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Guatemala

6

Reasons To
Visit Guatemala

  • Indigenous Culture

    Guatemala is all about its people, especially in the highland regions. Their tightly knit Mayan communities, centuries old in tradition with their colourful cultures and costumes, are fascinating for the visitor and getting an insight into the lives of these wonderful, friendly people is one of the main reasons to visit this incredible country.

    Indigenous Culture

  • Semana Santa

    Easter week is a colourful and fascinating time to be in Antigua. Thousands of visitors come each year to watch the processions and religious festivities. Lavishly decorated floats are carried through the streets followed by musicians and the residents create elaborate carpets of flowers along the route for the processions to walk over.

    Semana Santa

  • Jungle wildlife

    A quarter of Guatemala is covered by forest and the wildlife, especially in the El Peten region, is prolific. Barking howler monkeys, swinging spider monkeys, screeching parrots and nosy coatis are just some of the wonderful species you will experience here.

    Jungle wildlife

  • Markets

    Most days of the week you’ll find a market open somewhere in the highlands of Guatemala. They are the main economic focus for scattered mountain communities and locals flock in their hoards in search of a bargain. Everything is sold here, from food to souvenirs to clothing and livestock - you name it, you can guarantee you’ll find it in a market!

    Markets

  • Mayan ruins

    Spend a day at the Mayan ruins at Tikal. Surrounded by rainforest, not only is it a haven for wildlife including spider monkeys, howler monkeys and many tropical birds, but there are remains of royal palaces and temples that can be climbed for magnificent views.

    Mayan ruins

  • Views and volcanoes

    Clear, still lakes, steaming volcanoes, lush rainforests and spectacular highland views all make up the stunning and diverse scenery you can experience in Guatemala. It is an absolute joy to travel around the country.

    Views and volcanoes

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Visit Antigua, Guatemala

Recognised and protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most atmospheric cities in Central America.

Antigua, Guatemala
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Antigua

Guatemala

A colonial gem and the original capital of Guatemala, Antigua has been destroyed many times by earthquakes and mudslides. For this reason the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1773.

Despite what nature has thrown at it, Antigua has always sprung back, lovingly restored and it is now recognised and protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and one of the most atmospheric cities in Central America.

Its setting is truly stunning, surrounded by the volcanoes of Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, which still occasionally sends up a cloud of ash. Cobbled streets thread past colourful colonial buildings, topped with terracotta tiles, leading to the many plazas which are perfect for sitting, relaxing and people-watching.

Around Antigua

Surrounding the city you can explore quaint Mayan villages, colourful local markets, sweet smelling coffee farms and the climbable – and still active – Pacaya volcano.

Just an hour’s drive from Guatemala’s international airport, Antigua is a fabulous first stop in the country, and is also one of the best places in Central America to learn Spanish.

Further reading:
GuatemalaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout GuatemalaCountry Guides

Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:
BelizeCosta RicaCubaHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanama

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