THE BEST OF GUATEMALA

The great thing about a trip to Guatemala is that there is so much to do in this Central American country! Guatemala is one of the least developed countries in Central America, so you're in for many incredible jungle adventures, super friendly locals, and unique cultural experiences. A touch of the mystical runs through everything in Guatemala, and one trip will likely have you hooked for life, so here are the best places to start your adventure in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring, all on this 9-day trip.

 

Resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala

 

Antigua

Antigua was once the capital city of Guatemala, but due to its location, it was prone to earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In 1776 the capital city was relocated to Guatemala City. Because of this move, Guatemala City now looks very modern, while Antigua was left untouched in its lovely 18t century state, with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. It is surrounded by towering volcanos, such as El Fuego, whose steep slopes are regularly marked by low-level eruptions. Antiqua is a picture-perfect place to pose under the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, shop for Mayan handicrafts, take stunning photos of volcano-backed street scenes and colonial architecture, study for Spanish language courses, and refuel in the city's many excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars.

 

Antigua, Guatemala

Pacaya Volcano

 

Out of the numerous volcanos in Guatemala, Volcano Pacaya is one of the most unique. The Pacaya volcano is located an hour's drive away from Antigua. It takes a few hours to hike to the volcano top and back, and your guide will explain all along the way. The trek starts early in the morning, and somewhere in the distance, you can hear a crackling sound before seeing red lava bursting through the rock and melting down the volcano, all at a safe distance. The landscape looked surreal and Mars-like, with black volcanic rock as far as you could see. Take a pack of marshmallows and sticks to experience roasting marshmallows on top of the Pacaya volcano, an activity that's a tradition for those who make it to the top.

 

Pacaya Volcano

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango, aka "Chichi," not only hosts the most impressive Maya market in the country, but it is also of deep historical significance. The town served as the main trading center for the Quiché region before the conquistadors arrived, and the tradition of people coming from hill villages to trade continues to this day. Nestled amidst lush green mountains in the Guatemalan highlands, this market town fills with traders every Sunday and Thursday when visitors surge in on day trips from Lago de Atitlán. You'll find a labyrinth of stalls full of local products, carved masks, and gorgeous textiles, including the traditional huipil blouses that indigenous women weave and wear. Every region has a different style of huipil, and the intricate patterns of natural designs and abstract symbols can take anywhere from three months to a year to weave. Other goods sold in this atmospheric market include wood carvings, leather goods, pottery and jade, and silver and gold jewelry. While you're in Chichicastenango, drop into the small archaeological museum, the museum of Mayan ceremonial masks, and spend some time people-watching on the incense-cloaked steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomás.

 

Chichi Market

Atitlan

 

Tucked away deep in the western highlands and framed by three towering volcanos, Lago de Atitlán is considered by some to be the most spectacular lake in the world. The waters of this deep and mysterious crater lake turn turquoise to deep green to dark blue as the light changes with the time of day and season. Because of its unique beauty, travelers have been known to get stuck here for weeks, months, or even years. Small villages with distinctively different moods surround the lake. Party people should head to San Pedro La Laguna, while those interested in meditation and yoga will love quieter San Marcos La Laguna. Spanish classes are widely available, but the main order of the day is simply chilling by the lakeside and marveling at the wonders of mother nature. More energetic activities include paragliding, paddle boarding, and hiking the San Pedro Volcano.

 

Lake Atitlan

Iximche

The 15th-century capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom, this Maya city is of a smaller scale than the more heavily-visited Tikal. A sacred site for modern-day Maya, Iximché remains uncrowded and tranquil. It's a stunning setting, with temples, plazas, and palaces situated on an elevated plateau amid steep valleys offering a more intimate way to visit a Guatemala Maya ruin.

 

Iximche

 

Tikal

Next up on your Guatemala vacation is Tikal; located amid an overgrown rainforest, a trip to the Tikal Ruins feels like discovering some lost city, Indiana Jones style. What now is one of the biggest attractions in Guatemala was once a bustling Mayan empire full of life and people. At its peak, this giant Mayan city included thousands of buildings, from temples and tombs to ball game courts, gardens, and residential buildings that were all later abandoned around 900. Walking around the Tikal city grounds is quite the wild adventure itself. To visit the different pyramids, you will make your way through narrow overgrown paths where you can spot a  variety of wildlife like howler monkeys, birds, and the raccoon-like coati.  

 

Tikal

Yaxha

The sheer size of Yaxha, the excellently restored buildings and the surrounding jungle flora and fauna make it particularly worth visiting. During its heyday in the 8th century, Yaxha was home to 20,000. Its 400-plus structures included five acropolises, two astronomical observatories, and three ball courts.

 

Yaxha

 

Book your 9-day Best of Guatemala Tour with Va Expeditions, here