Where to Visit and What to Do for Your Guatemala Honeymoon
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo credit: Mark Harpur
If you’re looking for a unique, versatile honeymoon destination with romantic views, an exciting history, and an abundance of options, you’ve come to the right place!
Guatemala is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable honeymoon. Get your honeymoon packing list and hop on a plane to this vibrant and unique honeymoon location!
Why Choose Guatemala for Your Honeymoon?
Also known as the “Land of Eternal Spring,” this Central American country has a lot to offer.
When you start planning your honeymoon, you are looking for exotic, blissful, and romantic places. And although most honeymoons have a bit of a beach, eat, sleep, rinse, and repeat, Guatemala is a breath of fresh air.
Outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, Guatemala brings a sense of peace and soulful energy. It is the perfect place to connect with the one you love. Beyond the deep sense of connection it will bring you, Guatemala has seen significant growth in the last decade, mainly in the luxury travel sector.
The most significant factor in choosing Guatemala to explore is its epic variety of activities. An array of impressive volcanoes, black sand beaches, luxurious spas, and a vast lush jungle encompassing ancient Mayan history await you. You can rest assured that wherever you choose to stay, it’s guaranteed to be somewhere remarkable.
So, if you can’t decide between relaxing on the beach, trying new culinary delights, or exploring breathtaking historical landmarks, a honeymoon in Guatemala allows you to choose all of the above!
Not only that, a Guatemala honeymoon won’t break the bank! The country is highly cost-effective for travelers when compared to other popular honeymoon destinations, meaning you’ll have cash left over from your honeymoon fund registry to bring home a few souvenirs.
With so many options to choose from, you’ll need to know the best places to visit and activities to plan for you and your new spouse. Here are the must-see sites and exciting activities you’ll want to add to your Guatemala honeymoon itinerary.
Top Destination Spots for a Guatemala Honeymoon
Tikal
Mayan temples in Tikal Via Hector Pineda
Guatemala is best known for its rich Mayan history, so plan to visit the jungles of Tikal. There, you’ll find the ruins of ancient Mayan temples and villages.
When you think of the ancient Mayans, this grand image of a vast stone Mayan temple comes to mind, and whether you know it or not, that is Tikal. Tikal is home to the ruin site of five Mayan temples, including the largest ever built at 213 feet.
As one of the most impressive ancient ruins to visit, it is obviously a notable adventurer’s dream destination. Tours are available daily from the cities of Flores.
Don’t miss the sunrise tour, which begins at 4 AM and makes for some amazing memories and photos. Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellant, and comfortable shoes on your journey into the jungle.
The Isla de Flores Hotel is a great and affordable place to act as your command center during your visit. This four-star hotel combines traditional beauty with modern comfort (like Wi-Fi!), making it the perfect resting place after you’ve taken a step back in time.
2. Panajachel
Panajachel water views Via Christopher Gonzalez
If you and your partner want to experience authentic Guatemalan culture, Panajachel should be on your itinerary. This location is the gateway to abundant small villages and the dreamy Lake Atitlan.
If you only visit one of these small villages, choose Chichicastenango. This magical town offers one of Guatemala’s biggest markets every Monday and Thursday, so you can support local vendors and find unique pieces to bring back amazing memories of your honeymoon.
As for Lake Atitlan, there are many gorgeous destinations to choose from. There are boats that run across the lake, not only to the many picturesque locations but to all the different cities and resorts.
Taking advantage of this epic lake, lined with the black sands of the nearby volcano, is one of the best ways to enjoy all that Guatemala offers. You can be adventurous and hike up the volcano, relax in a luxury spa, or enjoy a local delicacy and explore the restaurants that dot the shores.
Book a stay at the four-star Porta Hotel del Lago, where you can enjoy both water and volcano views, as well as Restaurant Cakchiquel. This restaurant offers both authentic Guatemalan cuisine and familiar comfort food.
Surrounded by three volcanoes, Lake Atitlan holds the most dramatic natural beauty for your honeymoon.
3. Flores
Flores’ waterfront buildings
We already mentioned the city of Flores as a hub for vacationers looking to visit Tikal. But there’s so much more to do!
Spend your day exploring the markets where you can find high-quality jade pieces and unique handicrafts. You can also visit the local malls that offer detailed replicas of historical Mayan items.
