Guatemala is a small state in Central America. Once there was one of the centers of the Mayan civilization, therefore, a huge number of antiquities and monuments have been preserved on the territory of the country, attracting tourists from all over the world. People also come here to see active volcanoes, tropical forests, authentic Indian villages, beaches and shopping - all this can be easily found in Guatemala. The best time to visit the country is from November to May, when the weather is most favorable for tourism. In Guatemala, you should definitely use sunscreen, and only use purified or boiled water.
Those wishing to visit Mayan archaeological sites should include places such as Quirigua, Flores, Yashha, Seibal and Ishimche in their itinerary. Tourists who, among other attractions, value natural sites most of all, will like the Pacaya, Akeitnango, Agua and Fuego volcanoes, the Atitlan and Peten Itza lakes, the Quetzal and Tikal parks. In memory of visiting this colorful country, you can bring jade products, hand-woven items of clothing and household items or antiques. Tourists shouldn't forget that it is customary to bargain at fairs in Guatemala to bring down the price.
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What to see in Guatemala?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Tikal National Park
One of the largest Mayan settlements, which has been considered a national park since 1955. In the 1st - 9th centuries AD, Tikal was one of the most important cities of the Mitul kingdom. Today Tikal is a popular tourist destination and a famous archaeological site of Guatemala.
Antigua Guatemala
This famous city-museum dates back to the 16th century. Since then, Antigua Guatemala has been hit hard by many earthquakes, but the surviving local monuments of colonial construction continue to attract many tourists here. The Palacio de los Capitanes Generals, the Nuestra Senora de la Merced Church and the local town hall are some of the most visited places in Antigua Guatemala.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
The famous Mayan city of Quirigua is located in the southeast of Guatemala. Currently, there is an archaeological park showing tourists many amazing ancient monuments. Among them are sculptural calendars and stone monuments, which are considered the main "written" chronicles of the ancient civilization.
Lake Atitlan
If you move west from the capital of the state, you can get to the famous Lake Atitlan, whose area is more than 100 km². The beauty of this volcanic reservoir and local colorful Indian settlements attract many tourists here. Here you can also climb three low volcanoes located near the lake.
Chichicastenango Market
The famous Chichicastenango market is considered one of the largest trading floors in Central America. On the days of the fairs, many Guatemalan tourists come here for shopping. The Chichicastenango market sells souvenirs, a variety of textiles, dishes and household items, as well as fruits and flowers.
El Mirador
Only in the 20th century was one of the largest Guatemalan metropolises of the pre-classical Mayan culture discovered. The first traces of human habitation in El Mirador date back to the 1st century BC. To see the two large pyramids and the Mayan temple, tourists have to travel a rather long way through the tropics, so many excursions suggest riding here on horseback.
Flores city
In the north of Guatemala, there is the city of Flores, on whose territory, until the 18th century, was located Tayasal, a post-classical Mayan city. Today people come to Flores to visit the ancient settlements of the Indians and the Aktun-kan caves, as well as enjoy the picturesque views of the Lago de Petén Itza lake, along which excursion walks are regularly made.
Monterrico beach
One of the best beaches in Guatemala attracts tourists with its almost black volcanic sand and the many sea turtles that come ashore in Monterrico to lay their eggs. At low tide, tourists should be careful as the underwater currents are quite strong here.
Pacaya volcano
To the south of the capital of Guatemala lies one of the largest volcanoes on the planet - the active volcano Pacaya. Mostly mountain climbing enthusiasts come here; local trails are quite comfortable and not too difficult. Officially, the ascent to the Pacai mouth itself is prohibited, but many extreme climbers do not pay attention to these restrictions.
Quetzaltenango Central Park
Back in the 18th century, they began to design the central square of Quetzaltenango, where the main park of this city is now located. The main attraction of the central park is the rotunda, built in honor of the famous composer Ovalier, who wrote the music for the Guatemalan anthem. Another decoration of the square, a column located in its center, was installed in honor of one of the presidents of this country.
Livingstone city
In the eastern part of the country is the city of Livingston, home to the amazing Garifuna people, a mixture of Caribbean, European and Guatemalan cultures. Tourists will find comfortable hotels, restaurants and cafes in Livingstone, and in addition to a beach holiday, you can also go fishing here.
Lake Peten Itza
The country's second largest lake, Peten Itza, is located in the northern part of Guatemala. It is home to many animals, including toucans, jaguars and crocodiles. Tourists are primarily interested in the ancient Mayan settlements located near Lake Peten Itza.
