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Every august, thousands of salvadoran families take advantage of the August Festivals holiday, in honor of the Divine Savior of the World, to rest and travel. This year, the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (Inguat) projects the arrival of approximately 78,000 salvadoran tourists to Guatemala during that week, a volume similar to that recorded during the same period in 2025, confirming that El Salvador is one of the most important source markets for guatemalan tourism.
The exchange of tourism between the two countries is already a trend; more than 1.75 million salvadorans visited Guatemala between january and december 2025, representing 26.7% of total arrivals to that country, according to the guatemalan Migration Institute. Guatemala, in turn, was the main source of tourists to El Salvador last year.
A significant portion of this movement occurs by land; 58% of foreign visitors entered Guatemala by land in 2025, positioning bus transportation as a practical, safe, and economical option for families.
Autobuses Cristóbal Colón® presents a guide to destinations in Guatemala and Honduras designed for those seeking short getaways, nature, culture, and history without leaving the region.
Recommended destinations in Guatemala
• Guatemala City: The capital combines cultural, gastronomic, and commercial offerings in a single destination: museums, the Historic Center, areas like Cayalá, and a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. It is also the most direct connection point for those looking to combine city life with short excursions to Antigua Guatemala or Lake Atitlán.
• Huehuetenango: Just a few kilometers from the center of the departmental capital, families will find experiences that combine history, nature, and highland landscapes. In the municipality of Chiantla, the Juan Diéguez Olaverri Lookout offers panoramic views of the volcanoes and the Guatemalan highlands. Right next to it, Magdalena Lagoon complements the experience with a landscape of serene waters surrounded by mountains, ideal for ending a family day out.
• Petén: With a combination of jungle and history, Tikal National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to more than 3,000 archaeological structures and is the largest pre-Hispanic settlement in Guatemala. Walking its trails among temples and jungle, with the sound of howler monkeys in the background, is an experience that children will hardly forget. Flores Island, on Lake Petén Itzá, offers a perfect complement: cobblestone streets and colorful houses perfect for exploring with the family, with boat trips on the lake and stops at tranquil beaches for swimming.
Recommended destinations in Honduras
• Copán Ruins: Near San Pedro Sula, the Copán Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important mayan sites in the region and a classic destination for those traveling in search of history and culture.
• Lake Yojoa: Located between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ largest natural lake is a landmark for ecotourism, with nearby waterfalls, trails, and a variety of restaurants. It also serves as a convenient stop for those traveling between the two cities.
“The August Festivals are one of the busiest travel seasons in the region, and at Cristóbal Colón®, we want salvadoran families to have a comfortable, safe, and affordable way to reach these destinations”, said Josef Valdez, Commercial manager for the Central America region at Cristóbal Colón®.
The company encourages travelers to plan their routes in advance during this season and reminds them that tickets can be purchased at terminal ticket counters, online at the website, or through social media: @cristobalcolonautobuses
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