GUATEMALAN PERSPECTIVES

Guatemala is often overshadowed by some of the other popular Central  American countries such as Costa Rica and Mexico.  In general, Latin American destinations are famous for being a tropical paradises with stunning beaches and glistening waters. But in Guatemala, tropical paradise is so much more than just the beachside towns. Guatemala is a country that is getting more and more popular, especially for people wanting to learn about Maya culture and for people wanting to get a more authentic travel experience. It’s still not overly touristic like some other Central American countries and the impressive archaeological sites are found in pristine rainforest and are in an excellent state of preservation. Find out more on this 8-day trip to Guatemala.

 

Howler Monkey

Antigua

With narrow cobble-stoned streets and brightly colored buildings, now all faded through time, there is an old colonial feel to the town of Antigua. Today, the streets are filled with bohemian cafes and art deco galleries, with a fusion of cultures, this Central American town is perfect for people to travel to. Antigua was founded on the 10th of March 1541, and it served as the colonial capital for 233 years before the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. With the three volcanoes of Acatenango, Agua, and Fuego close by, an ideal climate for most of the year, and the fact that Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself, the town has a lot going for it and is definitely a great introduction to Guatemala.

 

Antigua

Chichicastenango

Perched on a high mountain ridge encircled by a pine forest, the Quiche Maya town of Chichicastenango hosts the most famous indigenous market in Central America. On Sundays and Thursdays, its central plaza overflows with fresh flowers, traditional foods, and practical housewares. Villagers in traditional dress travel from miles around, to trade, worship, and reunite with friends. Chichicastenango gives a strong sense of Guatemala’s indigenous heritage and the age-old Mayan belief systems that have fused with the Catholicism imposed by Spanish colonizers. The result is a unique blend in which European religious traditions mingle with ancient mysticism and shamanism. Let all your senses be overcome with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this incredible Maya market town.

 

Chichi Market

Atitlan

San Juan la Laguna is famous as a day trip destination. In general, it has a more authentic feel with indigenous art collectives and Mayan craft shops which greatly outnumber tourist cafés and pubs. With terrific lake views, steep hills all around, and the looming volcanos towering over it all, San Juan is especially scenic. San Juan is the best destination on Lake Atitlan for authentic Mayan art, weaving, and crafts. Several inclusive cooperatives help the women of San Juan make a living off these projects. The town is also surrounded by coffee plantations, making this one of the best places to come for coffee tours in Guatemala.

Panajachel is another charming town on the Atitlan Lake, offering spectacular views of the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanos. The atmosphere is impressive and the people are very cordial and welcoming.  Because of its climate and tranquility, making it a perfect place to relax. Home to natural reserves, a diversity of restaurants, nightlife, craft markets, and Spanish schools, Panajachel is another excellent town to explore on your Guatemala vacation.

 

Lake Atitlan

Yaxha

Yaxha is not nearly as famous as Tikal, but this incredible ancient city also boasts crumbling ruined temples in a gorgeous natural setting, but without the crowds. Located in northeastern Guatemala, Yaxha is just off the highway that leads from the city of Flores to the Belize border. The ancient Maya city sits on the edges of two lakes, Yaxhá and Sacnab, in the middle of the UNESCO-listed Yaxhá-Nakúm-Naranjo biosphere reserve, a lush natural parkland of rainforest and wetlands. In Guatemala, the three largest and most important Maya cities were El Mirador, Tikal, and Yaxha, making one of the most important sites in the Maya civilization.

 

Yaxha

Tikal

Located in the northern rainforests of Guatemala, is one of the largest Mayan excavated archaeological sites ever discovered. The temples of Tikal are some of the biggest (and tallest) of the Mayan civilization. These well-restored temples have made Tikal one of the best ancient ruins to visit in Central America and possibly the world! Tikal is now a popular tourist destination in Guatemala and also holds a huge cultural significance to the local people making it a great place for your next Guatemala tour. Tikal is home to 5 huge temples. These temples range in height with the smallest being 38 meters or 124 feet tall, and the tallest, Temple IV soaring a huge 65 meters or 213 feet into the air! All 5 of these temples are high enough to pierce above the tree line. It’s also Tikal’s setting that makes it such an amazing site. Surrounding the ancient buildings is a lush green rainforest that is home to many animals. During a tour of Tikal, it’s very likely you will see and hear Howlers or Spider Monkeys swinging from the trees!

 

Tikal

Ixpanjul

Covering some 450 hectares of lush, tropical forest, Ixpanpajul is home to over 200 species of trees, 150 species of birdlife, and around 40 different mammal species including both spider monkeys and howler monkeys. Your adventure will begin with a walk through six amazing suspension bridges where you will see the wonderful local flora and fauna. You can choose to ride a horse, a tractor, or a bike, to go around a pathway that surrounds a fruit plantation and the jungle. Then there is the zipline tour through nine platforms and a crossed cables system and you´ll have the chance to see different wild animals in their natural habitat. There is something for everyone at Ixpanpajul nature park and it is particularly suited to the young and young-at-heart on their Guatemala vacation!

 

Quetzal at Ixpanjul

Find out more here about this Guatemalan perspectives tour from Va Expeditions!