The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala

Visiting Guatemala is discovering a multitude of hidden treasures. Discover this incredible Central American country through these 10 most beautiful places in the country!

Guatemala is a rather unknown country, yet it has a unique culture and a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Situated south of Mexico , this small territory is of incommensurable wealth: lush jungles, flora and fauna, multicolored cities, vestiges of cities among the most powerful of the pre-Columbian era, etc.

All this is bathed in a Maya culture that is still alive and vibrant. Above all, the generosity of its inhabitants will not fail to make you love this very enduring country. Without further delay, here are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala!

1. The Lake Atitlán

The Lake Atitlán is known to be the most beautiful lake in the world, extending its clear waters into a vast valley surrounded by three volcanoes . A simply amazing setting, the cradle of the Mayan people. Indeed, many villages scattered the banks of Atitlán, home to 3 Mayan communities: the Kakchikels, the Tzutuhils and the Quichés.

Here, you only have to let yourself be carried by the sweet life of the lake. Women still wear guilpil, a traditional multicolored habit, and you will have the opportunity to see them weave. Don't miss tasting local cuisine! The Mayan community, enterprising and active, unravels the places of a mystical aura just unique to the world.

Jump on board lancha (motor boat) to reach these places, outside the beaten paths, not to be missed:

• San Antonio Palopó
• Santa Catarina and its multicolored houses
• San Marcos
• Santiago Atitlán and its cofradías
• ♪ swimming pools Quixayá

2. Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is undoubtedly one of the most heavenly places you will see. However, this little jewel deserves. To access the site, you will need to travel rough road hours through the jungle. But the game is worth it!

Here you can bathe in a turquoise water inhabited by a multitude of small fish that will come to bite your toes. These unusual pools, wrapped by lush vegetation, offer a simply idyllic setting.

On site, you can embark on a hike in the heart of the jungle, certainly challenging, but which will not fail to marvel: gigantic butterflies, bird singing fanfare, fruit trees, ect. At the end of the trip, you arrive at a mirador that offers a spectacular view of the Semuc Champey Gorge.

A place out of time, completely wild, which also offers the luxury to be little visited!

3. Tikal

Tikal was one of the most powerful cities of Mayan civilization. Although some constructions date from the fourth century before our era, the kingdom knows its peak between 200 and 900. The immense pyramids are then built, culminating above the canopy.

Today, Tikal National Park is one of the most important archaeological sites in America. Located north of Guatemala, in the heart of the Petén jungle, it houses the remains of imposing temples and palaces, witnesses of the greatness and technological refinement of the city.

Visitors can lose themselves freely in this huge complex and admire the ruins buried in vegetation. All your senses will be awakened to Tikal: the spicy smell of the jungle, the monk atmosphere, the screaming of the monkeys, the vivid colors of the toucans, and more.

A tip: plan binoculars to observe fauna!

4. Antigua

Antigua is considered the most beautiful city in Guatemala. Its colourful streets with colonial architecture are home to many monuments that mark the history of the city: the ruins of the cathedral of Santiago, the arch of Santa Catalina, the church of Merced, ect.

Antigua was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish to become the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. However, it is a victim throughout its history of many devastating earthquakes, which will make it lose its status and still mark the old stones of the city. Today, many tourists flock there and Antigua enjoys a soft and peaceful atmosphere.

Three blue giants dominate the streets of the city: the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Often bathed in the mist, they give the city its unique atmosphere.

5. The market of Chichicastenango

Accommodation Chichicastenango market , or Chichi every Thursday and Sunday. And for cause: it is one of the oldest and most renowned markets in Central America! Immense maze of all kinds of stalls, it plunges you into the heart of Mayan culture.

Let yourself be transported by this whirlpool of smells and colors for a day. Stop at the church of Santo Tomas, on the steps of which are sold a multitude of flowers with striking scents, and admire the beautiful traditional outfits of Mayan women. A real immersion, which is also a perfect occasion to bring back beautiful typical memories.

6. Guatemala City

Guatemala City suffers from a very bad reputation and it is not for nothing. The capital of Guatemala is dangerous. Yet, your plane will certainly land there and, provided that it meets some basic precautionary rules, the city offers some real points of interest.

This may be the best opportunity for you to learn more about Guatemalan history. The city is full of museums, including the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which houses an impressive collection of objects and works of pre-Columbian art. More broadly, walking through the historic district (areas 1 and 2) allows you to admire the colonial and modern architecture of the city and some beautiful monuments: el Palacio de Gobernación Cathedral, National Palace, etc.

7. Las Fuentes Georginas

Not far from the city of Quetzaltenango, nestled on the Zunil volcano, are located las Fuentes Georginas hot water hot springs. The baths they feed mainly attract the premises that come to relax. Their sulphur water has recognized medicinal properties throughout the country.

You're swimming in Georginas , you enjoy a privileged setting to breathe. Opal waters, bathed by a waterfall, are taken in a lush green setting covering the steep slopes of the volcano. It is also an ideal place to meet the Guatemalans.

You wish to visit Las fuentes Georginas ? Take one picop from the beautiful city Zunil , which is also worth a visit.

8. Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango , commonly referred to as Xela (to be pronounced "shela"), is the second city of Guatemala. It is a charming, quiet and peaceful place in which you will feel safe. Its historic centre is very pleasant and has a certain cachet.

You can visit a rich architectural and cultural heritage, impregnated jointly with colonial and indigenous culture. The city is home to a large Mayan community, representing 75 per cent of the population, compared to 40 per cent across the country.

In the evening, the centre of Xela is lively and you can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars and concerts.

9. Monterrico

Monterrico is located on the Pacific Coast, south of Guatemala. Prepare to face heat and humidity! Life in this small fishing village is at the rate imposed by the tropical climate: soft and peaceful.

The atmosphere here is quite different than elsewhere in the country. The houses are chaume, the trees are even more fruity, the air is more spicy, the green seems greener and the ocean waves smashed wildly on long grey beaches.

In Monterrico you can stroll or sip a cocktail in a wooden paillote on the beach. The nature reserve of Hawaii is nearby: a large mangrove that is groubling in life. You can go to its discovery before sunrise, aboard a canoe, and observe the very many birds that live there. An unforgettable experience!

10. Livingston

Livingston is a special destination to make during your stay in Guatemala. You can only access this small isolated village on the Caribbean coast on a boat. By visiting Livingston, you are going to meet the Garifunas, an Afro-Caribbean people from the meshes between the natives and evaded black slaves.

Here, culture is radically different than in the rest of the country. You will find it difficult to believe, yet you are still in Guatemala! Enjoy the soft atmosphere of Livingston, rocked by the reggae and the cumbia , and prelause yourself in paradisiacal Playa Blanca . Especially, don't miss to taste Garifunas' cuisine, to fall down!