10 DAY GUATEMALA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AVENTURE

Spread across a mountainous slice of Central America immediately south of Mexico, Guatemala is the quintessential and mysterious destination for travelers and entirely off the beaten track. Jam-packed with incredible natural, historical and cultural sights, the country is gaining traction as a touristic hotspot, making now the ideal time to visit. The country has a wealth of culture and color, both current and historical, but it just doesn’t seem to be in the Guatemalan nature to be the center of attention. It’s refreshing to feel like the country is unfolding in front of you, and Guatemala is an imperfect, living blend of its indigenous people and its Spanish past. Join us on an Off Beaten Track Adventure in Guatemala.

 

Peten Itza Lake

 

Antigua

 
Our first stop is the former capital of Antigua, near Guatemala City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the country's capital until 1773 when continual destructive earthquakes convinced the authorities to move to Guatemala City. With a population of about 45,000 and at least two fantastic hotels, Antigua is the essential location to get a feel for the region's history and remains in an excellent state of preservation.

 

Antigua

 

Pacaya volcano

 

Climbing a volcano should feature on your bucket list, and the Pacaya Volcano hike is the perfect experience. You’ll see scorched rock, get incredible views and roast marshmallows on the volcanic heat. Pacaya is your typical cone-shaped volcano located in southern Guatemala. The entrance to the volcano, situated in the aptly named Pacaya Volcano National Park, is around 50 km from both Antigua and Guatemala City by road. Driving times vary substantially throughout the day, taking between 75 and 120 minutes. With its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire and almost a century of constant activity, Pacaya is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanos. 

 

Pacaya Volcano

 

 

Atitlan

 

Taking a boat from Panajachel, we will cross the lake to San Juan La Laguna to find traditional, hand-dyed cotton scarves and artworks of various types being sold in a refreshingly relaxed style. Lake Atitlan’s shore is surrounded by little villages like San Juan La Laguna, where artisans practice the art of backstrap weaving. This Mayan tradition has been perfected for thousands of years. Founded 20 years ago, this women’s weaving cooperative was set up to improve economic conditions and the quality of life for women in the community of San Juan La Laguna. Traditionally the role of women was to remain in the home. The women fought relentlessly against the traditional society, and the cooperative women would meet in private when their husbands were out to weave. They are a legitimate association, and their magnificent works are recognized worldwide.

 

Lake Atitlan

 

Zipline

Next is a natural reserve, where you can witness panoramic views and a professional explaining how you will live the zipline extreme cable and keep you safe. Once you are hanging on the line, you will see the stunning panoramic view of Lake Atitlan and feel the exhilarating adrenaline experience zipping over the forest.  You can also see the natural plants and butterflies of the area. Lake Atitlan provides one of the lushest environments to do canopy or ziplining, and the weather in the Lake Atitlan basin is almost as fantastic as its forest below. 

 

Zipline

 

 

Guacamayas Biological Station

The Guacamayas Biological Station offers wildlife-watching/archaeology tours and the chance to tag along with researchers as they monitor the resident macaws and butterflies. Overlooking the broad river, it's a splendidly isolated spot, and tours are devoted to spotting and photographing not just macaws but more than 300 other bird species found in and around the reserve, including red-capped manakin, red-legged honeycreeper and long-tailed hermit. Las Guacamayas Biological Station is located on the shores of the San Pedro River. It constitutes a remote destination for researchers, naturalists, bird watchers, students, and anyone else who may be seeking direct and comfortable contact with nature. It is one of the unique places in Guatemala where the Scarlet Macaw may be observed in its natural habitat.

 

Howler Monkey

 

El Peru Archaeological Site

The archaeological site El Peru is found inside the park; this city was called "Waka’" by its original inhabitants. It controlled the crucial commercial route of cocoa and textiles over the San Pedro River. Waka played a significant role in the constant rivalry between the two monumental cities of Tikal and Calakmul, as it was conquered by Tikal.

 

El Peru Archaeological Site

Yaxha

Yaxha is Guatemala's third largest Mayan site, behind only Tikal and El Mirador. Yaxha is, however, relatively isolated and thus tends to attract smaller crowds than Tikal. This makes it perfect for travelers who want the freedom to explore the ruins without many other people. Learn about the history and culture of the people who built it. The ruins include nine seats and 500 structures, including palaces, temples and ball games. Climb to the top of structure 216 and get fantastic views of the surroundings. Your guide will also show you the Maler Group complex, which includes the twin temples, a large altar and several trails. 

 

Yaxha

Tikal

 

Located in the middle of the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal is one of the best excavated Maya ruins in the world. With over 3,000 structures on the site and many still buried and not wholly excavated, traveling to Tikal is a great adventure, especially if you find Maya history enthralling. Tikal is not only one of the most significant archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Guatemala if not all of Central America. If you happen to be traveling in Guatemala, visiting Tikal is one of the most magical things you could do. Tikal was abandoned, and no one knows why. Although many historians claim that it was primarily due to droughts causing deforestation and overpopulation, we still cannot know for sure. Even though a dense forest covered it, the legend didn’t die, and the city is still known today as the lost city. Local people guided Guatemalan expeditions to the ruins in the 1850s, but given its remoteness, it was very challenging to get to the site and explore. The walks around the area today are much more pleasant as the howler monkeys accompany you on your way around the amazing Tikal.

 

Tikal

Book the Guatemala Off The Beaten Track Adventure Tour with Va Expeditions here!