Palacio Nacional de la Cultura: At the heart of downtown Guatemala City is this former presidential palace-turned-museum worth a look for a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history.

Zona Viva: Guatemala City’s most cosmopolitan sector, while offering some of the city’s best hotels, is also a fun place to eat out and enjoy a night on the town.

Museo Ixchel: The city’s finest museum is a wonderful tribute to Mayan culture and to Guatemala’s famous textiles and traditional village attire.

Museo Miraflores: This excellent museum is dedicated to the ancient Mayan site of Kaminaljuyú, which occupied the valley in which Guatemala City now stands. Several of the site’s temple mounds lie nearby.

Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología: Before or after visiting Guatemala’s fascinating Mayan sites, head to this museum to admire many of the original pieces once found there, including beautifully carved monuments and brilliant jade masks.

Pacaya Volcano National Park: Get up close and personal with brilliant lava flows at this impressive active volcano overlooking the city and nearby Lake Amatitlán.