In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city’s historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Commerce Portal and the Centennial Park. A short distance away is the National Library, the newspaper archive and the General Archive of Central America.
Metropolitan Cathedral
It was built between 1779 and 1815 and houses many artistic treasures that were originally found in the Cathedral of ancient Guatemala, has suffered the onslaught of three earthquakes, 1830, 1917 and 1976.
It is important to observe the altars that are on both sides of the central nave, which still retain many of the images of saints, relics of the churches of ancient Guatemala when the city was moved. The altars contrast with the austerity of the construction in general.
On one side is the archiepiscopal palace, home to the highest hierarchy where several church offices are currently operating.
Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Center
This cultural complex, designed by the engineer and artist Ephraim Recinos, is located in the Civic center of the city, built on the space that once occupied the fort of San Jose.
Also known as the National Theatre. One of the attractions of the building is its shape, as it emulates a boat, which makes it stand out over the surrounding buildings. It consists of the Grand Theatre with 2.068 armchairs, chamber theatre, open-air theatre, squares, rehearsal rooms, workshops and conference rooms, as well as a museum of ancient weapons. Shows of various kinds are presented in different theatres to international conventions.
On the façade, it is said that the engineer and artist Ephraim Recinos captured different forms of animals, objects and nature of Guatemala, which has fascinated several architects and people, who say they find tenths of figures in the surroundings of the facade.
La Aurora National Zoo
It’s located two from the airport. It occupies an area of 17 blocks of green areas and rest.
In the center there is a banquet hall, known as the Tea House, which was built in the 1920s, French style, and Italian marble statues to the front.
In the area of mammals, there are original Mayan stelae. In the African Savannah, Asian and tropical forest there are about 70 species of animals (700 animals) Some in danger of extinction, in open spaces, separated from the public by a moat and with a representative design of their animal. Most are tropical species of both animals and plants. It’s a delight for photographers and nature lovers. Address: Boulevard Juan Pablo II, Zona 13. Finca Nacional La Aurora. Timetable: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
The zoo in addition to being a tourist attraction within the city of Guatemala, helps to the conservation and research of species, since together with the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it has the program of the Humboldt penguins, the Which they seek to reproduce and then re-introduce them into their natural habitat in Peru and Chile.
Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Park
This site was the great metropolis of the Altiplano, located in zone 7 of Capital City, Its occupation extends from the Preclassic to the beginnings of the Postclassic.
In the past, it had more than 250 structures that survive around 30 days. The preserved area is referred to as the basin, its former Acropolis, while other mounds survive the destruction in isolation.
The occupation of the site dates from the beginning of the pre-classic and to the Middle Preclassic. The ceramics of this place were exported to almost all regions of the Altiplano and to the south.
In this area we can find the snake mound, which was an extensive high irrigation channel that reached 5 kilometers long, being the most extensive system in Mesoamerica.
In the park we can see some structures discovered and covered, however the vast majority are still buried.
La Antigua Guatemala
It is located 45 kms from Guatemala city. It was the third capital established by the Spaniards. It was named city of Santiago of the Knights of Guatemala in 1566. After plagues, earthquakes and floods, the telluric movement of 1773 ended up destroying it definitively.
Despite having been a outlawed and abandoned city to create a new capital, gradually its inhabitants returned to give life and today is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Guatemala.
It is a jewel of urbanism and colonial architecture, which retains its characteristics, as if in them time had stopped. Due to its immense historical and cultural value, it was declared “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1979.
In the heart of the city, is located the main square within this traditional grilled path so used in the Spanish urban development in the time of the colony. The central square is surrounded by different monuments such as: The Palace of the general captains, the town hall, the church of San José formerly the Cathedral of Guatemala, the archiepiscopal Palace and the Commerce Portal.
In the center of the square, you will find the iconic fountain of the Sirens. The Earl of La Gomera, built it in memory of the popular legend about a king whose daughters gave birth and did not want to breastfeed their little children, so he sent to be tied to a stick in the middle of a water eye , where they died of thirst and starvation. In the fountain, the four sirens hold their breasts in their hands, which provided water to the city. It was built in 1739 by Diego de Porres and has been constituted in one of the symbols that identify the old colonial city.
La Merced Church and Convent
The façade of this church is without doubt the best example of the Baroque style that prevailed in the antique constructions. The delicate work in ataurique (technique of relief in plaster with vegetal motifs), is a sample of the architectural quality that reached the city.
The spectacular fountain of the convent, is the largest sample of those still left in ancient Guatemala, was built during the eighteenth century and was partially restored in 1944.
Another treasure of the Iglesaia de la Merced is the venerable image of Jesus Nazareno, which is a splendid example of colonial images.
San José Cathedral
This building was built between 1543 and 1680, with a façade of elaborate baroque style, altarpiece type, where the imagery and ataurique predominate.
It was one of the most important churches in Latin America at the time, however when the city moved the new Guatemala of the assumption, lost its degree of cathedral and became a parish, but until today is still called Cathedral by tradition.
On the facade you can see high-relief sculptures representing the Twelve Apostles and four fathers of the church.
Church of San Francisco el Grande
It was built in the middle of the 16th century. Surrounded by a wall with battlements, its west façade is notable for its beautiful padded spiral columns. Once in the atrium, you can see the main façade of the temple showing 12 niches.
In the interior, which is accessed by a side door, are preserved beautiful baroque altarpieces with mixtilíneas figures, all rolled in gold, as well as the chapel that preserves the body of the Holy Brother Pedro de San José de Betancur, who enjoys the devotion of Many Catholics from Guatemala and Central America.
In the church is the Museum of the Holy Brother Peter, where are exhibited relics, clothing and objects he used.
Central Market
It is located in the back of the Metropolitan Cathedral, in the basement of the Plaza del Sanctum. There you can buy a variety of handicrafts that are produced throughout the country, such as ceramics, textiles, leather, wood, silverware, tinplate, etc., as well as producing basic consumption.
Open every day from 6:00 to 18:00 hrs. Craft shops from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Handicrafts Market
It is located on the Boulevard Juan Pablo II, which leads to the international Airport La Aurora, in zone 13 of the city of Guatemala. It has 51 commercial premises in which it is exhibited and sells a range of handicrafts elaborated in the different departments of the country as: textiles of different regions, leather, wood, ceramics, candles, paintings, antiques, jewellery in silver and jade, basketry and Clothing. The market also has artisan workshops, temporary exhibitions of handicrafts, special events, landscaped areas, public parking and security.
Water volcano
Etymology: Hunahpú, which means bouquet of flowers. Great warrior or Cervatanero. Located between the departments of Escuintla, Sacatepéquez and Guatemala. Its peak is at 3.766 M.A.S.L. located in the municipality of Santa María de Jesús, about 9 kilometers from Antigua Guatemala.
The volcano is a symmetrical cone of great beauty, covered by vegetation to its peak. This has not been active in historical times, still being the subject of discussion the currents of mud that on the night of September 1541, went down the slopes of the volcano and that joined an earthquake destroyed the second capital of Guatemala.
