Explore Guatemala

Central Highlands · Capital: Antigua Guatemala

Home to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural and tourism capital of the country with colonial architecture, volcanoes, and coffee plantations.

Western Highlands · Capital: Sololá

Home to Lake Atitlán, called the most beautiful lake in the world. Surrounded by volcanoes and a dozen unique Mayan villages, each with its own culture and personality.

Northern Lowlands · Capital: Flores

Guatemala's largest department, covered in tropical jungle. Home to Tikal, El Mirador, and hundreds of ancient Mayan cities hidden in the Biosphere Reserve.

Central · Capital: Guatemala City

The most populous department, home to the capital and economic hub. Modern infrastructure, international airport, best hospitals, and diverse dining scene.

Western Highlands · Capital: Quetzaltenango (Xela)

The second largest city and cultural capital of the western highlands. Known for the best Spanish schools, cool highland climate, and access to Central America's highest volcano.

Northern Highlands · Capital: Cobán

A lush, green department known for Semuc Champey's turquoise pools, coffee plantations, the Biotopo del Quetzal, and Lanquín's caves. An adventure traveler's paradise.

Caribbean Coast · Capital: Puerto Barrios

Guatemala's Caribbean department. Home to Livingston's Garifuna culture, the Río Dulce waterway, Quiriguá ruins, and the only Caribbean coastline in the country.

Western Highlands · Capital: Santa Cruz del Quiché

The heart of Maya K'iche' culture. Home to the famous Chichicastenango market, the Ixil Triangle's remote highland communities, and deep indigenous traditions.

Western Highlands · Capital: Huehuetenango

Guatemala's wild west. Home to the Cuchumatanes, the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America, and the traditional Maya village of Todos Santos.

Pacific Coast · Capital: Escuintla

Guatemala's Pacific coast department. Sugar cane plantations, black sand beaches, and the port city of Puerto Quetzal. Gateway to the Pacific lowlands.

Pacific Coast · Capital: Cuilapa

Home to Monterrico, Guatemala's most popular beach destination. Sea turtle conservation, mangrove swamps, and the volcanic black sand beaches of the Pacific coast.

Pacific Coast · Capital: Retalhuleu

Known locally as 'Reu'. Home to Xocomil waterpark, Xetulul theme park, and the ancient Olmec-Maya ruins of Takalik Abaj. A family-friendly destination.

Central Highlands · Capital: Chimaltenango

A highland department between Guatemala City and Lake Atitlán. Home to the Iximché archaeological site, former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom.

Northern Highlands · Capital: Salamá

A quiet highland department famous for the Biotopo del Quetzal, where Guatemala's national bird can be spotted in the cloud forest. Also known for Rabinal's indigenous culture.

Western Highlands · Capital: San Marcos

Home to Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America at 4,220m, and Tacaná volcano on the Mexican border. The department offers highland culture and Pacific coast beaches.

Eastern · Capital: Chiquimula

Known for the Basilica of Esquipulas, one of Central America's most important pilgrimage sites. The Black Christ draws millions of visitors annually. Gateway to Honduras.

Western Highlands · Capital: Totonicapán

A deeply indigenous K'iche' Maya department known for traditional textiles, wood crafts, and ceramics. Home to some of Guatemala's oldest community governance systems.

Pacific Coast · Capital: Mazatenango

A Pacific lowland department dominated by sugar cane and palm oil plantations. Mazatenango hosts one of Guatemala's liveliest carnivals in February.

Eastern · Capital: Zacapa

The hottest and driest department in Guatemala. Famous for Ron Zacapa rum, one of the world's most awarded rums, produced in the Motagua Valley.

Eastern · Capital: Jalapa

A small eastern highland department known for its mild climate, agriculture, and local markets. Off the tourist trail but authentic Guatemalan culture.

Eastern · Capital: Jutiapa

Guatemala's southeasternmost department, bordering El Salvador and the Pacific. Known for its volcanic landscape, hot climate, and the Laguna de Güija.

Eastern · Capital: Guastatoya

Guatemala's smallest department by population. A transit corridor in the Motagua Valley with a hot, dry climate. Home to the Motagua fault line.