Homosexuality is legal as is gay marriage and there are overtly gay politicians in parliament. While the government has an open-minded, liberal attitude, it is definitely "frowned upon" on a cultural level. The "machista" and misogynist attitudes prevail as in Mexico, so it is better to subtle in your interactions. The country is conservative and tolerance is an issue still. The government is trying to amend this along with activist groups.&nbsp;

LGBTQ

The general standard of accommodation for its specific category tends to be good value. The most luxury type of accommodation can be found in the cities of Guatemala City and Antigua. Outside of the main cities, options are a lot more limited, so <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-guatemalan-highlights" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-guatemalan-highlights">luxury</a> options may be an issue, but there are plenty of budget options abound in most towns and cities. Even the most economical of lodgings with usually have a private bathroom though a hot shower maybe a little more difficult to come across, unless in the tops hotels. The cheaper options may have shared facilities and are generally more sociable options and a decent way to meet other travellers. There are quite a few ex-pat hostels around for a more social vibe and decent facilities. Camping is a rare accommodation option in Guatemala, probably due to the reasonably priced accommodations.&nbsp;

Accommodation

Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Central America and their national health care system is of a generally low quality. There are decent private clinics in Guatemala City and in Antigua, but outside of these cities, health services are limited and basic. Make sure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for health insurance.
The jungle regions have a wide variety of tropical illnesses and yellow fever is rife. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, zika and dengue are common also. Visit your local travel clinic before you go! &nbsp;
Water is heavily chlorinated but still is not worth the risk. Salads will be washed, but you should check the water source of what they are washed in! Traveller's diarrhoea is common in Guatemala due to the lower standards of water quality, so take stomach medication with you. Amoebic illnesses are also common with Giardia being common.&nbsp;

Health and Insurance

The money in Guatemala is the Quetzal, named after their national bird&hellip;.. or is it the other way around? There are Q7.5 to $1 USD.&nbsp;
ATMs are widely available, throughout Guatemala unless you are in a tiny village. However, card skimming is an issue. Don't use ATMs at night and if you have to, try to use them in a mall or supermarket. &nbsp;
Cash is the main money transaction in Guatemala and USD are widely accepted. You may have issues with other currencies. There is always a change issue, however, so try and break down your bigger quetzales and dollars for ease -sake. It is best to use Quetzales when possible to avoid being affected by the exchange rate.&nbsp;
Credit cards are widely accepted especially visa and American express. You may be hit with a 5% charge in some places, however.&nbsp;

Money

The majority of Western nations will not need a visa to visit Guatemala. There are some eastern European countries that need a visa to best to check with your consulate. You will be given a 90-day tourist visa on entry and there is no cost. Sometimes at land borders, the officials may try and invent a reason to bribe you, but this is illegal and should not be accepted by any means. Once in Guatemala, you can extend your visa if needed for another 90 days should you need it for a minimal cost - Q120 at this time.&nbsp;

Visas

Guatemaltecans generally tend to be conservative and a little old-fashioned, as a sweeping generalisation of course! Many local people are incredibly proud of their history and culture, just as they should be and still use traditional dress with their vibrant colour palette which brightens up the darkest day. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-off-the-beaten-track-adventure" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-off-the-beaten-track-adventure">Ancient traditions, </a>shamans and ceremonies are still in full effect. Quite often they are intertwined with the more traditional Catholic religion brought over with the Spanish.&nbsp;
Race is a delicate topic, especially when it refers to the indigenous people of Guatemala. Never use the word "Indio" this is deeply offensive and stick to "indigeno" if referring to an indigenous person. African or Afro-Americans visiting, will find the locals more inquisitive than racist.&nbsp;
People are a mixture of Catholic and indigenous religions, always ask before taking part in any traditional ceremony and always ask before taking a photo.&nbsp;

Culture

Guatemalans love their football! As is the case with most Central American countries.&nbsp;
Parties and cultural activities are celebrated with a LOT of fireworks! People take their fiestas very seriously with music, dance food and drink, of course.&nbsp;
Marimba music comes from this area also and be heard blasting out in most places.&nbsp;
Guatemala is famous for its textiles, with their bright colours and intricate designs. These can be found in native clothing and even hammocks if you are looking for an authentic gift.&nbsp;
Religion forms a major part of the culture and the intermingling of traditional Mayan beliefs, along with Catholicism, are fascinating! On Atitlan, find out where Maxim&oacute;n is hanging out (each year he changes his host family!) and go and see this incredible partying saint. This is a great insight into the mixing of these two distinctive belief systems and is a great representation of culture in Guatemala as a whole.