Ciudad Vieja
This town is nestled among volcanoes, also surrounded by hills and mountains. This locality was capital of the kingdom for 14 years, during this period it suffered havoc because of the floods coming from the water volcano.
Bordering the east with Antigua Guatemala and Santa María de Jesús Sacatepéquez; To the north with San Antonio Aguas Calientes and we have Chimaltenango; To the south with Palín and Escuintla Department of Escuintla; And to the west with San Miguel dueñas and San Juan Alotenango Sacatepéquez.
Among the recommended sites to visit are the Church of Our Lady of Concepción, Aldea San Miguel Escobar and the Museum of memory of the volcano.
Museum of Colonial Art
It is located in the building that was home to the University of San Carlos de Borromeo, founded by the royal Certificate of Charles II on January 31, 1767 and was constituted the third oldest in America. It exhibits artistic treasures from the Colonial period, including an excellent painting by Pedro de Alvarado, conqueror of Guatemala. Timetable: Every day from 9:00 to 12:00 hrs. And from 14:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Miraflores Museum
In this museum we can find archaeology and art exhibitions of the Mayan culture, especially the ancient Mayan city of Kaminaljuyu.
It is located in the mall Miraflores where they serve from Mars to Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00 hours
Popol Vuh Museum of the UFM
In this museum we can find pre-Columbian and colonial archaeology. We can appreciate different collections of art, such as Preshispánico, colonial and folklore.
This museum is located on the Campus of the Francisco Marroquín University.
Ixchel Museum of the indigenous costume
In this museum we can find topics of anthropology and textile tradition, through collections of regional costumes of the different indigenous populations of the country. In this museum we can find sales of ceramics, handicrafts and books.
The museum is within the university campus of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
Railway Museum
Open exhibition of locomotives and wagons, main hall with exhibition of railway articles, history of the railroad and its importance in the development of Guatemala.
The museum is located in Zone 1.
Ceramic
Ceramics in ancient Guatemala can be divided into glazed majolica and painted.
The glaze was introduced in Spain by the Spanish-Moorish potters of Cordoba, Sevilla, Murcia and Mallorca. When discovering the art of Majolica, which covers the highlands of Guatemala, is introduced.
The ceramics were used by the Spaniards and Creoles but not by the ethnic groups, their colors were green, orange and blue on the white. Currently, Antigua Guatemala is the main producer of Majolica, using as material the clay of El Tejar and white sand of the place.
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the region, the municipality of Esquipulas, whose logo is The Basilica of Santo Cristo Negro de Esquipulas
Tatasirire Waterfall Ecological Park
This park is located in the department of Jalapa, 118 km from the Capital City, approximately 2 hours away by car.
In this park we can find 6 waterfalls, two of them 30 meters high. In the park we can perform various activities such as hiking, rappel, extreme swings, mountain biking, canopy, eco accommodation and camping, a quality that makes this park special that allows the entry of pets so the entire family can enjoy a walk through the waterfalls.
Urlanta Falls
The waterfalls of Urlanta are one of the beauties that can be found in the department of Jalapa, one of the waterfalls is approximately 70 meters high and is fed by very cold water that comes from the mountain.
The place is surrounded by a large number of trees and a variety of birds can be observed. Due to the type of terrain rock climbing can be done with safety equipment.
Pino Dulce Ecological Park
It is located in the Pino Dulce village, municipality of Mataquescuintla, in the department of Jalapa, only 90 kilometers from the capital city. It is located at the highest point in the eastern part of the country, at an altitude of 2,450 meters above sea level, so the climate is cold.
It is an area of approximately one terrain cavalry. From its viewpoints you can see beautiful landscapes, like a virgin mountain with old trees. It is a place where you can do outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, soccer, volleyball, canopy, giant swings, bonfires and observe fauna and flora,
The park is open from 7 am. to 6 pm. Everyday of the year. After 6 p.m. Only people who camp and need a previous reservation can enter.
Balneario Los Chorros
This unique spa is located in San Pedro Pinula, Jalapa. It is a special spa because it uses the alkaline waters of the “Quebrada Los Chorros” to form pools of natural non-stagnant water where the water runs with small waterfalls between the pools.
At the bottom of the pools, the white color caused by the alkaline water stands out, which with the passing of time has been colored.
Laguna de Ixpaco
Located in Santa Rosa, it is the only lagoon in all of Guatemala to be of sulfur water, this is due to the actions of the Tecuamburro volcano.
It has a characteristic color that varies between mint green and light green, depending on the time of year.
Due to its high sulfur content, aquatic life does not develop inside the lagoon. Another limiting factor is the high temperature of the same since according to visitor accounts, it has been observed how the water boils in the middle of the lagoon, making it unlikely to be able to bathe inside the lagoon.
Lake Güija
The flood and destruction of the city of Güixar, originated the formation of the lake that at the moment is known like of Güija,
The lake is located in Asunción Mita, Jutiapa and something interesting is that its surface is shared by El Salvador and Guatemala.
In this lagoon we can find different woods such as nance, cedar, mahogany and rubber, being an ideal habitat for different animals such as the quetzal, the zenith, lizards and some species of snakes.
Volcano and Ipala Lagoon
The Ipala Lagoon is located inside the crater of the volcano that bears the same name. The rise of this volcano takes about an hour and thirty minutes.
It is located between Chiquimula and Jutiapa, and is characterized by being easily accessible, so it is one of the first options for people who start hiking or climbing volcanoes, as it is considered one of the easiest summits to conquer.
On the site you can perform different activities such as hiking, camping, take baths in the lagoon and stay in cabins.
Ascent Routes
You get to the town of Agua Blanca, place that will be the starting point for the ascent, going through several villages and there are approximately nine kilometers to the summit.
Another route of ascent is always starting from Agua Blanca, which crosses the Zacarías Hill, this path is one of the most interesting and picturesque, it has an approximate distance of 6 kilometers. However, it is more complicated and you need to travel by car seven extra kilometers. On the southern slope of the volcano, the Monterrico volcano is located at 1,320 m.s., which is why it is advisable to make the summits in one trip.
Andá Mirá Caves
Located in the municipality of Jalpatagua, Jutiapa, it combines the existence of a grotto, in whose mouth you can find 3 pisicnas that are fed by sulfur water from the cave itself. The water, crystalline as few, comes from inside the cave, which is why it is notoriously fresh.
It is frequented by national and foreign tourists, for whom a refreshing bath complete a day of walks, adventures and explorations, surrounded by a pleasant nature.
The Basilica of the Holy Black Christ of Esquipulas
It is the Central American capital of the Faith, where hundreds of pilgrims arrive to visit the Black Christ of Esquipulas throughout the year and especially on January 15, when the parishioners come to make requests to the creator as well as penance, which is a demonstration of love and Faith.
