Are you looking for an excuse to go to Guatemala? Guatemala is a place for you if you are looking for a place with adventure, breathtaking, rich in culture, Mayan heritage, lush rainforest, breathtaking lakes, vibrant colonial cities, active volcanoes, and endless outdoor adventures.
This Central American nation has everything, whether you want to see the Tikal Ruins, climb an active volcano, unwind on a sunny beach, or pass by the lake in a traditional Mayan town.
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Guatemala Has Many Ancient Mayan Ruins
Your imagination is blowing as you explore one of the more than 1,500 ruins of ancient Guatemala! But in particular Tikal, the most important of all the Mayan sites.
One of the most well-known and important Mayan civilizations in Central America is represented by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It first inhabited about 400 BC, and by the end of the Classical Period, it had developed into an important city (around AD 800).
You will meet a lot of native people as you go and find a variety of Mayan dialects. Therefore, you should travel back in time to discover the origins of Mayan culture after learning about it today. You have a ton of alternatives, like Tikal, Yaxha, El Mirador, and many other places!
Antigua
Antigua is truly stunning, with its cobbled streets, colonial architecture painted in a rainbow color, wrought iron accents, charming hotels, unlimited trees, colorful flowers, and volcanoes that appear. The main means of transportation is tuk-tuk which is fun and affordable.
In Antigua, the nation’s cultural center, you won’t be short on handicrafts, fine art, crowded markets, neighborhood restaurants, popular music, traditional clothing, or the Mayan language.
The place to go to learn Spanish is Antigua. People in the Antigua area speak a cleaner and cleaner version of Spanish, making it considerably easier to understand and learn the language than elsewhere. You will also have an easier time mastering a neutral accent.
Lake Atitlán
Some people say that Lake Atitlán is more beautiful than Lake Como and the most beautiful lake in the world. In addition, it is the deepest lake in Central America, and its depth was where intriguing Mayan ruins were found.
Lake Atitlan is truly beautiful, with its deep blue waters, fiery orange sunrise and sunset (literally every time), three large active volcanoes, and beautiful Mayan communities scattered along its borders.
Travel is very affordable
Guatemala is still a very affordable travel destination, though it is not expensive (when compared to Southeast Asia or other Central American nations).
Traveling on a budget is simple … But you can also spend more money for a more, more pleasant experience. Here are some examples to give you an idea of the costs:
For about $ 80 per night, it’s easy to find good housing.
Hotel dorm rooms cost around $ 10 per night. It costs only $ 12 for the four-hour shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, while food costs between $ 10 and $ 25 at upscale restaurants that serve Western tourists (including a drink or two). Local cuisine and street food can cost between $ 1 and $ 5.
Adventures outside
Guatemala is the place to be if you enjoy the outdoors and being in nature.
There are 37 different volcanoes in the nation that can be climbed, some of which are simpler than others.
To reach the top of Pacaya Volcano (also called Pacaya Volcano) to see the wonders of the valley below, you will travel through mud, fog, fog, and icy winds. Overnight up Acatenango Volcano is similarly quite enjoyable.
Other outdoor activities in Guatemala include white water rafting on Ro Cahabón (Cahabon River), mountain biking, going to the beach on the Caribbean coast, sailing in the Pacific, and following wildlife in the forests. The country has many beautiful lakes where you can go kayaking and paddle boarding.
Various wildlife and forests
Guatemala is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world, including jaguars, puma, ketzal (Guatemala’s national bird), wild oscillating turkeys, and large tarantulas.
I met many animals that I had never seen before during my time in Guatemala. some of them I would like to never see again!
In Tikal, I adored observing spider monkeys swinging in the forest. The scorpion that slipped on my balcony of Lake Atitlan, however, I can’t say the same.
Guatemala are warm and welcoming
The people of Guatemala are kind, welcoming, and friendly, as are those of many Latin American nations. They are eager to share with you everything about their nation and culture, whether it is Guatemalan Spain or Maya.
I have met many beautiful people in Guatemala, whether they were maids, hotel concierges, drivers, or just random strangers on the streets and in the markets. One of the reasons I loved the country so much is that everyone was so ready to talk, split jokes, talk to me about themselves, and share their culture!
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