. Soak in the thermal pools at the breathtaking Pacaya volcano near Antigua, discover local artistic communities, coffee plantations and cloud forests near Lake Atitlan, and enjoy a bird’s eye view on a canopy walk through protected reserves near Flores….

Birdwatcher's Bliss, Guatemala

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Guatemala Travel Guide

From its ancient Mayan ruins and indigenous people to its Spanish colonial heritage, independence, 20th century reforms and the modern day economy – uncover Guatemala through its history.

Traditional and hearty, Guatemala’s cuisine is all about colorful flavors and textures, fresh produce and indulgent nods to its Mayan and Spanish heritage. From modern street food to coffee culture and chocolate, discover the food of Guatemala.

Best Time To Visit

Guatemala’s proximity to the equator naturally means very little seasonal variation. In fact, Guatemala has only two seasons – the rainy season and the dry season, and both offer their own unique charm.

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15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Guatemala

The historic country of Guatemala is a testament to the ancient world. Home to some of Central America’s oldest Mesoamerican civilizations, Guatemala is dotted with crumbling ruins, stone temples, and age-old villages.

While many people come to explore the multitudes of archeological sites, Guatemala is also known for its spectacular landscape and natural tourist attractions. With black sand beaches, molten volcanoes, and dense, tree-lined jungles, you’ll be amazed at the diverse list of things to do in Guatemala.

The country also has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. Whether you’re interested in history or outdoor adventure, be prepared to be blown away by Guatemala.

15. El Mirador

Nestled deep in the heart of the Petén Jungle are the mysterious ruins of El Mirador. Many of the structures date back to the 6th-century BC, including the world’s largest pyramid from pre-Columbian America. Covered in a shroud of vines and dense vegetation, El Mirador is a rare glimpse into the history of the Mayan culture .

Due to its remote location, traveling to El Mirador requires a bit of planning. The village of Carmelita is the nearest point to the ruins that you can go by car. From there it takes a grueling trek of at least five days and four nights through the jungle with ants, ticks and mosquitoes that never relent. That said, people who make this journey will never forget it.

It’s recommended to visit El Mirador with a tour that can organize mule or horse transportation, as well as camping accommodation.

14. Livingston

The colorful beachside town of Lívingston is the perfect destination for a bit of relaxation. Lívingston is unlike other cities in Guatemala because of its laid-back tropical atmosphere, which is more reminiscent of a village in the Caribbean.

Besides sunbathing on the beach, you’ll have an entire outdoor world to explore during your visit. Explore the lush jungles on the banks of the Rio Dulce, cool off in the emerald pools of the Los Siete Altares waterfalls, or go snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Zapotillo Cayes.

Make sure to spend some time in the town itself, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the unique blend of these two different cultures.

The impressive structures at Nakúm are some of the best-preserved examples of Mesoamerican architecture. Although it’s one of the largest Mayan communities in the country, it’s often the least crowded due to its secluded location on the Holmul River. Because of the rough conditions, the road leading to Nakúm is only open several months out of the year and requires a 4×4 to reach.

The highlight of Nakúm is the South Acropolis. This raised platform consists of 12 courtyards and 33 individual buildings that were once used as homes during the Late Classic Period. You can also visit the different pyramids surrounding the courtyard of the Central Plaza.

12. Monterrico

Guatemala might not be known for its sun-soaked beaches, but Monterrico proves to be the exception. This laid-back town is world-renowned for its stark black volcanic sand beaches.

If you happen to visit Monterrico between June and December, then you have a good chance of spotting sea turtles, who come to the beaches to breed and lay their eggs. You can also visit Tortugario Monterrico (Monterrico’s turtle conservation center) to get up close and personal with the newly hatched babies. Every day before sunset, you can watch as Tortugario Monterrico releases the turtles back into the ocean.

11. Todos Santos Cuchumatan

Dive headfirst into local Mayan traditions with a visit to Todos Santos Cuchumatán. Due to the village’s remote location in the Western Highlands, it has managed to preserve century-old Mayan and indigenous traditions that have disappeared throughout the rest of the country. Most residents in the town are of Mayan descent. Not only do they still speak the rare Mam language, but they also tend to dress in traditional clothing.

