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If you want to come up close and personal with volcanoes, black beaches, or ancient ruins, Guatemala is the right place for you. Jungles, lakes, coral reefs, and other natural landscapes are ideal reasons to put on your backpack and head to this country.
Considering this Central American country was home to the Mayan civilization, you can still experience its remnants today in the Guatemalan culture, architecture, cuisine, language, and customs. With that in mind, here is why Guatemala is an amazing destination you should visit during your future travels and come back for more.
Experience the local traditions
The best place to witness local traditions is the small town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán at the foothill of Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes mountains. This is a rare region where inhabitants still wear traditional Guatemalan clothing every day. Moreover, the majority of residents here are of Mayan ancestry that speaks the Mayan language called Mam, so you may feel like you traveled in the past.
If you find yourself in Guatemala at the end of October, stop by Todos Santos Cuchumatán for its annual All Saints’ Day festival. The festivities last from October 31 to November 2 and are full of traditional dancing, marimba music, and horse races.
Take a walk down a volcanic black beach
Black beaches are not often found on travels so once in Guatemala put it on your itinerary to visit Monterrico. This is a beachside resort located on the Pacific Coast that has volcanic black ash beaches instead of pearly sand ones. Those who like to walk along the beach may want to stay close to the waves or wear footwear since the sand here can be uncomfortably hot.
However, there is another reason to visit the black beaches of Monterrico. Four species of sea turtles use the beach as a breeding ground so you may be lucky to spot them if you come at the right time. Other than that, a popular water activity here is surfing thanks to the great waves and north-northeast winds.
Climb up a volcano
Volcanic beaches are not the only thing that will bring you close to these fiery giants. Guatemala has a real volcano that has been active since 1961. The Pacaya Volcano near Antigua still has lava explosions that change its terrain every time, giving it a new appearance.
Those feeling adventurous can climb the Pacaya even to the top. However, this is considered an extreme activity since hiking up the active volcano comes with risks. But, if you do decide to climb it, take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity and bring ingredients to make S’mores over the heated spots.
Visit the deepest lake in Central America
Lake Atitlán is located in the volcanic crater overlooking the Sierra Madre volcanoes and only two hours from Guatemala City. This is not only the deepest lake in Central America but also considered the most beautiful in the world. The best place to stay here is in Panajachel, once a Spanish colonial town and now the great marketplace for Guatemalan souvenirs.
Nearby villages, like San Pedro and Santa Catarina Palopó, are only a boat ride away, as well as private hotels. If you are looking for a place that will help you recharge and de-stress, Lake Atitlán is a favorite among travelers who are into spiritual healing and new-age philosophies. Yoga is among the favorite activities here, with studios and centers dedicated to this discipline and the lifestyle it represents.
Lend a helping hand
If you want to make a difference while traveling, Guatemala is one of the best destinations to volunteer abroad. The country has a fair share of natural disasters, like flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes that leave many people without homes. Poverty and malnutrition are also some of the problems that more than half of its population faces every day.
Despite their misfortune, you will encounter friendly Guatemalans who will welcome you into their villages and share whatever little they have with you. As a volunteer, you can help them by teaching English, providing childcare support, working at the medical clinic, and building homes. Besides this, you can also help the wildlife through turtle conservation, as well as volunteer at the stray dog and cat rehabilitation centers.
Go sightseeing in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala or just Antigua is an old colonial town located at the backdrop of three volcanoes. Because of the 1773 earthquake that considerably damaged the infrastructure, the city lost its capital title which now belongs to Guatemala City. This didn’t stop visitors from coming here and marveling at its Spanish architecture and impressive sights.
The best way to explore the city is by foot, walking its many streets and stopping by the historic churches and landmarks, like Santa Catalina Arch. The center of Antigua is Central Park where you can take a break and enjoy its fountains, trees, and monuments. From Antigua, you can go on one-day trips to cacao plantations, coffee farms, and traditional villages by bus or bike.
Explore Mayan ruins
It would be a shame to come to Guatemala and not visit Tikal —Mayan ruins located in the humid jungles close to the border with Belize. Considered the greatest archeological site of the region, Tikal used to be a city from 600 BC to AD 900. It is full of temples and pyramids, as well as an acropolis, constituting one of the most important urban centers of the Mayan civilization.
Visiting the Tikal archeological site is quite an adventure. The ruins rise above the jungle and you may encounter some of the local wildlife, like monkeys and birds. Even if you don’t see any, listen to the jungle since there’s a good chance you can hear the howler monkeys making noise. The ruins are part of the Tikal National Park and you may see unique Guatemalan flora and fauna as well while traveling to the archeological site.
Hike to the natural river pools
Semuc Champey is a naturally created waterpark on the Cahabon River where limestone created natural pools on the top. While this attraction is deep in the jungle, the difficult trip to get there is well worth the dip in these pools. The water is warm with green and turquoise hues, safe enough even for rookie swimmers.
Besides swimming in the pools, candlelight tours of the caves are the most popular among visitors, although not for those troubled with closed-in space. The good news is that there are things to see for those who are not into cave exploration. A 45-minute hike up to El Mirador will give you a gorgeous view from above over Semuc Champey and the lush jungle surrounding it.
All in all
Guatemala is one of those destinations where you can explore, have fun, and also help the local population with volunteer and humanitarian efforts. As a country with a rich cultural heritage and roots in the ancient Mayan civilization, this is a unique place to witness the history and tradition
