Destinations
Guatemala
A land brimming with imposing volcanoes, shimmering lakes, and candy-colored colonial buildings
A gentle clapping of hands on tortilla dough, the earthy scent of Mayan copal incense wafting through cobblestoned streets, brightly colored textiles, and smiling faces everywhere — Guatemala is a sensory overload. And there’s no shortage of natural beauty in this land of majestic volcanoes, shimmering lakes, and candy-colored colonial buildings.
Most Guatemalan itineraries include visits to colonial Antigua and the villages along Lake Atitlán, with a possible excursion to Tikal, the famous Mayan temple. Guatemala is not exactly known for its beaches, BUT if you don’t mind black sand beaches, the laid-back El Paradón is worth a visit with a handful of chic boutique hotels. Of course, if white sand beaches are a priority, a side excursion to Belize or Nicaragua is definitely doable and highly recommended.
The Highlands of Guatemala and Semuc Champey (waterfalls) are also spectacular but off-the-beaten-path and best to visit as part of an organized tour.
Our Offbeat Goat collection includes two colonial hotels, a modern eco-forward hotel, and a glamping option in Antigua; four eco-conscious hotels on Lake Atitlán; and two conservation-driven hotels in the Petén region.
Regions.
Exploring Guatemala through our curated lens
Sustainability spotlight
Guatemala is an obvious destination for eco-friendly travel, boasting an abundance of nature parks, protected rainforests, biosphere reserves, and dramatic volcanos. In fact, the country is increasingly prioritizing sustainable tourism, enacting policies that use tourism to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Coffee farm stays, sea turtle conservation getaways, sustainable farming projects, and hotels integrating support for the Mayan and Garifuna communities are just some examples of new initiatives in sustainable tourism.
Sustainability hotspots include San Juan la Laguna (loads of locally-run initiatives offering cultural exchange tours, home-stays, and educational forays into textiles, medicinal plants, art, and chocolate); San Pedro la Laguna (first of the Lake Atitlán villages to ban single-use plastics); Santa Catarina Polopo (revitalization project through street art); and El Paredón (home-stays, turtle tours, cooking classes, beach clean-ups, and conservation). And Antigua, too, is committed to becoming a more environmentally conscious destination by banning single-use plastics and ultimately becoming a plastic-free city.
Stays.
Celebrating that sweet spot connecting style, sustainability, and immersion
