Our accommodations in Guatemala are carefully selected by Sunny and our partners on the ground, combining their years of experience in the country.

In Antigua, our hotel is just a few blocks from the main square of this stunning colonial city located in an original Spanish colonial casona.

Our hotel at Lake Atitlan sits magnificently on the lakeshore, surrounded by lovely botanical gardens.  Strolling the gardens with breathtaking sights of the pristine lake and volcanoes provides the ultimate ambiance for relaxation and retreat.

Guatemala "land of forests"

The name Guatemala, meaning land of forests, was derived from one of the Maya dialects spoken at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1523. Guatemala is the most diverse of all the Central American countries and has a strong and active indigenous Maya population. While traditional native dress has disappeared in many parts of the world, Guatemala remains a place where a high percentage of the indigenous people still proudly wear their traditional dress called traje.

Attractions range from picturesque Mayan ruins and steaming volcanoes, to lush jungles with exotic flora and uncrowded beaches. You will never find yourself at a loss for things to do. Though the largest country in Central America, Guatemala is no bigger than Tennessee. This means that you can effectively see the best of what the country has to offer in one vacation. But with its warm indigenous culture and its range of breathtaking settings, you might find yourself coming back for seconds, even thirds!

Antigua

Among the world’s best-conserved colonial cities, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has churches and cathedrals, inviting plazas, and a lakefront location. Its setting is majestic, nestled between three dramatic volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Several historic buildings frame the central square: the Ayuntamiento, or City Hall, and the Captain General Palace are known for their lovely arches. Antigua is one of the most inviting small cities in the world. Its colonial history combines with an array of cultural activities including art galleries, performing arts, fine restaurants, jade galleries, and hand-made textiles.

Lake Atitlan

One of the most scenic attraction in Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is a deep blue gem. Located at an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous highland villages. The area has many market towns like Comalapa, known for their painters and handicrafts such as weaving and jade jewelry. It's a pleasure to meet the people who proudly sell their wares at the many markets. Our hotel sits magnificently on the lakeshore with lovely tropical gardens and hiking trails.

  • Hike a Volcano – The Pacaya Volcano is one of the most, if not the most climbed volcanoes in Guatemala. Rising to an altitude of 8,371 feet, the Pacaya volcano has been continually active since 1965. Found near Lake Atitlán, you can hike the volcano by yourself, but for safety reasons and for the sake of information, it is a good idea to use a guide. One of the biggest thrills of climbing Pacaya, besides the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, is the opportunity to peer inside its cone.
  • Chichicastenango Market – This is easily among the more popular Guatemala attractions. Every Thursday and Sunday, the Chichicastenango market is a colorful, often chaotic affair. The Quiché Maya and other vendors come from around the country who to sell their immaculate hand-made products. The atmosphere itself is enough to make the trip worthwhile. Of the various textiles available, the most popular are the blouses made by the Maya women.

Tikal

One of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the Pre-Columbian Maya Civilization, Tikal is part of a vast National Park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Huge temples rise up through the jungle canopy, and a variety of animals, birds and over 2000 tropical plant species are on show.

  • Explore some Mayan Ruins. Throughout what is known as Guatemala today, the ancient Mayans erected some of their greatest cities. Tikal and El Mirador are among the best pre-Columbian cities built anywhere in the Americas, and visiting one or both is among the more memorable things to do.