Guatemala Famous Places
Guatemala is a popular tourist destination in Central America. More people travel to visit this small country and enjoy this amazing sight. Although Guatemala is a very small nation, there can be dozens of tourist attractions – depending on the duration of your visit, the best tourist sites can be worth the most.
The region is famous for the Mayan ruins, and Tikal remains a popular tourist spot in Guatemala. Yet the country offers a variety of unique attractions and experiences that are unlike other countries in the country.
Lake Peten Itza
The word Itzá is a Spanish word meaning “Brujo de Agua”. It is a very beautiful lake that is often explored as the island Flores serves as the starting point for Tikal. But if you have the right guide or travel plan there are many interesting places in these lake! You can go kayaking, swimming or sailing on the lost islands.
It's the best beach in Florest, most recognizable with a wooden dock with white sandy beaches and turquoise water. El Remate was the favorite lake! These are small relaxed cities on the eastern coast of the lakes, opposite Florez and therefore not very often visited for backpackers. The waters are much cleaner in that direction and therefore are the perfect place for swimming or kayaking.
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango, tucked away on the Guatemalan mountain, means the Chichica. The apparently typical city does nothing to attract visitors most days, but if you have the chance to visit on a Saturday or a Thursday, then you shouldn't worry.
Chichicastanango Market has a huge variety of textiles and crafts. Chi Chicastenango is an ideal place for photographers. All around cobblestone streets there seems to be something buzzing: from bustling handmade markets to street food stores. Chichicastango is a wonderful place to visit for shopping if there are no other options available. The most interesting place in the whole.
Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Although Quetzaltenango is Guatemalas second biggest city, it feels comparatively smaller than its polluted and booming capital. The town of Quetzaltenango is situated in a high mountainous area and is ideal for anyone looking for authentic Guatemala.
Here there is excellent Guatemalan food and lively people, street festivals and other activities. Since Xela is lively and much cheaper in comparison with cities in southern (the capital and Antigua), some backpackers stay in Xela for a short period to learn Spanish. The best part about Xala however is that it isn't present within the City itself.
Cobán
Cobán is one of the most important towns in the area, but it really lacks something for the city. Visiting the nearby River Cobán provides an easy way to see waterfalls & farms! Semuc Champey is a popular attraction close to Lanquin.
You may have a few places of interest to see if you're really on a different track than most people think. Cobán is situated close to many important Guatemalan national parks and reserves and is an excellent place to sample a big Guatemalan export: coffee! Coffee and cardamom are cultivated here in Central Highland Guatemala. The most popular sights in the city.
Tikal National Park
Guatemala hosts a world-class Maya temple which was built during the period between 1500 and 1700. When once known as Yax Mutally in the 4th-century BC, Tikal's ruins gave us an insight into how life was impacted by the economic and political importance of this Mayan town.
Tikal has been a World Heritage Site since the 1970s, with over 600 palace buildings covering over 66,000 square kilometers. Almost all of the park covers forests and fauna, although just beneath the jungle floor is a concrete floor. It's said that Mayans left Tikal in a quest to regain natural resources.
Pacific Beaches of Monterrico and Paredon
Located on a beautiful coast, Monterrico offers a great location to relax. While Guatemala has no beaches known Monteriaco remains a hidden gem located only 1 hour from Guatemala city. Its black sand runs to your eyes and its rippling ocean waves can be used in waves surfing.
Talking about surfing, I definitely wanted to mention Paredon, a little smaller town. A little farther north than Monterrico the beach is famous for the surfbreaks and not many surf schools and hostels have opened their doors to tourists. You can find beaches and seafood, but nothing else.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan no longer exists It is a popular backpacking destination from the 1960s and remains a popular place to visit in Guatemala. I have a very personal favourite place to visit in Guatemala. Lake Atitlan was conceived as a cobalt blue lake that surrounds a rugged and volcanic landscape.
The views are absolutely spectacular and you can find many fun activities around the lake like sunrise hikes, kayak trips on the lake, or just sitting at the docks. There are numerous towns which surround the lakes and all have different atmospheres.
Zone 1, Guatemala City
If you visit the bustling Guatemala City center, it is likely your trip will take you to the metropolitan area of Zone 1. Breathtaking squares and magnificent palaces linked with affordable hotels, restaurants and hostels.
If you want to have some quiet and relaxing time then Zone 1 doesn't suit you! The neighbourhood is becoming crowded with loud music, rowdy drinks bars, nightclubs and restaurants. If you want to visit Guatemala's historical sites we recommend bringing your own guides. The Best Tourist Attraction.
Acatenango Volcano
The hike up to Volcano Acatanango is a challenging hike due to the sheer steepness of the volcano, despite being among the most famous volcanic to ascend, purely because the views on the nearby and quite active volcanoes are amazing. Volcano Fuego erupts once a week, that is absolutely insane.
This steep climb is well worth having front seats in Volcano Fuego. There's some tours to get to Fuego but they don't have all the risks. The massive eruptive killed thousands just last summer. Top attractions.
Laguna Lachua
After rough streets and an hour-long trek into dense rainforest, you earn your afternoon in Lachua, a Guatemalan beauty. The crystal clear turquoise waters provide an ideal place to enjoy many outdoor sports.
The lakes in Laguna Lachua National Park have a low density and are free from settlements and are a place where one can rest in peace and quiet. The oasis between a lush rainforest and the Laguna Lachuo is the perfect place for an afternoon. Top attraction.
