Why Guatemala?
Guatemala is the sacred land of the Maya. It is a country of beautiful landscapes, further enhanced by its impressive past and exuberant natural environment.
Reasons to travel to Guatemala
The Land of Mayan Culture
The Heart of the Mayan World
World-Class Destinations
Mayan Gateway
Why Guatemala?
1. The Heart of the Mayan world.
Guatemala is the heart of the Mayan world. It is alive, enchanted, mystical, and ancestral. Its history comes from thousands of years ago when the Mayan Civilization surfaced and whose heritage is still indisputable in the traditions and culture of its inhabitants.
2. Cultural and natural abundance.
Guatemala has an exceptional cultural and natural abundance and an advantaged geographic position. The stretch from place to place is often short so that travelers can stop over in diverse regions during the same tour. Among its past and present, it is a particular and unique country, full of adventure and diverse tours for the taste of every traveler.
3. Awesome weather.
Its pleasant weather conditions grant travelers to visit it at any time of the year. It also offers diverse access opportunities from any section of the world through its two international airports: La Aurora, located in Guatemala City, and Mundo Maya, located in the department of Peten.
4. A place to be kept in the heart of the traveler.
The multi colorful handicraft markets and provincial costumes, the hospitality, and the beauty of the scenes that frame the volcanoes (some of them active), lakes, rivers, jungles, and mountains make Guatemala a place to be kept in the heart of the traveler. Not to mention that the natural, cultural, and historic legacy is unmistakable on every edge of the country.
5. The Mayan civilization is here.
Guatemala possesses many of the most relevant archeological sites of the Mayan Civilization, which are encompassed by an impressive jungle canopy and fauna. These Nature Reserves are considered the true lungs of humankind. The magic and thriller of the Mayan World endure in millenary cities such as Tikal, Yaxha, Aguateca, and Quirigua, among many others.
6. Specialized segments in tourism.
Moreover, Guatemala has advantages for many specialized segments in tourism; such as its vital location and the facilities in its land and maritime terminals, which make it an important destination for ships from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. More than 700 birds also make Guatemala an admirable and relevant destination for birdwatching. Likewise, the country has all the fundamental characteristics to propitiate business activities and to be an optimal country for national and international conventions.
7. Responsible Tourism.
Guatemala offers a broad range of opportunities for those who prefer specialized responsible tourism with world service and amiability, such as those that distinguish Guatemalans. It is a country of exclusive cultural abundance with amazing natural resources.
8. Guatemala tour packages.
Practical Travel Information. What you must know, packing list, useful tips, top-rated activities, and personal safety. All the practical and useful information you need for your trip to Guatemala.
9. Mayan sites.
Guatemala will give you the most exciting opportunity to get closer to the ancient Mayan World. The visit to its iconic Mayan cities is impressive, such as the massive Mayan City of ‘Tikal’ with its 222 square miles or the lost Mayan City of ‘El Mirador’ with the largest pyramid in the Mayan world, among many others scattered throughout the country.
10. Natural wonders.
Be dazzled by its breathtaking landscapes, such as ‘Lake Atitlan’ or ‘Semuc Champey’. Visit the largest market in Central America in ‘Chichicastenango’ and taste the world-famous coffee from ‘Antigua Guatemala’, the most beautiful colonial city in the Americas.
Reasons to visit Guatemala
1. To experience the incredible living Mayan Culture.
2. To visit the impressive Mayan archeological sites.
3. To revel in beautiful landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity.
4. To marvel at the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture.
5. To taste delicious traditional fare, prepared according to millenary recipes.
6. To purchase colorful textiles delicately embroidered by hand.
7. To climb above the clouds, climb some of the 33 volcanoes with the highest peaks in Central America.
The Land of the Mayan Culture
The exquisite cultural fusion of the millinery Maya, the colonial Spaniards, and the restful Afro-Caribbean descendants makes it an extraordinary location. In addition to this cultural wealth, Guatemala has been recognized as a mega-diverse nation, owing to its degree of biodiversity and numerous endemic species.
Its extraordinary cultural treasures, its historical heritage, and particular biodiversity make it a must-see destination for those visitors seeking a unique and authentic experience. It is geographically located at the center of the Americas and it has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans: thus Guatemala is quite easy to reach from any part of the world.
