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Hardly ever do I hear individuals say Guatemala is on their bucket checklist. It’s not the primary Latin American nation you consider, it’s usually overshadowed by nations like Costa Rica and Mexico who get all of the TV adverts and fanfares.
Although Guatemala doesn’t have the advertising and marketing help that different Central American nations have, that is exactly why it is best to go.
Guatemala nonetheless stays a hidden gem, unspoiled by overtourism, undeveloped and never characterised by resorts, and its magnificence is unmatched in each kind.
This is only one out of many causes to go to Guatemala. If you happen to’re on the fence about visiting the Republic of Guatemala, enable me to steer you…
Causes to go to Guatemala
Whether or not you’re searching for tradition and historical past or gorgeous pure sights and landscapes, there’s one thing for everybody in Guatemala.
Learn on to search out out why it is best to go to Guatemala.
1. To benefit from the relaxed vibes
Latin American locations are identified for being a tropical paradise with gorgeous seashores and glistening waters. Whereas Guatemala isn’t well-known for its seashores, it’s nonetheless generally known as a tropical paradise – that is due to Lake Atitlan, a volcanic crater lake within the highlands of Guatemala.
This huge lake is located 1,562 meters above sea degree and is surrounded by many various ethnic villages and hovering volcanoes.
Guests can benefit from the issues Guatemala is most well-known for in Lake Atitlan – tradition, volcanoes, and relaxed vibes.
Every village round Lake Atitlan provides one thing completely different. San Pedro is common for backpackers and is crammed with good bars and eating places. San Marcos is named a hippie city, and it’s a hub for all the things wellness associated.
Take pleasure in waking up from one of many lovely inns in Lake Atitlan each morning to the solar rising behind epic volcanoes in Guatemala, earlier than leaping into the lake for a refreshing swim.
Spend your day exploring the completely different villages in Guatemala, and end your day with a sundown hike on one of many volcanoes surrounding the village.
Lake Atitlan-living is paradise residing at its easiest kind!
Prime tip: Take a look at this tour of Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony on the Sacred Caves.
Expertise an historical Mayan customized at a fireplace cleaning and safety ceremony on the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. Immerse your self within the mysticism of a holy place, and study why the highland tribes journey for hours to attach with the spirits. Be taught extra right here.
2. Go online on the black sand seashores
On the Pacific Coast of Guatemala you’ll uncover distinctive black sand seashores which might be the results of quite a few volcanic eruptions previously.
The volcanic eruptions expel black sediments that ultimately choose the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
These seashores are tremendous lovely to have a look at, however they aren’t the one motive why guests come to discover this area.
Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is the proper place for browsing, particularly for superior surfers.
In case you are a newbie surfer, fear not, there are many surf camps and instructors which might be greater than keen that will help you benefit from the epic waves.
Maybe essentially the most well-known seashore city on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is El Paredon, a small neighborhood the place WiFi is weak and easy residing is at its finest.
There may be solely a handful of lodging, and even much less for those with air-conditioning. Guests come right here to benefit from the off-grid residing and revel in browsing on El Paredon’s seashore.
In case you are visiting from September to December, you may even have the ability to get pleasure from releasing some turtle hatchlings into the ocean!
Simply watch out with the black sand seashores in Guatemala. As a result of they’re black, they take up warmth in a short time and simply.
This implies if you’re strolling on them in the course of the day, you’ll most positively want some foot safety!
3. Hike volcanoes and see volcanic eruptions
There are a complete of 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, and a handful of them are nonetheless lively.
Indubitably, mountain climbing volcanoes is without doubt one of the most iconic actions you are able to do within the nation.
In reality, two of the preferred issues to do in Antigua Guatemala are mountain climbing Volcano Acatenango and Volcano Pacaya.
Volcano Acatenango is the extra demanding of the 2 hikes, normally lasting 2 days and 1 evening, however the reward is way higher as properly.
Hikers can summit the practically 4,000-meter volcano and see the close by extremely lively Volcano Fuego erupt. Fuego Volcano is a ferocious volcano, with eruptions occurring round each half-hour, typically much less.
It’s really a outstanding expertise to look at it erupt on the Volcano Acatenango hike, particularly for those who camp on the base camp at evening the place you may actually see the vibrancy of the lava.
In case you are visiting Guatemala with children, then perhaps the Volcano Pacaya hike is extra appropriate.
That is a simple 3-hour hike the place you may roast marshmallows utilizing the lively volcano’s lava!
You may also get a horseback trip as much as skip a number of the most troublesome components of the hike.
- In a single day Volcano Acatenango Mountain climbing Journey: Trek from Antigua touring by means of La Soledad village and on to Acatenango. See the gorgeous landscapes that Guatemala has to supply. Be taught extra right here.
- Pacaya Volcano Tour and Sizzling Springs with Lunch: Take pleasure in a stroll on one of the superb volcanoes in Guatemala throughout your enjoyable day tour that features lunch at Kawilal Sizzling Springs. Be taught extra right here.
4. Uncover the cobblestone streets of Antigua, Guatemala
The small metropolis of Antigua is without doubt one of the largest attracts to Guatemala.
This ex-capital of Guatemala is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Web site, because of the enduring Spanish structure that resides right here in ruins.
As a result of Antigua is located in a very excessive seismic exercise area, the town was hit a number of instances by devastating earthquakes.
This ultimately induced the capital to be moved to present-day Guatemala Metropolis, however most of the finest points of interest of the nation nonetheless reside right here.
Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful colonial-style buildings.
Take a look at the ruins that had been as soon as a number of the most iconic landmarks of the nation, comparable to San Jose Cathedral and Santa Clara Convent.
Go to Cerro de la Cruz and benefit from the sweeping panoramic views.
