Top Reasons to Go

Culture: Guatemala City boasts some impressive institutions, including the National Archaeology and Ethnology Museum, the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress, and the Popol Vuh Museum.

Food and Drink: The capital has the country's highest concentration of fine restaurants, with an emphasis on international and fusion cuisine. There are also enough bars and clubs to keep the most ardent night owl busy for weeks.

R&R: After a week or two traveling in the provinces, there's no better place to check into a luxury hotel, kick back, and loll by the pool for a couple of days.

Shopping: If you're interested only in handicrafts, by all means head to Chichi; but if your tastes run toward fine art, antiques, and designer shops, Guate is the place to be.