If you and your spouse are outdoorsy, you can book an excursion to San Ignacio, a tourist hotspot known for exciting activities like zip lining, caving, and hiking.
Finish your day at the local Sky Bar, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and watch the breathtaking sunset.
4. Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey limestone river Via Conor Murphy
Located 45 minutes from the city of Lanquin, Semuc Champey is a natural wonder made up of caves, pools, and limestone bridges.
You can choose to stay in Lanquin at a hotel or hostel and take a 40-minute truck ride to the national park or book a local property that will bring you slightly closer to the beauty of Semuc Champey.
We recommend El Retiro. This exotic property will put you close to all of the best attractions, and the property will make you feel like you are honeymooning in paradise.
5. Fuentes Georginas
The Fuentes Georginas river Via Aprende Guatemala
Honeymoons are all about spending quality relaxation time with your true love. The hot springs at Fuentes Georginas are just what you’re looking for!
Located in Zunil, the second-largest city in Guatemala, and about an hour from popular destination Quetzaltenango, the best way to enjoy the sulfur springs is to book a guided tour with a local expert.
Once you arrive, you can relax in the man-made pools filled with water heated by Volcano Zunil. You can also follow the free hiking trail around the spring, which takes about an hour and offers an abundance of photo ops you can post to Instagram.
Take a Culinary Journey in Guatemala
A romantic dinner at Lake Atitlan Via Roberto Nickson
One of the best experiences on any honeymoon is sampling the local cuisine. Guatemalan food is often meat-forward, focusing on beef, pork, and chicken, and seasoned with local chilies, peppers, and chocolate. You’ll also find an abundance of beans, avocado, and corn.
Guatemala is a secret foodie destination. Traditional Guatemalan food is a diverse array of Mayan, Arabic, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines supported by the rich volcanic soil they grow in. The rich biodiversity of their soil and their cooking techniques, which are still made according to traditional methods, make this foodie destination one of the world's best-hidden gems.
If you want to experience an authentic culinary adventure, book a food tour showing you the highlights of Guatemalan cuisine that are off the well-beaten path.
The Coffee and Culture full-day tour offers an entire day’s worth of adventures for foodies at a very affordable rate. If you’re looking to explore the cuisine of Guatemala on your own, visit Zone 10 in Guatemala City. Here, you’ll find a variety of top-rated restaurants, bars, and cafes for you and your partner to enjoy.
These four popular foods are frequently found in Guatemala. Give them a try if you’re willing!
Champurradas Cookies
Traditional Champurradas Cookies Via Amigo Foods
These traditional cookies are commonly had with afternoon coffees and can be found in bakeries all over the country.
Featuring the buttery flavors of shortbread with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this not-overly-sweet cookie seems simple but shouldn’t be passed on.
2. Fiambre
Fiambre salad Via Chocolate and Chiles
Dating back to colonial times, this is more than just a Guatemalan salad. The time, cost, and effort that goes into making this more than 100-ingredient salad and makes it an indispensable part of Guatemalan culture.
It is mainly a traditional food enjoyed on Dia de Los Santos but can be found throughout the country.
3. Jocon
Jocon Soup Via Delcious
Pollo en Jocon is the most popular of the traditional Mayan foods. In fact, the Guatemalan Tourist Authority declared it part of the Cultural Heritage of the Country.
The key ingredients of cilantro, mint, tomatillos, and ground pumpkin seeds will bring this traditional dish to life.
4. Kak’ik (Coban)
Kak’ik Via Amigo Foods
As one of the most regionally unique and famous dishes in Guatemala, Kak-ik or Kaq’ik is a must-try. With many roadside restaurants offering the dish, you’re sure to find one.
But you can sample different types from different regions, discovering what makes each authentic, from their spice levels to even how they serve this memorable dish.
You never know what food you will be raving about and craving when you are back home.
Practical Tips and Information for a Perfect Guatemala Honeymoon
Set a Budget and Stick to it - While Guatemala is one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations, it’s easy to go wild and break the budget. Sit down with your spouse-to-be and decide how much you want to spend on hotels, experiences, food, and incidentals.
Learn Local Customs - When traveling to any foreign country, it’s important to know how to be polite. If dining with a host, guests should wait until their host has taken the first bite to start eating. Additionally, men should never be shirtless unless at the beach.