Antigua
You didn't believe we were going to drop Antigua on that list?! Probably Spain's most beautiful city, if not the continent. Because Antigua is surrounded by diverse neighborhoods, doing some researching about where you can stay can help make your trip very enjoyable.
Architecture enthusiasts can take a leisurely walk in Antigua's preserved streets. All of the historic ruins are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Livingston
For a slice of Caribbean Guatemala go to Livingston, a unique city where people feel like they're leaving! However, Livingston has transformed from an escape slave town of garifunans into a diverse cultural city with a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
Come and explore the Garifuna heritage, enjoy gourmet cuisine and unwind at this idyllic village. There is a little beach nearby Blanca! Top attractions.
Pacaya Volcano
Although Guatemala has an abundance of volcanic sites, Pacaya remains a popular volcano. Its smallest eruption was in 2015, but it's still attracting tourists. The lava flow is visible at the peak of the volcano.
Pacaya is an unmissable natural place in Guatemala. This climb is one of the easiest in the country (not to mention it is not difficult) and takes about an hour. Best attraction.
El Boqueron Canyon
If you want to visit Guatemala outside of town, you should look towards El Boqueron Canyon. Only an hour from Rio Dulce, El Boqueron's steep limestone wall is a great attraction. Rarely visited by visitors, you probably have the jagged rocks or flowing waters for yourself. As you enter the canyon the rock is more impressive! Top attractions in the world.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey was a unique natural highlight in Guatemala. The colorful pools have tiered walls and the waters drop from each one and reach the Cahabun River. Its truly a magical landscape in Guatemala. You will enjoy the journey through the jungle and see its waterfalls. Best attraction.
Livingston
Livingston has no water access from Rio Dulce and Punta Gorda in Belize. It's not recommended to visit Livingston since there are no activities to do other than walking through town & people watching.
Livingston houses an extensive Garifuna community, an African slave community that settled along the Caribbean coast. They also have an interesting culture and you should look for the Garifuno drumming or the good food in the area.
Cobana
If you go to Semuque Champey, you will probably go via Coban. This may be an important transport hub, but the pagan churches of El Calvario make for an easy stop. You may have seen a few fascinating rituals in this room – witnessing ducks sacrifice will never be forgotten. Parque Central La Paz and Mercado Central provide other excellent examples of typical Central American cities.
Quirigua
Quirigua is situated under the shadow of Tikal but it is UNESCO Site. Instead of a grand ruin, Quirigua's highlights include its imposing stone sculptured zoomorphs and skulls. Stelae E – the tallest in the universe. Acropolis is partially restored and enjoys green forest.
Nebaj
Go to the highlands and stay in Nebaj, perfect place to explore IXI. Here the temperatures are cooler, men wear traditional clothes, and there are many hiking trips DIY. The Nebaj to Acul hiking trail is easily accessed through Maps.me. In the finale, there's an opportunity to reward yourself with grilled cheese on the Hacienda.
San Andres Xeculo
Look for a bright yellow church near San Andrés Xecul. Its facade was decorated lavishly with colourful saints and angels encased in vines, ferns, and vines. Among these animal themes will be the monkeys, Quetzal, and the jaguar.
Despite its size, the interior is fairly plain. The smaller yellow church is situated high above San Andrés Xecul. It's amazing to see the view from here. Farmland surrounds the town and it looks small at first glance.
Todos Santos
Todo Santos is an isolated village hidden in the Guatemala Highland Mountains that is among the best places in Guatemala. All good Todosanters wear the same clothes – pin-striped shirts and red pants, black chaps and wide brimmed hats... and they are all good!
There are also a number of excellent hikes around Todos Santos. The climb to La Torre, the highest nonvolcanic volcano in Central America, and the scenic trail to San Juan Atitan are recommended.
San Francisco. El Alto
The El Alto market in San Francisco offers some of the finest day trips for Xela. There are no other markets in Guatemala. Start early for a climb up the hill. You'd find open pasture where you could buy animals, from cow to goat or pig.
Women dressed traditionalally tend to the animals, while chickens and turkeys are kept on a basket and puppies are tied to stakes. The animal was the star attraction, but the San Francisco market offers a lot more for the buyer. The cobbled street is lined by tarps that sell fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs.
Xela (Quetzaltenango)
Xela in Quezon Tenango grows and the visitors stay longer than expected. It is an authentic Guatemalan town based midsize and has great tourist infrastructure and numerous economic food, lodging & transport facilities. Take an afternoon break and study Spanish. Volunteer in XeLa.
There is not much special activity in Xela. But many squares, museums, churches, theatres, markets and cemetery can be explored throughout Xela. Xela has an excellent location in the vicinity for day tours to nearby markets, villages & volcano excursions. The following spots can be recommended for a good 5-day holiday itinerary according to market time:
San Pedro; Unesco world heritage site; mayan ruins; mayan culture; tikal national park; san juan; capital city; antigua guatemala; san juan la laguna; tourist attractions; national park; san francisco el alto; spanish schools; san pedro la laguna; active volcanoes; rio dulce; lake atitlan; few weeks; castillo de san felipe; visit in guatemala; traditional mayan culture; santa cruz; spanish classes; san marcos; city center; cobblestone streets; roughly an hour; rio dulce national park; fresh produce; colonial town;
.jpg)
0 Comments