OTHER TRIPS TO CONSIDER:

· Hobbitenango Theme Park: (Day trip) If you are a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan, you’ll like this place. You can walk around and take photos at the tiny hobbit holes. Some people stay there overnight. They also have some tree swings, mini golf, and a giant hand overlooking the valley and volcanoes.

· Lago Atitlán: (Day trip) in Guatemala's southwestern highlands, set within a volcanic crater, is surrounded by Mayan villages, steep hills, and striking volcanoes.

o There are many hotels around the lake. If you are looking for a relaxing day or weekend, this is a great option! Famous town nearby - Panajachel is a bustling town on its shores, offering traditional textiles. You can go kayaking, do yoga, and visit the colorful towns.

· Tikal: is a significant archaeological site and urban center of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

o Consider staying in Guatemala City for 2 nights and doing a 1-day trip to Tikal. You will have to take a small aircraft from Guatemala City to Tikal (Flores). You can purchase the flight tickets and park tickets on your own OR book a tour that can take care of everything – they have tours from Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala.

o You can also consider staying in Tikal for 1-2 nights. They have a hotel inside the park and others nearby. I stayed at Jungle Lodge Hotel, inside the park. FYI it is a jungle and you can hear animals throughout the day and night.

· Semuc Champey: (Overnight trip) offers breathtaking tiered turquoise pools suspended over a limestone bridge. It is remote and known for its stunningly gorgeous setting. I did a day trip here from Zacapa (7-hour drive) but I had to leave my house at 5am and got back at 11pm. I know they have tours from Antigua but it requires for you to stay at least 2 nights because it takes ~9hrs to get there. A transportation option GuateGo.

· Chiquimula: (Overnight trip) Chiquimula is a city located 4hrs from Antigua. It is a charming city boasting a rich blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Their tourist attractions have been growing in the past few years. Some of the things you can do, include:

o Parque de Aventuras NV: They have paragliding, camel riding, canopy, an infinity pool, trampoline, and more.

o Hike Volcán de Ipala: famous volcano with a lake on top, surrounded by lush trees

o Parque Ecológico La Laguna de 3 Cochinos: The highlight of the park is the stunning lagoon, which is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a tranquil atmosphere.

o Iglesia de Santa Catarina de Alejandría: This majestic colonial church, built in the 18th century, holds significant historical and cultural importance in the region.

o You can potentially do a day trip to Semuc Champey from here.

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