What Adventure Activities Are There In Guatemala?
A number of adventure activities can be enjoyed in Guatemala. These include zip-lining, kayaking, horseback riding, and white-water rafting. The availability of these activities depends on the destination.
The area near Lanquín. has caves to explore and excellent white-water rafting on the Río Cahabón. Zip-lining can be enjoyed in Panajachel or Tikal, and horseback riding can be done along the Pacific Coast.
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See all questionsGuatemala Volcanoes
If you've never seen a volcano in real life, then you're in for a treat! Guatemala's volcanoes dot the country's landscape, and many of them extend along the spine of the Sierra Madre Mountains within the western portion of the nation. A Guatemalan volcano is big, powerful, and impressive — some even spew ash and lava on a regular basis. However, they also command a certain amount of respect and a great deal of caution, as the world learned during Guatemala's volcanic eruption of 2018, when Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego devastated nearby villages. The important thing to remember when visiting volcanic regions is to be aware of the looming giant's level of activity, and ensure that an exit strategy is in place. Remember that there is more than one way to experience or interact with a volcano. If you're an intrepid traveller, then you may find hiking as close as possible to Sololá's San Pedro Volcano, or indulging in an overnight camping trip to Pacaya Volcano wildly appealing. If you're not as cavalier and prefer to maintain your distance at all times, then you might prefer kayaking across an adjacent lake in Panajachel or sketching in Quetzaltenango. Both approaches are great for different reasons, and either one will ensure that you walk away with frame-worthy pictures of Guatemala's volcanoes. The important thing to remember is that each of these Guatemala volcano destinations, and their accompanying tours, are only available because your safety and well-being have been taken into consideration. Like with anything in life, common sense goes a long way — so, go on an enviable adventure and have a great time!
Horseback Riding Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala has some seriously beautiful scenery, and horseback tours are a great way to experience it. These tours allow you to cover lots of ground in one day — you might ride between Mayan villages along the shores of Lake Atitlán or trot to a forested waterfall in the Central Highlands. These tours use well-trained horses and are led by professional guides. Safety is prioritized and all tour participants will feel comfortable before heading out.
Canopy Tours in Guatemala
As with much of Central America, Guatemala has seen an explosion of canopy tours in recent years, and today there is a number of zip lines spread out across the country. Canopy tours are an exhilarating, adrenalin-filled way to experience the Guatemalan outdoors. Tour participants are fitted with harnesses attached to cables, and sent flying along zip lines that extend between platforms. In some cases, the zip lines extend across canyons and hover 500 feet (150 m) above the ground. The tours are very safe, and are run by professional guides.
Kayaking Tours in Guatemala
Whether it's over small waves in the Pacific Ocean or on the tranquil surface of Lake Atitlán, kayaking in Guatemala is utterly enjoyable. These tours bring you to gorgeous outdoor areas, and let you explore the water via kayak. The tours are safe and suitable for both experienced and inexperienced kayakers. There are both single and double kayaks available.
Rafting Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala has several white-water rivers that have excellent rafting. These rivers have rapids that range from Class II to Class V, and many of the rivers pass jungles, hot springs, caves, and even Maya ruins. The best rafting rivers are the Río Cahabón, Río Candelaria, and Rio Chiquibul. These tours are thrilling and available for both experienced and inexperienced rafters. They offer travelers a wonderful way to see places in Guatemala that are otherwise inaccessible.
Pacific Slope
The Pacific Slope has long been passed over by travelers for other Guatemalan destinations, as it lacks the pristine white-sand beaches that border other Central American countries. In recent years, however, interest in this region has been building. Puerto Quetzal now sees regular arrivals of cruise ships (the passengers dock and take day-trips inland), and the coastal town of Iztapa is becoming known as the sailfishing capital of the world.
Lake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Tikal
Tikal, with its towering Mayan ruins and vast primary forests, is one of Guatemala’s most awe-inspiring sites. The ruins are undoubtedly the country’s best—huge temples and limestone pyramids dominate the landscape. The structures are a part of the Tikal National Park, a huge protected area that helps conserve some of Guatemala’s most pristine outdoor areas. Visiting Tikal is an absolute must while in Guatemala.
Cahabon River
The Río Cahabón is a fast-flowing river near Lanquín. Boasting Class III-IV rapids, it’s Guatemala’s best white-water river. The Río Cahabón also feeds the beautiful limestone pools of Semuc Champey.