The best time to visit Todos Santos Cuchumatán is in early November for the All Saints’ Day festival. This celebration is full of dancing, music, and traditional horse racing.

The colorful islet of Flores is marked by bright red roofs, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful colonial buildings. It’s located in Lago Petén Itzá and can be reached by the connecting road next to Santa Elena and San Benito.

You can walk around the entire island in just 20-30 minutes, although most tourists prefer to rent a bike or canoe and explore the area at their leisure. Besides admiring the historic architecture, don’t forget to stop by the Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá. This bright white cathedral is the highlight of the island.

9. Semana Santa

Guatemala during Semana Santa is one of the most festive times of the year. Also known as Holy Week, Semana Santa is celebrated widely throughout Latin American; however, the biggest celebration takes place right in Antigua.

The city is transformed by colorful decorations, live music, and endless amounts of food and drink. The main attraction of the festival is the Palm Sunday parade. During the processional, you’ll see dozens of parade floats, as well as people dressed up in purple robes with white waistbands.

8. Pacaya Volcano

The active Pacaya Volcano is one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Guatemala. After it’s 70-year dormant period, the volcano has been erupting continuously since the early 1960s, with the largest eruption occurring just in 2014. Despite the perceived danger, it remains one of the biggest tourist attractions in Guatemala.

A hike to the top of the volcano takes just around two hours and provides sweeping views of the entire surrounding area. You’ll even find food stands along the way selling marshmallows that you can roast over the heat of the volcanic rock!

7. Rio Dulce

One of Guatemala’s most beloved natural gems is the Rio Dulce. The river flows out of Lake Izabal, site of the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, an old Spanish colonial fort built in 1644 to keep Caribbean pirates from the river.

The river today boasts one of the largest bridges in Central America. On one side of the bridge is Frontera, known for a vegetable market where many shoppers arrive in dugout canoes. On its journey to the Caribbean, the river flows through a high-walled spectacular gorge. The river enters near Livingston, a Garifuna town which can only be reached by boat.

6. Semuc Champey

Hidden among the limestone mountains and dense forest shrubs is one of Guatemala’s most breathtaking sights – Semuc Champey. With cascading turquoise pools, underground caves, and flowing waterfalls, Semuc Champey is a slice of paradise in the middle of the jungle.

Getting to Semuc Champey can be difficult. From the town of Lanquin, it’s either a 2.5-hour walk or a 4×4 taxi drive to the entrance of the falls. Along with your swimsuit, don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes, as the entire area can be rugged and slippery.

5. Chichicastenango Market

Every Thursday and Sunday, Guatemala throws the largest market in all of Central America. Located in the heart of Chichicastenango, this market is your one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs.

Stacked back to back are hundreds of stalls selling different Mayan handicrafts, like textiles, wood carvings, leather goods, and other souvenirs. You can also find a variety of snacks, fresh produce, and even livestock. It’s important to practice your bargaining skills and pay no more than 50% of the asking price.

If El Mirador piqued your passion for archeological sites, then you’ll want to add Yaxha to your Guatemala bucket list. It’s smaller than the more famous Tikal, but still the third largest Mayan ruins in Guatemala . Yaxha was the ceremonial center of the pre-Columbian Mayan kingdom. Its indigenous name translates as blue-green water, appropriate since it overlooks a lake.

From 250 – 600 AD, Yaxhá was one of the largest ruling civilizations in Mesoamerica. It was believed to have over 40,000 inhabitants living just within the kingdom itself. Nowadays, you can visit Yaxhá and explore more than 500 ruins that tell the story of this ceremonial and influential ancient city.

While you could easily spend an entire day in Yaxhá, there are a few sights you shouldn’t miss. The South Acropolis was considered the heart of the city and contains ball courts, elite residences, and several temples. You should also see Plaza A, which has one of the last remaining twin-peaked pyramids outside of Tikal.

