The long-awaited mid-year holidays are about to begin. According to data from the Ministry of Education, both the public and private sectors will enjoy a rest period from Wednesday, June 24, to Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
During these days, students, teachers and administrative staff of educational centers will take advantage of the break to rest, carry out other activities and get out of their routine.
While many surely plan to enjoy the 2026 World Cup matches, which coincide with this vacation period, others are looking for options to go out, see other landscapes and relax.
To do this, it is not necessary to leave the country, as Guatemala has natural destinations, recreational parks, archaeological sites and colonial cities that can be visited during the 2026 mid-year holidays. These are just some of them.
1. La Aurora Zoo
One of the most attractive places is the La Aurora Zoo, which is home to more than 287 species of animals. The facility has restaurants and arcade-type game areas, ideal for enjoying with the family without leaving Guatemala City. Admission prices are Q60 for adults and Q30 for children.
2. IRTRA parks
IRTRA has six theme parks that offer rides, swimming pools, nature, zoos and other entertainment spaces for the whole family. Mundo Petapa and Amatitlán, in Guatemala, as well as Xetulul, Xocomil and Xejuyup, in Retalhuleu, will be open from 9 a.m. The Agua Caliente park remains closed for remodeling.
3. Antigua Guatemala
The colonial city is one of the busiest destinations during the holidays. It has a wide cultural offer, religious temples, museums, bars and other tourist spaces that attract Guatemalans and foreigners.
4. Public beaches
Guatemala has public beaches that offer various attractions for local and foreign visitors, including surfing and other water activities. Among the most popular are El Paredón and Puerto San José, in Escuintla, as well as Monterrico, in Santa Rosa.
5. Semuc Champey
This natural monument and protected area of Guatemala is located in the department of Alta Verapaz. The beauty of its crystalline waters, El Mirador and its natural pools have positioned it as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
6. Laguna Lachuá National Park
Also located in Alta Verapaz, this site stands out for the beauty of its landscapes and for its impressive lagoon, which reaches a depth of 222 meters and is surrounded by dense vegetation.
7. Kaminaljuyú archaeological site
Its historical, cultural and natural wealth makes Kaminaljuyú one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country, where families can enjoy recreational and educational activities. It is located in zone 7 of Guatemala City and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
8. Pacaya and Acatenango Volcano
Climbing a volcano can also be a good option for a mid-year break. The Pacaya volcano, located between Escuintla and Guatemala, is famous for its lava rivers. Meanwhile, the Acatenango volcano, between Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, presents a greater degree of difficulty, but offers impressive landscapes.
9. Panajachel and San Juan La Laguna
The view of Panajachel and Lake Atitlán, in Sololá, has captivated both Guatemalans and foreigners, making these towns highly visited destinations during the holidays.
10. Tikal
Tikal combines the beauty of the landscape with the history reflected in every corner of the Temple of the Great Jaguar. For decades it has been one of the tourist destinations that attracts national and foreign visitors.