It is a baroque work of the eighteenth century, the Basilica of the Holy Black Christ of Esquipulas is considered the largest Catholic temple in Central America and is a historical and artistic monument since June 12, 1970. It has four bell towers, consists of three naves, a dome that naturally illuminates the interior, an atrium delimited by 6 columns and has silver lamps with cut crystal almonds. The Basilica is visited by pilgrims throughout the year to see the Miraculous Image of the Lord of Esquipulas, the Black Christ, which was sculpted in cedar wood by the sculptor Quirio Cataño. The Black Christ is credited with miracles and you can see offerings and plaques of veneration, during the journey towards observation and contemplation of the image.
Museum of Paleontology, Archeology and Geology, Eng. Roberto Woolfolk Saravia
At 6 kilometers from the departmental capital of Zacapa, is Estanzuela, a town known for the hand embroidery that its women make and, above all, for the Museum of Paleontology, Archeology and Geology, Eng. Roberto Woolfolk Saravia, which exhibits an extraordinary collection of skeletons of prehistoric animals, a burial chamber from a Mayan cemetery and archaeological lithics, among other pieces of incalculable value.
Railway Museum
According to comments on November 22, 1896, a train arrived at the station of Zacapa for the first time, from that date the railway station became important due to the convergence of the train’s branches coming from: Puerto Barrios (Izabal) , the capital of Guatemala and El Salvador.
The central station operated for many years, until a fire in the year of 1995 was almost completely destroyed. After some time with the purpose of not losing a legacy of the past, the idea of creating a museum arose, which is currently located in the Barrio La Estación, in the municipal capital of Zacapa, in the Department of the same name. It has been open to the public since 2004 and exhibits, objects such as: furniture, tools, medical equipment, office equipment (1920), accounting books (1905), telegraphy devices (1930), radio transmitters / receivers (1935 – 1940). Likewise you can see the old wagons, the fuel tanks, the small cart-type platforms and the wagons.
The museum is staffed by ex-railroad workers who, with the experience acquired in their work, enrich the visit to the museum.
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
Its name is derived from the Basque word “zabal” which means “wide or wide bay”. It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q’eqhi’ and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with visits to archaeological sites and contact with nature.
It is a mainly agricultural department that is mainly dedicated to the cultivation of bananas, rice, corn and fruits. It has a rich ecosystem in a warm climate, which promotes a large vegetation that serves as a habitat for various species, making this region a Caribbean of great natural beauty. Here the ports of Santo Tomás de Castilla and Puerto Barrios are located, where ships, cruisers and boats dock, which in turn cross different rivers such as Ciénega, Zarco, Polochic, Sarstún and Río Dulce.
The crafts made in this department are directly attached to the work they do, so we can observe fishing nets, we can also see handicrafts that are linked to their culture, such as jewelry, bracelets, key rings and earrings, where they use corozo, seeds and dyes to be able to make them.
Garífuna culture stands out for the joy of its drums and other instruments, used for dances and rituals, produced by themselves, so they have become a benchmark for the production of drums, maracas, snails, shells and whistles.
Castle of San Felipe de Lara
National Historic Monument, located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, was erected to prevent the English pirates from entering the Guatemalan territory, since it had cannons that repelled these attacks that invaded the area, taking advantage of the country’s economic route. This monument served as a military center, prison and customs center and has also become one of the most important tourist sites in the area.
It has guided tours to appreciate the facilities that have been restored, boats that give tours in its surroundings and from the top of the tower you can enjoy beautiful views of the place.
Puerto Barrios
It is the departmental capital of Izabal, which is 297 km from the capital city and is the starting point of the river route along the Rio Dulce. Here you will find the main shops, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as the different transports in which you can move the tourist to the tourist destinations that the place has.
Lake Izabal
It is the largest lake in the country and is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as El Estor, Mariscos and Playa Dorada, so it offers the visitor a panorama of great beauty and the option of sailing within the lake.
The lake has a variety of fauna, as we can find freshwater sharks, lizards, crocodiles, a variety of fish and specifically on its shores we can find the mammalian animal, the manatee.
Livingston
Afro-Caribbean population, settled at the mouth of the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean Sea. This area is accessed by sea from Puerto Barrios in private vessels. During Holy Week, you can see the Passion of Jesus live, you can also take the opportunity to visit it during the feast of San Isidro Labrador (November 26) and the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12) which are magnificent opportunities to appreciate the folklore of the Garifuna population of the place, such as the dance of La Punta, the Zumba and the traditional and mystical dance El Yancunú.
It is very characteristic of this destination to appreciate colorful and colorful traditional costumes of the Garífuna culture with its beaches of crystal clear waters, white sand, palm trees, striking wooden houses and a natural environment full of vegetation, making Livingston a unique place.
The cuisine of this place is based on the most abundant product of the region, which is the coconut, which results in an unequaled Caribbean flavor, leaving in your palate the taste of the Garífuna culture. Among the main dishes you can find Tapado, being the most representative of the place, where seafood, fish and coconut flavors are mixed, as well as unique dishes made with fish and some others like coconut ceviche.
El Boquerón Ecological Park
Only 35 kilometers from the Río Dulce awaits you a wonderful experience, where you can use a canoe and walk along the water trail formed by the Sauce River, enjoying very close the fauna of the place that will amaze you with its sounds and colors, this is mixed with the caves that exist around them, that can appreciate and make you more aware of the environment, it is best to take a tour whispering to appreciate the place in its splendor, you can also observe a variety of flora and fauna, as well as listen to the howler monkeys that live in the trees that surround the site.
The ecological park has different activities to perform in addition to its main attraction is the tour in cayuco, such as being able to submerge in crystal clear water, butterfly garden, hiking, horseback riding, rest in hammocks, observation of vegetation walls of more than 100 meters of height and enjoy the gastronomy of the area like tilapia, mojarras, shrimp and variety of seafood.
Finca Paraíso
A place, as the name says, paradisiacal. A farm transformed and adapted to receive tourists that is on the shores of Lake Izabal, with a restaurant where you can enjoy homemade meals, such as a delicious chicken soup, among other typical of the place.
In the farm you can enjoy the lodging in ranches characteristic of the area, which make the visit to the place a pleasant experience.
One of the main attractions of the farm are the pools, which can be reached by compact vehicle since the access is in good condition. These pools are fed by a river of cold water in which falls a hot water cataract, resulting in the experience of submerging in the pools is pleasant due to the warm, delicious and relaxing water.
Point of Manabique
It is a small and beautiful peninsula that separates Amatique Bay from the Gulf of Honduras.
In this Peninsula you can see a variety of ecological systems, flood forests, bays, marshes, beaches, mangroves and lagoons. This variety of ecosystems contributes to the appreciation of a great diversity of wildlife, being a very important refuge for threatened birds and mammals such as the manatee, the tapir and the jaguar.
To reach this destination you must take a boat in Livingston and enjoy a tour full of vegetation and crystal clear water.
Río Dulce National Park
Río Dulce connects Lake Izabal with the Caribbean Sea, making it an important biological corridor of more than 48 kilometers, this river is of great importance for species such as the manatee.
The Río Dulce National Park has been a protected area in the country for more than 60 years. This park is essential for the Guatemalan fauna, since it is the habitat of the manatee, a mammal animal in danger of extinction.
