Guatemala
Mayan markets, erupting volcanoes and lost cities hidden in tropical jungles
A visit to Guatemala is awash with colour, vibrancy and intrigue, where welcoming locals greet you with a warm smile and great pride in their country and culture.
From white sandy Caribbean beaches, explore wildlife-rich rivers running deep through tropical jungle that hide countless Lost Cities, including the incredible ruins of Tikal, El Mirador and Ceibal in El Peten in the north.
The cooler highlands are home to the beautiful colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua and many colourful market towns, such as Chichicastenango and Solola, which lie close to Lake Atitlan and are overlooked by foreboding peaks. Further afield, impressive volcanoes ooze glutinous red lava down their dark flanks - one of which, Pacaya Volcano, can be visited on a half-day walk.
Rich Mayan traditions still exist in many highland villages, including Santiago and Nebaj, in the Ixil Triangle, Garífuna culture remains strong in Caribbean towns like Livingstone. The bustling hub of Guatemala city has its urban charms but is a world away from the remote black sands of the Pacific beaches, where those venturing off the beaten track can explore the Biotopo Monterico-Hawaii Reserve by boat or find a waterside hammock, lay back and watch the surf come in.
Travellers looking for adventure will not be disappointed. Guatemala has a whole range of activities to offer from hiking to the summit of the San Pedro volcano, parascending over Lake Atitlan, zip-lining through the jungle, horse riding in the Los Cuchumatanes mountains, or spotting wildlife including the elusive manatee and Guatemala’s National Bird, the Quetzal, in one of Guatemala's many National Parks.
Guatemala is often described as being Classic Central America. A fascinating country of great contrasts, it is one which people return to again and again. And don’t forget to leave some space in your bag when you pack – you’ll need it to fit in all the Guatemalan crafts and you’ll want to bring back home!