GUATEMALAN FAMILY ADVENTURE

 

Guatemala is one of the lesser visited Central American countries, but tourism is now a growing industry. Guatemala is becoming increasingly popular for backpackers on a budget and even for families traveling to Guatemala with children. Home to volcanoes, ruins, and Mayan heritage sites, dense rainforests, and colorful colonial cities, Guatemala is a fascinating country to visit and is home to some of the best places to visit in Central America for all the family. Visiting Guatemala with kids is a great experience for both parents and little ones. Regardless of their age, taking your kids to Guatemala exposes them to a different culture, a different way of life, and if you speak English, a different language. Find out more about this Guatemalan Family adventure trip!

 

Lake Atitlan

 

Antigua

Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city rich in history and culture. A place that seems to have stood still, there are exciting and fun things to do in Antigua Guatemala. El Parque Central, or Plaza Mayor, in Antigua Guatemala, is surrounded by the cathedral and other historic buildings, with the beautiful Agua volcano in the background. This beautiful town square is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. We love to grab a bench near the beautiful fountain, la Fuente de las Sirenas, and people-watch while enjoying ice cream or cotton candy. During the weekends, you may find musicians playing the marimba, and street vendors are always around offering beautiful Guatemalan crafts.

 

Street Decorating in Antigua

 

There are few things better than good quality chocolate! The Choco Museum has two locations in Antigua Guatemala. Not only do they sell artisanal, handmade chocolate, but they teach you how to make your own. The “bean to bar” chocolate workshop is perfect for children, and is super fun and interactive. Children will learn how the cocoa is roasted, peeled, and grind cacao beans using a traditional grinding stone. Learn all about the cacao plant and the history of cacao and chocolate. Then, when it’s time to make the chocolate, you get to choose from different molds. Finally, add delicious toppings to the chocolates, from nuts, shredded coconut, and sprinkles.

 

ChocoMuseo Antigua

Pacaya Volcano

Guatemala is a country overflowing with natural beauty, from its steamy tropical rainforests to its much chillier mountain peaks. But among all of its beauty, the biggest draw for many is hiking Guatemala’s volcanos. If you want to hike an active volcano with kids and roast some marshmallows over lava, hiking Pacaya volcano is the best option. The Pacaya volcano hike is not very steep and is relatively short. It is about 5km round-trip, including the time we spent roasting marshmallows, and takes  2 and a half hours. There is even the option to rent a horse so little ones can ride up and down the volcano if they get tired.

 

Toasting Marshmallows on Pacaya 

Chichicastenango

In the western highlands of Guatemala is a colorful little market known as the Chichicastenango Market. Wonderfully woven fabrics, handicrafts, pottery, condiments, and toys welcome the tourists as they step into this market. The bustling little street which is full of makeshift stalls and is teeming with vendors, gives the visitors a glimpse of the Mayan culture. This lively market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products. Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan lunch with a local family to sample the local cuisine and for the perfect interactive experience for all family members.

 

Wooden Masks

Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala and a great place to visit with children. The breathtaking views framed by volcanos, the quaint towns, and the colorful Mayan culture make Lake Atitlan an ideal destination for families. San Juan la Laguna is a colorful Mayan village nestled between high cliffs, lush coffee plantations, and the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán. Home to the Tz’utujil Mayan people, San Juan is one of the most traditional and culturally rich towns around the lake. There is something for everyone in this picturesque village, whether you enjoy diving into the culture and traditional practices, hiking, kayaking, shopping, or learning a new skill. Explore the painted streets, eat fresh food, and sip on highland coffee. Visit the home of Maximon. The precise origin of Maximón, the evil saint, is unknown, but he’s also referred to as San Simón, Judas Iscariot, and Pedro de Alvarado in Santiago Atitlan, and is always seen as an enemy of the Church. Some say that he represents a Franciscan friar who chased after young indigenous girls and that his legs are removed to prevent any further indulgence. “Max” in the Mam dialect means tobacco, and Maximón is associated with ladino vices such as smoking and drinking; more locally he’s known as Rij Laj or Rilej Mam, the powerful man with a white beard.

 

Maximon

Nothing beats an early morning paddle on Lake Atitlan. (Or a mid-morning paddle, but you know what I mean). The water is often silky-smooth early in the morning, but even if you go later in the day you should have good luck. Since San Juan is in a protected bay, it probably stays smoother for longer compared to the exposed shoreline in Panajachel.

 

Kayaking on Atitlan

Tikal

For a truly magical adventure in Guatemala with children, you must visit Tikal. Located deep in the jungle in the northern province of El Petén, this ancient Maya civilization is the most impressive of Guatemala’s ruins and its most visited destination. It's about 15 min. – 30 min. walk from the entrance to the Great Plaza, depending on how many times you stop to look at the huge ceiba tree (the sacred Maya "tree of life"), ants marching on the path, spider monkeys jumping from branch to branch, coatimundis rooting around for a something to eat.

 

Coatimundi

 

The Central Acropolis is where most tours start and was the former palace and residential area for Tikal’s elite. It’s a great place for kids to scramble around and explore, a maze of small rooms and courtyards. Get the kids to try and find the throne and bed chambers (and remember to mind your head!). For kids, the site of this ancient Maya civilization is one big outdoor adventure playground. If your children are up for an adventure, they’ll race off to the top of the temples without even pausing for breath leaving the adults puffing below. Tikal is a true adventure for children, it´s fun and offers insight into the Mayans, history, and archaeology.

 

Tikal

Ixpanpajul 

The Ixpanpajul Nature  Park is located on the outskirts of Flores and Santa Elena and has a large forest and beautiful landscapes to enjoy great adventures and a unique opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of Petén. It is a refuge with more than 450 hectares that houses 250 species of trees, 150 species of birds, and 45 species of mammals. In this park, you can perform different activities such as tours on the Tarzan Canopy Tour, horseback riding, suspension bridges, mountain biking, and trails. In addition, you can visit the "Mascaron" which is a stone-carved face of a Mayan figure. One of the activities that most perform in this place. At night you can observe different mammals like; parrots, foxes, opossums, and other species such as reptiles or tarantulas.

 

Zipline

 

Located across Lake Petén Itzá is the magnificent Ixpanpajul Skyway. The Skyway is a series of six suspension bridges that provide the opportunity to explore the different strata of the rainforest. The canopy walkway suspension bridges and trails require a moderate level of fitness as the trails are occasionally steep and humidity can be high under the forest canopy. There’s even a zip line for the adventurous. On a visit to Laguna Quexil, there are then 2 islands, one of which is dedicated to the breeding and care of spider monkeys. the island to witness the monkeys being fed fresh fruit and vegetables. It is not possible to set foot on Monkey Island but that really doesn’t matter because, on hearing the approaching launch, the monkeys will soon descend from the numerous overhanging trees to claim their delicious treats. Occasionally, some of the bolder monkeys will even jump onto the boat but don’t worry, they aren’t big and there is always an expert guide on hand to manage the situation. After visiting Monkey Island, the launch will continue with a tour of the lake which is surrounded on all sides by lush vegetation; it is very beautiful. It’s so beautiful you might feel tempted to jump in for a swim. Don’t, the lake is also home to crocodiles!

 

Spider Monkey,  Ixpanpajul

 

If this family tour has whetted your appetite for a family holiday in Guatemala, contact us here!