Guatemala Revealed
Many people have very little idea what there is to see and do in Guatemala, or even where to find it on a map. Guatemala reveals itself as one of the most diverse, colourful and fascinating destinations in all of the Americas.
Colonial Cities
Guatemala is home to some of the best preserved Hispanic architecture in Central America.
Prime amongst these cities is Antigua, a city of crumbling colonial architecture and cobblestone streets close to Guatemala City and at the top of almost everyone's list of the best places to visit in Guatemala.
Antigua's fading glory is captured in the crumbling architecture and peeling pastel paintwork of some of the most beautiful buildings in Central America. Many have been restored and Antigua retains a sense of vibrancy and a buzz which is part of the appeal of one of Central America's must see destinations.
The centre of Guatemala City is also home to some superb architecture in the Old Town and a reason not to rush straight through to Antigua.
The Maya
Guatemala is the ancestral home of the Maya people, whose influence and legacy runs deep throughout the country.
Mayan cultural influence still persists in Guatemala and a visit to the Highlands of Guatemala is the best place to touch Mayan civilisation in a living context.
The Mayan Civilization was an ancient Meso-American civilisation renowned for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar and astronomy as well as for its writing system and some less civilised practices (as the movie Apocalypto well illustrates).
The pre-classical Maya period actually dates back to at least 2,000 BC, but Mayan civilisation reached its zenith in the Classical period, roughly between 250 and 950 AD when many of the great structures were erected.
The Mayan world extended through Guatemala, Belize and Honduras and as far as the south of Mexico.
The legacy of the Maya is most readily apparent in the great architecural remains which are a highlight of any tour of Guatemala.
Mayan Ruins
Tikal was one of the main centres of Mayan civilisation - an important economic and political centre of Mayan power.
The Temples of Tikal rise up steeply to 44 metres from the surrounding jungle and are an imposing sight. Moss dappled masonry, lichen lined steps and imposing carved faces add to the dramatic ambience of one of the world's great historic settings.
Tikal is often done as a day trip from nearby Flores. An overnight stay is also possible, with the advantage of seeing the ruins at quieter periods.
Just 12 miles down a dirt road from Tikal is the site of Uaxactun, home to the oldest Observatory in the Mayan world. We really recommend adding a visit here.
Located in Peten province close to the border with Belize, the Mayan city of Yaxha was the third largest Mayan city in Guatemala and the ruins of Yaxha are well preserved, with 9 temple-pyramids and over 500 buildings in a dramatic jungle setting.
Landscape of Guatemala
Guatemala's landscape is spectacular, dominated by mountains, volcanoes and jungle.
On any tour of Guatemala, you are likely to visit Flores (especially as it has an airport). Set by Lake Peten Itza, the scenery here is very beautiful and Flores also serves as a gateway to visit Tikal, and for travelling on to Belize.
This region of Guatemala, known as Peten is also home to lush rainforest which harbours a rich array of wildlife.
Guatemala’s east or El Oriente, offers some spectacular sights including Ipala Volcano and its crater lake or the Güija Lagoon.
Home to Guatemala’s largest lake, Izabal offers a mixture of Caribbean vibe, lush jungle and traditional Garifuna culture.
One of the main highlights of the area is exploring Río Dulce by boat from Lívingston, a laid-back Caribbean town.
Guatemala’s Pacific Coast meanwhile offers long volcanic beaches ideal for surfing and sport fishing.
The unspoilt seaside town of Monterrico features a nature reserve protecting mangroves wetlands and endangered sea turtles.
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