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Guatemala
The main plaza in
Antigua, Guatemala
The main plaza in Antigua, Guatemala


Guatemala is only about the size of Iceland, but it is an amazingly diverse and complex land with a long and often tragic history. Although social problems persist in Guatemala, it is a country that has much to offer the traveler. Breathtaking mountain landscapes, colorful markets, centuries-old Mayan culture, modern cities, colonial-era gardens and courtyards and magnificent ruins, are just some of the reasons that more travelers come to this small Central American country every

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Guatemala is only about the size of Iceland, but it is an amazingly diverse and complex land with a long and often tragic history. Although social problems persist in Guatemala, it is a country that has much to offer the traveler. Breathtaking mountain landscapes, colorful markets, centuries-old Mayan culture, modern cities, colonial-era gardens and courtyards and magnificent ruins, are just some of the reasons that more travelers come to this small Central American country every year.

Guatemala is still probably best known to the western world as the site of a horrific civil war that lasted from the late 1950's until the mid 1990's, with the worst years coming in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Thousands were murdered or displaced, and entire villages were razed. Fortunately, the civil war is over, and Guatemala is once again safe to visit.

Highlights

At the top of the can’t-miss list are Antigua, the old colonial capital, and Tikal, the majestic ruins of one of the most important cities in the Mayan Empire. Antigua is only about an hour away from Guatemala City, and it boasts colonial buildings and ruins as well as shopping, fine dining and adventure travel. Tikal is considered one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites and is more than just ruins: the lush jungle is also home to many species of monkeys, birds and more.

For those looking for a more urban experience, Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. It is home to several interesting museums, cathedrals and government buildings, and also has good nightlife.

If the beach is more your thing, try Monterico on Guatemala’s south-west coast. Tranquil and undeveloped, it’s a popular destination for the backpacker set.

If you’re a shopper, the market at Chichicastenango is a must. The largest native artisan market in Central America is a great place to buy souvenirs, gifts, and art. Don’t forget to bargain!

On your way through the highlands, make a stop a Lake Atitlan. The picturesque town of Panajachel (pan-ah-ha-CHEL), situated on the lake and populated by hippies, is a relaxing, friendly town full of cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops, and you’re never too far from a breathtaking view of the lake.

Once you reach the highlands, check out the tiny town of Todos Santos Cuchumatan.  It's a traditional indigenous village, where the inhabitants still wear the same colorful clothes worn by their grandparents and speak Mam, the local language. 

If you can't make it all the way to Tikal but still want to see some Maya ruins, you can visit Iximche, Zaculeu, or Quirigua, which is famous for its stelae, or tall, hand-carved standing stones.


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Top Places in Guatemala

Tecpán

Tecpán itself should take up too much space on your intinery. Unlike other highland towns such as Sololá or Chichicastenago, Tecpán does not draw travelers here due to its pretty plaza, its famous ...
City
Tecpán, Guatemala

Cobán

Sitting at more than 1,320m above sea level, the mountain air and coffee aroma of Alta Verapaz’s capital city lure you into a world of misty forests and Mayan culture. A small, laid-back town, ...
City
Cobán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan

Lago de Atitlán is without a doubt one of the highlights of a visit to Guatemala. This volcano-laden lake hosts various small villages on its shores that numerous indigenous people who still wear ...
City
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Santa Cruz La Laguna

This little village is actually the closest to Panajachel but probably the least visited, with most people going to San Pedro La Laguna on the opposite side of the lake. And it couldn’t be more ...
City
Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala

Departamento Del Quiché

The department of El Quiché is located right in the center of Guatemala, between the Highlands and Verapaces, and home to Chichicastenango, the K’umarkaaj Mayan ruins and gateway to the Ixil ...
City
Departamento Del Quiché, Guatemala

San Pedro la Laguna

Set amid stunning volcanic scenery and the expansive shores of Lago Atitlan, this unassuming town offers a few wonders of its own, which may explain why so many travelers come for a few days and end ...
City
San Pedro la Laguna, Guatemala

Sololá

Sololá, high above Lake Atitlan and often lost in the clouds, is a wonderful place to visit on market days being one of the most impressive in Central America. The Friday market (Tuesday’s is ...
City
Sololá, Guatemala

