Guatemala Travel Guide

Parque Central

For centuries the park served as a focal point for the colonial city, bustling with activity, the gathering place for public floggings, parades and bullfights. Today it is a shady, peaceful place during the week, lined with villagers selling their handicrafts, but it comes alive every Sunday for the busy market day. It is surrounded by imposing structures, including the Cathedral, whose façade is all that remains of the original structure after numerous earthquakes. The Palace of the Captains General and the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) face each other across the square.

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of the city's convents, Las Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here were not allowed any contact with the outside world. Their tiny cells can be found in the walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.

Tikal

Set deep in the jungle of Parque Nacional Tikal lies the most magnificent of all Mayan ruins, the Mayan ceremonial center of Tikal (City of Voices). First occupied around 800 BC and mysteriously abandoned about 1,000 years later, its most striking features are the steep sided towering temples rising up to heights of 192ft (60m) into the green canopy of the rainforest. Scattered around the area are countless other structures, many still partially buried in the ground or having nearly succumbed to the overwhelming grasp of jungle greenery.

The central area, or Great Plaza, with its five main temples, was the heart of the ancient city and the center for religious and ceremonial activity. It is the most impressive section, especially the two massive pyramid-shaped structures with steep steps leading up to the roofed enclosures at the top. Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, is the main landmark of Tikal and was built to house the magnificent tomb of King Hasaw Chan K'awil. Temple II, opposite, has two grotesque, eroded masks on either side of the stairway and there are fantastic views from the top. The jungle around the ruins is alive with the sounds of bird and animal life, particularly the fearsome roars of howler monkeys, which have conjured up images of jaguars in many a frightened traveler's mind. Walking from ruined temple to temple, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the jungle, is an experience not offered at any other major Mayan site.

This combination of archaeological remains and natural environment of the jungle makes it the only place in the world to be declared both a Cultural and Natural Heritage to Humanity UNESCO Site. Visitors to Tikal are overwhelmed by the atmosphere and sheer scale of the place. There are two museums, one inside the Visitors' Center, containing copies of some of the elaborate sculptures, bas-reliefs and stelae from the ruins, a map showing Tikal as it was in 800 BC, and items recovered from the excavations, including the burial goods of King Hasaw Chan K'awil.

Chichicastenango

Chichi, as it is called, is renowned mainly for its Sunday and Thursday markets, Sunday being the busiest. A quaint traditional hill village with cobbled streets and red tiled roofs, it has been one of the largest centers of Mayan trade since pre-Hispanic times and thousands of people gather in a spectacle of color and festivity every week. The market attracts tourists, commercial traders and Mayan weavers from all over the highland area. It is also an important center of culture and religion, and the locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism. This is particularly evident around the Church of St Thomas where traders spread their goods on the steps, burn incense, offer food to the Mayan earth god, and pray to the Virgin Mary. Like its market, Chichi is famous for its outstanding handicrafts rich in color, design and workmanship. Tourist-orientated stalls blend into the frenzied trading of local necessities like fruit and vegetables, balls of wax, lumps of chalk, macaroni, sewing items, soap, baskets and spices.

Panajachel

The vacation resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie foreigners and a distinctly gringo character, an interesting holiday stop. The stunning lake setting and breathtaking views of three volcanoes, along with a relaxed ambience, draws many visitors to explore this town packed with hotels, small restaurants, lively nightspots and interesting sights, sounds and smells. It is a good base for excursions to the more traditional villages around the lake or to relax for a few days, with shopping, swimming and hanging out in one of the numerous restaurants or cafés being the main holiday activities.

San Pedro La Laguna

The vacation destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed, bohemian feel with a superb setting and is one of the most popular lakeside holiday spots. The village is centered on the Catholic Church and the market place and narrow cobbled streets lead sharply up the hill from the ferry docks.

Spread around the center of San Pedro La Laguna are coffee plantations, and little picturesque paths among them lead along the lake to where boulders and beaches provide ideal opportunities for some peaceful sunbathing and swimming. In the San Pedro La Laguna village there are also thermal pools offering further ways in which to relax while on vacation, with superb views of the volcanoes an added luxury. Volcán San Pedro, behind the village, offers some strenuous hiking rewarded with breathtaking views.