3. Antigua Guatemala

The charming Spanish Baroque buildings and colorful colonial churches make the mountainous city of Antigua one of the most visited destinations in Guatemala. Marvel at The Catedral de Santiago, shop at the Handicrafts Market or hang out with locals in Parque Central.

Antigua was once the capitol city of Guatemala, up until the year 1773 when a massive earthquake decimated the town. In 1776, it was ordered abandoned and what had once been a buzzing and vibrant capitol city took on the aura of a quiet provincial town.

Make sure also to snap a few photos of the iconic el Arco de Santa Catarina. This bright yellow building was built in the 17th-century as a way for nuns to cross the street without going outside. With the cloud covered mountains in the background, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Guatemala.

2. Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán was described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world. Situated in the Guatemalan highlands, the lake is a stunning exhibition of natural splendor and offers plenty of things to do in the outdoors.

Rent a boat and sail across the deepest lake in Central America, or strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails to explore the depths of the surrounding landscape. For something more adventurous, you can also soar high above the lake and valleys by paragliding off the cliffs of the mountains.

The lake is also near to several rural villages, including San Pedro and San Juan. Stop by for lunch, or simply to mingle with a few of the friendly locals.

The archeological site of Tikal is possible the most important attraction to visit in Guatemala . As one of the most powerful civilizations in the Mayan Kingdom, Tikal dominated the region for over 700 years, with most of the buildings dating back to the 4th-century BC.

Comprised of towering temples , massive royal palaces, and limestone pyramids, there are hundreds of structures to explore during your visit. The North Acropolis and Plaza of Seven Temples are two of the most impressive buildings on site. You should also visit Tikal Temple I, which was the tomb for King Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I.

Map of Things to Do in Guatemala

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Reader interactions.

May 10, 2017 at 1:51 pm

“Chichicastenango Market is gorgeous. It would be amazing to go there someday” (Alex). Amen to that! I love Chichicastenango Market with its vibrant colors.

November 5, 2016 at 7:19 pm

For kids, the Irtra attraction parks is a must to do. There’s no other place where you can find attractions with that mayan identity. There is a representation of the Great Jaguar, on Tikal. Also the San Felipe de Lara but with boats for kids and the hotels are relaxing for adults. Recently they open a local flight to save time travelling.

June 5, 2016 at 12:29 pm

I’m planning my first trip to Guatemala next summer with my 9 year old son. I plan to visit the ruins and other attractions. Especially looking forward to indulge in their culture and food.

August 29, 2015 at 7:15 pm

I spent a summer in Guatemala back in 85 as a foreign exchange student. So I not only did the tourist thing but my hosts took me all over the place and we did things like fishing in a beautiful river/stream off the beaten path. We also climbed volcano Agua 12,340 feet. More of a good hike than mountain climbing. Didn’t go to Tikal but went to most of the other places. The entire country is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with its natural beauty. I’ll never forget it and want to go back some day when I have the time.

May 20, 2015 at 9:25 pm

I was born and raised in the south of Guatemala and I have been living in California for 25 years. Guatemala is a beautiful country, I definitely recommend to visit Lake Amatitlan in Panajachel, the ruins in Tikal, Antigua Guatemala, Belice, Semuc champey, Esquipulas Temple, Xocomil in Retauleu.. Guatemala is an amazing country to visit and it will be a great experience for anyone who visits 🙂

February 15, 2015 at 6:51 pm

I love guatemala it is to me one of the most beutiful countries in the world

February 10, 2015 at 5:01 pm

Planning to backpack in Guatemala for a month next January. Is it safe? Areas to avoid?

April 22, 2014 at 4:14 pm

Chichicastenango Market is gorgeous. It would be amazing to go there someday.

September 15, 2013 at 12:05 pm

Great selections and definitely places to see, but you left out what is possibly the most beautiful place to see in Guatemala. Semuc Champey in Coban. If anyone is coming, definitely need to do some research and get there.

December 16, 2012 at 10:52 pm

I like beaches, the best time to capture beach image is sunset. This is an informative blog, sharing the Livingston and most visited spot in Guatemala are great.

December 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm

I lived in Guatemala for about a year when I was a kid. I returned about 30 years later. It was the happiest year of my childhood, and 30 years later, it was everything that I remembered. My trip to Tikal will go down in memory as one of the most exciting trips ever.

