Guatemala, The Cradle of Mayan Civilization

Visit Guatemala. Image: Shalom de Leon, Unsplash.
Visit Guatemala. Image: Shalom de Leon, Unsplash.

 

Guatemala is a country located in Central America. It borders Mexico and, among the country’s great attractions, its past stands out, as the region was one of the places of origin of one of the most important pre-Columbian civilizations: the Mayan Civilization. But after all, what does the country have to offer to those who visit it?

Thinking about pointing out the main attractions of the country, we made this article.

Follow up!

Main Attractions in Guatemala

Forrest In Guatemala. Image: Isaac Quesada, Unsplash.
Forrest In Guatemala. Image: Isaac Quesada, Unsplash.

Here we separate the main attractions of Guatemala:

  • Antigua;
  • Lake Atitlán;
  • Semuc Champey;
  • Tikal ruins.

Antigua

Antigua. Image: Manuel Asturias, Unsplash.
Antigua. Image: Manuel Asturias, Unsplash.

Of the tourist cities in Guatemala, Antigua is the most organized and has the best structure for travelers. Which is understandable, after all, for many years the graceful historic city was the capital of the country.

As if its colonial buildings were not enough to justify the trip, Antigua is halfway to Lake Atitlán – another unmissable destination – and is the starting point for an adventure on the Pacaya Volcano.

This is considering that your itinerary through Guatemala will include a few nights on Lake Atitlán. Although it is possible to take a day trip from Antigua to the Atitlán region, this is not the best way to see all the landscapes around the lake.

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán. Image: Anita Wing Lee, Unsplash.
Lake Atitlán. Image: Anita Wing Lee, Unsplash.

A lake, three volcanoes and countless villages: this is the scenario that attracts hundreds of outsiders to Lake Atitlán, located 80 kilometers from Antigua.

Ideal for those who enjoy boating, hiking or simply disconnecting from large urban centers, Lake Atitlán deserves at least two full days in your itinerary.

Ideal for those who enjoy boating, hiking or simply disconnecting from large urban centers, Lake Atitlán deserves at least two full days in your itinerary.

The first stop on your trip to Atitlán will be in Panajachel – which is the largest city in the area and from where the boats leave for the other villages.

For an overnight stay, consider the neighborhoods of San Pedro la Laguna or San Marcos. The first is the most famous, with the best structure and the most action. San Marcos is the hotspot for the zen-relax crowd.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey. Image: Eduardo Rosal, unsplash.
Semuc Champey. Image: Eduardo Rosal, unsplash.

This is a destination that cannot be left out of your plans for what to do in Guatemala. The first part of your adventure is to reach small Lanquín – which is the base town for visiting Semuc Champey.

Once in Lanquín, simply join a day trip that takes travelers to the region’s main attractions – which includes, of course, Semuc Champey Park.

And if by now you’ve been wondering what the heck is so special about this Semuc Champey, just look at the image below and I’m sure it will be more convincing than any word I can write.

Tikal ruins

In the extreme north of the country, 65 kilometers from the city of Flores, is the most important ancient city of the Mayan civilization located in Guatemala: the Ruins of Tikal. So don’t think about leaving this place out of your itinerary across the country.

The most comfortable way to get to Flores is with a flight from Guatemala City. However, if you are in Semuc Champey before going there, the good news is that there is a shuttle from Lanquín to Flores.

Although the journey takes almost eight hours on the road, it is more practical than returning to Guatemala City by plane. Once in Flores, to go to the Ruins of Tikal just contact a day trip to the ancient Mayan city.

Thus, Guatemala mixes natural and historical interests. It is one of the best destinations in all of Central America.

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