With the first direct Air Canada flight from Montreal to Guatemala City having landed at La Aurora International Airport on Oct. 2, and subsequent ceremony that followed, the Guatemala Tourism Institute (INGUAT) and tourism officials from both countries hailed the new route amidst a growing presence for the Central American country, now including Canada.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says 34% of Guatemala’s tourism is now attributable to international visitations and is expected to grow.
“This projected increase in visitor spending by WTTC is clear proof of Guatemala’s growing international appeal,” said Harris Whitbeck, Tourism Minister of Guatemala and Director-General of INGUAT. “We are working to attract more high-value visitors, strengthen partnerships with airlines and tour operators, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are felt across our communities. These efforts are paving the way for a new era of sustainable tourism-led growth. From adventure and nature tourism to cultural and culinary experiences, Guatemala is attracting visitors who spend more and stay longer.”
The Canadian flight, meanwhile, was said to mark the beginning of a new stage in the relationship between Guatemala and Canada, while also facilitating travel for European passengers who use Montreal as a connecting hub.
From ancient Maya ruins and highland villages to active volcanoes and lush rainforests, Guatemala offers a broad mix of experiences in one destination. Here are five top attractions and experiences visitors should consider:
- Summit Acatenango, then taste pizza baked on lava rocks
Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, and climbing Acatenango is one of the most exciting ways to witness the landscape. The trek involves 1,570 metres of ascent, with hikers reaching an altitude of 3,976 m. at the summit. While physically demanding, this two-day adventure rewards climbers with breathtaking views, particularly of neighbouring Fuego, which regularly lights up the sky with smoke, ash and lava. Camp is typically set just below the summit, allowing hikers to watch these natural eruptions by night, often described as one of the most unforgettable sights in Central America.
Not far from Acatenango lies Pacaya Volcano, a more accessible option for those looking to experience Guatemala’s volcanic landscapes. Known for its ongoing activity and occasional lava flows, Pacaya offers a unique kind of adventure. One of its most unusual highlights is Pizza Pacaya, believed to be the first pizzeria in Guatemala and among the first in the world to cook pizzas using the volcano’s natural heat. Baked in steam vents and lava heated ovens, the pizzas offer a memorable post-hike reward and a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience on the slopes of a volcano.
- Adventures on Lake Atitlán
Often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán sits in a volcanic crater surrounded by lush hills and three volcanoes San Pedro, Atitlán and Tolimán.
Its natural setting makes it a haven for adventure seekers. Visitors can glide across the lake’s sparkling, mirror-like surface by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, discovering hidden coves, quiet fishing villages and secret swimming spots along the shoreline. For those looking to cool off, the lake’s waters offer a refreshing dip.
On land, adrenaline seekers can zipline high above the lake for unbeatable aerial views of the crater rim and surrounding highlands, or embark on scenic hikes through the hills and local villages. One of the most iconic treks is the early morning climb up Indian Nose, a steep but rewarding ascent that offers sunrise views over the mist-covered volcanoes and waters below.
- Wild Side: Rainforests, rare birds, and coastal encounters
Beyond its ancient cities and colourful towns, Guatemala is a country alive with biodiversity. Stretching from the Pacific coastline to high altitude cloud forests, its landscapes support an astonishing range of species, many of which can only be found here. The Maya Biosphere Reserve in the north, spanning over two million hectares, is one of Central America’s most important conservation zones. Here, travellers might encounter tapirs, jaguars and flocks of parrots, all roaming free in one of the last true wildernesses of the region.
For bird enthusiasts, Guatemala is a dream. With over 700 recorded bird species, including the electric-blue motmot and delicate hummingbirds, the country offers spectacular birding year-round, but it’s the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, that draws keen-eyed travellers to cloud forest sanctuaries like Biotopo del Quetzal.
Wildlife experiences aren’t limited to the inland jungles. On the southern Pacific Coast, visitors can take part in whale watching excursions during the migration season (December to April) or watch baby sea turtles make their first journey to the ocean under a starlit sky in places like Monterrico.
- Rooted in tradition: Exploring Guatemala’s Indigenous identity
Guatemala’s culture is deeply shaped by its indigenous heritage, with 24 recognized ethnic groups, each preserving its own language, dress and spiritual practices. These traditions are living, breathing parts of the national identity.
A standout example is the Women’s Weaving Cooperative in San Juan La Laguna, on the shores of Lake Atitlán. Here, women use natural dyes and backstrap looms to produce textiles that are both beautiful and symbolic. The cooperative not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also empowers women economically, offering workshops and demonstrations to visitors who want to learn more.
Driving through the highlands, travellers will notice that each town has its own traditional traje (dress), with colours and patterns that often denote a person’s community, status or marital situation. Markets are the best places to see this cultural vibrancy in action. Chichicastenango Market, held every Thursday and Sunday, is among the largest in Central America and is a feast for the senses from handwoven blankets and carved wooden masks to incense and fresh produce. In Guatemala City, the Mercado Central and Craft Market give urban visitors a chance to shop directly from artisans, supporting thousands of families across the country.
- Tikal: A lost city alive with history and nature
Tucked deep within the Petén jungle, Tikal National Park is one of the largest and most significant ancient Maya cities ever discovered. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a remarkable look into pre-Columbian civilization. Its grand plazas, royal palaces and temples including the iconic Temple I, rising over 47 metres, transport visitors back over 1,000 years to a time when Tikal was a political, economic and spiritual powerhouse.
Unlike many archaeological sites, Tikal is set within a national park bursting with wildlife. As visitors walk among the ruins, they are likely to hear and often see troops of howler monkeys moving through the canopy, their calls resonating across the jungle. Spider monkeys, coatimundis, toucans and even the occasional jaguar are known to roam these protected grounds, making a visit to Tikal as much a wildlife encounter as a historical one.
For more information about Guatemala, go to visitguatemala.gt.
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