Guatemala is located between the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador in Central America. Only the south of Guatemala borders the Pacific Ocean. A holiday in Guatemala starts for most tourists in Guatemala City. To bridge the new time zone, you can choose to relax here for a few days. The city has a charming appearance and also has a super modern side. However, most tourists will soon continue on their way and start a tour through the beautiful and impressive landscape of Guatemala. Volcanic mountains, vast lakes, mountain peaks, jungles and tropical rainforests alternate with the greatest of ease. Most routes go along special places in which the Maya culture is central. The fascinating history of this centuries-old people is even the reason for many people to visit this country. Nature, culture and history come together in a special way in Guatemala. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Guatemala.
Guatemala ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Tikal
In the north of Guatemala you can visit the ancient Mayan culture at Tikal. As one of the largest Mayan cities in history, the city of Tikal has been able to exert a lot of influence. Particularly during the sixth and seventh centuries BC. Tikal was a powerful center within the Maya civilization. Since the 1980s, the city of Tikal has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. All kinds of excavations in the jungle have uncovered beautiful historical monuments, from which one has been able to gain ancient knowledge. In the city of Tikal, formerly also known as ‘Yax Mutal’, you can admire a number of temples, pyramids, wells, squares and several acropolises with your own eyes. Only a small percentage of the Maya city can be admired. Most of it is still hidden deep underground. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Guatemala.
#2. The old capital Antigua
The city of Antigua, founded in 1543, is a gem among the cities of Guatemala. At that time it was still called ‘Santiago de los Caballeros’. The Spanish past of this city at the foot of the Volcan de Agua can still be felt when you walk through the center. Antigua has many special and colonial buildings such as the Catedral de Santiago, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Palacio del Ayuntamiento, Iglesia y convento de la Merced, Parque Central and the Hospital de San Pedro. Because the old capital Antigua has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, it has no shortage of visitors. It can be quite busy in the city at times.
#3. Lake Atitlán
The crater lake Atitlán is located west of Guatemala City. ‘Lago de Atitlán’ is over eighteen meters long and eight kilometers wide. In addition, the lake is also surrounded by twelve volcanoes. According to some visitors, Lake Atitlán is called the most beautiful lake in the world. We want to confirm that it is in any case the most beautiful lake in Guatemala. In the vicinity of the lake you can visit special atmospheric villages, such as Panajachel, San Pedro La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, Santa Cruz la Laguna and Santa Catarina Palopó. And of course there are also various adventurous excursions to follow in the vicinity of the Atitlán.
#4. Pacaya volcano
The active stratovolcano Pacaya measures a height of more than twenty five hundred meters. For various sports enthusiasts, the Pacaya volcano is therefore a challenge to climb. Accompanied by a guide, the tour takes about two hours. This depends a bit on the condition of the participants. One must be provided with good equipment. Think of sufficient drinking water, something to eat, good shoes and appropriate clothing. The weather can easily change and it is a lot cooler at the top. Once at the top, you will be treated to a phenomenal view of the region.
#5. Guatemala City
The heartfelt ‘La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción’ is often referred to as ‘Guate’ by the inhabitants of the city. The capital Guatemala City is not only an administrative center but also a tourist destination. La Aurora International Airport delivers a daily flow of new tourists who love to come and admire the city. With sights in the historic center ‘Zone One’ such as the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, Casa Presidencial, Plaza de la Constitución and Catadral de Ciudad de Guatemala, the city has a lot of culture to offer. In addition, the city has a few fascinating museums, fun nightlife and a lot of atmosphere.
#6. El Mirador
The jungles of Guatemala still have many hidden treasures. El Mirador, north of Tikal, is a good example of this. The pre-Colombian Maya culture, El Mirador, was discovered about 1926. It was not until years later that an arduous expedition was launched to excavate various ancient architecture. And that was amply rewarded. No one could have imagined how imposing this place was and is now. Several ancient pyramids, temples and other historical structures have now been uncovered, on which various studies have already been conducted.
#7. Quetzaltenango
The southeastern city of Quetzaltenango, also called Xela, has beautiful old architecture. The most flourishing period took place during the nineteenth century. Quetzaltenango was an important city in the coffee industry. The historic center is full of beautiful old buildings. Today, the city is known as a university town, an important trade center and a shopping center. All these things come together in a pleasant way during the annual Central Fair. The volcanic landscape in the area is ideal for sporting activities.
#8. San Miguel Petapa
In the south of Guatemala, near the beautiful lake of Amatitlán, is the town and municipality of San Miguel Petapa. The city itself is often visited for the often lavishly celebrated traditional and religious events. The most famous of these is the traditional ‘Danza de las Flores’ dance of the flowers and the ‘Feria Patronal’ a September festival in honor of the Archangel S. Michael. Other special attractions in the area include La Cerra Ecological Park and the Mayan Golf course.
#9. Chichicastenango
The city of Chichicastenango is widely known in Guatemala for the K’iche’ Maya culture and the market that is held there. The cultural life in ‘Chichi’ is particularly visible on the market. All kinds of stalls are filled with handicrafts, delicacies, jewelry, masks, spices, clothing, fabrics and flowers. Other interesting sights of the city are the Santo Tomás church, the colorful cemetery Chichi cemetry and Cerro de la Democracia.
#10. Museo Popol Vuha
In Guatemala City, on the campus of Francisco Marroquín University, you can visit the Popol Vuh Museum. This museum was founded on a small scale in the nineteenth century by Mr. Jorge Castillo. The museum has now exhibited an excellent collection of art from the Mayan culture. Both visitors and students of the university can study various aspects and details of pre-Colombian history in peace here. You will find ceramic objects, stone sculptures and a mythological section in which all kinds of gods are discussed. The name of the museum can be traced back to the historical-mythological text of the Maya population K’iche’.
