For those looking for a vacation destination that includes attractions from the New World but also from ancient times, there is no better place than Guatemala. This country has a rich and distinct history, thanks to the mixture of elements specific to the Spaniards and the natives of the Mayan tribes. The diverse history and the natural beauty of the landscape have created an extremely interesting vacation destination. In the following, you have a list of the most impressive tourist attractions in Guatemala.
10. El Mirador
El Mirador was an important Mayan city that prospered from the 6th century until the end of the 9th century, when it began to decline. The ruins of El Mirador were rediscovered in 1926, but they did not receive much attention, given its isolated location in the depths of the jungle in northern Guatemala. Currently, they are mostly covered by tropical vegetation. A visit to El Mirador is not for the faint of heart.
The town of Carmelita is the closest point you can reach by car. From there you have to take an exhausting path, which is completed in at least 5 days and 4 nights and which takes you through the jungle, among ants, ticks and mosquitoes. Having said that, you will definitely not forget such a trip anytime soon.
9. Livingston
Livingston is one of Guatemala's gems, far away on the Caribbean coast, which can only be reached by boat. Fortunately, two ferries run daily to this destination. The city is a center of Garifuna culture, which means that once you arrive here, you have the chance to try the local cuisine and listen to traditional music. The evenings in Livingston are also an opportunity for fun, especially if you have the chance to dance the Punta, a traditional dance with an incredible rhythm.
8. Quetzaltenango Central Park
The Central Park is located in the heart of the city of Quetzaltenango and represents a true cultural and historical center. This settlement is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, offering a fantastic view through its wildness. Sometimes abbreviated as Xela, in this city there are also Fuentes Georginas, local natural sulphurous springs. From here you have multiple possibilities to explore the Mayan settlements or take day trips to Laguna Chicabal, a sacred lake located in the forest and which offers you the unique chance to see Quetzal birds in their natural habitat.
7. Pacaya Volcano
Located near Antigua, the Pacaya volcano is an active volcano, which last erupted on May 27, 2010. There are access roads open to the public, but the most fearful should refrain from coming here. If you have the courage to climb the volcano and admire the magnificent view from above, reserve at least one day, if not more, for this trip.
6. Monterrico
Monterrico is a more hidden location in Guatemala, located on the Pacific coast. With its black sand, volcanic beaches and the few people you will meet here, it is the ideal place for those looking to escape from the real world. Ocean currents and high waves mean that only experienced swimmers venture here. If you want to get involved in the protection and preservation of the environment, you can take part in the turtle rescue operation, visiting one of the marine sanctuaries (in the appropriate season) and helping to release the baby turtles into the warm and safe waters of the ocean.
5. Flores
Flores is an island located on Lake Petén Itzá and connected to the mainland by a road, at the end of which are the twin cities of Santa Elena and San Benito. Here, on the island of Flores, the last independent Mayan state resisted heroically against the Spanish conquistadors. For many tourists, the main reason they visit the island of Flores is its proximity to the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal. But the island city itself is a first-rate attraction of Guatemala, filled with colonial buildings with red roofs, narrow cobbled streets, a historic church and many hotels and restaurants.
4. Chichicastenango Market
Often abbreviated to "ChiChi", this is the true destination for shopping in Guatemala. Located two to three hours southwest of Guatemala City, ChiChi is the place where the brightest and most vibrant traditional market in all of America is located. With a wide variety of fabrics, textiles, clothing, masks, wooden items, ceramics and even fireworks, you have no reason to leave Chichicastenango empty-handed. The city is also famous for its ability to honor and often host festivals, celebrations and feasts, which tourists are expected to take part in.
3. Santa Catalina Arch
Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala, until 1773, when a strong earthquake decimated the city. In 1776, it was abandoned, and what used to be a vibrant and bustling capital, took on the aura of a quiet provincial town. Known for its ancient Spanish architecture, for its palaces, cathedrals, universities and hermitage. Antigua is a real gem of Guatemala. Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua has become a landmark that indicates to all who pass under it that they have reached their destination. The city becomes a tourist attraction during Holy Week, when parades and carpets of flowers cover the streets. The view is absolutely breathtaking.
2. Lago de Atitlan
Lake Atitlán was described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, the lake is a fantastic exhibition of natural splendors. The gate of Lake Atitlán, the city of Pananajachel, is also the place where you enter the world of the Mayans and other ancient peoples. It is a wonderful area, with many tourist attractions, opportunities for exploring, scuba diving and learning Spanish.
1. Tikal
Located in the tropical forest of northern Guatemala, Tikal is one of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala, thanks to its beauty and natural wonders. The name Tikal translates as "Place of Voices" (sometimes, "Place of Languages") and a quarter of a million people once lived here. Today, all that remains of this ancient metropolis are some enchanting Mayan ruins. The city is surrounded by a vast nature reserve, where monkeys, parrots, deer and other incredible animal species live. To explore this gem, you need at least two days.
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