Parque Central

For centuries the park served as a focal point for the colonial city, bustling with activity, the gathering place for public floggings, parades and bullfights. Today it is a shady, peaceful place during the week, lined with villagers selling their handicrafts, but it comes alive every Sunday for the busy market day. It is surrounded by imposing structures, including the Cathedral, whose façade is all that remains of the original structure after numerous earthquakes. The Palace of the Captains General and the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) face each other across the square.

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of the city's convents, Las Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here were not allowed any contact with the outside world. Their tiny cells can be found in the walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.

Tikal

Set deep in the jungle of Parque Nacional Tikal lies the most magnificent of all Mayan ruins, the Mayan ceremonial center of Tikal (City of Voices). First occupied around 800 BC and mysteriously abandoned about 1,000 years later, its most striking features are the steep sided towering temples rising up to heights of 192ft (60m) into the green canopy of the rainforest. Scattered around the area are countless other structures, many still partially buried in the ground or having nearly succumbed to the overwhelming grasp of jungle greenery.

The central area, or Great Plaza, with its five main temples, was the heart of the ancient city and the center for religious and ceremonial activity. It is the most impressive section, especially the two massive pyramid-shaped structures with steep steps leading up to the roofed enclosures at the top. Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, is the main landmark of Tikal and was built to house the magnificent tomb of King Hasaw Chan K'awil. Temple II, opposite, has two grotesque, eroded masks on either side of the stairway and there are fantastic views from the top. The jungle around the ruins is alive with the sounds of bird and animal life, particularly the fearsome roars of howler monkeys, which have conjured up images of jaguars in many a frightened traveler's mind. Walking from ruined temple to temple, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the jungle, is an experience not offered at any other major Mayan site.

This combination of archaeological remains and natural environment of the jungle makes it the only place in the world to be declared both a Cultural and Natural Heritage to Humanity UNESCO Site. Visitors to Tikal are overwhelmed by the atmosphere and sheer scale of the place. There are two museums, one inside the Visitors' Center, containing copies of some of the elaborate sculptures, bas-reliefs and stelae from the ruins, a map showing Tikal as it was in 800 BC, and items recovered from the excavations, including the burial goods of King Hasaw Chan K'awil.

Chichicastenango

Chichi, as it is called, is renowned mainly for its Sunday and Thursday markets, Sunday being the busiest. A quaint traditional hill village with cobbled streets and red tiled roofs, it has been one of the largest centers of Mayan trade since pre-Hispanic times and thousands of people gather in a spectacle of color and festivity every week. The market attracts tourists, commercial traders and Mayan weavers from all over the highland area. It is also an important center of culture and religion, and the locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism. This is particularly evident around the Church of St Thomas where traders spread their goods on the steps, burn incense, offer food to the Mayan earth god, and pray to the Virgin Mary. Like its market, Chichi is famous for its outstanding handicrafts rich in color, design and workmanship. Tourist-orientated stalls blend into the frenzied trading of local necessities like fruit and vegetables, balls of wax, lumps of chalk, macaroni, sewing items, soap, baskets and spices.

Panajachel

The vacation resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie foreigners and a distinctly gringo character, an interesting holiday stop. The stunning lake setting and breathtaking views of three volcanoes, along with a relaxed ambience, draws many visitors to explore this town packed with hotels, small restaurants, lively nightspots and interesting sights, sounds and smells. It is a good base for excursions to the more traditional villages around the lake or to relax for a few days, with shopping, swimming and hanging out in one of the numerous restaurants or cafés being the main holiday activities.

San Pedro La Laguna

The vacation destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed, bohemian feel with a superb setting and is one of the most popular lakeside holiday spots. The village is centered on the Catholic Church and the market place and narrow cobbled streets lead sharply up the hill from the ferry docks.

Spread around the center of San Pedro La Laguna are coffee plantations, and little picturesque paths among them lead along the lake to where boulders and beaches provide ideal opportunities for some peaceful sunbathing and swimming. In the San Pedro La Laguna village there are also thermal pools offering further ways in which to relax while on vacation, with superb views of the volcanoes an added luxury. Volcán San Pedro, behind the village, offers some strenuous hiking rewarded with breathtaking views.