Activities

Guatemalan food is filling, reasonably priced and surprisingly tasty. The fusion of traditional Mayan foods, Caribbean creole food and even a Western influence means that food is varied. The more touristic areas have wider ranges of dishes available and Veggie options are abundant, especially in the cities and the touristic destinations. Tortillas rice and eggs are popular staple foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner and these have a different twist in each destination. Traditional Guatemalan cuisine is based around fried meat of some description. There is definitely a Mexican influence with enchiladas, tortillas and tacos. &nbsp;
Beans Chillies and Maize are the staple foods in this part of the world and hearty soups and stews are common in the highlands. Usually, if you want to eat upmarket, the restaurants are foreign-owned and with their own particular speciality from their country of origin.
Rellenitos are the sugary option, which consists of mashed up plantains.&nbsp;
To drink most Guatemalans will go with a classic fizzy soda. Licuados are thicky milky, creamy juices when your body is craving those vitamins.&nbsp;
The alcoholic beverage of choice is Gallo beer. Rum or aguardiente are the chosen options for those looking for something a little stronger. The main thing to remember in this destination to never drink the water unless it comes from a sealed bottle!&nbsp;

Eating and drinking

Guatemala is, in general, a safe country to travel in. However, petty crime is quite common in the bigger cities and the fact that we stand out more makes us a more obvious target. Opportunistic theft is common; violent crime is not. Be aware of your surroundings and even more so with your valuables. A common method of separating you from your personal items is the bag grab, usually from a passing motorcycle. It's best to use the hidden money belts if you are carrying large amounts of cash.&nbsp;
Most hotels have safety deposit boxes, use them! Photocopy your travel documents and carry the copies with while you lock up the originals. Use your common sense; the gut is usually correct! Avoid using ATMs at night and avoid dark areas, or streets, if walking on your own. Guatemala City is the crime hotspot, not surprisingly, especially near the bus station and central market areas where there are many crowds. Petty crime can happen in touristic places such as Tikal and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-expedition" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-expedition">Panajachel.</a> Tourists are not usually a target for violent crime but be extra careful in these places, pickpockets operate.&nbsp;
Solo travellers are particularly targeted solo try a join a tour group or hook up with other travellers when visiting remote areas.&nbsp;
Women travellers usually feel safe in Guatemala; however, keep in mind that Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world! The usual precautions apply, don't walk around late at night or in remote areas on your own. &nbsp;

Safety

This fascinating country is found nestled between Mexico in the north and Honduras, Belize and Salvador. The name Guatemala is said to originate from the Aztec words Quauhtemallan meaning "land of trees" as well as Guhatezmalha meaning the mountain that vomits water! <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-guatemala">Guatemala </a>was occupied by the Spanish like the majority of Latin American countries in the 16th century, but today its native cultures are predominant and proudly exist. Guatemala has been inhabited by these people for the past 20, 000 years. There are 22 native languages in Guatemala with 21 indigenous Mayan civilisations making the country a fantastic cultural destination to visit. The country is a mountainous region with valleys and sandy regions. There are two main mountain ranges in the country which vide Guatemala into three regions, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-remote-guatemala">the highlands, </a>the Pacific coast and the Southern mountain regions. Because Guatemala is situated between the Pacific and the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-remote-guatemala">Caribbean </a>oceans, the country is prone to hurricanes which over the years have devastated the country, causing mudslides and flooding. Guatemala consists of 14 different ecological regions including mangrove forests, two coastlines, highlands and wetlands. The Maya bio-reserve in Peten is considered the 2nd largest forest in the whole of South America. The country has 1246 species of which 6.7 % are endemic to the country. Despite its violent and politically turbulent history, the natural, cultural and historic appeal of the country is fascinating and attracts many travellers and backpackers to the country. This, combined with the extremely low cost of living, make it a popular destination for all types of travellers.&nbsp;

For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

Are there bathroom /toilet facilities during the tour?