November 26, 2012 at 12:10 pm

Wow. That picture of Santa Catalina Arch reminds me so much of Leon, Nicaragua. I guess it must be the Spanish-type architechture. Looks amazing. Never been to Guatemala, but that place along with Lago de Atitlan look spectacular and definitely worthy of a visit!

October 1, 2012 at 7:48 am

Visiting Tikal is always been something I’ve wanted to do. I actually plan on heading there next year and can hardly wait for that to come. I’ll have to make sure I hit most of these other attractions as well.

September 17, 2012 at 12:23 pm

Would love to visit Volcan Pacaya. I’ve always wanted to see an active volcano erupt.

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• Travel Guides

The People and Culture of Guatemala

Guatemalans have a strong cultural heritage that blends indigenous Mayan, European, and Caribbean influences. Today, the ethnic diversity is visible in the various languages and lifestyles that exist throughout the country. The population is also on the rise — in fact, Guatemala is one of the fastest growing countries in all of Latin America.

As of 2013, the population of Guatemala was estimated to be a little over 14 million. The annual growth rate is just under 2 percent. Guatemala is also a fairly young country — the median age is 20.7 years, with around 37 percent of the population falling under the age of 15.

Despite the fact that Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America, Guatemala is still very much equally divided between urban and rural populations — around 49 percent of the population lives in urban environments. Urbanization is gaining the most steam near Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango .

Ethnic Diversity

Guatemala is more or less divided evenly between the descendants of indigenous Maya groups (of which there are 21 different linguistic groups) and ladinos, who are of Mayan descent but have westernized their dress and culture and also speak Spanish. There are also a large number of mestizos, who are a mixture of Mayan and European, as well as a smaller amount of people with pure European lineages.

Indigenous Mayan descendants are strongly represented in the Western Highlands , whereas the Petén lowlands, Guatemala City, Pacific Slope and Caribbean Lowlands are mostly ladino. The main Mayan groups of Guatemala are the Kaqchikel, K’iche’, Tz’utujil, Mam, Ixil, Poqomchi’, Poqomam, Q’eqchi’, and Q’anjob’al. The K’iche’, with nearly one million speakers, are the largest group. The Kaqchikel have around 400,000 speakers and the Mam have some 686,000 speakers.

The Garinagu are a non-Mayan group in Guatemala that comes from African and Amerindian descent. They arrived in Guatemala in the 1800s via St. Vincent and the island of Roatán, Honduras and settled along the Caribbean coast in the town of Lívingston . Their Garífuna culture is fairly different from that of the rest of Guatemala.

Guatemala’s religious mosaic primarily includes traditional Mayan spirituality, Catholicism, and Evangelical Christianity. There are small Muslim and Jewish populations in Guatemala City as well.

Mayan spirituality predates the arrival of the Spanish . In Mayan spiritual practices, natural phenomena – including mountains, caves, and rivers – are very important. The Mayan temples mimic mountains and are often aligned with the cardinal directions. In fact, some temples were built precisely to mark the solstices. Caves, like those at Candelaria , were sacred and seen as passages to the underworld. Modern Mayans often hold religious ceremonies in caves and at archeological ruins.

The Popol Vuh is a K’iche’ book composed of creation myths, legends, and history. In the central creation myth, mankind is fashioned from corn. The Popol Vuh somehow survived the burning of most other sacred Mayan writings during the 16th century.

Catholicism entered Guatemala with the Spanish. Local indigenous groups were slowly converted and Catholicism occupied a place as Guatemala’s main religion for many centuries. Near the late 19th century, however, liberal reformers began to rein back the control of the church by confiscating church property and secularizing education. During the civil war, many Catholic priests opposed the military and paid for it with their lives. Catholicism still has a solid number of followers in Guatemala, although large numbers of people have converted to Evangelical Christianity.

As much as a third of Guatemalans are Protestants and Evangelical Christians. The move towards Evangelical Christianity happened after the 1975 earthquake, which destroyed several highland villages. International aid agencies, many of them Christian, were of great help in the aftermath and as a result gained converts. These days, many villages, particularly in the highlands, are largely Evangelical.

