10 Must-Visit Attractions in Guatemala

Guatemala, known as the country of eternal spring for its privileged climate throughout the year, offers its visitors cities and archeological sites considered cultural heritage of humanity and natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Thanks to its great millennial culture, in Guatemala, 21 languages are spoken that come from Mayan and others of different origins such as Xinca, and Garifuna, in addition to Spanish which is the official language. While Guatemala has several landmarks that are visitors' favorites, there are lesser-known ones that hold fascinating secrets for those who love adventure and exploration.

Here we present 10 of the most recommended places to visit in this attractive Central American country.

This colonial city, cultural heritage of humanity, was founded in 1541 by the Spanish Crown and has baroque-style buildings that have been magnificently preserved, making it the most visited site in the country by national and foreign tourists. The main tourist attractions of La Antigua are the Palace of the Captains General, The Convent and Arch of Santa Catalina, The Plaza Mayor, The Jade Museum, The Old Cathedral of Guatemala, the museum of the University of San Carlos, the Holy Route of Brother Pedro, among others. Many visitors travel especially to La Antigua to observe the traditional annual Easter celebration that takes place in its streets and that is an impressive expression of religious fervor carried out by the inhabitants of the place.

This is the second most visited tourist destination in the country because it has valuable and impressive treasures of the ancient Mayan civilization. It is the most famous natural and cultural reserve in Guatemala and was declared a national park in 1955 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Tikal is the largest excavated site in America and contains some of the most fascinating archeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilization. This important ceremonial center includes temples and palaces that are currently in excellent condition, as well as public squares. Inside the vestiges of the surroundings, there are houses scattered throughout the area.

Here visitors can visit caves and swim in hot springs. The caves have been visited since pre-Columbian times. But they were reported as having been discovered in May 1998, a time since which they have been explored by experts in underground cavities. In Mayan culture, caves are considered gates to the underworld. Because of that, places such as the Caves of King Marcos have been settings of rituals, ceremonies and veneration.

This is one of the three world heritage sites in Guatemala. It has important archeological vestiges, including giant stone-carved monoliths (up to 34 feet high), created by Mayan culture. The importance of Quirigua at a cultural level lies in the fact that despite being a small center, it has one of the largest squares in the Mayan area, as well as the most impressive sculptural ensemble, with the tallest sculpted monument (Estela E) that has been recorded to date in Mesoamerica.

It is the active volcano most visited by tourists from all over the world because it is very easy to climb, even for the less experienced adventurers. Their ascent is supported by guides who know the climbable paths. It has several scalable peaks that have the following names: Cerro Hoja de Queso, Cerro de Agua, Cerro Chiquito and Cerro Chino. For a person who does between little and no exercise the ascent time is 1 hour with 45 minutes. While the descent is done in about 1 hour.

It is a lake located in the crater of a volcano that has traditionally been one of the most important for the realization of different ceremonies of the Max culture, so it is not allowed to swim in the place. On its banks are different altars used by Mayan priests. Sightseeing is not allowed in early May so as not to disturb the ceremonies and celebrations of the Mam population.

In addition to these sites, in the geography of Guatemala, there are many places for visitors to enjoy unique experiences such as yoga, in Tikal National Park, rafting in the Pacific area, mountaineering mainly in 13 volcanoes, canopy and paragliding in Lake Atitlan, among other activities.

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