Parque Central

For centuries the park served as a focal point for the colonial city, bustling with activity, the gathering place for public floggings, parades and bullfights. Today it is a shady, peaceful place during the week, lined with villagers selling their handicrafts, but it comes alive every Sunday for the busy market day. It is surrounded by imposing structures, including the Cathedral, whose façade is all that remains of the original structure after numerous earthquakes. The Palace of the Captains General and the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) face each other across the square.

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of the city's convents, Las Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here were not allowed any contact with the outside world. Their tiny cells can be found in the walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.

Tikal

Set deep in the jungle of Parque Nacional Tikal lies the most magnificent of all Mayan ruins, the Mayan ceremonial center of Tikal (City of Voices). First occupied around 800 BC and mysteriously abandoned about 1,000 years later, its most striking features are the steep sided towering temples rising up to heights of 192ft (60m) into the green canopy of the rainforest. Scattered around the area are countless other structures, many still partially buried in the ground or having nearly succumbed to the overwhelming grasp of jungle greenery.

The central area, or Great Plaza, with its five main temples, was the heart of the ancient city and the center for religious and ceremonial activity. It is the most impressive section, especially the two massive pyramid-shaped structures with steep steps leading up to the roofed enclosures at the top. Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, is the main landmark of Tikal and was built to house the magnificent tomb of King Hasaw Chan K'awil. Temple II, opposite, has two grotesque, eroded masks on either side of the stairway and there are fantastic views from the top. The jungle around the ruins is alive with the sounds of bird and animal life, particularly the fearsome roars of howler monkeys, which have conjured up images of jaguars in many a frightened traveler's mind. Walking from ruined temple to temple, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the jungle, is an experience not offered at any other major Mayan site.

This combination of archaeological remains and natural environment of the jungle makes it the only place in the world to be declared both a Cultural and Natural Heritage to Humanity UNESCO Site. Visitors to Tikal are overwhelmed by the atmosphere and sheer scale of the place. There are two museums, one inside the Visitors' Center, containing copies of some of the elaborate sculptures, bas-reliefs and stelae from the ruins, a map showing Tikal as it was in 800 BC, and items recovered from the excavations, including the burial goods of King Hasaw Chan K'awil.

Chichicastenango

Chichi, as it is called, is renowned mainly for its Sunday and Thursday markets, Sunday being the busiest. A quaint traditional hill village with cobbled streets and red tiled roofs, it has been one of the largest centers of Mayan trade since pre-Hispanic times and thousands of people gather in a spectacle of color and festivity every week. The market attracts tourists, commercial traders and Mayan weavers from all over the highland area. It is also an important center of culture and religion, and the locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism. This is particularly evident around the Church of St Thomas where traders spread their goods on the steps, burn incense, offer food to the Mayan earth god, and pray to the Virgin Mary. Like its market, Chichi is famous for its outstanding handicrafts rich in color, design and workmanship. Tourist-orientated stalls blend into the frenzied trading of local necessities like fruit and vegetables, balls of wax, lumps of chalk, macaroni, sewing items, soap, baskets and spices.

Panajachel

The vacation resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie foreigners and a distinctly gringo character, an interesting holiday stop. The stunning lake setting and breathtaking views of three volcanoes, along with a relaxed ambience, draws many visitors to explore this town packed with hotels, small restaurants, lively nightspots and interesting sights, sounds and smells. It is a good base for excursions to the more traditional villages around the lake or to relax for a few days, with shopping, swimming and hanging out in one of the numerous restaurants or cafés being the main holiday activities.

San Pedro La Laguna

The vacation destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed, bohemian feel with a superb setting and is one of the most popular lakeside holiday spots. The village is centered on the Catholic Church and the market place and narrow cobbled streets lead sharply up the hill from the ferry docks.

Spread around the center of San Pedro La Laguna are coffee plantations, and little picturesque paths among them lead along the lake to where boulders and beaches provide ideal opportunities for some peaceful sunbathing and swimming. In the San Pedro La Laguna village there are also thermal pools offering further ways in which to relax while on vacation, with superb views of the volcanoes an added luxury. Volcán San Pedro, behind the village, offers some strenuous hiking rewarded with breathtaking views.

