Vacation rentals in Guatemala

Known for its vibrant Mayan history, lush jungles, rich culture, and fascinating colonial cities, Guatemala is a Central American country overflowing with opportunities for visitors to discover. Guatemala is not a destination for the faint of heart, and it’s best to arrive with an open mind and a sense of adventure. But if you’re up for the journey, you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave.

Guatemala boasts a wide range of vacation rental options, with something for every type of traveler. Book a lakeside vacation rental on the ethereal shores of Lake Atitlan. Or, stay along the cobblestone streets of Antigua, just a stone’s throw away from top-rated restaurants and colonial buildings. Book a vacation rental nestled in the trees of a rainforest, where you can disconnect from your devices and reconnect with the tranquility of nature. Nearly all vacation rentals in Guatemala offer a unique cultural experience, with Mayan-style decor and comfortable furnishings. Many rentals are equipped with high-speed internet, air-conditioning, and fully equipped kitchens. A wide range of sizes, styles, and design features are available.

If you’ll be flying into Guatemala, the country is served by La Aurora International Guatemala Airport in Guatemala City. It is just 3.5 miles south of Guatemala City and 25 miles from Antigua. For safety reasons, it’s recommended for travelers to stay in the charming, quaint colonial city of Antigua rather than staying in Guatemala City when transiting to and from the airport. It’s best to arrange a private shuttle to pick you up from the airport, but taxis are available upon arrival. Always make sure to use official taxis only.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can travel simply by taking the famed “chicken” buses all over the country. Every city and town has them, and they allow you to easily hop around from place to place. These buses take a bit longer than private transportation options, are incredibly cheap, and often packed, but for the adventurous traveler, it’s the ultimate cultural experience. Alternatively, you can use private shuttles and taxis to navigate your way around the country. Driving can be a bit precarious in Guatemala, so it’s not recommended to drive yourself or rent a car unless you’re very familiar with the country and confident in your Spanish skills. Hiring a driver, taking a private shuttle, or using the chicken buses are the way to go!

Guatemala is home to a rich and fascinating history. The country is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites which include: the ruins of Quirigua, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, and the colonial monuments and ruins of Antigua. While in Antigua, you can do a self-guided walking tour of the historic sites. Visit the 18th-century church of Iglesia de la Merced, the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, and the Cerro de la Cruz.

Guatemala is a wonderfully romantic destination, perfect for couples who wish to spend some quality time together in a culturally stimulating setting. Adventurous couples might want to try trekking the Acatenango Volcano, which is best done as a guided tour. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see the active volcano smoking as you hike along the way. Also, pay a visit to ChocoMuseo in Antigua, where you can sample a variety of chocolates made from organic Guatemalan cocoa beans. You can even participate in a chocolate workshop to make your own chocolates!

A visit to the charming colonial city of Antigua is a must for any traveler in Guatemala. The city is surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, and is home to a variety of historic Spanish colonial buildings. There are countless fantastic restaurants, shops, squares, and sights which can all be visited on foot in this walkable city.

Nestled in the southwestern highlands of the country is Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala’s most popular and visited points of interest. The lake is surrounded by lush hills, painted with Mayan villages, and speckled with steep volcanic cones. There are several villages along the lakeside worth visiting, one of the most popular being the vibrant town of Panajachel. Walk through the town and explore the different vendors, cafés, and restaurants. You can take water taxis around the lake to visit all the different villages, each of which offers something unique and different from the rest.

Quite possibly one of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural wonders and must-see attractions is Semuc Champey. Nestled in the lush jungles near the town of Lanquin, Semuc Champey boasts a natural limestone bridge and a series of picturesque turquoise pools with flowing crystal clear waters. Swim around in the pools and then take a 45-minute walk through the jungle to the “El Mirador” viewpoint.

Set in the rainforests in the northern part of the country, Tikal is the site of an ancient Mayan city filled with pyramids, temples, and palaces. The spectacular ruins date back to 200 A.D. and are home to an extensive history, so be sure to go with a tour guide to learn all the details. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see spider monkeys and howler monkeys swinging around the trees as well!

Known as “Chichi” to the locals, the town of Chicicastenango is home to a one of the country’s largest markets held every Thursday and Sunday. The market is a colorful and chaotic maze filled with vendors selling patterned textiles, vegetables, flowers, and more! It’s the ultimate photo-taking opportunity, as well as a great people watching destination. The market is a 1.5-hour bus ride from Lake Atitlan or a 3.5-hour ride from Antigua.