Top Places To Visit In Guatemala – Guide To Best Travel Destinations
Located in Central America, Guatemala is the heart of Mayan Culture. Though the country is very small, it is a diverse country with a striking landscape. It is home to lush green jungles, active volcanoes, Mayan culture, ancient ruins, colonial towns, black sandy beaches, and dry highlands. It is primarily a nature lover's paradise. But you can also explore the cool colonial towns.
Guatemala is truly blessed with some fantastic landscapes. There aren't many countries where you can explore this much. A trip to such a country can really get you hooked for life. Due to the abundance of fascinating destinations, you really have to make a list. Here, we are going to list the must-visit places in Guatemala.
Antigua
Due to the number of people visiting Antigua, you definitely need to know in advance where to stay. Since you probably will spend some days in Antigua, because of its sheer beauty. It is better to do some research. We have rounded up some of the best hostels in Antigua for you to stay.
Antigua is a Spanish colonial town and the most pleasantly looking city in the country. It is a short drive from Guatemala's main international airport, so it is mostly the first stop for tourists. Its well-preserved buildings and cobblestone streets will take you back to the colonial era. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arco de Santa Catalina is an iconic Spanish-styled arch in the middle of the city. Iglesia de La Mercedes is the town's grand church. You should take your camera out and snap some selfies in the cobblestone streets with the volcanoes in the background.
Antigua also offers some of the best food places in Guatemala. You can enjoy local and traditional Guatemalan food.
You can spend days in Antigua exploring the colonial architecture, churches, plazas, restaurants, streets, bars, cafes, and hotels. You can also wake up early and visit the nearby coffee farms and volcanoes on a day trip.
El Peten and Tikal
Guatemala has the most extensive collection of Mayan ruins in the world, most of which are located in the province of El Peten. Tikal is another UNESCO World Heritage Site depicting ancient Mayans' life. The ancient ruins consist of pyramid-shaped temples, palaces, burial sites, homes, and monuments.
Tikal's ruins are spread over an area of 60 square kilometers. You can easily spend a day hiking and exploring the Mayan culture in this place.
The North Acropolis in Tikal contains the final resting places of citizens dating back 1300 years. You can visit the complex of Seven Temples in Tikal. Mayan kings, including Yax Nuun Ayiin, Jasaw Chan K'awaiil I, Siyaj Chan K'awiil II, and Wak Chan K'awiil, also have tombs.
Though not in great numbers, Tikal also supports some wildlife. You can see spider monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, agoutis, toucans, and pizotes. You can stay in the island town of Flores and enjoy the fun-filled nightlife. Or you can relax in the tranquil village of El Remate.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a cobalt blue lake located in the district of Solola. It is 10 km long and 18 km wide. Surrounded by impressive volcanic mountains, this lake is a must-visit place in Guatemala. It offers some incredible views and fun-filled, awesome activities.
You can hike, paraglide, and kayak around the lake.
Don't plan to spend a day or two here. Due to its immense beauty and natural landscapes, you can easily spend a week or even a month wandering around the lake. There are several small towns near the lake. Each of these towns has its own vibe and atmosphere.
Panajachel is the most easily accessed town and has a bit of everything. However, if you are a party person, I would recommend staying in San Pedro. And if you want to do some meditation and yoga, San Marcos is the place to go. Besides these three most popular ones, other towns are nearby, including San Juan, Santa Cruz, and Tzuluna.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a natural wonder in Guatemala. It features a 300-meter-long limestone bridge, which you would be surprised to hear isn't man-made but nature's creation. Beneath this limestone bridge, the Cahabon River passes. In the local language, the name 'Semuc Champey' means the place where rivers hide under the earth.
On top of the limestone bridge is a series of beautiful turquoise pools. It is a popular swimming attraction and almost seems like a magical place from the movies. El Mirador is the highest viewpoint in this area. From here, you can get incredible views of the pools, along with the green forest and mountains surrounding them. Besides the swimming pools, you can also explore the K'an Ba Caves.
Chichicastenango
Situated in the Guatemalan highlands, Chichicastenango has the largest market in Central America. This town was the main trading center for the Quiche Region. The market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh This market has so much to offer from local produce grocery stores, vibrant textiles to colorful crafts, livestock to traditional handicraft items.
You can visit the Chichicastenango Regional Museum to see the 800-year-old ceramics and stone carvings. There is also a 500-year-old church dedicated to Saint Thomas. Known as Iglesia de Santo Tomás, this church combines Catholicism with ancient Mayan culture. The 18 steps in front of this church represent the 18 months of the Mayan calendar.
Quetzaltenango
It is located in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, the second-largest city in Guatemala. It is a perfect place to explore true Guatemalan life. You will taste delicious Guatemalan food and see the rich life of Guatemalan people.
You can start by visiting the National History Museum. The center of life in this city is the Parque Centro America. It is a beautiful park surrounded by museums, palaces, and cultural buildings. The city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, which give you perfect opportunities for hiking, trekking, camping, and hot springs.
Volcán de Cerro Quemado, Santa Maria, and Santa Aguito are the famous volcanoes located near the city. Fuente Georginas are natural hot springs. After a long day hike, you can easily relax by taking a dip in these springs.
More Travel Articles
