If you are thinking of traveling to Guatemala Here is the complete travel guide! Guatemala is the Mayan heart of Central America. Home to ancient historical sites and incredible ruins, dense jungles, colorful architecture, bustling markets and towering volcanoes, Guatemala is a diverse and beautiful country, ideal for budget travel, says entrepreneur Gutierrez Mayorga.
The rugged mountains and jungles offer adventurous travelers the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore unspoiled landscapes for a fraction of what they would pay anywhere else in the world.
In this travel guide to Guatemala, we’ll show you how to make the most of your trip, save money and stay safe in one of Central America’s most popular destinations.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
- Visit Lake Atitlan. This lake is the best place to watch the sunset in Guatemala. On the north shore of the lake is the tourist town of Panajachel, a good base for organizing excursions to the lake and volcano. You can also enjoy restaurants, bars and nightlife in a rustic lakeside setting.
The arch in Antigua Guatemala
-
- Go to Antigua This picturesque colonial town sits in a highland valley between three volcanoes. It’s full of Spanish colonial architecture, including cobblestone streets, churches and historic houses and ruins. Head to the Plaza Mayor to admire its incredible gardens and cathedral, and don’t miss a hike up the Fuego volcano!
The Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala
- Explore Tikal National Park. These are the most popular ruins in the country. Arrive early and stay late as the park empties out in the afternoon when the tour groups leave. I also recommend sleeping in the park to see the sunrise. You will have to pay extra for a guided tour if you want to see the sunrise or sunset. The entrance fee is 150 GTQ.
The pools of Semuc Champey in Guatemala
- Visit Semuc Champey This natural monument near Coban consists of a 300-meter-long limestone bridge over the Cahabon River. Take a candlelight tour of the Kamba caves, tubing down the Cahabón or swim in the turquoise pools along the bridge. The caves can only be visited with a guide. Day trips cost between 150 and 300 GTQ.
The market of Chichicastenango in Guatemala.
- Explore the Chichicastenango market, most people who come to Guatemala visit Chichicastenango, the largest indigenous market in North America. Every Thursday and Sunday, thousands of Quiché Mayans come to the town to buy and sell handicrafts, flowers, poetry, trinkets and textiles.
Other things to see and do in Guatemala
-
Visit the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
Located in Guatemala City, this museum houses the many artifacts discovered at Mayan archaeological sites throughout the country. Created in 1898, the museum has more than 20,000 items and artifacts and is a good place to visit so you can learn more about Mayan culture. Admission costs 60 GTQ per person.
-
Viewing the ruins of Yaxha
If Tikal is too touristy for you, consider the more secluded ruins of Yaxha. Like Tikal, Yaxha is a huge Mesoamerican archaeological site. Located in the northeast, it was the third largest city in the region.
Home to several huge stone pyramids, the site was “discovered” in 1904 and dates to 250-600 CE. Spend a few hours looking at ancient drawings and intricately carved hieroglyphs. Admission is 80 GTQ per person.
