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02/20/2023

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Guatemala Top Sights & Must See Attractions

Guatemala is situated south of Mexico and shares borders with Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize, while the western side is bordered by the North Pacific Ocean. The country is renowned for its impressive Mayan ruins, with Tikal being a popular tourist attraction..

Guatemala has many beautiful and culturally significant tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The landscapes of Guatemala are truly awe-inspiring, with a series of remarkable volcanoes (some of which can be climbed) located near Guatemala City and Antigua. In addition, the rainforests and central highlands are breathtakingly beautiful.Guatemala is home to some of the world’s most extensive and well-preserved Mayan ruins, as well as vast stretches of untouched jungle. What we appreciated the most about Guatemala was that it has not yet been overrun by tourists, making it one of the finest backpacking destinations in Central America. While there is always a possibility that this may alter in the coming years, at present, the country retains its natural allure. They continue to rely extensively on old and bumpy roads, as well as pickup trucks, to transport visitors to popular sites.

For nature enthusiasts, Guatemala is a paradise that one may never want to leave! The country’s natural landscape is replete with stunning rivers and valleys, breathtaking lakes, lowland jungles, temperate plateaus, tropical plains, swamps, and an impressive 37 volcanoes. Despite being relatively small, it can be easily traversed within hours, making it an ideal destination for a brief exploration or backpacking. Guatemala boasts a rich history dating back several millennia, with some ruins dating over 1500 years old. The Mayan influence is still evident today, and the tourism industry is heavily reliant on visits to these sites. Additionally, Guatemala is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, including numerous volcanoes and mountain ranges that offer panoramic views. Despite being a tropical country, Guatemala has a pleasant spring-like climate due to its high altitude, which is among the world’s highest.

Viewpoint at lake Atitlan with the three volcanos San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman – you can see the small villages San Pedro and San Juan at the lake in the highlands of Guatemala

What to See

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala:

Tikal: One of the most famous and impressive Mayan ruins in the world, located in the middle of a lush jungle.
Antigua: A beautiful colonial town with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture.
Lake Atitlán: A stunningly beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes, with small towns and villages dotting its shores.
Chichicastenango Market: A vibrant and colorful market where visitors can find all sorts of traditional Mayan crafts and goods.
Semuc Champey: A beautiful natural wonder consisting of a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls in a lush jungle setting.
Pacaya Volcano: A popular volcano to hike up to for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In the Lava Field
Quirigua: A lesser-known Mayan ruin site with impressive stelae and other carvings.
Rio Dulce: A scenic river with lush vegetation and birdlife, ending at the beautiful Lake Izabal.
Livingston: A small coastal town with a unique Garifuna culture, colorful houses, and great seafood.
Iximché: A small Mayan ruin site with impressive temples and ruins, located just outside of Antigua.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Guatemala has to offer. With 19 ecosystems, 300 microclimates, and millions of flora and fauna species, Guatemala boasts a diverse and abundant array of wildlife. The country is home to over 700 bird species, mammals such as the jaguar and tapir, and a vast variety of reptiles and insects.