From horses to volcanic s'mores -- Why your family should visit Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful country dotted with charming colonial towns, active volcanoes, amazing food and ancient Mayan ruins -- a perfect vacation for solo travelers, couples or families.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Getting to Guatemala City
When I saw a flight deal to Guatemala City (GUA) on Volaris last year from Los Angeles (LAX), I bought tickets immediately, even though hadn’t done much research on the country. I'm glad I purchased those tickets because Guatemala exceeded our expectations.
If you're traveling to Guatemala City from the U.S., you can depart from the following cities:
- Atlanta (ATL) via Delta
- Chicago (ORD) via American Airlines
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) via American Airlines
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Spirit
- Houston (IAH) via Spirit and United Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX) via Avianca, Delta and Volaris
- Miami (MIA) via American Airlines
- Newark (EWR) via United Airlines
- Orlando (MCO) via Spirit
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) via United Airlines
Recent fare sales included $121 round-trip flights to Guatemala City from ATL, DFW, IAH and ORD.
Related: 5 reasons why I love Guatemala
Where to stay
Depending on where you stay in Guatemala, you may not find points hotels but you'll find plenty of affordable lodgings. If you stay in Guatemala City, there are several points hotels from which to choose, including:
- The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala: 17,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night on standard dates
- AC Hotel by Marriott Guatemala City: 12,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night on standard dates
- Courtyard by Marriott Guatemala City: 12,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night on standard dates
- InterContinental Real Guatemala: 25,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night
- Holiday Inn Guatemala: 20,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night
- Hyatt Centric Guatemala City: from 8,000 World of Hyatt points per night
- Hilton Guatemala City: 25,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night
- Hilton Garden Inn Guatemala City: 10,000 Hilton Honors points per night
Getting around
It's easy to get around Guatemala. When we landed at Guatemala City Airport, I checked Uber and saw that there were plenty of cars available. When we stepped out of the airport, there were plenty of taxis as well.
When traveling between cities, the easiest way to get around is via private shuttle minibuses that operate on the main tourist routes. If you’re on a budget, you can take a “chicken bus.” However, this may not be the best option when traveling with kids because the buses are packed with as many people as possible, hence the nickname. You can recognize these buses by the colorful paint jobs on their sides. (More on these buses later.)
Once you’re out of Guatemala City and in smaller cities like Antigua (an 80-minute drive from Guatemala City) or Panajachel (three hours from Guatemala City) on the north shore of Lake Atitlan, you can easily find three-wheeled tuk-tuks that offer an affordable way to get around.
If you visit Lake Atitlan and want to get from one small village town to another, the fastest way may be via boat.
Related: The best credit cards for family travel
Staying safe
We traveled around Guatemala for eight days, and at no point did I or my 6-year-old feel unsafe in any of the towns we visited. We took the "chicken bus," walked to dinner in the evenings, rode three-wheeled tuk-tuks and just blended in with the locals.
The Guatemalans we met were friendly and when we had questions, there was always someone we could ask for help.
Related: How to check the safety of your next travel destination
Things to do
On this trip, we visited Guatemala City, Panajachel, San Lucas Toliman and Antigua. Here are a few ways to spend your vacation time with kids:
Take a cooking class
Guatemalan food is some of the best I have had. We enjoyed every meal we ate, especially the one we helped cook. I found a cooking class in Antigua that allows children to participate and it was awesome. You can find out where to take a cooking class in Guatemala with an easy Google search.
Ride the "chicken bus"
I was curious about trying out the “chicken bus” and we took it from Guatemala City to Panajachel. The ride took 3.5 hours. It was a bumpy ride, but my son loved it.
At each stop, vendors hop on the bus to sell food and drinks so you don't even have to worry about stepping off the bus to get food. The bus makes several stops, so prepare for that. However, it's such a great way to get a feel for Guatemalan culture.
Roast marshmallows on an active volcano
My son is obsessed with volcanoes and lava, so this was one of his favorite things to do on the trip. The volcano tour departs from Antigua as it's the closest city to volcanoes, Pacaya and Acatenango.
We visited Pacaya because it's an easier hike to do with kids. We rode horses some of the way up and down as the hike is pretty tedious. Be sure to pack water. Roasting marshmallows on an active volcano was the best part of this excursion. Marshmallows are provided by the tour leaders, so you don't need to pack those.
Stay with a family
I wanted my son to experience what life with a local family was like, so I reached out to a local school and they arranged for us to stay with a family for two nights. They provided us a room and cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner and we all sat together for meals.
We had to try new foods and learn about Guatemalan eating habits that are entirely different from ours in America. We practiced our Spanish and they practiced their English; it was a win-win for us all. The family was so sweet and charming and we will keep in touch with them and hopefully visit them next time we're in Guatemala.
Zipline over Lake Atitlan
While in Panajachel, we visited the Atitlan Nature Reserve and went on an extreme ziplining adventure. They have regular lines if you prefer that. The hike to the extreme lines takes much longer. However, the view is absolutely worth it. Pack the right shoes and prepare to sweat.
Make your own chocolate bar
Guatemala is well known for chocolate so when we were in Antigua, visiting the chocolate museum (ChocoMuseo) was a must. They offer classes daily and we signed up for a short chocolate-making class. The instructor was amazing at explaining the process, and customizing our own chocolate bar was really fun.
Brush up on your Spanish
We took a Spanish lesson while in Panajachel and it was so much fun. It's much easier and faster to learn Spanish when you're surrounded by Spanish speakers. By the end of my class, I had mastered several terms and the proper way to say certain things. My son and I were in separate classes.
Visit the villages around Lake Atitlan
Once you get to Lake Atitlan, there are plenty of small towns around the lake that you can visit. We visited San Lucas Toliman and Santa Catarina Palopó. San Lucas Toliman was absolutely beautiful, quiet and peaceful. The base to visit these villages is Panajachel and you can catch a boat right at the lake to take you to any nearby village.
Explore Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park located in the jungles of Guatemala is known as one of the most powerful Mayan ruins. It's a bit harder to get to Tikal so people don’t visit it as often. We initially planned to visit Tikal National Park but we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary. Plan to be in Guatemala for longer than a week, if you want to visit. You can take a bus, which takes more than eight hours, or a short flight from Guatemala City.
Spend a day in Guatemala City
Guatemala City is as busy as any major city. It reminded me of Los Angeles with the rush-hour traffic we experienced. There is a beautiful zoo, a children’s museum and plenty of modern malls. I recommend spending at least one day there, but keep the traffic in mind when planning your day.
Bottom line
Guatemala exceeded our expectations by far. We're already planning to go back soon and will stay longer so that we can just enjoy our time there.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.