Its lush tropical rainforest on the banks of the Rio Dulce, offers a surprising landscape, which makes the region the threshold of the Green Caribbean and one of the main tourist destinations of Guatemala, since we can find a great variety of flora and fauna, with more than 40 species of amphibians, 87 species of reptiles, approximately 350 species of birds and more than 128 species of mammals.
Las Escobas
A place where I could meet the biodiversity of the Izabal region and its tropical forest by its trails listening to the sound of hundreds of different species of birds and then cool off in its crystal clear waters from Cerro San Gil.
In the place we find natural pools of limestone that have small waterfalls that grant an exceptional landscape to those who visit the protected area of 47,432 hectares where more than 450 species of birds live.
This is a destination where you can see the blue butterfly flying through the area, walk paths full of vegetation to enjoy contact with nature and enjoy a restaurant area.
Quiriguá Archaeological Site
The park is located on the west bank of the Motagua River or Rio Grande, which was an important communication route for the Mayans. Quiriguá together with the city of Copán in Honduras are located in the southeastern periphery of the Maya lowlands. This Mayan city is characterized mainly by its majestic stelae that are the largest and best preserved of the Mayan World. Originally the city was under the rule of the dynasty of the city of Copán (now Honduras), but in 738 AD. the Quiriguá dynasty managed to become independent and even subjugate the Copán dynasty and it was when the city reached its peak. Most of the monumental constructions, the acropolis, and the stelae were erected during the following 60 years of reign of the new Quiriguá dynasty, a dynasty that dominated the region of the Copán river and the Motagua river. In this historical context, stela E is carved, 10 meters high and weighing 55 tons, which constitutes the largest sculpture of all those located in the Great Plaza, a ceremonial space where one can appreciate the exceptional collection of sculptural monuments of the park that It includes zoomorphic altars of exceptional artistic quality, which is why it has been declared a World Heritage Site since 1981 by UNESCO.
The 34-hectare archaeological park protects an important remnant of tropical rainforest, which makes it a last refuge for wild species native to the area. It was declared a park in 1974 and is in charge of the General Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its colourful.
The representation of millenary traditions and experiences of Mayan peoples are reflected in every habit inherited from the region’s ancestral diversity. It also presents various options for meeting with the communities. It is the ideal space to enjoy cultural diversity, to learn languages and traditions. It promises visitors a unique experience.
In the area of the Guatemalan highlands we can find different destinations in the different departments included in this region.
Chichicastenango
It is located 145 kms from Guatemala City in the department of Quiché, the meaning of its name is “place of Nettles”, was founded by Quichés fleeing the destruction of Utatlán. They settled in the vicinity of Chaviar, Kackchiquel commercial Emporium. It is the center of the town and the commercial life of the “Maxeños” (the name given to the inhabitants of Chichicastenango, derived from Max, which means Tomás in the Quiché language).
The merchants come down on Thursdays and Sundays, to the central square to sell their items, in an impressive indigenous market, which has little varied for centuries. In this location we will find the church of Santo Tomás built in 1540 on archaeological remains of a pre-Hispanic temple, which represents a splendid example of colonial architecture. The indigenous and Ladino rites are mixed in the suburbs and inside.
Its 18-tier staircase is of importance for the practice of indigenous rituals, by Chuchkajau Mayan priests, who pray and burn corn cobs full of copal. Inside, whole families kneel and pray before the altars, loaded with candles, candle-makers, flower offerings, alcohol and in some cases food. We will also find the Calvary of the Buried Lord, his architecture presents characteristics similar to those of the churches of the Altiplano. In its stands, the soothsayers gather to give solace to the “Maxeños” Cerro Pascual Abaj also known as “Turcaj”. It’s one of the many elevations of Chichicastenango. In this place there are religious manifestations of profound tradition: ceremonies and ancestral rites dedicated to Pascual Abaj (stone deity), in which Spanish Catholicism and ancestral Mayan religiosity are founded.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan, located in the Department of Sololá is considered one of the most beautiful in the world by the famous writer Aldous Huxley. The lake is 144 kms. of Guatemala City and is, without a doubt, the most important natural attraction of Sololá and one of the best known in Guatemala. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro, form the natural frame of the Iago. It has an area of 125 square kilometers and is located at 1.560 meters above sea level. The lake complements its beauty with scenic roads, beaches, riverside villages, mountains and volcanoes. It offers excellent opportunities to develop sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, free flight, water skiing and naturalistic recreation, as well as visiting the Mayan populations of the area.
Atitlán Volcano
Considered the “most beautiful lake in the world” according to National Geographic and the British writer Aldous Huxley, it is located in the Department of Sololá.
The word “Atitlán” comes from the combination of two Nahuatl words, “Atl” meaning water, and “Titlán” meaning “between”, so it is interpreted as “between the waters”.
It is surrounded by three spectacular volcanoes that are the Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro, which together form a unique setting in the sunsets and sunrises.
The lake is surrounded by different towns that are: Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio Polopó, San Lucas Tolimán, Santa Cruz, San Pablo, San Marcos, Santiago Atitlan, San Juan and San Pedro; Each one of them offers different experiences to the tourist through its culture and traditions.
Lake Atitlan offers various activities such as kayaking, free flight, water skiing and boat trip, as well as visiting the Mayan populations of the area.
The lake is surrounded by a legend that brings Misciticismo to its beauty and is known as the “Legend of the Xocomil” and is that until today from five in the afternoon you begin to feel a wind that does not allow navigation by the lake. According to the inhabitants of the area, legend has it that a maiden named Citlatzin, fell in love with a commoner named Tzilmiztli, and being a forbidden relationship and not being able to be together, they decided to sink into the depths of the rivers. When this happened, the waters mingled furiously mixed by the wind and so the beautiful lake was formed.
Lacustre Museum
This museum is a space to know the Sub-aquatic Mayan Archaeology, consists of a room dedicated to Samabaj, Mayan city lost under the water of the Lake Atitlan basin.
In this Hall are exhibited some archaeological pieces found on the site, a model of the city discovered, as well as photographic murals of the place, which decorate the walls. With this visit, the spectator can feel as if he/she is in the own place, because the room is a set that transports it virtually to the underwater site.
Living Museum of indigenous culture
The Living Museum of Indigenous Culture of the Department of Sololá is a unique and innovative concept that leads the visitor in a live cultural experience, to learn about the typical costumes of the municipalities of the department, customs and traditions of The three ethnic groups in the region: Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil and K’iche ‘. One observes how a woman Atiteca is placed her tocoyal of 20 meters of length, or how a woman Sololateca places her baby in the back with Sute, among other representations of the real life of the Sololatecos.
Municipalities linked/related to the museum: all the Department: Sololá, Panajachel, San José Chacayá, Santa Lucía Utatlán, Concepción, San Andrés Semetabaj, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio Palopó, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Nahualá, Santa Maria Visitation, Santa Clara la Laguna, San Pablo la Laguna, San Marcos la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, San Pedro la Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, San Lucas Tolimán.
