Your Complete Guide To Hiking In Guatemala

Have you considered hiking in Guatemala? If not, you seriously should. We think Guatemala should be on every hiker's bucket list thanks to the fascinating volcanic landscape of the country. Not to mention the ancient Mayan Pyramids, thick jungle, and sunny weather. Guatemala offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in Central America, catering to various skill levels and interests. You can take multi-day treks through the jungle, or enjoy short day hikes to the tops of volcanoes. Whatever kind of Guatemala hiking adventure you’re after, we’ll break down everything you need to know in the guide below.

If you’re planning a Guatemala hiking trip, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. Hiking in Guatemala is very different to Alpine hiking - it’s hot and humid, and the landscape is totally unique. Here are some highlights you can expect on any Guatemala hike adventure.

Hiking in Guatemala is all about the volcanoes. The country boasts several majestic volcanoes that offer incredible trekking experiences. Acatenango and Pacaya are popular choices, providing breathtaking views and exciting trails for adventurers of all levels. The fact that you’re climbing a volcano really does add a whole extra level of excitement to your hike.

Many hiking trails in Guatemala lead to ancient Mayan ruins nestled amidst lush jungles or on top of scenic hills. These ruins, such as Tikal or El Mirador, offer a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant history and culture of the Mayan civilization. Hiking up to a Mayan pyramid is not something you get to experience every day - adding another reason why you should experience hiking in Guatemala.

As you hike through Guatemala's diverse terrain, you'll encounter a wealth of natural beauty and wildlife. From vibrant bird species to exotic plants, the country's forests and mountains are teeming with biodiversity. This makes every hike a unique and memorable experience, as there’s always something new to look out for along the trails.

Hiking in Guatemala can be done in a day, or over a longer period. If you want to immerse yourself in the country’s landscapes, then multi-day hikes are available. There are a couple of great multi-day trails around the country, with experienced tour guides offering guided Guatemala adventures if you need help. This allows you to explore more remote regions of Guatemala and experience the country's beauty at a slower pace. Whether you’re trekking through cloud forests or traversing volcanic landscapes, multi-day hikes offer unparalleled adventure.

You don’t have to end your adventures with hiking. While you’re exploring the trails of Guatemala, you can also experience a range of other exciting outdoor activities. Caving and water sports activities in Guatemala are some of the most fun you can have in this country. This lets you explore underground caverns and rivers, or enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking and rafting in Guatemala's pristine waterways. If you’re after an unforgettable adventure, then we recommend adding these activities to your hiking trip. For example, you can kayak around Lake Atitlan and then tackle the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike the next day.

If you’re planning on hiking in Guatemala, you must be familiar with the different regions in the country. These can be quite diverse, with different parts of Guatemala offering totally unique hiking and outdoor experiences.

This region is home to stunning volcanic landscapes, including the famous Lake Atitlán. Hikers can explore trails around the lake and ascend nearby volcanoes for views that are out of this world. If time is limited on your Guatemala hiking trip, we’d recommend sticking to this area.

Here, you'll find a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and the dense forests of the Petén region. Hiking in this area offers a unique blend of history and biodiversity, making it a great part of the country to learn more about what Guatemala is all about.

The Pacific coast of Guatemala features beautiful beaches and coastal trails perfect for scenic hikes. You won’t summit impressive volcanoes here, but you will be able to enjoy the tropical beach paradise that this country has to offer. If you want to hike here, you can explore the rugged coastline, tropical forests, and picturesque seaside villages.

Guatemala’s Eastern Highlands region offers opportunities for both mountainous and jungle hikes. This is the best place to explore cloud forests, rivers, and waterfalls while encountering diverse wildlife along the way.

The lush landscapes of southern Guatemala offer hikes through verdant rainforests and remote mountainous areas. This is a real dream area for many outdoor adventurers. Here you’ll discover hidden waterfalls, ancient caves, and vibrant wildlife in this lesser-explored region.

The best time for hiking in Guatemala is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This is generally considered the best time to travel to Guatemala. During these months, you can expect sunny days with clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Trails are more accessible, and the weather is generally more comfortable for hiking. However, it's essential to be prepared for varying conditions, especially in mountainous areas where temperatures can change quickly. Avoid hiking during the rainy season (May to October) as heavy rainfall can lead to muddy and slippery trails, making hiking more challenging and potentially unsafe. Always check the weather forecasts and trail conditions before planning your hiking adventure in Guatemala.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s get into the best hikes Guatemala has to offer. From rewarding day hikes to multi-day volcano treks, here are some of the most must-do Guatemala hikes.