Arch of Saint Catalina
One of the most popular tourist attractions in La Antigua is the Arch of Santa Catalina, which connects the two parts of the monastery. The date of the construction of this arch is considered to be the 17th century, but modern decorations in the form of a turret with a clock appeared on this building already in the 19th century.
Lankin Caves
The mesmerizing and intricate Lankin cave complex was once a sacred site for the Maya. The descendants of the ancient civilization still use these caves for their ceremonies. Currently, only about 400 meters of Lankin Cave is accessible to tourists. Among other entertainments, here you can ride an inflatable boat on the underground cave river.
Fort San Felipe de Lara
The Spanish colonial fort of San Felipe de Lara is considered a very popular tourist attraction in the east of the country. The first human settlements appeared here in the II century BC, and the fort itself was built in 1644 to protect against pirates who robbed the local port.
Lake El Golfete
The extraordinarily beautiful El Golfete Lake is located between the mountains in the eastern part of Guatemala. Amazing manatees, howler monkeys and many birds live here. Lake El Golfete, in whose waters a lot of fish is found, attracts, first of all, fans of eco-tourism and fishing.
Solola town
The small town of Solola is usually visited by tourists on the way to Lake Atitlan. On the central square of Solola, a noisy fair is held every week, which attracts residents of local villages in national costumes. In addition to "market shopping" in Solola, it is worth taking an excursion to the local history museum.
Semuk Champey waterfalls
One of the most beautiful places in Guatemala, which is deservedly popular with tourists, is the Semuk Champay waterfalls.There are several tourist routes to explore this natural attraction, the most difficult of which allows you to see the waterfalls from a bird's eye view.
Quetzal Biosphere Park
In the 20th century, a special biosphere park of the same name was created to protect the sacred Mayan birds of the quetzals. Two hiking trails - the Fern Trail (about 2 km) and the Moss Trail (about 4 km) - will acquaint tourists with local animals and birds, and if they are lucky, visitors to the park will be able to admire the bright plumage of 35-centimeter quetzals with their own eyes.
Santander street
In the city of Panajachel, located in the southwest of the country, there is the famous Santander Street. It connects the historic center with Lake Atitlan. On this street you can buy almost any product made by the Maya Indians - ceramics, national clothes, household items, various souvenirs. In addition to shops and shops, there are also restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels.
Palace of Captain-Generals
In the second half of the 18th century, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generals was built in La Antigua, which is also called the residence of the Captain-Generals. In addition to administrative services, there were stables, a court, a mint, military barracks and reception halls. Today the palace is used for urban purposes and is one of the most famous tourist sites in La Antigua.
Ruins of Yashkh
The ancient Mayan city, inhabited since 600 BC, is located between two lagoons in the northern part of Guatemala. More than 500 structures have been discovered here, including pyramids, ball stadiums and a whole network of sacred roads connecting different parts of the ancient city. Ceremonial and household ceramics found in Yashkh adorn images of historical and mythological scenes from Maya life.
Cerro de la Cruz hill
About half an hour's walk from the center of La Antigua is the Cerro de la Cruz hill, which has one of the best viewpoints in the city. Three volcanoes can be seen from the hill, as well as the main attractions of La Antigua. On the Cerro de la Cruz hill in the first half of the 20th century, a stone Redeemer Cross was installed, which is visited by many believers in Guatemala.
Central Square in Guatemala City
The Central Square of Guatemala City is located in zone 1 in the capital of the state. There is kilometer zero and an eternal flame dedicated to unknown heroes, and from different sides the square is surrounded by the National Palace, the Cathedral and the National Library of Guatemala. The most important celebrations and concerts are held in the central square, and on weekends there is a noisy fair.
San Juan La Laguna
On the southern shore of Lake Atitlan is one of the municipalities of Solola - San Juan la Laguna. This small town is famous for its painting - the walls of many houses are used here as canvas for paintings. You can also profitably purchase various pieces of traditional Guatemalan art here.
Seibal Archaeological Park
In the northern part of the Petén department, there is a famous tourist site - the Seibal Archaeological Park. A lot of evidence of the ancient Mayan civilization has been preserved here, among which about 20 steles and two temples are especially distinguished, one of which was used for astronomical observations.
Archaeological zone Ishimche
Ishimche was once the capital of one of the Mayan tribes. Today this archaeological site of antiquity is divided into six zones, of which only half are open for inspection. Here you can see more than one hundred and fifty Mayan structures, including palaces, temples and fields for ball games.
