The Scenic Wonders of Guatemala: A Pictorial Tour
Guatemala’s magnificent landscapes are made up of some of the most scenic destinations on the planet. From the pristine beaches and expansive lagoons of the Pacific Coast to the cloud forests, volcanoes, and otherworldly terrain in the interior, it’s hard to believe that this Central American country has been overlooked by so many tourists to date. Why not try out one of these scenic wonders of Guatemala? You won’t regret it!
9 Pueblos Magicos

- Located in the highlands of Guatemala, the ancient city of Antigua is a magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture. With its impressive ruined temples and eye-catching churches, it’s no wonder that Antigua is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala.
- Lake Atitlan is another unforgettable destination in Guatemala. Surrounded by volcanoes and with three picturesque towns nestled along its shores, the lake is truly a sight to behold.
- Chichicastenango is another must-see destination in Guatemala. This colorful market town is home to an impressive array of traditional textiles, pottery, and other handicrafts.
- Located in southeastern Guatemala, Tikal is an impressive Mayan archaeological site that attracts visitors from all over. The giant temples and pyramids are what make Tikal a top destination in Guatemala, and it’s no wonder with how eye-catching they are.
- Coban is an historic town that dates back to Mayan times. It has several beautiful colonial churches and other charming structures, making it another unforgettable destination in Guatemala.
Antigua, Coban and Lake Atitlan

Guatemala is a country of immense scenic beauty, from its colonial cityscapes to its natural wonders. Antigua, the former capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Spanish Baroque architecture. Coban is a mountainous region home to verdant rainforests and rushing rivers. Lake Atitlan, one of the world’s deepest lakes, is surrounded by volcanoes and Maya villages.
In particular, Antigua’s colonial streets and cobblestone avenues make for a charming walking tour. Stare up at ornate buildings to see angels’ heads staring down at you and cherubs everywhere—the houses in Antigua really are as beautiful as everyone says they are. The pace of life here is also very relaxed compared to other parts of Central America, with horse-drawn carriages wandering around casually—and donkeys too! Visitors can choose from numerous volcanoes to climb or hike in surrounding areas, such as Pacaya and Volcan de Agua.
In terms of natural attractions, Lake Atitlan is a fascinating lake surrounded by volcanoes and Maya villages. If you want to get away from it all and stay in a small, traditional village, San Pedro La Laguna is an excellent option for some peaceful relaxation. Also note that Coban has some nice hotels with great views of Volcan San Pedro.
Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango and Lanquin

It’s situated in a valley at an altitude of 2,330 meters (7,646 ft), making it one of the highest cities in Central America. Lanquin is a small town located in the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenery, including limestone cliffs, rivers and waterfalls.
To get a different perspective on these scenic wonders, you can visit them from above with a helicopter tour or from below with an underground cave tour. You’ll find both types of tours available in Antigua, where they can be booked through local travel agencies. When it comes to scenic natural beauty, there’s no better place than Guatemala. Whether you’re taking in views by land or air, you’ll want to add these three locations to your list.
Pacific Coast – Flores & Iztapa

The Pacific Coast of Guatemala is a beautiful stretch of coastline that features the towns of Flores and Iztapa. Flores is a quaint town situated on an island in Lake Peten Itza, while Iztapa is a fishing village known for its fresh seafood. The scenery in both places is breathtaking, with lush greenery, clear blue waters, and towering mountains in the distance. If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some natural beauty, then the Pacific Coast of Guatemala is definitely worth a visit!
Coastline & Quetzal Bamboo Forest – Laguna del Tigre National Park: Laguna del Tigre National Park is located in Alta Verapaz, and it’s one of Guatemala’s lesser-known national parks. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air and some spectacular scenery, then you’ll definitely want to add it to your itinerary! There are a few different entrances to Laguna del Tigre National Park, but we recommend stopping by Rio Dulce in order to visit Cabo Blanco lighthouse before entering. Afterward, continue on down towards Coban to explore El Quetzal Bamboo Forest.
Peten – Tikal & Flores

Guatemala is home to a variety of landscapes, from the Maya mountains to the rainforest. The Peten region, in particular, is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Tikal, an ancient Maya city, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala. Located in the heart of the rainforest, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Flores, another popular destination in Peten, is a beautiful lakeside town that offers stunning views of Lake Peten Itza.
When it comes to tourism, Flores is actually a special case. As opposed to being an independent town or city, Flores is part of Santa Elena, which is a municipality in northern Peten. Don’t let that deter you from visiting Flores though, as it’s definitely worth seeing.
Solola & Lake Atitlan

Solola is a beautiful town located in the highlands of Guatemala. Its main attraction is Lake Atitlan, which is one of the most scenic lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes, and its waters are a deep blue. Solola is also home to many Maya ruins, and its people are very friendly.
Coatepeque & Santiago Atitlan: Coatepeque is a town in Guatemala where handcrafts are very popular. It is also home to one of Guatemala’s main volcanoes and Lake Atitlan. The lake, as mentioned above, is surrounded by beautiful volcanoes, including Toliman volcano which last erupted in 2012.
Coatepeque & Santiago Atitlan.
Quiche & El Quiche’

Quiche is a picturesque town located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is well known for its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its delicious food. The town is home to many different kinds of businesses, including a number of restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine. El Quiche is another popular destination in Guatemala. It is located in the Eastern Highlands and is known for its stunning views and unique culture. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some incredible scenery, Quiche and El Quiche are both great options.
El Quiche is another popular destination in Guatemala. It is located in Eastern Highlands and is known for its stunning views and unique culture. El Quiche has a rich history; it was an important centre during colonial times due to its proximity to several nearby cities and its strategic location on trade routes between them. The town grew quickly, but following independence from Spain it lost some population as new roadways allowed people to travel more easily between their different destinations. As you can see from these images, both Quiche and El Quiche are great places to visit!