Antigua is without doubt one of the major the reason why guests come to Guatemala!
Combo Tour: Colonial Antigua & Guatemala Metropolis Explorer Tour: Take pleasure in 2 great cities, historical colonial metropolis of Antigua, a UNRSCO World Heritage Web site, and Trendy Guatemala Metropolis on the similar day. Be taught extra right here
5. Discover one of many world’s BEST Mayan ruins
Geographically, Guatemala was the place the guts of the Mayan civilization relaxation.
Although the Mayan Civilization has vanished, they’ve left many unbelievable ruins that give us clues to the previous.
And maybe there aren’t any higher Mayan Ruins on this planet than Tikal, as soon as the beating coronary heart of their civilization.
Situated within the Peten division of Guatemala, Tikal Nationwide Park is located within the rainforest of the nation.
Exploring the ruins appears like you might be in Indiana Jones, as it’s a must to undergo thick forestry and traverse the 60 sq. kilometers (23 sq mi) park.
In case you are fortunate (or unfortunate) you may encounter a number of the native wildlife within the area, comparable to tarantulas, howler monkeys, and jaguars.
However with the fitting steering, exploring this iconic Mayan Wreck is an unbelievable expertise.
Guests can see the gorgeous temples that had been constructed completely by hand a number of hundred years in the past.
The tallest one is 213 toes (65 meters), however the huge archaeological website remains to be beneath excavation so there’s extra to be found!
Tikal Day Tour From Flores With Lunch: Go to the archeological website of Tikal and discover this essential website on the coronary heart of the Mayan world. Journey from Flores on this full-day tour. Be taught extra right here.
6. Guatemala is reasonably priced
Maybe one of many largest causes to go to Guatemala is its affordability.
Vacationers can spend a fraction of the associated fee in Guatemala in comparison with different locations world wide and have about the identical high quality of journey.
Mixed with its lovely tropical climate, wonderful meals choices, and gorgeous landscapes, Guatemala absolutely has tons to supply!
7. Discover paradise at Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a pure monument of Guatemala. Identified for its gorgeous turquoise swimming pools surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic canyon, Semuc Champey is the definition of nature’s paradise.
The gorgeous place in Guatemala is uniquely shaped by the Cahabón River, which existed beneath the limestone bridges that had been naturally created over time.
Its distinctive geological formation is without doubt one of the causes for its excellent magnificence.
Guests can hike as much as the canyons close by for a fowl’s-eye view of this pure surprise, go cool off in one among its swimming pools, and discover the cave contained in the park.
In case you are the kind of traveler that likes journey in off-the-beaten-path locations, then you definately’ll love Semuc Champey!
8. For one of many largest out of doors markets in Central America
Guatemala is residence to one of many largest out of doors markets in Central America, Chichicastenango, in a small city within the Guatemala Highlands.
The market attracts distributors from each little village in Guatemala, and the market particularly involves life on Sundays.
Right here guests can discover something and all the things they may want (and never want) – from Mayan trinkets to outdated electronics and tons of produce.
If you happen to attempt to flick thru each single stall in Chichicastenango, it’d take you greater than a whole day.
And like each Guatemala market there’s, anticipate loads of chaos, however it’s the chaos that makes this market so genuine and delightful.
If you wish to store for souvenirs in Guatemala, that is one of the best place to take action.
It may be a little bit bit touristy although, which implies distributors mark up the worth for overseas vacationers. Be sure to negotiate if you’ll buy one thing!
- Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour From Antigua: Uncover Chichicastenango, the positioning of the biggest and most colourful out of doors market in Latin America. Go to the city of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan for spectacular views. Be taught extra right here.
- 3-Day Tour of Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market: Delve deep into Mayan tradition the place you’ll go to Chichicastenango, discover the city of Panajachel, and revel in a cruise on spectacular Lake Atitlan. Be taught extra right here.
9. Be taught Spanish in Guatemala
One of many the reason why vacationers come to Guatemala is to study Spanish.
There are a lot of completely different accents of Spanish world wide, particularly in Central and South America, however the Guatemalan model is without doubt one of the most impartial.
This implies you might be extra probably to have the ability to use your Guatemalan Spanish elsewhere.
In consequence, Guatemala has change into a hotspot for vacationers trying to dive deeper into studying Spanish.
Spanish faculties are considerable within the nation, and plenty of of them provide immersive 1-on-1 studying and the choice to do a homestay with a Guatemalan household.
If you wish to study Spanish within the shortest period of time, then Guatemala is a spot it is best to go to!
10. Attempt some recent Guatemalan espresso
One of many largest export of Guatemala is espresso, and it’s no shock why.
Due to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, delicate subtropical climate, and excessive altitude, Guatemalan espresso is wealthy and daring.
The espresso beans are largely Arabica beans (much like the espresso beans from Colombia), which implies they’re of the best high quality.
And for vacationers, there are many cafes in Antigua the place you may get pleasure from a cup of freshly made espresso on an outside terrace overlooking Volcano Agua, Antigua’s most recognizable volcano!
It’s an expertise each traveler should have in Guatemala!
11. Pleasant individuals
Guatemalans are identified for his or her pleasant and heat nature, and this extends to vacationers as properly. You probably have the pleasure of staying with a household in a homestay, they may welcome you with heat smiles and deal with you as one of many household.
They’ve a powerful connection to household and have deep-rooted household values.
Wherever you go, individuals may greet you with a easy “buenos días.” They don’t need something from you, they only wish to prolong hospitality.
Last Verdict
If you happen to had been questioning why it is best to go to Guatemala, hopefully our information has now given you all the explanations you want!
This nation is stuffed with magnificence in all places you look, and the time to go is now earlier than it will get too overcrowded!
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