Ixchel Art Gallery
Located in the Department of Sololá, the Ixchel Art Gallery features an exhibition of paintings by local and national artists where Enrique Anleu Díaz excels, as well as traditional wood carving masks and typical textiles. Within the collection of 120 pieces are 60 paintings and 60 pieces of Guatemalan handicrafts, some are on sale and others can appreciate them in the facilities that have a capacity to attend groups of up to 20 people.
History: The Ixchel Gallery emerged in the year 2000 with the aim of motivating and creating a space for the Guatemalan and mainly local artists, where they could expose their art. Another motivation for the founder of this gallery, Dr. Gerardo Barreno Anleu, was the promotion of art and the creation of a cultural and artistic activity to enrich the celebration of the patron Fair of Panajachel that takes place in the month of October.
Hours of service: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 hours and from 15:00 to 18:00 hours.
Admission is free.
Center for Culture and Art Casa Cakchiquel
Located in Panajachel, Sololá, at Casa Cakchiquel there is a museum and art gallery with exhibition of historical photographs and postcards from the years 1.861 to 1928. As well as exhibition of paintings by local and national artists. It also works as a space for social and cultural events. Located in what one day was one of the first hotels on the lake.
Casa Cakchiquel was built in 1948 and was one of the first hotels on the lake that hosted personalities such as Commander Ernesto Ché Guevara, Ingrid Bergman and other intellectuals, artists, painters and writers who enjoyed the house in their golden years.
You can access by walking on the street (Avenida) Santander 300 meters approximately, until you reach the 14th Street of February on the left side. Cross and advance 20 meters more until you reach Casa Cakchiquel which is on the left side.
City of Quetzaltenango
It is considered today, as the second in importance for its size, trade and colonial style.
It is called Quetzaltenango by the real title of Don Francisco Izquín Nehaíb in 1558 and on the other hand the K’iche ‘ is gave to this place the name of Xelahuh and Xelahúh Queh (place of the ten deer). Located in an extensive valley surrounded by hills and volcanoes: Santa Maria, Santiaguito (one of the three active volcanoes in the country), Cerro Quemada, Siete Orejas, Chicabal and Lacandon, offering multiple opportunities for mountaineering and hiking. These invite you to enjoy the wonderful nature and admire from their viewpoints a beautiful panorama of the city of Quetzaltenango, like the Hill Zunil, Zunilito, the tortoise and the trunk. It is one of the most important cities in Guatemala because of its size, industrial activity, especially textiles, liquor, culture and its strategic location for trade.
In its local gastronomy are appreciated the paches of potato, the tamales of Cambray and the Rompopo. There are several festivals in which you can attend traditional dances and dances, such as Easter, the Independence Fair, the Central American Fair or the patron Fair in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary. Within the religious field, in Salcajá is the “Hermitage of La Concepción”, a national monument and recognized worldwide for being the headquarters of the first Catholic Church founded in Central America.
San Andrés Xecul
It possesses an imposing parochial temple of spectacular facade, is representative of the colorful and design of the local Huipil where the population venerates to Maximon, popular character of deep rooting.
Located 12 kms from Totonicapán, it has a richly ornamented temple and convent, with altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Momostenango
Textile Producer Center, famous for the great quality of ponchos (woolen blankets) Momostecos, which are produced there. They still use the 260-day Mayan calendar. Momostenango means “City of the Altars”. Nearby are the famous cliffs of Momostenango, capricious erosions carved by eroded.
Refuge of the Quetzal
Located in San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, at 268 km. Of the capital city, by the Panamerican Highway, passing through the departmental headwaters of San Marcos.
The total route of the park is done in four hours, by trails, has natural bridges, during the visit is asked not to provoke sounds that can scare away our bird symbol “El Quetzal”.
Tacaná volcano (4.093 meters)
In the municipal jurisdiction of Quetzaltenango. The highest elevation to the north of the crater is 2.500 M.A.S.L. and is located at the edge of the skirt of the Santa Maria volcano about eleven kilometers from the city of Quetzaltenango, where the route begins.
Ascent routes
It starts from the municipality of Sibinal, towards the north, to ascend by the Sierra de Sibinal, then to reach Hacienditas, the Pila, paddocks and Laguna Seca (place of Camp), at the foot of the volcanic cone. And then in 40 minutes you reach the crater or summit of the volcano Tacaná of 4.093 M.A.S.L. (nine Hours of ascent).
Another route:
From the Finca Navidad, located south of the volcanic massif, passing through the Parajetojqulan Grande, towards the summit, on the side of Guatemala and advancing parallel to the border, to the north.
An important fact is that in the volcano there are several sites with cave paintings, which have not been reported, but that are known by the peasants of place, as indicated these are to the north, under the main tower representing figures of Animals.
Tajumulco Volcano
Located in the San Marcos department, approximately 20 kilometres from the Mexican border. It has a height of 4.220 M.A.S.L. It is the highest volcano in Central America and the peak of Guatemala, Neva on rare occasions as in the volcano of Acatenango, is a region where large hailstorms fall. Its temperature is quite low between the months of October and February.
The panorama that is seen from the top is remarkably clear, it is reached to see the volcanic cordillera, some volcanoes of El Salvador, bordering mountains with Honduras, the imposing Cuchumatanes, the Pacific Ocean and much of the Mexican territory.
The volcano is located in a rich and important area, is located a very old site and in the same volcano there is a spot, known as “La Ixpituda”, where there is a rocky wall with inscriptions and paintings of great color; This point is about 300 meters away from the reef that takes us to the volcano.
The routes of approach to the Tajumulco from the capital are asphalted until San Marcos, with a route of 250 kilometers, of this city to the town of San Sebastián there are approximately 18 kilometers, on the road at the entrance of the village Tuichán are travelled 5 kilometers More.
Iximché
It was one of the most important cities-fortresses of the Postclassic period in the Guatemalan highlands, along with the archaeological sites Gumarkaa’j in Quiché and Mixco Viejo in Chimaltenango. Iximché, which in Kaqchikel means corn tree, was the last capital of the Maya-Kaqchikel and in 1524 became the first capital of the Spanish conquistadors in Guatemala. It is located in the municipality of Tecpán, was the scene of great events, among which one can mention its separation from the Quiche Group, foundation as capital of the kingdom and dominion over its region. In the last part of its history, after having been allies of the Spaniards, it suffered its destruction and fire on the part of them; Events that give it a great historical and cultural value and position it as a place worth visiting.
The pattern of distribution of buildings shows similarity with other Mayan cities located in the lowlands of peten such as the orientation and position of their main buildings in public squares, ceremonial and private, palaces, buildings Administrative and ball games. All the architectural ensembles are located on artificially level surfaces and with a clear urban outline. At present, it is a site of importance for the Mayan cosmovision where it is possible to appreciate numerous ceremonies directed by priests of different ethnic groups who come to perform them throughout the year.
