Visit Guatemala
Start in Antigua beneath the volcanoes, move west towards Lake Atitlán, then head north into the Petén rainforest where Maya temples rise above the trees at Tikal. Guatemala packs colonial cities, highland lakes, active volcanoes, archaeological sites, jungle and Caribbean coast into a relatively compact country, but the roads and terrain mean journeys often take longer than the map suggests. The official tourism board highlights Antigua, Tikal, Lake Atitlán and the Fuego volcano area among the country’s core destinations. The country’s strongest attractions come from the combination of landscape and culture. Tikal is one of the major cities of the ancient Maya world and sits inside a vast protected forest; Antigua preserves much of its 16th-century street plan and colonial architecture; and Lake Atitlán is surrounded by highland communities with distinct local traditions. Guatemala currently has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Tikal, Antigua Guatemala and Tak’alik Ab’aj. Give yourself at least ten days, and preferably two weeks, if you want to combine the highlands, Antigua and Petén without spending most of the trip travelling. Tourist shuttles and domestic flights can make longer transfers easier, and organised guides are useful for volcano hikes, archaeological sites and more remote areas. Current UK advice warns against all but essential travel to some parts of Guatemala, so check the latest regional guidance before fixing your route. Add Guatemala to your list and give yourself enough time to see both the Maya heartlands and the volcanic landscapes that define much of the country.