Guides &amp; Drivers:
2.2. Protective Measures and Equipment to consider:
2.2.1. Mandatory Equipment:
&nbsp;
&bull; Face mask
&bull; Tied Hair (in case of having long hair)
&bull; Closed Shoes (not sandals)
&bull; Constant use of Hand Sanitizer
&bull; Use pants with the uniform (not shorts)
&bull; Sanitize your backpack and equipment constantly when providing services
&bull; Limit the use of accessories (wallets, fanny packs, watches, etc.)
&bull; Avoid sharing glasses, spoons, bottles, etc.
&bull; Avoid the use of reusable tissues, make use of disposable towels or napkins
&bull; Make use of the digital thermometer
&bull; Avoid wearing a tie or scarf
&nbsp;
III. SPECIFIC PREVENTION MEASURES
&nbsp;
3.1. Tourist Guide Service
&nbsp;
&bull; Maximum 1 Guide for every 14 visitors
3.2. Tourist Reception
&bull; Welcome: greet without physical contact and maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters.
&nbsp;
3.3. Delivery of Preventive Utensils
&bull; Take the temperature of Each Visitor
&bull; Hand Sanitizer
&bull; Masks, if necessary.
&bull; Gloves
&nbsp;Physical distancy and wear masks in public spaces are mandatory for clients, guides and drivers.

What are the health and safety protocols used during the trip?

We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.

Do I need travel insurance? What insurance do you recommend?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.

What vaccinations do I need for the trip?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.

Which medications should I bring from home?

As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.

How safe is the destination?

We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.

Are flights included in the tour?

Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

If I travel alone will I be charged a single supplement?

VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

Is it safe to book with VA Expeditions?

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

Can the packages on the website be customized?

Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.

Do you offer only multiday packages or do you also offer day trips?

Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.

Can I purchase additional services after I have made my reservation and paid?

Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.

Can I travel with children? Are there age restrictions?

We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

How big are the group sizes?

We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.

How far in advance should I book a package?

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

What documents do I need for my trip?

The official currency in Guatemala is the&nbsp; The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.

What kind of currency do they use at the destination? Are ATM easily accessible?

Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.

I have dietary restrictions. Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

We have our own NGO www.procrea.org Proyectos Creativos, after March 2020 we have the program in San Andres Ceballos, 20 minutes out Antigua Guatemala to build energy saving stoves for the parents of the kids we had in the school before the pandemic, some of the mothers make tortillas for sell, so they have some income for the families, Also we have program with kids and parents vegetables home-garden and organic chicken to have organic eggs, so is a complete program for 25 families,
&nbsp;
We support a project in Sipacate that protects Green or Pacific Turtle, we have been working so closed with doctors from Universidad de San Carlos that&nbsp; are in charge of this project, at least to weekends at month they capture turtles to clean them of parasites, plastics, some need surgery because the propellers of the boats hurt them and also to check the chips with the information of their trip.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We are working with Vivamos Mejor at Lake Atitlan to push the government to declare 2 protected parks located around the Lake Atitlan, this is Paquisis which is part of San Pedro Volcano and is the home of Horned Guan, this is the sixth rarest bird in the world, and the other area is Rey Tepepul Park, here there are Quetzales, which is our National Bird, and other interesting birds and wild life,
&nbsp;
We work also with the Mayan Q'eqchi community of Cruce Dos Aguadas, this community is located inside of the Mayan Biosphere and 15 families of this community are in charge to do El Zotz-Tikal Trek, we give them training in first aid, food management, cooking lessons, communitarian tour guides, firefighters, etc., because they work with tourism, they value the jungle and have become guardians of the forest and are teaching their children to protect the environment.

What does the company do for the sustainability of its operations?

Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.

Are tips included in the price? If not how much should I budget for tips?

Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.&nbsp;
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

What general norms of culture should I take into account at the destination?

