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Published: 24-08-2022
The Maya and the Aztecs were two of Central America’s great civilizations. Today, their legacy across Guatemala and the Yucatán Peninsula is a huge draw for travelers, as impressive structures are being recovered from the jungle. The Mayas’ outstanding achievements included a calendar system, knowledge of astronomy, the creation of agricultural terraces and intricate metalwork, including gold, silver and copper. The Central American jungle swallowed the remains of these great kingdoms. Still, many have been partially uncovered, and impressive details such as carved glyphs and mighty stelae remain virtually intact. Just as interestingly, Mayan people still make up the majority of Guatemala’s population, so visitors can learn about the links between past and present, understanding both the ancient and modern Mayan cultures all the better as they explore. Learn more about our Guatemalan Mayan Route Tour as the perfect adventure for your vacation.
Tikal
Antigua
This designated UNESCO World Heritage site pulses with activity and boasts awe-inspiring architecture, absorbing the culture and awe-inspiring views. With three ancient volcanos looming in the background, Antigua is a town that’s spectacular from every angle. Each time you turn a corner, you’ll be greeted by another picture postcard view; if it’s not a smoke-spewing volcano staring back at you, it’s tree-blanketed mountain vistas or pastel-pink buildings sitting pretty under misty skies and steel-grey clouds. Walk beneath 17th-century stone arches in a dazzling range of colors, admire churches that look like they’ve been plucked from the streets of Seville, and take some time to photograph the Baroque-inspired architecture of the grand Plaza Mayor.
Antigua
Chichicastenango
This is the largest outdoor market in Latin America. While with time, it has become much of a tourist destination, with lots of stalls selling souvenirs and items that are of interest to travelers, it still very much is a local market where people from the region go to buy and sell their goods; from vegetables and fruits to live animals and much more. Chichicastenango has long been an important trading post and significant town in Guatemala, evidenced by its sprawling market that still exists in the modern day. It was one of the largest trading areas in the Maya world and remained one of the largest markets in Latin America. Today, it’s still home to the Maya people, who continue to visit the market to trade. There are also a handful of fascinating cultural and religious sites to explore in the town. This will help you learn about the history of this small but not insignificant mountaintop town which is often referred to simply as “Chichi.”
"Chichi"
Atitlan
No trip to Guatemala is complete without a visit to Lake Atitlan. Situated in the Sierra Madre mountains, the lake is big (130 square km), deep (340 meters), and surrounded by fern-covered valleys and towering volcanos. With seven Mayan towns around the lake and countless things to do, you could spend weeks here without wanting to leave. With three dramatic volcanoes circling the lake, hiking up at least one of them is on most people’s Atitlan bucket list. The small town of San Juan is just a five-minute drive from busy San Pedro, but this colorful town has hardly any tourists. Known predominantly for its art, it’s a great place to pick up some canvases to take home. If you fancy it, you can try your hand at traditional weaving at Lema, or you can purchase some stunning woven Mayan textiles from here, too.
Lake Atitlan
Yaxha
Lesser-visited and not as big as the ancient city of Tikal, Yaxha is perfect for those who want to explore the Mayan culture more Tikal, Yaxha is ideal for those who wish to explore the Mayan culture in a more relaxed setting. Yaxha is located only 30 km southeast of Tikal, and this former Maya city is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Petén. Its well-preserved structures and impressive architecture astonish travelers looking to get a more accurate perception of the Maya culture and how it was to explore these hidden cities hundreds of years ago. Yaxha is not as commercialized as Tikal, and travelers visiting this national park will feel closer to nature. Structures have been restored over the years, and the jungle fauna and flora have been significantly preserved. The park has been serving as a refuge for several species of animals and listening to the calls of howler monkeys or toucans while wandering through the dense jungle.
Yaxha
Tikal
Located in the Peten province is the ancient city of Tikal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a thriving metropolis and one of the essential citadels of the Mayan civilization. It’s estimated that the area was settled in around 900 BC. Over time, the settlement grew in importance to become a center for commercial activity, culture, and ceremonial events over the many centuries following its founding. There are enormous temples, which are a testament to this culture's complexity and Tikal’s importance. Many of these were constructed during the 8th century AD when Tikal had risen to become one of the most important cities in the Mayan world. It was home to an estimated 100,000 people. The setting of Tikal is not just rainforest but also palm forests, savannah, wetlands, and tropical broadleaf forests, making the position of the ruins in the middle of all this dense and diverse ecosystem even more impressive. Today jaguars and pumas inhabit the area, as are howler monkeys, spider monkeys, anteaters and 300 species of birds, including toucans.
Tikal
Ixpanpajul
In the Ixpanpajul Natural Park, you’ll find plenty to get your heart racing. One of the most popular tours to this park includes ziplining across the rainforest via several zipline wires. Other things to get up to in Ixpanpajul Park include hiking a lush hiking trail and six suspension bridges for visitors to explore. These trails explore some of the region's most incredible wildlife and flora in the region.
Ixpanpajul
Take yourself back to where the Maya once ruled and visit the remains of their magnificent temples and the biodiversity of the rainforest of the Guatemalan Mayan Route. Book here now!
