15-DAY REMOTE GUATEMALA

The more remote parts of Guatemala are blessed with volcanos, thick with cloud cover, and ready to be climbed. Rural towns and villages alive with chaotic but thrilling street markets, home to locals dress in brightly colored clothing whose patterns testify to the identity of their home towns. The famous chicken buses roar through the streets of colonial Antigua Guatemala. Crumbling Maya ruins dating over 1,400 years old were retrieved from encroaching jungle. While many tourists overlook Guatemala in favor of neighboring Belize and Mexico, there are enough fascinating and unusual things to do in Guatemala. The country is the perfect destination to get off the beaten track in remote Guatemala.

 

Atitlan Volcano

 

Antigua

 

With the Agua Volcano serving as a backdrop for the Old Town and the bright yellow Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua is arguably one of the most picturesque towns in Central America. Start your trip by spending a few days wandering the Old Town before heading out to explore the countryside.

 

Antigua, Guatemala

 

Pacaya Volcano

Much like the rest of Central America, Guatemala is scattered with volcanoes, and one of the most adrenaline-filled things to do here is going on a volcano hike. One of the best volcanos to climb is Volcano Pacaya, which is within easy reach from Antigua, Guatemala. Head out in the afternoon so you can reach the highest point at sunset, and you'll enjoy a show of smoke and explosions before heading back down in the dark, using only a torch for light. It is not a strenuous hike, but the terrain is very sandy, so you may find it difficult.

 

Iximche

Iximche is a small Mayan archaeological site found in the western highlands of Guatemala, about two hours away from Guatemala City. This tiny and not very popular place hides a lot of importance for the history of modern Central America and especially for Guatemala.

 

Iximche

 

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, is a must-visit destination when in Central America. This stunning lake is located about 2.5 hours west of Antigua, and it's well worth a stop on your Guatemala itinerary. You will be captivated by this gorgeous destination. The lake was formed out of a massive volcanic crater and is the deepest lake in Central America. Beautiful volcanos and mountains surround the clear blue water. There are eleven towns around the lake, each with its personality. Mayan culture is very prevalent at Lake Atitlan, and you will feel it everywhere, from the bright traditional clothing the women wear, to the colorful weaving and handicrafts sold in the streets, to the sound of languages like Kaqchikel being spoken more than Spanish.

 

Chichicastenango

 

A visit to the market town of Chichicastenango gives a strong sense of Guatemala's indigenous heritage and the 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. On Thursdays and Sundays, the streets come alive with commerce and color as Chichicastenango plays host to Guatemala's largest open-air market. Indigenous communities from across the area congregate in spectacular traditional dress to trade their produce and sell traditional handicrafts, masks, textiles, and figurines.

 

Chichicastenango Market

Nebaj

 

Nebaj is the largest of three villages that make up the Ixil Triangle in Guatemala's northern highlands, one of the smallest ethnic regions in Central America. Few tourists venture to this isolated area, though it offers spectacular scenery and fascinating Maya culture. Local women wear blouses with multi-colored geometric patterns over bright crimson skirts and decorate their hair with red and green pompons. Many sell stunning hand-woven wall hangings, crocheted handbags, and thick woolen blouses directly from their homes. We will visit this rarely-visited Guatemala destination on the remote Guatemala tour.

 

Chajul and Cotzal

 

Chajul sits at roughly 2115 meters in elevation in the highlands of Guatemala. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with forests, cornfields, and pastures. The lush green countryside makes the Ixil region spectacular for hiking. The Ixil region includes the three towns and counties of Chajul, Nebaj, And Cotzal. The region is most famous for its beautiful mountainous landscapes and authentic Mayan culture. Chajul and Cotzal are of a similar size and receive relatively few visitors. Chajul is the region's most traditional and well‐preserved town for a taste of traditional Guatemala.

 

Chajul

Semuc Champey

 

Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala's most pristine natural attractions, and this natural wonder is the highlight of many people's trips to this particular country. In this natural park, turquoise water tumbles down a series of natural pools hidden in the jungle, creating a surreal destination that is as hard to get to as beautiful! 

 

Rio Dulce and Livingston

 

Being a town near the sea, it is only possible to reach Livingston by boat, although there are tuk-tuks and cars. Livingston is a great place to eat seafood, enjoy the relaxed vibes of the Caribbean and kick back and rest.

 

Livingston

Tikal

The Tikal archaeological site is vast and one of Guatemala's most important pre-Colombian Maya sites. Tikal is the country's most famous tourist attraction. The 100-square-mile city is still largely unexplored because of the dense El Petén jungle that still surrounds it. But those structures that have been excavated and restored are impressive. There is a reason why so many people visit!

 

Yaxha

Not as famous and significant as the ancient city of Tikal, Yaxha is the perfect extension for those who want to explore more about the Mayan culture Yaxhá is located only 30 km southeast of Tikal former Maya city is one the most beautiful archeological sites in Petén. The well-preserved structures of Yaxha and impressive architecture astonish travelers looking to get a more in-depth perception of the Maya culture and how it was to explore these hidden cities hundreds of years ago. This lesser-visited site is one of the many highlights of this Remote Guatemala tour.

 

Yaxha

 

Book the 15-day Remote Guatemala Tour with Va Expeditions here for a remote and off-the-beaten-track experience.