This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.&nbsp;

How much free time will I have during the tour?

For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the 24/7 Operations Phone :&nbsp; + (502) 5417-5517

What number can I contact if I have an emergency during my trip?

For an example of sustainable activities in Guatemala, we offer: Sustainable coffee tour at San Miguel Escobar, Antigua Guatemala and La Voz at San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Pacaya Volcano day tour,Acatenango hike with the community project, Women textiles associations in Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Jungle Hikes in Peten, inside of the Mayan Biosphere reserve

What sustainable activities can I do at the destination?

All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: + (502) 5417-5517. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com&nbsp;

What kind of support will I receive during my trip?

This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

How many guides will there be on my trip?

This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.

What kind of pace can I expect on a tour?

How flexible is my itinerary already being at the destination?

Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your&nbsp; hotel.

Can I leave my main luggage somewhere safe during my excursions?

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

What is the internet /WIFI availability during the tour?

In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

Will there be cell phone reception during the tour?

It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your&nbsp; program.

What is the highest altitude we will reach during the tour?

We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. At various points on your trip including hotels, there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.

What hydration options do I have on tours at the destination?

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:
&nbsp;
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Guatemala Vacation, Tours, Trips & Travel Packages | VA Expeditions

Guatemala&acute;s cities are often overlooked but are fascinating none the less.&nbsp; From the bustling capital of Guatemala City, to more historical, colonial cities, such as <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-cultural-guatemala">Antigua,</a> the guatemalan cities have something for everyone! Spanning a mountainous slice of Central America immediately south of Mexico, Guatemala is loaded with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal.&nbsp;

Quetzaltenango is considered the second biggest city in the so-called &ldquo;eternal spring country&rdquo;. If you enjoy cold weather, rainy days and mountains, this is the place for you. Many people call this city Xela and&nbsp; say that the name changed from Xelaj&uacute; to <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guatemalan-markets-tour">Quetzaltenango</a> because of the village&rsquo;s hero, Tec&uacute;n Um&aacute;n, who died in battle against Pedro de Alvarado, during the Spanish invasion. When he was defeated, a quetzal (the national bird), flew in the scene and placed itself on top of Tec&uacute;n Um&aacute;n&rsquo;s chest, henceforth the city was then called Quetzaltenango.

Quetzaltenango

Once the capital of Guatemala, its streetscapes of pastel facades unfold beneath the gaze of three volcanoes, and meticulously restored colonial buildings sit next to picturesque ruins in park-like surroundings. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-cultural-guatemala">Antigua&acute;s </a>World Heritage&ndash;listed status means that even fast-food chains have to hide themselves behind traditional building facades. Antigua&rsquo;s cobblestone, idyllically-pretty streets are clean with quaint stores. The crumbling ruins on each corner of the city&rsquo;s streets clearly represent the town&rsquo;s colonial past.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Antigua

Guatemala City, the capital of the country, is a sprawling, bustling mixture of mayhem, smog, chicken buses and a unique energy that is specific to this country. The skyscrapers mix with the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-14-day-mayan-adventure">Guatemaltecan </a>favelas for this stunning insight into the social structure of the country. The country is under a development programme and the historical city now has pedestrianised walkways, with a bohemian caf&eacute; or two. This eclectic capital is nuts but fascinating at the same time.&nbsp;

Guatemala City

As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the cities are defined by the legacy of this early civilization

The Guatemalan cities

When you combine this magnificent lake with the incredible backdrop of the nearby volcanoes, it's a total sensory overdose and no wonder this is the main tourist attraction in Guatemala. This hippy hangout, since the 1960's is the essence of relaxation and natural beauty with some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. Panajachel and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guatemalan-perspectives">San Pedro</a> are the main points on the lake to spend a night or ten and there are more remote towns on the lake if you are looking for a more remote experience than these vibrant towns can offer.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Panajachel is one of the most populated parts of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/12-day-guatemalan-culture-and-nature">lake Atitlan</a> on the lake and can even be a little&nbsp; rowdy, but it&rsquo;s still definitely worth a visit.&nbsp; There is a reasonwhy thousands visit and its a major attraction on the backpacker trail. It has the best sunsets, the best nightlife and easily the best market, so if you&rsquo;re looking to stock up on beautiful Mayan clothes and textiles,Panajachel is the perfect launching spot for a visit to Lake Atitlan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Panajachel

