While Mexico and Belize used to get a lot of attention, other Central American countries have been getting the spotlight in recent years. One of them is Guatemala, a country you can go to relax, have an active vacation, help the community there, and participate in environmental efforts. It has more than enough adventures and experiences that you will want to stay for a month at least. Need more convincing? Here are the reasons why Guatemala should be on your travel list in the near future.
Guatemala is home to Eden on Earth
By many, Lake Atitlán is thought of as Eden on Earth and the most attractive spot in the world. Surrounded by green valleys, Sierra Madre peaks, and volcanoes, the lake takes up 50 square miles with villages and towns on its coasts. Each of these towns is special for something. For example, San Pedro is famous for parties, Panajachel is the central point for ex-pats, and San Marcos is for spiritual healing.
Those interested in Mayan culture should visit Santa Cruz, a traditional town that is located on the steep hills above the lake. Lastly, take a boat to Jaibalito, a quiet village where you can find affordable and peaceful accommodation.
You can see colonial architecture at its finest
Antigua is the capital of Guatemala full of restaurants, markets, and art. Expats love to stay here so you will find international cuisine, craft beers, and even Texas barbecue. However, make sure to try local dishes like fried plantains and enchiladas.
Another special feature of Antigua is its colonial architecture with wrought-iron work, blooms, cobblestone streets, and magnificent colors on the buildings. The city is not expensive, and those interested in learning Spanish can start here since Antiguans speak the most understandable form in the country.
It’s a great place for first-time volunteers
Traveling to volunteer abroad attracts more and more people every year who want to make the world a better place. Guatemala is one of those countries perfect for beginner volunteers. For example, you can teach English to kids and adults or you can help biologists and researchers with turtle conservation.
If you are interested to get to know a different culture and customs, you can live with the local family and help with their everyday chores. Another way to have an immersive experience is through eco-farming coffee and macadamia nut plantations. Whichever volunteering experience you choose the Guatemalans will appreciate it since the country has a high poverty rate, especially in rural areas.
Guatemalan volcanoes are active and hikeable
Guatemala has plenty of volcanoes and a number of them are active. Instead of running away from those, the Guatemalans turned this into an adventure. So, if you ever wondered what it’s like to climb up the active volcano you can do it on Pacaya Volcano near Antigua.
Backpackers love this hike because the smoke is still coming out of the top since its 2015 eruption and the rocks are hot enough to toast marshmallows. One thing is sure, with 37 hikeable volcanoes, you won’t have any trouble finding one to climb or even a few.
You can go on a spectacular water adventure
Semuc Champey is one of the most extraordinary sceneries in Guatemala where you can swim, explore caves, and take hikes in the jungle. It’s part of the Cahabon River with natural limestone crosses that create pools on the riverbed with serene waterfalls. No one can resist the turquoise waters and the opportunity to go tubing down the cascades, especially the kids.
But, besides the pools at Semuc Champey, you can stop by and have fun at one of the Guatemalan beaches. Playa Blanca on the Caribbean coast is just as you picture tropical paradise, while Playa Tilapa is closer to the Mexican border and a great surfing spot. If you’ve never been to black sand beach, take the opportunity while in Guatemala and go to Monterrico beach a couple of hours from Antigua.
The country has over a thousand Mayan ruins
Guatemala has a lot of Mayan ruins to explore, but the most popular one is Tikal. Once a great city of the Mayan civilization, the ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site populated by indigenous people. Here you will find the tallest Mayan temple and favorite to climb to wait for a colorful sunrise. Tikal will keep your attention long after dawn with structures, pyramids, and playful spider monkeys that jump in the tree canopies.
Besides Tikal, you can also visit the Yaxhá pyramids with over 500 structures and the magnificent lake that was once the Mayans’ source of water. Zaculeu ruins are special for their white appearance coming from the stone they are built from, hence the name meaning ’white earth’.
Finally
These reasons to have Guatemala on the travel list just scratched the surface of all the beautiful and remarkable things to experience here. Be a volunteer, climb up the volcano, and watch the sun waking up the valleys underneath the Mayan pyramid. Guatemala is a welcoming country to anyone who wants to get to know its culture but also feels like they belong there.