If you're up for a challenge, trekking up Volcán Acatenango is a must. With its dramatic views of nearby Volcán El Fuego and the starry sky above, this overnight adventure is a truly unforgettable experience. Any Guatemala travel guide will mention this as a must-do hike in the country. Expect a tough but rewarding hike through farms, cloud forests, and volcanic terrain. This is one of the most popular hikes in Guatemala - and for good reason. By climbing this impressive volcano, you’ll get a true sense of what Guatemala’s unique landscape is all about.

For a shorter yet still thrilling hike near Guatemala City, Volcán Pacaya is an excellent choice. It’s one of the best volcano hikes in Guatemala, and it’s very accessible. This moderate trek takes you through forests and lava fields, offering opportunities to roast marshmallows over the still-hot volcanic rocks. You can enjoy this hike as a one-day adventure, so it’s a great way to add an extra hike to your Guatemala itinerary. We’d recommend starting your trip by climbing the Pacaya Volcano so that you have a gentle introduction to what to expect from Guatemala hiking. When you’re at the top, you can enjoy the views of neighbouring volcanoes. This will help you understand which volcanic hikes you might want to do next. We highly recommend taking a dip in the nearby thermal pools after your hike.

Catch a stunning sunrise over Lago de Atitlán from the summit of Cerro del Rostro Maya. This short but steep hike rewards you with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes, making it a popular choice for visitors to the area. It’s not the most gruelling hike, and you don’t get massive bragging rights after reaching the summit. However, the views you get to experience will be a highlight of any Guatemala hiking trip.

For bragging rights and mind-blowing views, tackle the challenge of Volcán Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America. Despite its impressive height, the hike is manageable in about six to eight hours. This is one of the toughest routes for anyone hiking in Guatemala, but it sure is one of the most rewarding too. Be prepared for rocky terrain, and make sure you know what you’re doing as the ascent can get steep. We’d recommend you hire a guide to help you navigate a safe and rewarding ascent.

If you’re interested in one of Guatemala’s most immersive multi-day hikes, then you need to consider doing this trek. History enthusiasts will appreciate the five-day El Mirador jungle trek, leading to the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador. The 40.5km route will take you through the heart of the rainforest, through muddy terrain and thick jungle, until you eventually reach the largest and oldest Mayan city in Central America. You’ll trek through the rainforest, camp under the stars, and explore the expansive ruins of this remarkable archaeological site, including the towering pyramid of La Danta. There are no seriously steep sections, so the hike is relatively easy to do. You just need to be prepared to hike for five days. Oh, and you’ll need to be aware of all the mosquitos along the way.

For a serene day trip, Laguna Chicabal offers a peaceful hike to a beautiful crater lake. Beyond the beautiful scenery, this lake also holds spiritual significance to the local Mam Maya people. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of cloud forests and volcanic landscapes along the hike. Just make sure you respect the sacredness of the lake when you get there.

For a multi-day adventure, you can embark on the trek from Quetzaltenango to Lago de Atitlán. This three-day journey takes you through cornfields, coffee plantations, and cloud forests, offering glimpses of local life and stunning natural beauty along the way. It’s an amazing way to experience the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Guatemala. The hike takes you through various small villages where you can stop and spend the night. You’ll get to eat dinner with your local hosts and really soak up the country’s energy. This multi-day trek is also mostly flat, with only a few steep sections. As long as you can handle walking for three days, this hike can be enjoyed by practically anybody.

Challenge yourself with the steep gradient of Volcán San Pedro for incredible views of Lago de Atitlán. This is one of Guatemala’s most challenging hikes, as the gradient of the 3020m volcano is incredibly steep. Despite its difficulty, the hike is well worth the effort for the panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding landscapes. During your climb up to the summit, you’ll pass avocado and coffee plantations, cornfields, and breathtaking cloud forests. The trailhead is in the village of San Pedro La Laguna. The local visitor centre offers information about the trail, although we’d still recommend going with a guide to make sure you can safely navigate your way to the top. The entire hike can be done in half a day, as long as you’re fit.

Guatemala hiking is incredibly exciting, with a wide range of hikes and landscapes on offer. From the rocky volcanoes to the thick muddy jungles, you’ll be able to experience all kinds of different adventures while hiking through this country. While the trails in Guatemala are generally quite well marked, we’d highly recommend taking a guided hiking tour to ensure you stay safe and don’t get lost in the rainforest. Check out our best of Guatemala adventure if you’d like to experience some of the best hiking and outdoor fun that this country has to offer.