Many of the country's holidays and festivals are related to religion. Booking your trip during an event is a wonderful way to truly absorb the cultural practices of Guatemala — and enjoy some of the country's delicious food and beverages .

Guatemala’s official language is Spanish, but there are 23 other ethnolinguistic groups found here. Guatemalan Spanish is clean and fairly easy to learn and understand. The huge number of Spanish-language schools in Guatemala, many of which are located in Quetzaltenango and Antigua , reflect this fact. In some Spanish schools it’s possible to learn Mayan languages as well.

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Discover Guatemala’s cultural history

Nov 16, 2017 • 7 min read

Women walk through Antigua's iconic streets © John Crux Photography / Lonely Planet

Guatemala lives in technicolor. Everywhere you go, the vibrant indigos, reds, greens and yellows harken to a history that transcends time and remains very much alive today. One of the last strongholds of the Maya civilization, Guatemala is still home to traditions that date back thousands of years.

In the highlands, you encounter shamans that keep count of the ancient calendar and maintain practices originally held by Maya kings. Atop sacred ruins in places like Tikal, you will experience first-hand the height of Maya culture, while other historic sites show evidence of colonialism, war, multiculturalism, religious syncretism, revolutions, and renewed hope for peace and prosperity.

Guatemala's multiculturalism

There was never a Maya Empire or completely homogenous culture. Rather, this history is one of rising and falling city states, with influences from neighboring power centers often affecting commerce, language and community. There are 21 distinct Maya languages spoken today in Guatemala, as well as two non-related languages spoken largely on the Caribbean Coast. This diverse linguistic history no doubt originates from local culture rather than national hegemony.

Head to the world-renowned markets in places like Chichicastenango or Sololá and you will see this rich cultural tapestry first hand; if you have a good guide or local to take you through the market, they can point out where certain huipil styles, textiles, carvings and ceramics come from. You will see Maya shamans burning incense in the front of Chichicastanango's  Iglesia de Santo Tomás , while church-goers inside light candles to honor the Catholic saints. This syncretism and multiculturalism is widespread throughout Guatemala, but the nation has long experienced the push-and-pull between the largely marginalized indigenous majority and the generally wealthier, more powerful class of European heritage.

Getting started in Guatemala City

The fact that the oldest surviving book from the Americas is currently housed in a German museum plays testament to a post-colonial history of European domination. But fear not – the intact threads of Guatemala’s extensively long history are found everywhere in the lively capital city.

Begin with a wander through the National Archaeology and Ethnology Museum , a comprehensive exhibit that displays a tremendous collection of stone sculptures. At the Museo Popol Vuh you can find a copy of the Dresden Codex, one of the most famous Maya written works, as well as extended history of other sacred texts that recount Maya mythology. Interesting fact: the museum gets its namesake from the Popol Vuh, a sacred text written between 1000-1500AD by the K’iche’ people of the highlands that recounts the Maya creation myth; according to its legend, men were created from corn.

After sampling traditional Maya fare at top-choice La Concina de Señora Pu , take an afternoon to explore the markets and other interesting museums and historic buildings of the downtown area. Here you will find rich cultural expressions of Guatemala’s past in the unique artisan goods and textiles on offer.

History in the hills

Ancient history also reveals itself in the towering volcanoes, eye-drop lakes and beautiful scenery of the Guatemalan highlands. According to legend, the God Yegua Achi’ moved several volcanoes to the area around Lago de Atitlán to punish the village of Santiago’s patron saint for not providing him with a wife. While you’re exploring the small villages around the lake, take a second to visit Santiago , a Maya stronghold where men and women still largely dress in traditional clothes and you can see this marriage between indigenous beliefs and Catholicism first hand.

Locals here venerate Maximón (mah-shee- mohn ), who represents both Catholic Saint Simon, a Maya god and Satan at the same time. Maximón is protected by local brotherhoods and changes his location every year. Ask around when you arrive in Santiago, and somebody will take you there for a small tip. Bring some rum if you plan to visit Maximón – he loves it! He also loves tobacco (but we think he should cut back). Similarly, visiting around Semana Santa (Easter Week) is a great way to take part in the rites that extend across religions.

