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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 Western Highlands, Guatemala

West from Lake Atitlán, a mountainous landscape separates many small market towns and villages, a physical barrier that allows each to develop and maintain its own character and culture.

Fertile Highlands, near Quetzaltenango
Fertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoFertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoLocal boy at market, ZunilFertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoFertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoFertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoFertile Highlands, near QuetzaltenangoChicken bus, Quetzaltenango'Chicken Bus', Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Western Highlands

Guatemala

West from Lake Atitlán, a mountainous landscape separates many small market towns and villages, a physical barrier that allows each to develop and maintain its own character and culture.

The region is beautiful, with small, intricate fields patched onto steep slopes, farmed by communities with little contact with the outside world. A little way off the beaten track, this area is well worth a visit.

Quetzaltenango

The city of Quetzaltenango (commonly known as Xela) is a great base: it’s modern but with a relaxed fresh feel and a lovely square with a beautifully restored façade of the old colonial church.

If you are especially keen on markets take time to visit the famous San Francisco El Alto’s Friday livestock market. It’s a fight amongst the locals but an intriguing experience as they set about bargaining for the produce they need for the week.

More in Western Highlands, Guatemala

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

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