Reasons To Visit Guatemala
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Central America
The north of Guatemala, known as El Petén, is an area of lush lowland jungle whose depths conceal countless Mayan ruins, half-buried and entwined by tree-roots and lianas.
Located in the little village of San Jose, the Hotel Bahia Taitza is a small property situated right on Lake Peten Itza with just 8 rooms. All the rooms have lake views and are simple but...
Perfectly located for exploring the ruins at Tikal and the surrounding jungle, the Hotel Posada de la Selva offers simple yet comfortable accommodation within the national park just one hour's drive from Flores.
Set on a steep bank above the shores of Lake Peten-Itza, Nitun Lodge is located in an idyllic rainforest setting with just 4 guest rooms built from stone, sand and wood thatched with palm...
La Lancha Resort, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, has beautiful views overlooking Lake Petén Itzá. It is located on a steep incline that descends to the lakeshore which means a stay here...
12 days from £2,375pp
15 days from £2,785pp
14 days from £3,095pp
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Further reading:GuatemalaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout GuatemalaCountry Guides
Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:BelizeCosta RicaCubaHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanama