Guatemala is one of the most diverse countries in the world, being one of the leading natural destinations that stand out for its pre-Hispanic Mayan heritage, where its past blends with its present.
This natural, cultural and historical heritage can be discovered in every corner of the country, making the destination ideal for both leisure vacations and business travel.
The departments of Guatemala and Sacatepéquez are located in this region. Guatemala City is the entry point for most visitors entering by air. It is the most modern and cosmopolitan of the Central American area. La Antigua, Guatemala, is the main icon of the colonial Hispanic heritage. It was declared a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
It offers architecture, colonial monuments, churches, imagery, and altarpieces from the colonial era as well as visits to markets, craft workshops, study centers, monuments, volcanoes, restaurants, museums and coffee farms.
Mayan culture is on display in the departments of Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quiche, Chimaltenango, Totonicapan, Solola and the northern part of San Marcos. In this territory of pre-Hispanic and colonial history, visitors can appreciate the country's most deeply rooted living Mayan culture and come into contact with local communities, cultural expressions of popular tradition, colorful open-air markets, dances, rites, and processions, among others.
Additionally, they can enjoy its nature, landscape, crops, forests, hot springs and volcanoes.
The Guatemalan Altiplano offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, spectacular mountain scenery, and traditions of the Mayan culture.
The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow for hiking, canopy tours and ecotourism. The western region offers a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the customs of the conquistadors. It is a perfect combination of natural beauties, such as Lake Atitlan, and traditions, such as the colorful market of Chichicastenango.
The representation of ancient traditions and experiences of the Mayan people are reflected in each habit inherited from the ancestral diversity of the region. It also presents various options for meeting with the communities and is the ideal place to enjoy cultural diversity and learn languages and traditions. It promises visitors a unique experience.
Within its territorial limits, the Mayan civilization developed, finding its maximum expression in the department of Peten, mainly during the pre-classic and classic periods. Its archaeological sites surround the jungle, including the Tikal National Park, which was declared "Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1979. There is also the El Mirador site with the pyramid La Danta, the largest in volume worldwide.
Peten is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two Mayan Biosphere Reserves, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges, and four protected biotopes, among other diverse points to explore, so to know it is ideal for planning several days of stay.
Here, the legends of the Mayan Culture, one of the most amazing in the world, are born. Upon arrival, you will find fascinating archaeological sites surrounded by jungles that have kept them well protected.
The tourist offer of this region is extremely varied, with white sand beaches, nature, and cultural diversity. In this destination, you can find tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Quirigua Archaeological Park, Puerto Barrios, Lake Izabal, Livingston, El Boqueron Ecological Park, Finca Paraiso, Punta de Manabique, Rio Dulce National Park, Las Escobas and San Felipe de Lara Castle, as well as gastronomy with a Caribbean touch.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
