Thinking about making a trip there next summer (2026).
Anybody been recently.
We've heard it's stunningly beautiful and remarkably affordable.
Also heard some worrisome stories about the crime.
I'd appreciate any feedback y'all care to offer.

Love Guatemala. Any idea what part you'll visit?

Crime may be an issue in parts of Guatemala City, but there's not really much to see there anyway. Out in the more rural areas, shouldn't be much of a concern.

We spent a long weekend in Antigua last year, and unfortunately didn't have time for more. But I've been there many times, all over the country (used to live in Honduras). Lots of beautiful places to see. Recommend Antigua to start, and you can go explore from there. Many tour operators around there. I can recommend a great guide if you want.

Lago de Atitlan is also a must-see. Several small towns around the lake, each with different characteristics. Panajachel is the main one, but the rest are worth visiting too. Go explore some ruins. Tikal is worth seeing, but is either a short flight or a long drive from Guate City/Antigua.

Depending on how much time you have, there's a lot more to see. You'll have a great time. My wife wasn't sure what to expect when we went last year, but she said it was one of her favorite trips ever.

And yes, it's very affordable.

Awesome stuff, jackal.
We are wide open for ideas/areas so your post is a wonderful jumping off point.
I may be in touch at some point regarding that guide.
We like our time in the pool/on the beach as much as anyone but we also like to be active on our vacays. Hiking in particular.
Any particular volcanoes/jungle/pyramid hikes you'd consider musts?

There are several volcanoes around Antigua that you can climb - Agua and Acatenango, primarily. Plenty of guides to take you up those. Agua is an easier climb, Acatenango is usually an overnight hike.

For jungle and pyramids, Tikal is the place. It's in northern Guatemala in a pretty isolated/forested area, and the Mayan ruins there are incredible. You've seen Star Wars, right? You may recognize this view from Tikal (I took this and the other picture, by the way). But again, you'll either need to fly or take a very long drive (if doing the drive, do it with a guide or tour, it can be tricky and potentially dangerous on your own).

Agree with Jackal. There isn't much to do or see in Guatemala City. In Antigua--we enjoyed hiking, coffee tours, spending time in cafes, and visiting lavender farm. Uber and Taxis are around in Antigua. It was so interesting hearing their native dialects--very different than the Spanish we are use to. We had a great time there.

I was there a few months ago and it is outstanding. DO NOT MISS Antigua and DO NOT MISS doing some volcano hikes. I felt completely safe as well.

Guatemala is like Costa Rica 20-30 years ago. They are getting into the tourism now and many expats live there now. I'd easily go back for a week.

Posting from Costa Rica now, on a trip with my family. I went to Guatemala 7-8 times back in my bachelor days, nothing since 2013. Really want to go back, Antigua + Atitlan are pretty special. For those who've been more recently, what's an appropriate age to bring kids? I've been thinking 10 minimum and maybe older - I only ever felt legitimately unsafe 1-2x back in the day but there were plenty of sketchy folks about in Pana especially. I actually really disliked Panajachel, preferred the smaller towns around the lake.

My son is 12 and I wouldn't hesitate to take him. 10 is probably a good age.

I do agree about Pana being sketchy. The smaller towns are much nicer and prettier.

Thank you all for your input!!
I'm excited to get down there!