Lucky visitors to Guatemala are treated to one of Central America’s most diverse little countries. Packed full of adventures, scenic gems and a dizzying array of ancient monuments and culture – there are plenty of surprises worth uncovering in the ‘Land of Trees’. This immersive overview serves as a helpful
Guatemala travel guide for travellers seeking both culture and nature in one destination.
Enjoy an intoxicating blend of superb culture and nature, with some rich Guatemalan coffee to keep you buzzing. You’ll explore fascinating Maya ruins, the dizzying heights of Tikal’s pyramids and the charming and lively UNESCO city of Antiqua, with its stunning architecture and cobbled alleyways. For more active pursuits; take a trek through jungles, scale volcanoes, try some white-water rafting or zip line through the cloud forest to get up close to some of the 170-bird species that live here. These experiences highlight some of the most rewarding things to do in Guatemala for adventure and culture lovers alike.
Guatemala may not have as many national parks as other destinations, but it does boast some of the most impressive, due to the stunning landscapes and fascinating ancient monuments. Mostly given to bird watching, you’ll see toucan and quetzal – the national bird, hummingbirds and red-tailed hawk on your Guatemalan adventure. Many travellers also combine this with time around Lake Atitlán, making a
dedicated Lake Atitlan travel guide essential for planning scenic lakeside exploration as part of a wider Guatemala adventure travel experience.
Lake Atitlan National Park is famous for its natural beauty and the colourful Mayan villages that surround it. Three impressive volcanoes loom down over the crater lake, adding to the majestic beauty of the area. Take a boat trip on the lake, stopping to explore the local villages and hike or take a 4×4 drive through the Lake Atitlan region to spot the national bird of Guatemala – the Quetzal, as well as Guatemalan deer mouse and black-handed spider monkeys.
Explore the colourful markets at Chichicastenango, which lie about an hour north of Lake Atitlan and provide a fascinating glimpse into local life as well as the chance to shop for food, textiles and bags.
Ancient Tikal is the most famous of Guatemala’s Maya sites. Known as El Peten, explore the impressive temples which sit within the national park. Hike through the jungle, accompanied by the sound of howler monkeys and tropical birds as you go in search of Tikal’s five elaborate temples. Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most accessible volcanoes. Still active, the Volcan de Pacaya is only about 30 minutes from Antigua and the most visited in the country.
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