Bar gay antigua guatemala

Celebrated travel writer Norman Lewis once said he was so taken by Guatemala he worried the rest of the world might pale by comparison.

I stopped lying to myself, thanks to a stranger at a bar in Guatemala

Wonderfully diverse and wildly colorful, Guatemala wows visitors with its impenetrable jungles, volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan, and palm-lined surf breaks. The Spanish also left their mark, with pretty pastel buildings, flower-filled plazas, and ornate cathedrals on full display in ever-lovely Antigua.

December through March, July, and August are the busiest times of the year, and the best hotels and language schools fill up. While the climate in Guatemala is, on average, as comfortable as can be, the landscape is diverse, so temperatures vary, too. Expect the lowlands around Tikal to be hot and humid and the volcanos to be quite chilly.

Though homosexuality is legal guatemala persons over 18 years of age, the reality is that Guatemala is a mostly Catholic and socially conservative country not entirely accepting of the LGBTQ community. That said, public displays of affection are ill-advised anywhere in the country, and even in tourist hot-spots, expect the gay community to be discreet.

Most travelers opt to skip sprawling Guatemala City entirely. We understand why. The city is dirty and, when you venture outside the tourist trail, dangerous. Mercado Central is a massive, always bustling market selling everything from textiles to ceramics to produce and more. Visit for the gay stream of color and noise and to try out cheap, authentic snacks from local vendors.

The Museo Ixchel is required visiting for anyone who wants a deep-dive into Maya culture reaching through the centuries to today. Ambling the candy-colored town feels akin to traveling through time—albeit with a bevy of farm-to-table restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and chic boutique hotels to keep you comfortable.

Beyond its volcanoes, bar into the countryside to discover quaint villages, family-run coffee plantations, and enchanting textile markets. The deepest lake in Central America, the aquamarine waters are surrounded by lush green hills and traditional Maya villages, over which three majestic volcanos proudly loom.

Lake Atitlan is the stuff of storybooks. Here, misty mornings morph into sun-dappled afternoons on the water, and sunsets bring with them a kaleidoscope of colors sweeping across the sky, mirroring in the water below. San Pedro, Panajachel, Jaibalito, and San Juan are the main ones, and each has its own discernible flair.

For gobsmacking vistas, the hike to the top of Volcan Antigua Pedro is well worth the effort. Recharge at any of the decent restaurants and hotels in the city before a jam-packed day of exploration. Tucked away deep in the misty Guatemalan rainforest lies Semuc Champey, an incredible meter-long natural limestone bridge with tiered turquoise pools.

The isolated stunner is undeniably challenging to arrive at, but once there, intrepid travelers are rewarded with a beguiling tropical paradise—and what might very well be guatemala most beautiful spot in all of Guatemala. This will be your base for antigua the iconic Tikal Ruins—next up on your gay Guatemala itinerary.

This partially restored temple complex lies nestled within the dense rainforest canopy, providing visitors the opportunity to tread along broad limestone paths—with monkeys, agoutis, and other wildlife never far from reach. Vying for the title of most awe-inspiring Maya Ruin is Tikal, a major civilization inhabited from the 6th — 10th century B.

Arrive early when the heat is tolerable gay the jungle awash bar a warm morning glow.