People ask me all the time what are the best things to see and do in Guatemala. I made a list and narrowed it down to the top 10 things to see and do, and ranked them by distance from Guatemala City. To maximize your travel time, pick a must-see destination and start branching out to destinations around your chosen area. There is plenty to keep one busy for a long time, here are my top 10 things to do in Guatemala (family friendly) and plan your vacation around:

1. Visit the La Aurora National Zoo. Surprisingly good zoo in Guatemala City, great if you are traveling with children. Driving time: 5-20 minutes from within the city depending on your location.

2. Visit Antigua Guatemala. See the colonial architecture and walk the cobblestone streets. Even better if you can make it for the Holy Week processions (book the hotel in advance). Driving time: 45 minutes from the capital.

3. Climb the Pacaya Volcano. As close as possible to a live volcano spewing lava. Driving time: 45 minutes from the city.

4. Explore Lake Atitlan. Surrounded by volcanoes, considered the most beautiful lake in the world. I agree. Driving time: 2 – 2:30 hours from Guatemala City.

5. Visit the beaches. You get a 2 for 1 here. Monterrico and its black sand beaches lie to the west. Great place to relax. Playa Blanca in Izabal, and its traditional white sand beach
The beaches are to the East. If you’re in Izabal, visit Castillo de San Felipe (Castillo de San Felipe), an old Spanish fortress. Very scenic, on the water and well kept. Driving time to Monterrico: 2 – 2:30 hours from Guatemala City. Driving time to Izabal: 4 hours from Guatemala City.

6. Shop at the Chichicastenango Market. Open on Thursdays and Sundays, the Chichi market is THE largest craft market in the world. Haggling is accepted and encouraged. Buy your souvenirs here. Driving time: 3 – 3:30 hours from Guatemala City.

7. Visit the IRTRA parks in Retalhuleu. The Disney/water park destination of Central America. The children will have a great time. Stay at IRTRA’s affordable hostels and enjoy their spas, restaurants, tennis courts, pools, bowling and other adult amenities. The grounds are incredibly well kept and you will enjoy the peacocks strutting around the lodge complex. Driving time: 3 – 3:30 hours from Guatemala City.

8. Take a walk in Xela. A piece of Europe in Central America. It competes with Antigua for its beauty and as a destination to learn Spanish in its many schools. Safe to walk around at night, its beautiful architecture (and international cuisine) can be enjoyed at any time. Driving time: 4 – 4:30 hours from Guatemala City.

9. Explore Semuc Champey. Enjoy calm rock pools filled with turquoise blue waters, explore incredible caves by candlelight. He won’t find a single picture online that will do him justice. It’s that impressive in person. Driving time: Approximately 5 hours from Guatemala City.

10. Visit the Tikal National Park. Last but by no means least. See the imposing Mayan temples, right in the middle of the jungle. Ponder if the end of the world starts here in 2012. Driving time: 8 hours from Guatemala City (flying to Flores airport from Guatemala City is the frequently chosen route to save time).

There is much more to mention. Ecotourism is huge here, for example, it’s hard to narrow it down to ten things, but this will get you started.