Situated just south of Mexico, the nation of Guatemala is often overlooked by tourists in favor of nearby tropical destinations like Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico. However, this beautifully diverse country has remained a hidden tourist gem for decades. Home to some of the most impressive Mayan sites, along with rainforests, volcanos, lakes, and colonial cities, Guatemala has a lot to offer its visitors. Keep reading below for some of the top places to visit in this amazing country!

Tikal

Located in the middle of the dense jungle in the northern region of Guatemala in the Peten Province, the National Park of Tikal features one of the most impressive ancient Mayan cities. Beginning as a small village in 900 BC, Tikal eventually became an important political, economic, and military center in 300 BC. With its giant, impressive pyramids, palaces, plazas, Tikal is one of the most important archaeological sites left by the Mayan civilization. In fact, one of its featured temples, Temple IV, is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.

Today, Tikal consists of an expansive area of wetlands, savanna, and, of course, archaeological sites. Visitors are welcome to explore the ancient palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, homes, ball-game courts, and terraces of the Mayan civilization. Be prepared to be awed by the history and beauty of this incredible place!

Lake Atitlán

Located in massive volcanic crater in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands, Lake Atitlán is one of those places that just makes you take a deep breath and say, “Wow!” A giant body of water surrounded by peaceful rolling hills, quaint villages, and coffee plantations, Lake Atitlan offers visitors a plethora of activities to choose from and enjoy.

This region is filled with incredible eco-lodges and tours and is surrounded by lovely scenery and villages. The nearby town of Panajachel is full of vendors selling traditional Guatemalan crafts, textiles, and foods to try. The Lake Atitlán nature reserve also offers a myriad of trails, as well as a butterfly garden, through which guests can hike. Tourists can even climb the active volcano, which sits 3,000 meters above sea level! From the surreal scenery (which is best enjoyed by boat) to the beautiful coffee plantations and bustling villages, Lake Atitlán is full of adventure!

Antigua

The colonial city of Antigua is a small city in southern Guatemala that is surrounded by volcanoes. Founded in the year 1543 as the seat of Spanish power in the area, Antigua served as the cultural, religious, and economic center of Guatemala and the surrounding area for more than 200 years. Though Antigua was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 17th century, most of the renowned colonial buildings were rebuilt.

Today, Antigua is renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage. Guests can spend days exploring the nooks and crannies of this bustling city. Visitors are welcome to take Spanish and salsa lessons, shop the local handicrafts and textiles, enjoy the delicious traditional foods, learn about the fascinating cultural history of the city, and even climb up to the tallest point outside of Antigua, Cerro de la Cruz, to get an amazing view of the entire city. For a unique experience, visit the city during Holy Week, or Semana Santa, and see the city come to life with thousands of people in celebration of the Christian holiday.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey, which means “Where the river hides under the stones,” is a natural monument located in the densely forested area in the central region of Guatemala. This spectacular natural area is a magical limestone paradise, full of turquoise blue pools, caves, and waterfalls. In fact, it is even considered one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Visitors can take a fantastic guided tour that includes swinging on rope swings, wading through watery caves, hiking through the dense forest, and swimming in the relaxing limestone pools. Though the pools are a little tricky to get to, because they are off the traditional beaten path, the beautiful experience will reward you many times over!

Guatemala City

A visit to Guatemala is not complete without a visit to the country’s busy and historical capital city, conveniently named Guatemala City. This huge city can be a little complicated to navigate, but if you know where to go, it can be an utterly fascinating experience.

Be sure to visit Mercado Central, or Central Market, to purchase beautiful handcrafted souvenirs. This market is full of endless mazes and underground passages, and, though it may not be as pretty as the open-air markets in Antigua, the crafts found here are often much cheaper. Visitors can browse stalls selling leather goods, woolen blankets, and wooden masks and bowls (but be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpockets lurk here).

Visit one of Guatemala City’s top museums, such as the Palacio Nacional or Museo Ixchel, which will teach you about Guatemalan history, including Mayan and Spanish history, textile-making, and archaeology.

With buildings dating all the way back to the Spanish Empire, walk through the vast plazas, such as Plaza Mayor, which is home to some of the city’s most spectacular buildings, including the National Palace and the Catedral Metropolitana.

From historical monuments to fascinating museums, architecture, and food, don’t miss out on all that this major city has to offer!

Post written by Grace Klopp