Sacapulas

Sacapulas, sitting at base of the Cuchumatanes on the banks of the Río Negro, is a fairly non-descript little town albeit with a superb positioning and spectacular views. There is not much to ...
City
Sacapulas, Guatemala

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango, a medium-sized town in the Quiché region about two to three hours away from Guatemala City, is home to one of the most important and extensive artisan markets in the world, and ...
City
Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Antigua

First founded in the early sixteenth century by victorious Spanish conquistadores, Antigua soon became an administrative center for the Spanish Empire, overseeing all of Central America as well as ...
City
Antigua, Guatemala
Things to do in Guatemala

Iglesia Santo Tomás

Dating from the mid-16th century and then rebuilt in the 18thcentury, this atmospheric church is a great introduction to the fascinating highland blend of Catholicism and Mayan spiritualism. It is ...
Historical Building
Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Pascual Abaj

A short walk south of the town center is the Maya ceremonial site of Pascual Abaj, a shrine which is still very much in use today. There are some small altars and a pre-Columbian idol and if there ...
Historical Building
Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Finca Filadelfia Coffee Farm Tour

Anyone curious about how we get that morning cup of coffee will find the answers at Finca Filadelfia, ten minutes by mototaxi ride from downtown Antigua. You can visit the coffee fields by mule or ...
Other Activity
Antigua, Guatemala

Caves Naj Tunich

At thirty five kilometers east of Poptun, the caves of Naj Tunich are unique for their Mayan murals showing religious ceremonies, ball games and erotic scenes (not found anywhere else in the Mayan ...
Other Activity
Poptun, Guatemala

Biotopo Cerro Cahui

Two kilometers west of El Remate and along the shore of Lake Peten Itza, Biotopo Cerro Cahui is a rainforest reserve of six hundred hectares. It is one of the most accessible wildlife reserves in ...
Trekking
El Remate, Guatemala

Ixlu

The turnoff for the road heading to Belize is known as “El Cruce.” Just 200 kilometers off the road are the ruins of Ixlu on the shores of Laguna Salpeten. There are small mounds, trails and a ...
Ruin
El Remate, Guatemala

Birdwatching

The best place to go bird watching is Biotopo Cerro Cahui. It’s best go early in the morning when the birds start flying around. La Casa de Don David offers bird watching tours with knowledgeable ...
Birdwatching
El Remate, Guatemala

Parque Central

Surrounded by important buildings dating back from colonial times, this central plaza is the main hangout for locals. It’s always packed on weekends and festivals, when it is the scene for ...
City Plaza
Antigua, Guatemala

Palacio de los Capitanes

The Palacio de los Capitanes, the first two-storey building in Antigua, lines the entire south side of the Parque Central. Built in 1558, for more than two centuries, it was the seat of the Spanish ...
Historical Building
Antigua, Guatemala

Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo

The ruins of Santo Domingo church and convent complex stand inside the grounds of the beautiful Hotel Casa Santo Domingo on the eastern edge of town. Between 1542 and 1666, the Dominican order built ...
Historical Building
Antigua, Guatemala

Museo Rossbach

This archaeological and anthropological museum has three rooms exhibiting historical pieces from Chichi and the surrounding region from the pre-Hispanic (1800BC – 1524AD), colonial (1524 – ...
Museum
Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Reviews
Traveler Reviews of Guatemala

everything

everything

Traveler from ecuador on May 11, 2009

Guatemala is better than Hawaii

Loved Guatemala, stayed in Antigua with a family. People are very helpful and friendly. Don't miss the tour to Monticito (on the South Pacific) and to Chichicastenaga (up in the mountains) these are both day trips from Antigua. Oh and the Macadamia Nut Farm - Valhala-best pancakes on planet earth. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, you'll do a lot of walking. Take a hike up all three valcanoes (which are active). There is something here for everyone (well except skiing). Comparative to Hawaii and a whole lot less expensive.

Traveler from Elkhart, IN on Dec 25, 2007

Guatemala

Guatemala is the most amazing place in the world...the people are fantastic and the food is wonderful. The scenery is to die for. I'd give a million bucks to be there today.

Ana from USA on Apr 09, 2007
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