Although it may come as a surprise to some, many travelers tend to agree that Guatemala is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Americas. From hiking massive volcanoes to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, there’s certainly no shortage of unique and adventurous activities to keep yourself entertained.
For this article, we worked with various travel bloggers to bring you the 21 best things to do in Guatemala.
From its rich history to its incredible scenery, Tikal National Park is often regarded as one of the greatest locations in the Mayan world. This ancient city is Guatemala’s most famous archaeological site and perhaps the most fascinating destination in the entire country.
To visit Tikal is to take a step back in time to the days of an ancient civilization that predates both the Aztecs and the Incas by over a thousand years. It allows you to witness firsthand the sophistication and grandeur of the Maya that populated this city as well as providing insights into their diverse customs and beliefs.
Flores is a man-made island in northern Guatemala that boasts vibrant colors, stunning scenery, and a tropical atmosphere. The island is quite popular among backpackers as it’s frequently used as a base for visiting the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. While these ruins are incredible, Flores should be treated as more than just a means of getting there.
For one, the island is immensely beautiful. You can walk along cobblestone streets and admire the colorful Spanish architecture that saturates this small utopia. You’ll see that many buildings are made up of rich colors such as tangerine orange, crimson red, and cobalt blue.
Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is without a doubt the most fascinating destination I’ve ever visited.
During my time there I walked across swinging bridges, visited a drunken Mayan deity, watched a volcano erupt in the distance, and made friends with numerous locals. It was the greatest experience that a traveler could ask for and one which had a truly profound impact on my life.
The Maya were perhaps the greatest civilization to have ever existed.
Their achievements ranged from engineering fantastic religious structures to developing complex systems of astronomy, mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing.
Considering their position in history, would you be surprised to learn that the Maya are still around today?