10. El Mirador
El Mirador' is a large site of Mayan ruins in the Petén region of Guatemala. The ruins of El Mirador were rediscovered in 1926 but received little attention due to its remote location deep in the jungle of northern Guatemala. Although a lot of work being done here, most of this huge site involves many unrestored mounds and pyramids in the jungle. Structure 34 is an exception, where some interesting figures were unearthed and an entire wall has been laid bare. Danta is another exception, where work to stabilize it was done. Because of serious ongoing work, this site will become more and more visibly intriguing as time goes on. The village of Carmelita is the nearest point to the ruins that you can go by car. From there it takes a grueling trek of at least five days and four nights through the jungle with ants, ticks and mosquitoes that never relent.
9. Livingston
Livingston is the name of a town in Izabal Department, is one of Guatemala’s gems tucked away on the Caribbean coast, and can only be reached by boat. Fortunately, two ferries head out and back each and every day. Livingston is noted for its unusual mix of Garífuna, Afro-Caribbean, Maya and Ladino people and culture. Evenings in Livingston are full of excitement and you may just have the opportunity to take part in the Punta, a regional dance with an incredible beat. In recent decades Livingston has developed a large tourist industry.
8. Monterrico
Monterrico is the most popular beach in Guatemala and also the closest to Guatemala City and Antigua. It is known for its volcanic black sand beaches and annual influx of sea turtles, the town also serves as a major weekend beach resort for citizens of Guatemala City. The town is growing more popular with foreign tourists largely because of the local sea turtle conservation efforts as well as the laid-back atmosphere of the area. The beach here is dominated by big surf and not always ideal for swimming, but beautiful nonetheless.
7. Volcan Pacaya
Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala, which first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago. Pacaya rises to more than 2,550 meters. After being dormant for a century, it erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting continuously since then. The best time to view the volcano is at night, when bright orange lava lights up against the night sky. Pacaya is a popular tourist attraction in Guatemala. It should be noted that, as an active volcano, hiking it does involve some risks, care should be given in the preparation of your visit.
6. Parque Central Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela or Xelaju, is the second largest city in Guatemala. The town's major sights are the Parque Centro América and the Neoclassical buildings surrounding it. Most of these buildings, apart from the cathedral, stem from the era in the 19th century when Xela was a major trading and artistic community. Situated at the southwest of the country, the surrounding department has a variety of landscapes extending from the cold highlands to the warm Pacific coast. There are numerous volcanos, hot springs, valleys, mountains, rivers.
5. Chichicastenango Market
Often shortened to “Chichi”, is a large town surrounded by valleys and mountains. The sleepy cobblestone streets come alive on Thursdays and Sundays as it hosts one of the largest and most hectic markets in Guatemala, where it is said that some of the most beautiful traditionnal Mayal textiles are sold. With a vast array of local fabrics, textiles, clothing, masks, wood-crafted items, pottery and even fireworks, there’s no reason that anyone should leave Chichicastenango Market empty handed.
4. Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a natural wonder in Guatemala. It is famed for its great natural limestone bridge, 300m long, on top of which is a stepped series of pools with cool, flowing river water good for swimming. Though this bit of paradise is difficult to reach, but is totally worth to take the time to visit it. The beauty of its setting and the turquoise perfection of the pools make it arguably the loveliest spot in the country. This is an attraction for nature lovers, there is no technology, it is only to be in contact with nature. Attention there is no ATM in Semuc Champey and Lanquin.
3. Santa Catalina Arch (Antigua)
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Known for its old-world style Spanish architecture by way of palaces, cathedrals, universities and hermitages, Antigua is a charming jewel in Guatemala. The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua has become a visual cue to let everyone know that they’ve arrived. The city is a particularly popular tourist attraction during Holy Week.
2. Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlán)
Lake Atitlán is a beautiful volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is ringed by small towns, many of which are favourites among backpackers. The region encompasses the lake and the towns around them. Panajachel is best known, is also a portal to an indigenous world of the Mayans and other ancient peoples. It was described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world.
1. Tikal
Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. During the Classic Period it was one of the largest and most important of the Mayan cities. Today, however, all that is left of this ancient metropolis are a number of beautiful Mayan ruins. The city is surrounded by a large wildlife preserve, full of monkeys, parrots, deer, macaws and other incredible specimens. Tikal is one of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala due to its beauty and ancient wonders.
Reviewed by Bynn Du
on
5/25/2016
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