Introducing Guatemala
Guatemala is a magical place. If you’re into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you’re bound to be captivated. People come and they stay. Or they leave and return. There's almost too much going on here, and even the shortest trip takes you completely different places, with new challenges and surprises. Students of Spanish flock to Antigua, a gorgeous town nestled between three volcanoes, while those travelers seeking more off-the-beaten-track destinations might head to lesser known places like Lago de Izabal or Nebaj, a Maya village hidden in a remote fold of the Cuchumatanes mountains. And sooner or later, just about everyone ends up in the Highlands – Lago de Atitlán being an irresistable drawcard...
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Guatemala's Maya heritage is everywhere. El Petén's remote archaeological sites are unmissable; the fascinating town of Chichicastenango adheres to pre-Hispanic beliefs and rituals even now. Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the mysterious Pipil culture, with some interesting carved stone heads and relief scenes to be found in fields and fincas (plantations) around town.
Sure, Guatemala’s got its problems (most visible in its sprawling capital, Guatemala City), but it isn’t the scary place your mother fears it is. Travel here, once dangerous and uncomfortable, is now characterized by ease – you can do pretty much whatever you want, and will only be limited by your imagination.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Follow the volcanoes from Antigua all the way to Costa Rica
- Explore the best of Guatemala and Mexico in 13 days
- Search for paradise on a Mayan Encounter
- Discover the highlights of Guatemala on an 8-day tour
Last updated: Jan 17, 2013
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Guatemala
Things to do
- All things to do (471)
- Activities (106)
- Entertainment (64)
- Restaurants (134)
- Shopping (33)
- Sights (93)
- Tours (41)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Guatemala
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1 Tilapita
Put in some serious hammock time in this idyllic little beach town
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2 Quetzaltenango
Study Spanish, climb volcanoes, dine fine and catch some live music in Guatemala’s second city
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3 Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa
Discover the links between the ancient Olmec and Mayan cultures at remote hilltop sites
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4 Monterrico
Catch a wave, cruise the mangroves and save a turtle at Guatemala’s coastal playground
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5 Chichicastenango
Hunt down a bargain at Central America’s biggest and oldest market
Fast Facts about Guatemala
- Area 108,890 sq km (smaller than the US state of Louisiana, a bit bigger than England)
- ATMs Plentiful
- Budget US$15-30 per day
- Capital Guatemala City
- Costs Budget hotel in Guatemala City US$10, bottle of beer US$2, 3hr bus ride US$3, set lunch US$3
- Country code 502
- Electricity 115V to 125V, 60 Hz; US-type plugs
- Famous for Maya sites
- Head of state President Álvaro Colom
- Languages Spanish, Maya
- Money US$1 = Q7.90 (quetzals); US dollars readily accepted
- Phrases De huevos (cool), papichulo (handsome man), Chapin (Guatemalan)
- Population 13.1 million
- Time GMT minus 6 hours, minus 5 hours in daylight savings
- Traveler's checks Cashed at major banks (ATMs are easier)
- Visas North American and most EU citizens need only a valid passport