Guatemala Stands Out in Global Tourism With Best Hidden Gem 2026 Award
Guatemala won the Best Hidden Gem 2026 award at the eDreams Travel Awards, highlighting the country’s growing international appeal for culture, nature, gastronomy, and unique travel experiences.
Guatemala received the Best Hidden Gem 2026 award during the first edition of the eDreams Travel Awards 2026, a recognition that highlights destinations attracting international travelers through culture, gastronomy, nature, and unique travel experiences.
The award positioned Guatemala among internationally recognized destinations that also competed in the category, including South Korea, New Zealand, Almaty, and Senegal.
Guatemala Gains International Recognition as an Emerging Destination
The Best Hidden Gem category was created to identify destinations that have generated growing interest among travelers looking for experiences outside traditional tourism routes. According to the information shared by the organizers, the recognition considered both public participation and traveler behavior data collected through the platform.
Guatemala stood out for the increasing attention it has received from international visitors interested in discovering local culture, natural attractions, gastronomy, and less crowded destinations.
The eDreams Travel Awards 2026 also marked the first time the company organized an international awards program focused on global travel trends and tourist preferences.
Guatemala Joins Other Globally Recognized Destinations
With this recognition, Guatemala was placed alongside destinations with strong international tourism visibility. The initiative aimed to measure the interest of real travelers seeking new and different experiences around the world.
In recent years, Guatemala has also appeared in international rankings related to cultural tourism, nature destinations, and culinary experiences. The new award adds to other recognitions the country has received from travel magazines, agencies, and international tourism organizations.
Lake Atitlán and Tikal Continue Competing in International Tourism Awards
In addition to the Best Hidden Gem 2026 recognition, Guatemala currently has two destinations nominated in the World Travel Awards 2026 for Best Tourist Attraction in Mexico and Central America.
The nominated destinations are Lake Atitlán and Tikal National Park, both recognized as some of the country’s most visited attractions.
Online voting for the awards remains open until June 12, 2026, and users can participate through prior registration.
International Tourism Continues to Grow in Guatemala
International tourism in Guatemala has continued expanding during 2026, with more travelers from different countries visiting the nation’s cultural and natural attractions.
According to data from Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo, commonly known as Inguat, Guatemala welcomed more than 1 million non-resident tourists during the first four months of 2026, representing an increase compared to the previous year.
Among the main international visitors are travelers from the United States, Honduras, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Canada, and Costa Rica.
