What Are The Roads Like in Guatemala?
The roads in Guatemala are in fairly good condition. Over the last few years the Guatemalan government has invested in road construction and infrastructure. Along well-traveled routes, like the highways that go to Lake Atitlán, Petén and Quetzaltenango, the roads are smooth and easy to travel along. The road to Monterrico along the Pacific Coast is good, although the last 12 miles (20 km) are somewhat bumpy.
The worst roads are usually in the more remote parts of a department. For example, the roads that go to Semuc Champey or Chichicastenango are fairly bumpy. Roads through small towns may be made of gravel or dirt.
Major highways and tourist destinations typically are well-signed. Outside of popular areas, however, there will be fewer signs and road markers.
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Guatemala Best Places to Visit
Looking for Guatemala's top places to visit? Look no further. This list of Guatemala's top destinations will take you to the large and tropical Lake Petén Itzá; the charming colonial city of Ciudad Vieja, which was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1541; the world’s best Mayan ruins, including Quiriguá, and many more exciting activities! Visiting these destinations ensures you will have an authentic experience as you soak up the nation's history and culture, and meet Guatemala's people — some of whom are modern day Mayans. Whilst you're exploring Mayan temples, summiting volcanoes, and strolling down 18th-century cobblestone streets, take a moment to reflect on how the nation almost seamlessly melds the past with the present, and its cities exist in the shadow of the great outdoors. All of these destinations offer you ample accommodation options, and typically have excellent restaurants to choose from, so you'll have plenty of access to Guatemalan food — a hearty treat sure to fuel your adventures.
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.
Petén
Petén is the northernmost department of Guatemala. About the size of Ohio, Petén covers a third of the country but has only 3 percent of the population. This vast expanse is populated with rainforests, savannas, and incredible Mayan ruins.
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango (Chichi, for short) is a rare mixture of authentic culture and unconcealed tourism. Set within the Western Highlands, Chichi is a small and traditional town that has grown into one of Guatemala’s most tourism-friendly places, largely because of its fascinating outdoor marketplace. While carousing the market, you’ll see Maya weavers right alongside photo-snapping tourists. It makes for an interesting site.
Lake Atitlan
Guatemala’s gorgeous Lake Atitlán has captivated people for centuries. Visiting the lake in 1934, Aldous Huxley called it “The most beautiful lake in the world” and compared it to Lake Cuomo in Italy. Surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and studded with three volcanoes on its southern shore, Lake Atitlan is indeed spectacular. To this day it remains one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
Monterrico
Monterrico is a tranquil town along Guatemala’s Pacific coast. This formerly sleeping fishing village is becoming increasingly popular with travelers, many of whom come here to see nesting sea turtles.
Quetzaltenango
Guatemala’s second largest city, Quetzaltenango (pop. 300,000), is a world apart from Guatemala City. It’s a cosmopolitan place set at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and is the main population center for Guatemala’s K’iche’ Mayans. Despite being a fairly big city, its residents are friendly and approachable. Quetzaltenango’s original K’iche’ name of "Xelajú" is still widely used in an abbreviated form, Xela, today.
Semuc Champey
The limestone pools at the Semuc Champey Natural Monument have quickly grown into one of the area’s most popular attractions. Set just outside the small town of Lanquín, Semuc Champey is composed of a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. It’s a fantastic place to swim and relax.
