You Should Honeymoon in Guatemala - Here's Why
You may not know exactly where it is, but you’ve probably heard recent buzz about Guatemala. Long considered a staple on the backpacker trail, the largest country in Central America is quickly becoming a popular destination for upscale adventure travelers and romance seekers, and it’s no secret why – it’s a veritable paradise full of warm, friendly faces, endlessly diverse landscapes, and a rich history that stretches back thousands of years to when these lands were inhabited by the ancient Maya.
The last decade has seen significant growth in the Guatemala luxury travel sector, drawing curious explorers in with high-end boutique hotels, ultra-Instagrammable views, and a choose-your-own-adventure approach that makes it easy to have a trip that checks all of your boxes. So why do we think Guatemala is the ideal locale for the offbeat honeymoon of your dreams?
1. Unbelievable landscapes
There’s an array of impressive volcanoes – from fire-spitting, smoke-heaving monsters to docile giants that surround azure-colored lakes – that stretch across the country; black sand beaches frequented by surfers and few others; fiery sunset skies, and a vast expanse of lush lowland jungle that shrouds the ancient Mayan metropolis of Tikal, you’ll find no shortage of eye-popping vistas to take your breath away and leave you reaching for your camera. This place is epic.
2. Luxurious digs
With luxury lodges and boutique hotels popping up throughout the country, you can rest assured that wherever you choose to lie your head, it’s bound to be somewhere remarkable. Positioned in the beating heart of colonial Antigua, El Convento Boutique Hotel is arguably the only place to begin a Guatemala vacation. It’s a breathtaking escape with an old soul, charming colonial architecture and sophisticated suites in a color palette that’s evocative of the surrounding 400-year-old city it’s proud to be a part of.
On the shores of fabled Lake Atitlán, Casa Palopó makes for the perfect next stop, hanging on steep slopes that descend down to the stunning blue water of the lake. After some time immersed in the sweetness of lake life, continue north to the humid lowland jungles of Petén, where howler monkeys, exotic birds and ancient ruins collide. Here you will find romance at La Lancha Boutique Hotel, an intimate rainforest retreat owned by none other than Francis Ford Coppola.
3. Remote peace & privacy
Although it’s the most populous nation in Central America, there’s something about Guatemala’s empty, dramatic landscapes that makes it one of the most peaceful places in Central America. Outside of the lively city centers where hustle and bustle is the norm, the country is blissfully still, with a soulful energy that encourages you to put down your cell phone, and instead spend time with yourself and your surroundings. Fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of waves lapping on sand, wake to the sounds of howler monkeys stirring in the trees, and suddenly find that you can hear your own breath – and your thoughts – clearly. Maybe it’s the ancient mysticism of the region, possibly the near-deafening quiet, or maybe something else entirely, but either way, it’s the perfect place for reflection and a renewed connection with the one you love.
4. Adventure
From the minute you touch down in Guatemala, almost everything feels like an adventure. That old adage “the journey is the destination” certainly applies. Travel here is an antithesis to the traditional lounge-on-a-beach honeymoon trope, and involves near-constant activity. If you’re not navigating winding gravel roads and forging rivers by car, you’ll be climbing aboard a propeller plane for a scenic flight high above towering mountain ranges and lush rainforest.
When you do get to wherever it is you’re going, the adventure won’t stop there. Climb volcanoes and massive Mayan temples, spot jungle wildlife, swim in pristine lakes and rivers, and if you really want a jolt of adrenaline, try surfing or deep sea fishing, cruise down a zip line at breakneck speed, or spend the night atop a rumbling volcano.
5. Affordability
If you’re looking to travel in style, but want to avoid the exorbitant prices that often come with a luxury holiday, you’ll be excited to hear that the American and Canadian dollar, British pound, and the Euro all stack up nicely against Guatemala’s currency, the quetzal. Add this to the fact that stays at luxury resorts and hotels, excursions, transportation and meals are already well-priced, and you’ve got an economical luxury getaway where your dollar stretches much further than it can in neighboring countries like Belize or Mexico. For newlyweds looking to conserve their post-nuptial cash without sacrificing service and amenities, Guatemala is the ideal destination for a honeymoon.
6. The road less travelled
Though backpackers have long known the treasures that await them in Guatemala, the luxury travel market here remains relatively untapped, and hordes of tourists have yet to descend on the country. No bottomless margaritas, out-of-control selfie sticks or loud floral-print shirts here.
You won’t see Starbucks on every corner – in fact, there are a couple in Guatemala City, but that’s it – and every experience will be new and genuine. Count on fewer crowds, and deeper, more authentic interactions than you’ll ever have sipping a mai-tai from the comfort of a resort-issued beach chair. Amen to that.
7. A rich & mysterious history
Beyond colonial architecture and charming cobbled streets, there is a much longer history that lingers in the Maya heartland, now shared by Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
Shrouded in thick rainforest and centuries of mystery, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in all of Central America. In this outsized time capsule lies a labyrinth of limestone structures half-hidden by subtropical jungle, steep pyramids rise through the tops of dense jungle canopy. The natural ambiance here is the same as it was over a thousand years ago – complete with sound effects from howler and spider monkeys, raucous parrots and twittering birdsongs.
Though many honeymoons and romantic getaways consist of beach, eat, sleep, repeat, Guatemala is a breath of fresh air, and a place to do something different. Cheers to your future together as you overlook the sapphire water of Lake Atitlán, climb a volcano or perch on Tikal’s Temple You deserve a getaway you’ll never forget. Plus, you might be the first person you know that’s ever been here. We all love giving our friends a little FOMO, right?