San Juan La laguna is just a five minute drive from busy San Pedro. This colourful town has hardly any tourists, which is&nbsp; the perfect&nbsp; part of the lake if you are looking for remoteness, peace and quiet!<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guatemalan-mayan-route"> San Juan</a> is known especially for its art, it&rsquo;s a great place to pick up some canvases to take home. If you textiles are your thing, you can try your hand at traditional weaving in Lema, which is the perfect place to purchase stunning, woven, authentic, Mayan textiles.

San Juan La Laguna

This stunning lake in its own right is simply an impressive part of the world, surrounded by volcanoes and a local, relaxed vibe.

Lake Atitlan

The rugged, misty mountain tops and the surrounding green countryside are some of the Guatemalan coffee growing regions. Coban is in this area and the home to some great coffee shops of course, but the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-guatemala-expedition">Samuc Champey </a>hot springs surrounded by lush jungle are spectacular and worth a soak! North of Cob&aacute;n are the Candelaria Caves and the Lake Lach&uacute;a which is pristine and spectacular. These areas are home to the native Quetzal, which is now becoming an endangered species due to the historical importance of this bird's feathers, in Mayan culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;People visit Semuc not only to enjoy swimming in the pools but also to explore the nearby water cave, or tube down the Cahabon River which disappears under the limestone bridge only to reappear miles later.

These hot springs and different turquoise blue pools are one of the natural wonders of Guatemala, set within the lush rainforest set with the national park of the same name. These incredible pools are just 2 hours away from Cop&aacute;n and are the best-kept secret in Guatemala for sheer natural beauty and relaxing. &nbsp;&nbsp;People visit <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-expedition">Semuc Champey</a> not only to enjoy swimming in the pools but also to explore the nearby water cave, or tube down the Cahabon River which disappears under the limestone bridge only to reappear miles later.

Semuc Champey

The Candelaria caves were considered by the ancient Maya to be the entrance to the underworld of Xibalba, and the cave contains&nbsp; many archaeological sites. The Q'eqchi' Maya still come to pray in the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-guatemala-expedition">Candelaria Caves.</a> and The Lacandon Maya (living in Mexico, just west of the border with Guatemala) believe that every night the sun is carried in a basket by the "gods of the Underworld" through a 22 km long cave from west to east, to emerge again at daybreak. Perhaps the Candelaria Cave is the nocturnal pathway of the sun!

Candelaria Caves

Northeast of Cob&aacute;n, a paved road heads off into the verdant green hills, connecting a string of coffee farms. After 46km the road reaches the Pajal junction, where a branch road cuts down deep into a valley to <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/complete-guatemala-expedition">LANQU&Iacute;N.</a> This sleepy, modest Q&rsquo;eqchi&rsquo; village, where Spanish is very much a second language, shelters beneath towering green hills, whose lower slopes are planted with coffee and cardamom bushes. The village itself is very relaxed and quaint and Lanquin is the perfect basecamp to visit Semuc Champey.

Lanquin

The district of Verapaces is the preferred area for those who like the mountains and a decent cup of coffee!

Coban

The two main features are the spectacular volcanos that run through the Cuchumatanes mountain range, the gushing streams, lakes, forests and valleys. The lower levels are tropical with banana plantations, the middle regions with oak, cedar and pine trees and the higher regions with their patchwork of valleys with corn and potato plantations make for fabulous scenery. The Mayan priests, shamans and witches all lived and practised their arts in this incredible mountain range and the area is steeped in the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-guatemala">ancient traditions. </a>The second biggest city of Quetzaltenango or as it is easier known Xela, is up in the mountains and bears more resemblance to a mining town in the north of England than the central American tropics but definitely worth it if you are looking to get away from the gringo trail.&nbsp;