Parque Central

For centuries the park served as a focal point for the colonial city, bustling with activity, the gathering place for public floggings, parades and bullfights. Today it is a shady, peaceful place during the week, lined with villagers selling their handicrafts, but it comes alive every Sunday for the busy market day. It is surrounded by imposing structures, including the Cathedral, whose façade is all that remains of the original structure after numerous earthquakes. The Palace of the Captains General and the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) face each other across the square.

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of the city's convents, Las Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here were not allowed any contact with the outside world. Their tiny cells can be found in the walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.

Tikal

Set deep in the jungle of Parque Nacional Tikal lies the most magnificent of all Mayan ruins, the Mayan ceremonial center of Tikal (City of Voices). First occupied around 800 BC and mysteriously abandoned about 1,000 years later, its most striking features are the steep sided towering temples rising up to heights of 192ft (60m) into the green canopy of the rainforest. Scattered around the area are countless other structures, many still partially buried in the ground or having nearly succumbed to the overwhelming grasp of jungle greenery.

The central area, or Great Plaza, with its five main temples, was the heart of the ancient city and the center for religious and ceremonial activity. It is the most impressive section, especially the two massive pyramid-shaped structures with steep steps leading up to the roofed enclosures at the top. Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, is the main landmark of Tikal and was built to house the magnificent tomb of King Hasaw Chan K'awil. Temple II, opposite, has two grotesque, eroded masks on either side of the stairway and there are fantastic views from the top. The jungle around the ruins is alive with the sounds of bird and animal life, particularly the fearsome roars of howler monkeys, which have conjured up images of jaguars in many a frightened traveler's mind. Walking from ruined temple to temple, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the jungle, is an experience not offered at any other major Mayan site.

This combination of archaeological remains and natural environment of the jungle makes it the only place in the world to be declared both a Cultural and Natural Heritage to Humanity UNESCO Site. Visitors to Tikal are overwhelmed by the atmosphere and sheer scale of the place. There are two museums, one inside the Visitors' Center, containing copies of some of the elaborate sculptures, bas-reliefs and stelae from the ruins, a map showing Tikal as it was in 800 BC, and items recovered from the excavations, including the burial goods of King Hasaw Chan K'awil.

Chichicastenango

Chichi, as it is called, is renowned mainly for its Sunday and Thursday markets, Sunday being the busiest. A quaint traditional hill village with cobbled streets and red tiled roofs, it has been one of the largest centers of Mayan trade since pre-Hispanic times and thousands of people gather in a spectacle of color and festivity every week. The market attracts tourists, commercial traders and Mayan weavers from all over the highland area. It is also an important center of culture and religion, and the locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism. This is particularly evident around the Church of St Thomas where traders spread their goods on the steps, burn incense, offer food to the Mayan earth god, and pray to the Virgin Mary. Like its market, Chichi is famous for its outstanding handicrafts rich in color, design and workmanship. Tourist-orientated stalls blend into the frenzied trading of local necessities like fruit and vegetables, balls of wax, lumps of chalk, macaroni, sewing items, soap, baskets and spices.

Panajachel

The vacation resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie foreigners and a distinctly gringo character, an interesting holiday stop. The stunning lake setting and breathtaking views of three volcanoes, along with a relaxed ambience, draws many visitors to explore this town packed with hotels, small restaurants, lively nightspots and interesting sights, sounds and smells. It is a good base for excursions to the more traditional villages around the lake or to relax for a few days, with shopping, swimming and hanging out in one of the numerous restaurants or cafés being the main holiday activities.

San Pedro La Laguna

The vacation destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed, bohemian feel with a superb setting and is one of the most popular lakeside holiday spots. The village is centered on the Catholic Church and the market place and narrow cobbled streets lead sharply up the hill from the ferry docks.

Spread around the center of San Pedro La Laguna are coffee plantations, and little picturesque paths among them lead along the lake to where boulders and beaches provide ideal opportunities for some peaceful sunbathing and swimming. In the San Pedro La Laguna village there are also thermal pools offering further ways in which to relax while on vacation, with superb views of the volcanoes an added luxury. Volcán San Pedro, behind the village, offers some strenuous hiking rewarded with breathtaking views.