Guatemala

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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. Don’t be surprised if you hear yourself saying ‘we’ll have to come back and do that, next time.’ Guatemala’s got its problems, 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.

Last updated: Nov 6, 2008

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Antigua cityscape from Cerro de la Cruz.
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Antigua cityscape from Cerro de la Cruz.

Lonely Planet photographer
  • Diego Lezama
  • Lonely Planet photographer
  • Local man with bike.
  • Facade of Cathedral de Santiago lit up at night.
  • The bizarre, highly decorated bright yellow church of San Andres Xecul in Totonicapan.
  • A visitor strolls across the Complex Q plaza in Mayan Tikal. There are more than 41000 temples or pyramids in Tikal. The oldest date from the Pre-classic period (800 BC), and the most recent from the Post-classic period (900 AD).
  • Temple of the Grand Jaguar (Temple 1).
  • Lake Atitlan boat jetties with the view of Toliman and Atitlan Volcanoes
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