Taking into account this can be indicated that Iximche exemplifies the meeting of two cultures, Maya and Spanish. To guarantee its conservation, it has a management category as an archaeological park with an extension of 50 hectares. It is protected since 1964 by the Institute of Anthropology and History of Guatemala of the General Directorate of the Cultural and Natural heritage. The park is managed and protected by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Mixco Viejo
The real name of Mixco Viejo is Jilotepeque old. Located at the confluence of the departments of El Quiché, Chimaltenango and Guatemala being one of the few centers that were inhabited and functioning at the time of the Spanish conquest. The knowledge of the site is first appeared in the work “Florida reminder” of Captain Fuentes and Guzman and describes it as a citadel of military and religious character.
It is possible that the site in its origins has served to control the economic aspect of the valley, because a very short distance passes the river, which in pre-Hispanic times was a way of trade for products towards what is today the area of Zacapa and Chiquimula.
To get to the site you take the road that goes towards Las Verapaces, via San Juan Sacatepéquez. You reach Montufar, a small village, then continue until you reach the bridge that is on the river Pixcayá to finally reach Mixco Viejo, the distance from Guatemala city is 60 kilometers.
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra – Xetulul – Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is a water park that is located in the middle of an exhuberante vegetation. The park’s architecture is influenced by the Mayan culture, which makes the park an impressive place to enjoy and admire.
Xetulul, is a park with different distractions, where you can find restaurants, rides, playgrounds, arcade games and different magic shows and dances in the park theater.
This destination is ideal for family visits, where relaxation and entertainment activities can be found through the different hotels located in the area.
Tak’Alik Ab’Aj
The ancient city of Tak’Alik Ab’Aj, which in K’iche ‘, means “standing stone”, played an important role in the trade of the region, maintained a very prolonged occupation from the Middle Pre-Classic to the Late Classic period and maintained very important contacts with other contemporary groups such as the Olmecs on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
Tak’alik Ab’aj is one of the most important settlements on the Guatemalan south coast and has managed to preserve the central part of the settlement in excellent conditions allowing the investigation and restoration of its main architectural manifestations and registration of its many monuments that present styles Olmeca, Maya and a local style. That is why, it can be characterized as on the threshold between the Olmec and Maya cultures.
To date, more than 70 major buildings, 204 carved monuments and 3 jade masks have been found, demonstrating the majesty of its ancient inhabitants. A few years ago the burial was found which is believed to be one of the last rulers of Tak’Alik Ab’Aj, arranged in alignment to the Draco Constellation, which featured one of the largest offerings with more than 200 vessels and artifacts. At present it is a ceremonial site of great importance for the current inhabitants, who come to him to request blessings for their crops and family, during important dates such as the Mayan New Year.
Xulik Museum
Located in Retalhuleu, the Xulik Toy and Superhero Museum exhibits more than 1,200 original figures of superheroes from Marvel Comics and DC Comics; in addition, 20 statues of the size of a person and original articles that were used in cinematographic productions. Each area has been set with a set design similar to that of the movies and each figure can be seen in detail, you can see photographs autographed by actors who personified the Spiderman, Batman and Hulk, among others. The walls are covered with gigantic reproductions of comic covers. Most of the items on display were purchased from collectors, autograph hunters and contacts in Hollywood, California, United States.
In this same location we can find the Dino Park, which is a park with animatronic dinosaur themes that move, have gestures and have sounds, all in a natural and specialized environment to make the ride a unique experience.
Auto Safari Chapín
It is located at kilometer 81 of the CA-2 route in the jurisdiction of Guanagazapa. This zoo type safari, has animals of diverse origins being a pleasant place for children and adults. In addition, it offers recreational services and facilities.
Pacaya Volcano National Park
It is located between the department of Guatemala and Escuintla. It has a height of 2,552 m.s.n.m. In the central eastern region of the volcano there are five rounded cones, the first cone is the “Cheese Leaf” that is on the shore of the Calderas Lagoon. The second cone is the “Black Hill” that is north of the main or active cone. The third cone is “Cerro Chiquito” which is northeast of the main cone. The fourth cone is the “Cerro Chino”, which is to the south of the main cone. The fifth cone is the active cone or Pacaya volcano.
It is important to indicate that the active crater that the Pacaya massif has, is named after the Guatemalan doctor Alfredo MacKenney, who has made more than 1,200 ascents since 1965 and for the follow-up he has given to the evolution of this volcano.
In the volcano you can perform different activities such as canopy, horseback riding and hiking. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Guatemala, so artists such as Maluma, Piso 21, Wizard of OZ, Skrillex, have conquered this peak.
Puerto de San José
51 km away of Escuintla, offers black sand beaches with hotel complexes, in addition, the Pacific Coast, offers one of the best places in the world for the realization of sport fishing, especially the Sailfish.
The peculiarity of the Pacific beaches of Guatemala is the color of its sand, which are black, it is because they have volcanic sand and this causes the sand to heat too.
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a destination for adventurous travelers, full of desire to venture into its vegetation, canoe or rappel in one of its rivers or lakes, contemplate the different waterfalls and relax in one of its natural pools. Outdoor recreation is guaranteed with ascents to mountains, pilgrimage through the Biotopo del Quetzal routes, rafting on the Cahabón river rapids, or exploring its extraordinary caves such as those of Lanquín or Candelaria.
Semuc Champey National Park
The Semuc Champey is located to the south of the Lanquín municipality and its name comes from the q’eqchi ‘-xmuq (hide), cham (hondo) and pek (stone) -, it can be interpreted as “Where the river is hidden”.
It is a natural limestone bridge that has a length of more than 300 meters through which flows the Cahabón River, which circulates underground when entering a cave.
In the park you can see seven stepped pools with a depth between one and three meters, located in a canyon where rocks are deposited from the Polochic valley, a feature of the pools is the turquoise green color of the water that change hue depending on the time of the year. The depth of the pools oscillate between 1 and 3 meters deep.
Due to the characteristics of the humid subtropical warm forest, we can appreciate in the park a great variety of fauna, where we find more than 100 species of birds, more than 34 species of mammals, 25 reptiles and amphibians and 10 species of birds. The flora is important since we can find around 120 species of trees and vines in the area.
In the park we can perform different activities such as hiking, crossing hanging bridges, swimming in the pools, camping and climbing the viewpoint that is 50 meters high to observe the pools and waterfalls.
Balneario Las Conchas
The amazing pools of turquoise coloration and the waterfalls of different dimensions formed by the Chiyú River, make Las Conchas a place of singular beauty.
The area gets its name from the words Q’eqchi ‘Se and Pemech, which are translated as “where there are shells”, because fossil remains of clams and snails have been found in the place.
The main attraction of the spa are the falls, where some visitors jump from the top to feel the adrenaline rush through their body, falling into the pools.
The Spa, is attractive for being an eco tourist destination, so we can perform different activities such as hiking, swimming in the pools, camping and family gatherings.
Se’tzol Caves
They are located in the municipality of Chahal, Alta Verapaz. Its name comes from the language q’eqchi’y means “in a row”, it is likely that this name is due to this series of caves are within three mountains that are continuous.