Stock Up on Supplies Before You Arrive - Items like bug spray, sunscreen, and feminine hygiene products are in short supply, especially if you’re traveling through the jungle. Be sure to bring these from home to avoid being caught without them.
Learn Some Polite Phrases in the Local Lingo - Politeness goes a long way in Guatemalan culture. Learning kind phrases like “buenas” (a general greeting) and “porfa” (please) will help you show your appreciation for locals who are helping you.
Where to Stay on Your Guatemala Honeymoon
Porch area at the Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum, and Spa
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is everything you could dream of. The experiences to be had here will really have you making memories to last a lifetime.
Not only do they have tours to all of the Mayan ruins, but they also have spiritual tours guided by Mayan priests, tours to the Petencito Biological Park, and their own Monkey Island, where they care for their own monkeys.
The most breathtaking adventure tour that they offer is a tour to the Blue Crater.
They take you to the El Pucte Wildlife Refuge and through the series of turquoise springs, where you can observe the underwater garden through crystal clear waters.
2. La Lancha
A guest room at the La Lancha
Bringing romance and intimacy to your honeymoon, La Lancha is a great hotel to stay at in Tikal.
Set in the rain forest high above the showers of Lake Lago Peten Itza are ten serene rooms ready to welcome you into the spirituality and romance of the Mayan culture.
Hand-selected and curated by a local family it’s the ideal destination to enjoy your new partner.
3. Hotel Casa Palopo
The pool at the Casa Palopo Relais
Can you imagine the journey to your hotel in a private helicopter? What a way to be swept away into your honeymoon!
Casa Palopo Relais is one of the more famous hotels and offers the most in terms of luxury. As the most famous resort on the lake, it will offer endless romantic opportunities to enjoy each other on your honeymoon.
Creating a Honeymoon Itinerary
An aerial view of a coast in Guatemala.
With so many possibilities, it can be challenging to design the perfect itinerary for your Guatemala honeymoon.
Talk with your future spouse and decide what vibe you both want for this trip. Do you prefer a relaxing getaway with lots of food and drinks? Or do you want a thrilling adventure filled with outdoor activities and memorable excursions?
Here are some sample itineraries to inspire you as you plan your Guatemala honeymoon.
Itinerary #1: The 7-Day Relaxing Guatemalan Getaway
This itinerary is best for couples looking to see a little bit of everything Guatemala offers.
Day 1
Fly into Guatemala City. Spend the evening there, enjoying the restaurants and shops.
Days 2, 3, and 4
Travel to Panajachel. Spend three days enjoying the small villages, shops, restaurants, and sights that surround Lake Aitilan. Watch the sunrise over the volcanos, or sleep in and enjoy the sunset!
Day 5
Travel to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Spend the day exploring the city and sampling authentic Guatemalan cuisine.
Day 6
Take a tour of Fuentes Georginas and spend the day exploring and relaxing in the volcanic hot springs.
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast in Quetzaltenango and board your flight home.
Itinerary #2: The 8-Day Guatemalan Outdoor Adventure
If you want your honeymoon filled with outdoor activities and Guatemalan history, this itinerary is for you!
Day 1
Arrive in Guatemala City and catch a connecting flight to Flores. Spend the evening enjoying the local culture.
Days 2 & 3
Book a guided sunrise tour to Tikal, the ancient Mayan ruins. This will take up your entire day and allow you to explore the Guatemalan jungle with your spouse.
The ruins are so expansive that you’ll need two days to ensure you see all of the sights.
Day 4
Take a rest day to enjoy the beaches of Flores Island and recover from your exhilarating hike to Tikal.
Day 5
Use this day to travel from Flores Island to Antigua. Check into your hotel and relax.
Day 6
Start your day in Antigua with a visit to the ChocoMuseo (Chocolate museum!) Then hike up to Cerra de Cruz for an amazing photo op. Finish the day by exploring the colonial ruins before dinner
Day 7
Book a volcano tour. Several volcanoes surround the area with unique activities, like an ATV coffee tour.
Day 8
Take a quick stroll through The Plaza Central Park before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Conclusion
Your honeymoon is the cherry on top of your wedding adventure, so the destination should be extraordinary.
A Guatemala honeymoon is cost-effective, exciting, and sure to make both of you happy! So what are you waiting for? Start planning the honeymoon of your dreams today!