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Hardly ever do I hear folks say Guatemala is on their bucket record. It’s not the primary Latin American nation you consider, it’s usually overshadowed by international locations like Costa Rica and Mexico who get all of the TV adverts and fanfares.
Although Guatemala doesn’t have the advertising and marketing assist that different Central American international locations have, that is exactly why you need to go.
Guatemala nonetheless stays a hidden gem, unspoiled by overtourism, undeveloped and never characterised by resorts, and its magnificence is unequalled 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 in search of tradition and historical past or gorgeous pure sights and landscapes, there’s one thing for everybody in Guatemala.
Learn on to seek out out why you need 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 often called 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 alternative 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 presents one thing totally different. San Pedro is fashionable for backpackers and is crammed with good bars and eating places. San Marcos is called a hippie city, and it’s a hub for every little thing wellness associated.
Get pleasure from waking up from one of many stunning accommodations 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 totally 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 dwelling at its easiest kind!
Prime tip: Try 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 be taught why the highland tribes journey for hours to attach with the spirits. Study 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 finally decide on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
These seashores are tremendous stunning to take a look at, however they don’t seem to be the one cause 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 probably the most well-known seashore city on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is El Paredon, a small group the place WiFi is weak and easy dwelling is at its greatest.
There’s solely a handful of lodging, and even much less for those with air-conditioning. Guests come right here to benefit from the off-grid dwelling and luxuriate in browsing on El Paredon’s seashore.
In case you are visiting from September to December, you may even be capable to take pleasure in 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 in warmth in a short time and simply.
This implies if you’re strolling on them in the midst of the day, you’ll most undoubtedly 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 energetic.
Unquestionably, mountain climbing volcanoes is likely one of the most iconic actions you are able to do within the nation.
In truth, 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 larger as effectively.
Hikers can summit the almost 4,000-meter volcano and see the close by extremely energetic 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 observe it erupt on the Volcano Acatenango hike, particularly should you 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 energetic volcano’s lava!
You can even get a horseback trip as much as skip a few of the most troublesome components of the hike.
- In a single day Volcano Acatenango Mountaineering Journey: Trek from Antigua touring via La Soledad village and on to Acatenango. See the attractive landscapes that Guatemala has to supply. Study extra right here.
- Pacaya Volcano Tour and Scorching Springs with Lunch: Get pleasure from a stroll on probably the most wonderful volcanoes in Guatemala throughout your stress-free day tour that features lunch at Kawilal Scorching Springs. Study extra right here.
4. Uncover the cobblestone streets of Antigua, Guatemala
The small metropolis of Antigua is likely 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 finally brought on the capital to be moved to present-day Guatemala Metropolis, however lots of the greatest points of interest of the nation nonetheless reside right here.
Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful colonial-style buildings.
Try the ruins that had been as soon as a few 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 likely one of the most important the reason why guests come to Guatemala!
Combo Tour: Colonial Antigua & Guatemala Metropolis Explorer Tour: Get pleasure from 2 fantastic cities, historical colonial metropolis of Antigua, a UNRSCO World Heritage Web site, and Trendy Guatemala Metropolis on the similar day. Study extra right here
5. Discover one of many world’s BEST Mayan ruins
Geographically, Guatemala was the place the center of the Mayan civilization relaxation.
Although the Mayan Civilization has vanished, they’ve left many unimaginable ruins that give us clues to the previous.
And maybe there are not any higher Mayan Ruins on the 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 few of the native wildlife within the area, comparable to tarantulas, howler monkeys, and jaguars.
However with the best steerage, exploring this iconic Mayan Break is an unimaginable expertise.
Guests can see the gorgeous temples that had been constructed totally by hand a number of hundred years in the past.
The tallest one is 213 ft (65 meters), however the huge archaeological web site continues to be underneath excavation so there may be extra to be found!
Tikal Day Tour From Flores With Lunch: Go to the archeological web site of Tikal and discover this essential web site on the coronary heart of the Mayan world. Journey from Flores on this full-day tour. Study extra right here.
6. Guatemala is inexpensive
Maybe one of many largest causes to go to Guatemala is its affordability.
Vacationers can spend a fraction of the price in Guatemala in comparison with different locations all over the world and have about the identical high quality of journey.
Mixed with its stunning tropical climate, glorious 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. Recognized for its gorgeous turquoise swimming pools surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic canyon, Semuc Champey is the definition of nature’s paradise.
The attractive place in Guatemala is uniquely fashioned by the Cahabón River, which existed underneath the limestone bridges that had been naturally created over time.
Its distinctive geological formation is likely 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 marvel, go cool off in one in every of 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 outside markets in Central America
Guatemala is dwelling to one of many largest outside 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 every little thing they may want (and never want) – from Mayan trinkets to previous electronics and tons of produce.
If you happen to attempt to flick through each single stall in Chichicastenango, it would take you greater than a whole day.
And like each Guatemala market there may be, anticipate lots of chaos, however it’s the chaos that makes this market so genuine and exquisite.
If you wish to store for souvenirs in Guatemala, that is the very best place to take action.
It may be somewhat bit touristy although, which suggests distributors mark up the worth for international vacationers. Be sure you negotiate if you will buy one thing!
- Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour From Antigua: Uncover Chichicastenango, the positioning of the most important and most colourful outside market in Latin America. Go to the city of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan for spectacular views. Study 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 luxuriate in a cruise on spectacular Lake Atitlan. Study extra right here.
9. Study Spanish in Guatemala
One of many the reason why vacationers come to Guatemala is to be taught Spanish.
There are a lot of totally different accents of Spanish all over the world, particularly in Central and South America, however the Guatemalan model is likely one of the most impartial.
This implies you might be extra seemingly 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 colleges are ample 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 be taught Spanish within the shortest period of time, then Guatemala is a spot you need to go to!
10. Strive some recent Guatemalan espresso
One of many largest export of Guatemala is espresso, and it’s no shock why.
Because of the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, delicate subtropical climate, and excessive altitude, Guatemalan espresso is wealthy and daring.
The espresso beans are principally Arabica beans (just like the espresso beans from Colombia), which suggests they’re of the best high quality.
And for vacationers, there are many cafes in Antigua the place you may take pleasure in a cup of freshly made espresso on an outside terrace overlooking Volcano Agua, Antigua’s most recognizable volcano!
It’s an expertise each traveler will need to have in Guatemala!
11. Pleasant folks
Guatemalans are identified for his or her pleasant and heat nature, and this extends to vacationers as effectively. In case you 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 robust connection to household and have deep-rooted household values.
Wherever you go, folks may greet you with a easy “buenos días.” They don’t need something from you, they simply wish to prolong hospitality.
Closing Verdict
If you happen to had been questioning why you need to go to Guatemala, hopefully our information has now given you all the explanations you want!
This nation is filled with magnificence all over the place you look, and the time to go is now earlier than it will get too overcrowded!
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