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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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Excursions in Guatemala: Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlan

Travel across the calm waters of Lake Atitlan by boat to the lively village of Santiago de Atitlan. Here you can explore the fascinating Catholic church and haggle for a bargain at the bustling market.

Santiago de Atitlan, Lake Atitlan

Boat tour of the lake and Santiago de Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
  • Cruises, Sailing & Water
  • Culture & History
  • Shopping

You will board your 'lancha', or boat, and travel across the lake to Santiago de Atitlan where you will disembark. There may be stops to pick up other passengers en-route before you arrive at this colourful, lively lakeside village.

During the walking tour you will visit the church at Santiago de Atitlan, a fascinating building famed for its mix of traditional Mayan influence and rich Catholic history.

You will stop at the local produce and craft market and also have the opportunity to meet Maximon - a Mayan deity with a face carved from wood who lives with a local family in the community and moves every year. He drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes and you may see the local Shaman performing rituals with members of the village who have problems to solve.

Your guide will also talk about the history and suffering this community endured during the massacres in the 1980s.

This is a shared tour with a maximum of 8 people and your guide will be English-speaking. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and you will return to your hotel when you are ready to leave.

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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