It is believed that there are about 25 grottos in the place, but currently only 5 can be visited that are open to the public, among them we can find a cave that has the name of “La Cueva del Tigre”, so called because it has the belief that previously lived this type of animals inside her.
In the caves the walk is practiced and due to its humid climate, it is important to hydrate properly to enjoy the 2 hours of walking, which involves knowing the area.
Laguna de Lachuá National Park
It is characterized by its unique scenic beauty, which combines the crystal clear waters of an immense circular lagoon with lush vegetation, characteristic of a tropical rainforest. The lake water has a sulfuric smell, which explains the origin of its name, “Lachuá” which is derived from the words Q’eqchi ‘”li chu ha'” whose meaning is “fetid water”.
Due to the isolation of the park and the minimum influx of visitors, you can experience in the area a special and unique experience with wildlife, since you can see great diversity of flora and fauna, terrestrial and aquatic. It is an ideal place for bird watching as we can find more than 300 species, as well as monkeys saraguate, jaguars, tapirs and crocodiles.
When walking the path you can access a viewpoint, where it is possible to appreciate impressive landscapes. The most spectacular sunsets are beautifully reflected in the stillness of the waters of the Laguna Lachuá for what is also known as “El espejo del cielo”.
Grutas de Lanquín National Park
It is one of the best known caverns in Guatemala. They form a magnificent network of galleries and vaults, which exhibit a good part of their enigmatic beauty. At the foot of the entrance there is a river called Lanquín, which after 12 kilometers runs into the Cahabón River.
When entering the caves it is possible to recognize animal figures formed by rocks, as well as being surprised by the colossal size of these caves. At first they are illuminated and have small rails to facilitate the path, however, as we enter the caves, exploration becomes more exciting as it is a challenge to mobilize. Some local guides have reached up to 3 kilometers inside the grotto but open to the public they are only 400 meters away.
In the park you can leave the caves by the entrance where the journey begins, however there are some adventurers who with the help of guides seek an alternative exit where you must climb to get out of the caves.
Private Nature Reserve Biotopin
It is located in Purulhá, Baja Verapaz, in the heart of a cloud forest, which by its location contributes directly to the connection with the Quetzal Biotope.
The visitor can enjoy observing a waterfall 8 meters high, hiking, tasting food representative of the place like the famous Kak’Ik or Chicken Broth, staying inside nature and the possibility of observing the Quetzal, the bird national of the country.
Black River or Chixoy River
In the department of Alta Verapaz, there is “Chixoy Hydroelectric Plant”, which has an artificial lake made by the reservoir of Río Negro.
In Río Negro, the visitor can appreciate how the Maya-Achí community has managed to transform the pain of the past into a positive attitude towards life. In 2007, the community of Río Negro built the “Riij Ib’ooy” Historical and Educational Center as a space for learning about the history and culture of the region. In it, visitors can learn about the past of the Black River. In addition, the center also shows the current life of the town, the joy of its people and its traditions.
To get to Río Negro, you must travel by boat from the hydroelectric plant to the community and once you have settled in the hotel or guest house it is possible to carry out different activities.
Chilascó Jump
Located in Baja Verapaz is the highest natural water fall in Central America, with a height of 130 meters, which is part of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, with a cloud forest that makes it the perfect habitat for Our bird symbol El Quetzal and a great variety of flora and fauna.
The tour of the site you can go hiking and horseback riding, as well as swimming in the pools, where falls the waterfall.
Biotope of the Quetzal “Mario Dary Rivera”
The exuberant jungle preserved in the protected biotope “Mario Dary Rivera”, is undoubtedly the most attractive natural reason of the region. It consists of more than three thousand hectares of humid subtropical vegetation, where we can find more than 50 different types of trees including pines, oaks, eucalyptus, algae and aerial plants, hosting more than 87 species of birds.
Two interpretive trails, picnic areas, rest and parking have been adapted. The visitor center is a few meters from the main road and in its surroundings there are lodging facilities.
The Biotopo is an ideal destination for hiking, enjoy bird watching and connect with nature.
Rabinal
Located in the department of Baja Verapaz, it is inhabited mostly by the Achis.
This place is known for its agriculture, especially for its production of orange and the variety of ceramics offered as vases, plates and traditional masks.
In Rabinal you can appreciate culture, traditional dances and unique festivities, especially in the celebrity known as Rabinal Achí, which is a theatrical dance style work of pre-Hispanic origin, which has been declared Masterpiece of the Oral Tradition and Intangible Heritage of Humanity , which recounts the claim that the rabinales made to the K’iche ‘rulers for having destroyed their villages.
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.
It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are surrounded by rainforest that has kept them well guarded, including Tikal National Park that was declared a Natural and Cultural heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1979.
Tikal
It means “place of voices” and is one of the largest Mayan cities so far known for its 576 km2 of area. World Cultural and Natural Heritage of humanity since 1979. We can find and appreciate a great footprint of what was this site, with more than 3,000 archaeological elements, a city that inhabited between the Preclassic and classical periods.
of its temples and squares, stands out the Plaza Mayor, heart of the archaeological park of Tikal and is surrounded by temples I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and II (temple of the Masks), the North Acropolis and the Central. There is the square of the Great Pyramid or lost World, a set of monuments of the oldest of Tikal and the palace of the windows, with a lot of interconnected rooms.
Temple III or “temple of the Jaguar priest” has different carvings on its lintels. The temple IV or “Temple of the Serpent doubleheaded” is the highest of Tikal, by its 70 meters of height from where we will be able to recreate of one of the most spectacular panoramics of the park. And the temple VI or “Temple of the Inscriptions”, is named after the cover of glyphs in its cresting.
The arrival to the park is accessible, so you can enter it with a family or small vehicle. During the trip to the central square we can enjoy beautiful walks, observe different kinds of monkeys such as howler monkeys, coatis, parakeets, toucans, parrots and even jaguars.
Yaxha National Park
It means “green water” and in this city there are more than 500 monumental buildings between squares, walkways, astronomical complexes, a commemorative square with two twin pyramids and the Acropolis, an area inhabited by the aristocracy.
Currently from the highest monument, Temple 216, you can see the jungle and the lagoons of Yaxha and Sacnab, within the framework of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.
The park is a refuge that allows to appreciate a balanced combination of biodiversity and pre-Hispanic cultural heritage. Due to the presence of impressive lagoons and wetlands that are part of the main migratory bird routes, it has been recognized as a wetland of world importance. In the area there are four main cities, Yaxha, Topoxte, Nakum and Naranjo; They played a very important role in the social and political organization of the central lowlands for more than 1500 years (800 BC-1450 A.D.). It is possible to visit the first three cities, being Yaxha the most accessible and from where you can start the visit to the park.
During the walk it is possible to observe different kinds of animals like monkeys and birds.
El Mirador National Park
It is located in a natural environment formed by a Sierra Karst and with an extension of 3,000 km2 in which there are ancient Mayan monuments. This biological environment is spectacular for its subtropical forest in which endangered animals and plants inhabit. You can access the park by helicopter or for the more adventurous, walking on a wonderful three-day route.
