As the heartland of Central America, Guatemala offers travellers a remarkable range of impressive historical, natural and cultural sights. The Maya ruins are undoubtedly the highlight of these attractions, most notably Tikal, a designated archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site which is so remarkable as to defy belief. Maya communities continue to thrive in the lush Guatemalan rainforests where their traditional cultural and religious practices have combined with colonial traditions and modern Latin and North American influences to form a fascinatingly rich hybrid culture. Sacred Pagan temples are located alongside extravagant colonial architecture and traditional markets co-exist alongside massive state-of-the art shopping complexes. Despite its small size, Guatemala is a surprisingly geographically diverse country. From the verdant jungle-clad lowland areas to the highlands dotted with towering mountains and an abundance of volcanoes, there is plenty to keep nature enthusiasts blissfully engaged. With its warm and welcoming locals, its ancient cultural heritage and its breathtaking natural attractions, Guatemala never ceases to amaze.
Situated in the central highlands of Southern Guatemala, Antigua is a small city surrounded by numerous lush coffee plantations and majestic volcanoes. It’s renowned for its is vibrant traditions, well -preserved Spanish colonial buildings, unique beauty and historical significance. It once served as the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and today, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can look forward to exploring the impressive architecture of the Baroque La Merced Church, wander down pastel-facades lining character-filled streets, browse a bustling local market and people-watch in one of many plazas. Don’t miss the annual famous holy week of Semana Santa Festival featuring colourful parades and sacred rituals.
Fondly known by locals as simply ‘Pana’, the quiet Cakchiquel village of Panajachel has been popular with tourists since the 1960s. The town rests on the northern shore of the crystalline Lake Atitlan and it serves as the main transport hub for travellers eager to explore this spectacularly scenic natural area featuring three dramatic volcanoes. The main street hosts a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as vendors selling a variety of handicrafts such as weaving products, wood carvings, and clothing. Popular activities include kayaking, bike tours, climbing volcanoes, bar-hopping, and visits to nearby villages. Don’t miss the nearby Atitlan Nature Reserve and butterfly sanctuary where you can catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, walk on hanging bridges towards the waterfall or the private beach, or whizz across the valley on eight zip lines offering incredible views of the lake and the volcanoes.
Making up roughly a third of Guatemala, the Peten Department, in the north of the country, is a paradise of jungle, Mayan mysteries and gorgeous lakeside vistas. Awe-inspiring, green forests inhabited by macaws, bright butterflies, monkeys, agoutis, foxes and ocellated turkeys offer a wonderland to explore. A prolific number of ancient Mayan ruins are the area’s main drawcard, the pinnacle of these being the remote, Late Preclassic metropolis at El Mirador, once a sprawling city home to tens of thousands of people and boasting the biggest pyramid in the Mayan world. While El Mirador takes some planning and significant hiking to reach, several other sites such as the towering Tikal collection of temples are more accessible. The stunning Petexbatun Lake is also a must-see, as is the Azul Crater, a spring-fed tributary with crystal clear waters, offering opportunities for breathtaking underwater photography.
Favourably located on the Caribbean Sea, this spectacularly diverse Central American nation is characterised by lush forests, magnificent mangroves, a gloriously green mountainous interior, and a coastline dotted with innumerable islands. Populated by a wide range of ethnic groups including the Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite people, this relatively young country offers a captivating melting pot of cultures and traditions. The crystal clear waters, decorated with a profusion of marine life, offer a jaw-dropping setting for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. In the jungle, enjoy hiking, horseriding, or ziplining past exotic plants, animals, and birds. A world of historical treasure awaits in the fascinating Mayan ruins, which feature excavated tombs, intricate hieroglyphs, and towering stone temples, often providing panoramic views.
Established in 1944, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is Belize’s oldest and largest protected area, covering an impressive 300 square mile (777 square km) expanse just South of San Ignacio. While most of Belize’s landscapes feature tropical vegetation, this exceptionally scenic reserve is set apart by its magnificent Honduras pine forests, deep ravines, limestone jagged peaks, massive granite outcrops, meandering rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls.This remarkably diverse ecosystem provides a wonderful haven for a wide variety of fascinating wildlife including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, endemic crocodiles, and an abundance of neotropical bird species. Don’t miss the spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Thousand Foot Falls, the tallest waterfall in Central America, and the Rio On Pools, a series of small cascades broken up by large granite rocks that form several delightful swimming holes.
Favourably located on the Caribbean Sea, this spectacularly diverse Central American nation is characterised by lush forests, magnificent mangroves, a gloriously green mountainous interior, and a coastline dotted with innumerable islands. Populated by a wide range of ethnic groups including the Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite people, this relatively young country offers a captivating melting pot of cultures and traditions. The crystal clear waters, decorated with a profusion of marine life, offer a jaw-dropping setting for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. In the jungle, enjoy hiking, horseriding, or ziplining past exotic plants, animals, and birds. A world of historical treasure awaits in the fascinating Mayan ruins, which feature excavated tombs, intricate hieroglyphs, and towering stone temples, often providing panoramic views.