Guatemala is the perfect destination for those seeking a place that has yet to be discovered by the masses. It is a perfect place to find adventure and experiences, and to learn life lessons. Among the many places in the world that you can visit, why not choose Guatemala?
The Heart of the Mayan World
Guatemala is located at the center of the geographical region where this civilization flourished many thousands of years ago. It has now been proven that this civilization was born in the exuberant jungles of the North region of the country. This is where the greatest number and concentration of archeological sites of this civilization are located. At these sites, the evolution of Mayan construction can be seen, as there are structures from different periods and construction stages.
In addition to this impressive historical heritage, there are still direct Mayan descendants living in Guatemala. Over 50% of the population shares this origin and uses more than 20 different Mayan languages to communicate among themselves.
World-class destinations
These are just some of the fantastic Mayan ruins, Natural wonders, volcanoes, and culture that you will be able to see in Guatemala:
Visitors stand in awe of spectacular Mayan Temples protected by an exuberant tropical jungle. They can admire the exquisite architecture of the Classic Mayan Period in all its splendor. The call of howling monkeys, the song of many birds, and the comings and goings of spider monkeys welcome visitors to this paradisiac site. One day is not enough to discover all of its magic… plan to stay longer!
Distance from Guatemala City: 558 kilometers – 365 miles.
Travel time: 9 hours.
Elevation: 300 meters – 984.25 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 24° Celsius – 75°Fahrenheit
Three picturesque volcanoes surround the beautiful colonial city. Antigua Guatemala is located in a valley where the best coffee in the world is produced. Its unique atmosphere is an invitation for visitors to stroll along its cobblestone streets amid colonial structures. Its impressive historical value and incomparable beauty have led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. The surroundings of this beautiful city are considered some of the best places in the country for mountain biking and birdwatching of regional endemic species.
Distance from Guatemala City: 47 kilometers – 27 miles.
Travel time: 1 hour.
Elevation: 1,530 meters – 5,019 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 20° Celsius – 68°Fahrenheit
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes and charming Mayan villages, such as San Juan and Santiago. This is an ideal place to experience the amazing fusion of the Mayan conception of the world and the Catholic faith introduced by the Spanish. Visitors can climb the three volcanoes surrounding the lake throughout the year and revel in the most spectacular views.
Distance from Guatemala City: 144 kilometers – 89.4 miles.
Travel time: two and a half hours.
Elevation: 1,560 meters – 5,118 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 15° Celsius – 59°Fahrenheit
An astounding system of natural pools set amid a dense tropical jungle. The mighty Cahabon River flows underneath a natural limestone bridge spanning approximately 500 meters and then enters into an underground cave. Surrounding it, there are some spectacular calm turquoise-water pools. This amazing natural wonder can be best seen from a look-out point atop a hill, but in the very warm weather of the jungle, the clear water below beckons visitors to take a refreshing swim in these extraordinary pools.
Distance from Guatemala City: 296 kilometers – 183 miles.
Travel time: 6 hours.
Elevation: 320 meters – 1,050 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 24° Celsius – 75°Fahrenheit
Market day in this small indigenous town is the ideal setting to admire the amazing Mayan Culture. Considered the largest indigenous market and the most colorful in Central America, this famous site abounds in colors and a great diversity of products for sale, which include vegetables, flowers, handicrafts, and even farmyard animals. The religious syncretism between the Catholic faith and the Mayan worldview can be experienced inside the church, located in the center of the town.
Distance from Guatemala City: 146 kilometers – 90 miles.
Travel time: 2.5 hours.
Elevation: 2,070 meters – 6,791 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 18° Celsius – 64°Fahrenheit
Probably the most well-known and most frequently climbed volcano in Guatemala. This volcano never ceases to amaze those who visit it. Because it is always active, its shape is constantly changing so the experience when you visit it will always be different. While climbing it, you will be able to see striking views of other volcanoes.
Distance from Guatemala City: 55 kilometers – 34 miles.
Travel time: 1 hour.
Elevation: 2,558 meters – 8,392 feet above sea level.
Temperature: 24° Celsius – 75°Fahrenheit
Guatemala, a land of natural wonders, dense tropical jungle, imposing volcanoes, vibrant wildlife, and world-class coffee. You will find no Mayan ruins as giant and no locals as friendly as in this Central American wonderland.