Iximch&eacute;, located in Tecp&aacute;n, Chimaltenango, where the Mayans founded their last capital before their demise.&nbsp; The pre-conquest capital of the Kaqchikel, is 5km south of the Interamericana on a beautiful exposed site, isolated on three sides by plunging ravines and surrounded by pine forests. Iximch&eacute; remains an important ceremonial site for indigenous pilgrims, who visit the area to perform magic rituals to ward off illness or bring good fortune. The majority of the buildings in<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classic-cultural-guatemala"> Iximche, </a>were originally built of adobe, have disappeared but the site &ndash; which housed a population of about ten thousand &ndash; is very atmospheric.&nbsp;

Iximché

&nbsp;Dubbed Guatemala&rsquo;s &ldquo;Mecca del Turismo&rdquo;, Chichi is a compact and traditional town of cobbled streets, where twice a week the town&rsquo;s highland calm is shattered by the Sunday and Thursday markets. The markets attract many tourists, traders and Mayan weavers from throughout the central highlands. Locals adhere to the ways of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-cultural-guatemala">traditional weaving</a>, the women wearing superb huipiles with flower motifs. The men&rsquo;s costume of short trousers and jackets of black wool embroidered with silk is highly distinguished although, today men generally opt for Western dress.

Chichicastenango

The western highlands of Guatemala runs from Antigua up to the border of Mexico and is considered the most beautiful part of the country.

The Western Highlands

Heading East from Guatemala City, this relatively diverse geographical region ranges from deserts, rainforest and mountains inhabited by creoles, latinos and some interspersed Mayans. The main towns are Chiquimula and Esquipulas, n the East and Flores Island in the North. The main reason to visit these regions are the Rio Dulce and Izabal Lake with is incredible hot springs as well as the main attraction in Guatemala, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/bountiful-mayan-adventure">Tikal,</a> set within lush tropical rainforest, is found in the North of the country. Tikal is one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in existence today. Despite being a well-visited site, the remoteness of the ruins amid the jungle has helped to keep it in an excellent state of preservation. Tikal ruins are fascinating and according to historians, the area around Tikal was settled about 900 BC, and its importance grew over centuries until the 8th century AD when <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guatemalan-family-adventure">Tikal </a>became the greatest city in the Maya world. The site was abandond for a number of centuries, yet the local people passed down their knowledge about mysterious ruins deep in the forest for generations, but it was not until the 19th century when first explorers arrived to excavate the phenomenal Tikal.&nbsp;
Flores island is one of the hubs to visit the main attractions in the region andan be found in the middle of The Peten Itza lake and is connected to the mainland by a causeway.&nbsp; It&nbsp; was the last independent Maya state to hold out against the Spanish conquerors, when they arrived.
The town of Livingston is a great stop off and home to the Garifuna people originated from the African slaves. The Ipala volcano is stunning and the black Christ of Esquipulas are all found in this region.&nbsp;

This town is on the Caribbean Sea coastline and quite possibly the most relaxed destination in Guatemala or all of Central America! This <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/bountiful-mayan-adventure">Garifuna outpost</a> of the African slaves mixes their Caribbean culture with Latino culture and some Mayan ruins to boot and is the best place to visit the Rio Dulce from &hellip;The food is pretty amazing also!&nbsp;

Livingston

One can&rsquo;t deny the fact that Flores was put on the map by the nearby ancient Mayan city of Tikal. These magnificent ruins are the highlight of the area. From <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-guatemala-and-belize">Flores,</a> tours to Tikal run every day and it&rsquo;s one of the most convenient places to stay to see Tikal. However, as more travelers came, Flores began to grow into the tourist hub it is today. Now, the quaint streets are lined with arts and craft stores selling Guatemalan goods.

Flores Island

Guatemala is dotted with Mayan ruins,of course, but <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-guatemala">Tikal</a> is quite possible the most impressive. The location in lush rainforest with gigantic temples rising from the canopies is really a sight to behold! The city is thought to have been one of the most powerful of the ancient Mayans, and dominated much of the Mesoamerican region from 200BC to 900AD. This privileged archaeological site is in an impressive state of preservation due to its remoteness!

Geographically diverse and with its Caribbean inhabitants, you can´t help but chill-out in this natural paradise.

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