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Top things to do in Guatemala
Wander colonial Antigua, see the picturesque Lake Atitlan and visit Mayan ruins scattered around the rainforest.
Here are the top things to do on a Guatemala holiday, as chosen by our Central America specialists.
Wander colonial Antigua
Set amidst surrounding coffee plantations and volcanoes, Antigua is perhaps one of Central America’s most beautiful colonial cities. Its cobbled streets are best explored on foot with many impressive churches, convents and monasteries, as well as fountains, parks, gardens, and beautiful private mansions.
See Lake Atilan and markets
Lake Atitlan is located in Guatemala’s verdant highland region surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. From Panajachel, take a boat trip across the lake to visit the traditional Mayan villages of Santiago Atitlán and San Juan la Laguna, where colourfully dressed locals go about their daily routines. The Chichicastenango market, situated to the north of Lake Atitlan, sees local people trade textiles, pottery and food, sell local handicrafts and perform religious ceremonies.
Visit Mayan ruins
El Petén, in northern Guatemala, is a lowland jungle region scattered with many Mayan ruins, lost cities and ceremonial centres. The magnificent Mayan site of Tikal has a collection of huge temples spread across a protected rainforest reserve, home to howler monkeys, coatis and birds such as toucans, parrots and hummingbirds. The country’s other spectacular Mayan ruins include Yaxha, remote Aguateca – reached only by river – and Ceibal, which features well-preserved carvings.
