Guatemala is located in the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador in Central America. Only southern Guatemala borders the Pacific Ocean. A vacation in Guatemala begins for the most tourists in Guatemala City. To bridge the new time zone, you can choose to stay calm here for a few days. The city has a pleasing appearance and has a super modern side. However, most tourists will soon pursue their way and begin a tour through the beautiful and impressive landscape of Guatemala. Volcanic mountains, vast lakes, mountain peaks, jungles and tropical rainforests alternate with ease. Most routes go to unusual places in which the Mayan culture is central. The fascinating history of this centuries-old people is even the reason for many people to visit this country. Nature, culture, and history come together in Guatemala in a special way. Below are the top historical Sites to visit in this location:
Tikal
In northern Guatemala, you can visit the ancient Mayan culture at Tikal. As one of the largest Mayan cities in history, the city of Tikal has been able to exert a lot of influence. Tikal was a great center within the Mayabeschaving. Tikal was declared a world heritage by Unesco. Many excavations in the jungle have exposed beautiful historical monuments, from which ancient knowledge has been gained. In the town of Tikal, formerly known as ‘Yax Mutal,’ you can admire some temples, pyramids, walls, squares and many acropolis. Only a small percentage of the Mayan city can be admired. The biggest part is still hidden deep under the ground.
The Ancient Capital of Antigua
The city of Antigua, founded in 1543, is a gem among the towns of Guatemala. At that time it was still called ‘Santiago de los Caballeros.’ The Spanish past of this city at the foot of the Volcan de Agua is still felt as you walk through the center. For example, Antigua has many unique and colonial buildings such as the Catedral de Santiago, Palacio del Ayuntamiento, IglesiaPalacio de Los Capitanes Generales, and the Convent of the Merced, Parque Central and the Hospital of San Pedro. Because the ancient capital of Antigua has been listed on UNesco’s world heritage site since 1979, it has no lack of visitors.
Lake of Atitlán
The Crater Lake Atitlán is west of Guatemala City. ‘Lago de Atitlán’ is over 18 meters long and eight kilometers wide. Also, it is surrounded by twelve volcanoes. According to some visitors, Atitlán’s lake is considered to be the most beautiful lake in the world. We want to say that it is, in any case, the most beautiful lake in Guatemala. In the vicinity of the lake, you can visit some of the most beautiful attractions like LagunaSan Pedro La Laguna, and Santa Catarina Palopó. And of course, there are various adventurous excursions in the vicinity of the Atitlán.
Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya’s active stratovolcano measures a height of over twenty-five hundred meters. For various sports enthusiasts, the Pacaya volcano is, therefore, a challenge to climb. Under the guidance of a guide, the journey takes about a little two hours. This depends a little on the condition of the participants. One should provide good equipment. Consider drinking water, something to eat, good shoes and appropriate clothes. The weather can easily be reversed, and at the top, it’s a lot of fresher. Once upon a time, you are treated to a phenomenal view of the region.
Guatemala City
The crowded ‘La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción’ is often referred to as ‘Guate’ by the inhabitants of the city. The capital city of Guatemala is also a tourist destination, in addition to a management center. La Aurora International Airport provides a daily flow of new visitors who are welcome to visit the city. With sights in the Historic Center ‘Zone One’, such as the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, Casa Presidencial, Plaza de la Constitución and Catedral de Ciudad de Guatemala, the city has a lot of cultures. Also, the city has some fascinating museums, fun nightlife and a lot of atmospheres.
El Mirador
The jungles of Guatemala have still hidden many hidden treasures. El Mirador, north of Tikal, is a good example of this. The pre-Colombian Mayan culture El Mirador was discovered around 1926. Only a few years later a challenging expedition was started to dig up different ancient architecture. And that was widely rewarded. Nobody could have imagined how impressive this place was and now. Meanwhile, various ancient pyramids, temples and other historic structures have been revealed, where several studies have already been left behind.
Quetzaltenango
The southeastern city of Quetzaltenango, also called Xela, features beautiful old architecture. The most prosperous period took place during the nineteenth century. Quetzaltenango was an important city in the coffee industry. The historic center is full of beautiful old buildings. Nowadays, the city is known as a university city, an important trading center and a city for shopping. During the annual Central Fair, all of these things are happily combined. The volcano landscape in the area is ideal for sporting activities.
San Miguel Petapa
In the south of Guatemala, near the beautiful Amatitlán lake lies the town and municipality of San Miguel Petapa. The city itself is often visited for the often exuberantly celebrated traditional and religious events. The most famous of this is the traditional Danza de las Flores dance of the flowers and the ‘Feria Patronal’ a September party in honor of Archangel S. Michael. Other area attractions include La Cerra Ecological Park and Mayan Golf Course.
Chichicastenango
The city of Chichicastenango is widely known in Guatemala for the K’iche ‘Maya culture and the market that is held. The cultural life in ‘Chichi’ is particularly visible on the market. All kinds of staples are filled with crafts, delicacies, jewelry, masks, herbs, clothes, fabrics and flowers. Other interesting sights of the city include the Santo Tomás church, the colorful Chichi cemetery, and Cerro de la Democracia.
Museo Popol Vuh
In Guatemala City, on the campus of Francisco Marroquín University, you can visit the Popol Vuh Museum. This museum was founded in the nineteenth century by Mr. Jorge Castillo. The museum has exhibited an outstanding collection of art from the Mayan culture. Both visitors and university students can study all aspects of Pre-Columbian history in detail. You will find ceramic objects, stone sculptures and a mythological section in which all kinds of gods are being discussed. The name of the museum can be deduced to the historical, mythological text of the Mayan population K’iche.
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