El Mirador is a Mayan city in the north-west of Petén, where you can discover architectural complexes, such as El Tintal, La Florida, la Danta, La Muralla, El Tigre and La Wakna, between its causeways and monumental structures within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. It is worth mentioning “the Great Pyramid of the Danta”, which is named after the largest animal that populated in the jungle.
The Danta is the largest pyramid in the world in terms of volume, occupying a space of 2,800 cubic meters and its height is the highest in America, with 72 meters.
Ceibal Archaeological Site
The name Ceibal is due to the presence of large numbers of Ceibas in the area. The ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, is located in the municipality of Sayaxché, where it had its apogee between 700 and 900 d. C, ie in the late Classic period.
In this archaeological site you can see a variety of Mayan stelae and two structures that are already restored. One of them is a pyramidal temple, in which 5 stelae placed according to the Cardinal points are located. In Stela 10, south Side shows the Lord of Ceibal taking possession in the presence of rulers of large Mayan cities, such as Tikal, Calakmul and Ucanal.
The stelae are one of the main attractions, as they are the finest and best preserved of the late Classic period in the Department of Petén in the Mayan lowlands. Taking into account the surprising collection of sculpted monuments and the decipherment of their present texts and iconographic elements, it can be said that Ceibal constitutes a “meeting point among the rulers”, given that in one of the Stelas, they are The emblems of cities such as Tikal, Calakmul (Mexico), Ucanal and Ceibal itself are present.
In the year 1985 the site was declared by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as Archaeological park, and in the year of 1995 was declared as protected area with the category of Cultural Monument Management, has an extension of 1512 hectares and is currently Administered by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
In Ceibal we can observe some restored structures, since some of them were composed of perishable materials. You can also see more than 600 structures, as well as different kinds of animals like monkeys and birds.
Piedras Negras Archeological Site
The original name of this archeological site located in La Libertad, Petén is Yo´ki ´ b which means “grand entrance”.
Nowadays it is known to the archaeological site like “Piedras Negras”, and it is due to the color of rock that was used for the construction of the different structures. It is one of the largest cities of the classic Mayan period which has approximately 550.000 meters where there are clustered structures.
It is an adventure to reach this destination because you must travel by boat through the river Usumacinta, where we can be astonished by seeing different landscapes and animals like monkeys and birds.
Sierra del Lacandon National Park
The park has an extension of 95.529 hectares and was declared as a protected area in 1990.
This protected area is one of the areas with the greatest diversity of species in the world and in it live more than 870 species between plants and animals such as the red Macaw and the jaguar aiming to care for and protect these species through preserving the habitat.
El Zotz Biotope
The mountains with its steep cliffs and interior cave systems condition two of the most impressive features of El Zotz.
The name of the biotope is due to the number of bats that we can observe in the area because “Zotz” is the name of this animal in different Mayan languages.
The tour is about an hour long, passing through the archeological site El Zotz and culminating in another archeological site called the Devil. From these sites, located in the high parts of the mountains, you can see magnificent views of the Petenera jungle and even the cresting of the LV Temple of Tikal. We also can find different kinds of trees like male xate, Cambray, chicozapote and fat pepper; As well as animals of different species such as Howler monkey, Spider monkey and drum turkey.
Laguna Del Tigre National Park
Laguna del Tigre National Park protects an important sample of humid Tropical rainforest that houses the most extensive freshwater wetlands throughout Mesoamerica.
Laguna del Tigre serves as a connection between the east and southwest of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, which favours the area of singular landscapes, with lagoons and wetlands.
Uaxactún
Uaxactún is considered one of the oldest cities dating from the pre-classic and classical periods. The architectural evolution of the Mayan lowlands is appreciated and we find inscriptions that date from 328 A.D. to 899 A.D. in different stelae.
This Mayan city began to be rediscovered and studied from 1931 when the first formal works were carried out by the Carnegie Institution of Washington. It received the name of Uaxactún or “eight Stones” by Sylvanus Morley, the first investigator to arrive at the place, crossing Nakúm, Naranjo and Yaxha. The word Uaxactún is composed of “Uaxac”, which means eight and “Tun”, which SIGNIFCA stone.
Among its archaeological remains stands the structure a-2, a truncated pyramid that could serve to the aristocracy to observe ceremonies, sacrifices and other relevant events. The palace to XVIII, a beautiful temple that has the best panoramic view of the site, was appointed palace for its numerous rooms, and temple by its staggered bodies that form a pyramid that supports a temple from where the ruler officiated the ceremonies. In the palace V or Acropolis were found four graves that are believed to be those of the smoking Frog dynasty. In the group called E highlights its astronomical observatory, used to study the movements of the sun or seasons, to know when to harvest.
Located 24 kms. of Tikal. Among its buildings stands the Astronomical Observatory, which served to begin its studies. Here they perfected their writing system.
Guatemala
In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful.
Main square of the Constitution
It is the heart of the city's historic quarter. It was remodelled following the earthquake of 1976, having built an underground park and conserving the Parque Centenario. It is currently a meeting point for families and friends, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It is surrounded by important monuments and buildings such as: The National Palace,
Pacific
The Pacific is an ideal area to visit and enjoy beaches of volcanic sand, find natural reserves where marine turtles, iguanas and crocodiles live, as well as enjoy a relaxed coastal environment and rest where its magnificent beaches span more than 300 kilometers allow surfing and other water sports.
Irtra - Xetulul - Xocomil
It is the largest recreational holiday resort in Guatemala. It currently has two theme parks: Xetulul and Xocomil, which offer visitors various activities.
Xocomil, is
East
The East is a warm zone with personality, in this area we can find different contrasts in the departments of Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jalapa, El Progreso and Jutiapa. In this region is located the Sierra de las Minas with a jungle ecosystem and declared a protected area in Zacapa, the largest in Central America. It is home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that live in this cloud forest. It houses one of the most
Verapaces, Natural Paradise
Las Verapaces is the region formed by the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz. Both departments have leafy millenary forests, with ecosystems typical of dry forest, thorny chaparral, cloud forests or rainforests, which serve as a refuge for a large fauna, such as the Quetzal and flora such as the White Nun, regional species in danger of extinction. Here we can contemplate more than 800 species of orchids.
The morphology and geography of the region makes it a
Izabal
Its name is derived from the Basque word "zabal" which means "wide or wide bay". It was a district of the Corregimiento de Chiquimula until 1866. In addition to the Spanish language, Q'eqhi' and Garífuna are also spoken. Folk dances are performed in at least 2 of its municipalities.
It is the perfect place to fish, dive, ski and practice all kinds of water sports or simply enjoy a good rest, surrounded by both natural and cultural beauties, in combination with
Highlands
The Guatemalan Highlands offers the perfect combination of natural beauties, spectacular mountain landscapes and traditions of Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow the practice of hiking, canoping and ecotourism. The western region provides a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the ways of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlan and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its
Electronic Traveler Declaration