Tikal and Maya prosperity: Pre-Classic and Classic Period

The pre-classic period of Guatemalan history runs from 2000BC to 250AD and marks the ascendancy of the Maya culture. It’s during this period that the Maya began to build ceremonial platforms and large plazas, several of which still stand today. You can visit Maya archaeological sites across the country and in neighboring countries like Mexico, Honduras and Belize. Copán in Honduras was one of the earliest major Maya settlements, and a visit to its low-slung pyramids and hieroglyphic stairway make for an interesting side trip, easily achieved on your way from the capital to Tikal.

El Petén is the best spot to connect with the monumental architecture that really took off during the Classic Period, and it's here you'll find Guatemala's number one archaeological attraction,  Tikal . Get up early and go with a guide to learn about the fascinating cultural expressions that accompanied the rise of this civilization. This is the era that brought about advanced math, architecture, language, commerce, art, and a highly ritualized life that included human sacrifice.

In your exploration of the Classic Period, it’s really a shame to miss some of the lesser-known archaeological sites of El Petén. Consider going further afield with visits to Uaxactún, Río Azul, El Perú, Yaxhá, Dos Pilas and Piedras Negras while you are here. Traveling down dusty roads in the Guatemalan countryside, you will have the opportunity to connect with rural villagers that maintain many of the traditions and beliefs that originated in this bygone era.

The fall of the Maya city states: Post-Classic period

There are plenty of theories concerning the demise of the great Maya city states. Most serious historians point toward prolonged droughts in the 8th and 9th centuries, though some imaginative people say the Maya simply went back to their spaceships. Look at the carved stelae at Quiriguá in southern Guatemala and you might just think this is possible.  Local geology had a hand in preserving the amazing stelae here – made of hard sandstone bedrock, these stelae preserve much of the intricate carvings first etched 1000 years ago. Unlike other stone monoliths that have crumbled or sheared away, these remain largely intact.

No matter how you look at it, this was a period of migration and decline. You can still find some remnants of this era – marked by Toltec migrations from modern-day Mexico, changing religious beliefs and increased bellicosity – near Huehuetenango , Santiago Atitlán and Guatemala City . These sites lack the monumental grandeur found in Classic sites like Tikal; they were designed as fortresses rather than ceremonial centers, indicating a world with limited resources and highlighting new influences from war-like cultures coming from the North.

The Spanish conquest and colonialism

The conquest was an overwhelmingly tragic event for the indigenous populations of Guatemala – people perished in the thousands. Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado did most of the early conquistadoring here, with notable battles near present-day Quetzaltenango (or Xela). Explore the gothic-feeling colonial city, chat with energetic young students, or study Spanish in one of the well-known local schools.

The best-preserved remnants of colonial excess, however, are found in the cobblestone village of Antigua . Surrounded by mountains – no doubt moved to their current location by some Maya god – Antigua is as atmospheric a place as you could ever imagine. Wander through the streets, dine at world-class restaurants like Meson Panza Verde or stay the night in a colonial-era boutique hotel. During the day, you can explore the numerous churches, convents and ruins that make this town an open-air museum.

Revolutions and scorched earth

Sadly, violence in Guatemala did not end with the Spanish conquest. Its more recent history has been scarred by battles for independence, political instability, numerous coups, and a devastating civil war that began in the 1960s and lasted almost four decades.

One of the best spots to connect with the civil war's revolutionary roots is the Western Highlands; small villages like Huehuetenango and Todos Santos Cuchumatán saw much of the violence that took place in the '60s, ‘70s and '80s. If you have the time, arrange for a  guided trek from Todos Santos to Nebaj. Along the way you can learn more about this dark period in Guatemala’s history and better understand the pressures and forces that made it happen.

While peace processes in the 1990s ended some of the most serious violence in Guatemala, its impact can be seen today. In the end, not all history is beautiful, but it should, at the very least, teach us something.

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