Located in Central America, Guatemala is a country filled with rainforests and volcanoes. It is also home to ancient Mayan sites. Guatemala has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Central America.
Antigua
Located in southern Guatemala, Antigua is an ancient city that has a lot to offer. It has a vibrant culture and an interesting history. It is home to three volcanoes. The town is also known for its coffee and chocolate. The coffee is said to be one of the best in the world.
One of the most interesting sites in Antigua is the Antigua Street Market. This market is a local shopping hub, attracting villagers from nearby villages. In addition to the merchandise, there is also a lot of local food to eat. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Antigua is also known for its Spanish colonial architecture. A lot of the original residences have been restored, and some new construction has also been built in the historic style. You can also climb the monastery stairs to get a bird's eye view of the city.
The Corazon de Agua Ecological Park is also one of the most popular places to visit in Antigua. It is a great place to spend a few hours and get some exercise. There is a 2.7 km trail that takes you through forests and viewpoints.
The Fountain of the Sirens is the most impressive of all the attractions in the park. It is designed by Diego de Porres in 1739. There are also four mermaids to watch.
The best part about the fountain is that it is illuminated at night. This makes for great photos.
Todos Santos
Located in the western highlands of Guatemala, Todos Santos is a beautiful village with a fascinating cultural heritage. It is a great place to see humpback whales during their migration from Alaska to Todos Santos. The whales weigh up to twenty tons. They can be spotted from January to April.
Todos Santos Cuchumatan is a picturesque village with beautiful colonial style wooden houses. The village has retained many of its traditions. The town is famous for its horse race, which is held during the day of the dead festival in November. The race involves costumed riders, which are raced on a 600-yard course. The race lasts until the riders collapse.
There are also many small galleries in Todos Santos, operated by local artists. The Galeria Mangos and the Galeria Santa Fe both exhibit fine folk art and wooden items. The Galeria Arturo exhibits contemporary graphic art.
A women's co-operative shop sells handmade items. The store tags the name of the maker. The women also weave beautiful textiles for sale.
The town has several beaches, including Playa Los Cerritos and Playa San Pedrito. Cerritos Beach is perfect for surfers. The area is also popular for body boarders. The beach has sandy beaches and gentle breaks. It is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Todos Santos is home to humpback whales and gray whales. They migrate from Alaska to Todos Santos during the winter and spring months. They can be seen for up to thirty minutes.
Chajul
Located in south central Guatemala, Chajul is a small town that is known for its handicrafts and its unique beauty. It is one of the upcoming tourist destinations in Guatemala. A visit to Chajul will provide you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the Ixil Maya people.
Chajul was a large pre-Columbian centre. During the Late Classic period, Chajul was a political and economic entity. At the time, the town had its own dynasty of kings. During the 36 year civil war in Guatemala, Chajul was heavily targeted.
The town's inhabitants believe that the wall paintings in the city are representative of the Baile de la Conquista, a dance that was popular in Mesoamerica during the conquest. It was also performed by the Moors and Christians.
The walls in Chajul are an unique example of Colonial period art. The paintings combine pre-Columbian elements with imported European components. They date from the seventeenth to eighteenth century AD.
In 2011, the Nakum Archaeological Project documented the wall paintings of Chajul. The murals were discovered by local resident Lucas Asicona Ramirez. He reported his findings to the Guatemalan government. The local authorities then sent Salvador Lopez to document the murals.
House 3 is the only building that still has murals, and is the only one that is still inhabited. House 3 is composed of three rooms. It can be accessed through a narrow passageway. The facade of the building has been partially covered with plaster, but the building was once completely open.
Lago de Atitlan
Located in the high country of western Guatemala, Lago de Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. It is often referred to as the "Most Beautiful Lake in the World." There are several towns around the lake that offer a variety of accommodations, from simple backpackers to luxurious villas.
Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three mighty volcanoes. The Atitlán nature reserve is located on a former coffee plantation. It features trails and a butterfly garden.
The lake is also home to several Mayan villages. These villages provide visitors with a glimpse into the culture of the indigenous people. The Mayans still follow their ancient traditions.
Many of the villages around the lake are only accessible by boat. The village of San Pedro is a popular destination, and offers visitors a variety of accommodations. The town has a wide variety of international restaurants and offers a lively nightlife scene.
The lake is perfect for scuba diving. However, because of its high altitude, the temperature can be chilly. You can find a number of guided dive trips for 500GT per day.
The lake also features rock formations, submerged hotels, and underwater hotels. It is also home to several coral reefs.
The market in Chichicastenango is a good place to people watch. It is also a good place to buy local textiles, fruits, vegetables, and everyday goods. The market is open on certain days of the week.
Panajachel
Located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Panajachel is one of the most popular tourist towns in Guatemala. Surrounded by three volcanoes, the lake is a spectacular sight to behold.
The lake is filled with beautiful wildflowers. It is also home to the indigenous Mayan people. These people use thread to make beautiful textiles. The local market is the best place to buy local produce and learn about the culture.
Panajachel is a well-developed town with plenty of accommodation. There are plenty of tour agencies in the area. Some agencies offer direct buses to Copan Ruinas in Honduras.
The town is also a hub for Lake Atitlan boats. Panajachel is also home to the largest local market. Locals buy fresh produce, seafood and raw ingredients. The market is open daily and a great place to get a taste of local life. The market is more crowded on weekends.
Panajachel also has a cathedral that is colonial in style. It is a great place to see the sunset over the lake. The town is also home to Real World Paragliding. The company offers tandem flights and tours all over the lake.
There are also plenty of activities to do in the surrounding towns. These include birdwatching, yoga classes, spas and even shopping. The market in San Juan La Laguna has stalls selling colorful Mayan textiles.
The nearby town of San Antonio Palopo has a gorgeous church in the main square. The town is also home to a weaving cooperative.
Livingston
Located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce on the Caribbean Sea, Livingston, Guatemala is one of the most interesting places in Guatemala. It is a Caribbean-style port town that has been influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna.
Livingston was a trade center in centuries past. It was also the chief seaport of Guatemala until the construction of Puerto Barrios. It has a lively and diverse culture. There are numerous natural attractions and a lively nightlife. You can take in the views and sample the local cuisine.
One of the most interesting attractions is Los Siete Altares, a waterfall about five kilometers from Livingston. The waterfalls cascade down to the Caribbean Sea. The waterfall is best seen during the rainy season.
Another great attraction is the Tiger Cave, which has a subterranean swimming pool. The cave is a 20-minute hike through the jungle.
Livingston is also a great jumping-off point for a variety of scenic natural attractions in the area. One of the most popular attractions is the Rio Dulce, which flows into Livingston. The river passes through a stunning gorge in the jungle, and is home to hot springs. Many of the activities in the area involve boating and kayaking.
For those who want to learn more about the local culture, there is the Rasta Mesa, a cultural center with classes and lectures on Garifuna culture. The town also hosts a garifuna pilgrimage, which occurs in May and December.