10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Guatemala

Once you consider the proper trip in Latin America, you won’t consider Guatemala at first. This Central American nation is commonly overshadowed by a number of the different fashionable Latin American nations akin to Costa Rica and Mexico. 

However after spending a number of months in Guatemala, I used to be utterly blown away by its magnificence in each type. There are such a lot of causes to go to Guatemala, and there’s no higher time to do it than now!

Whether or not you’re searching for tradition and historical past or beautiful pure sights and landscapes, there’s one thing for everybody in Guatemala. Learn on to seek out out why you must go to Guatemala! (This publish is written by Sean Lau. Learn his bio on the backside of the publish!)

Why Go to Guatemala?

1. To Take pleasure in The Relaxed Vibes of Guatemala

Latin American locations have a title for being a tropical paradise with beautiful seashores and glistening waters. However in Guatemala, tropical paradise is extra than simply the beachside cities – it’s Lake Atitlan, a volcanic crater lake within the highlands of Guatemala. 

This large lake is located 1,562 meters above sea degree and is surrounded by many various ethnic villages and hovering volcanoes.

Guests can benefit from the issues Guatemala is most well-known for in Lake Atitlan- tradition, volcanoes, and relaxed vibes.

Every village in Lake Atitlan gives one thing completely different for vacationers. San Pedro is fashionable for backpackers and is stuffed with good bars and eating places. San Marcos is called a hippie city, and it’s a hub for all the pieces wellness associated

Take pleasure in waking up from one of many lovely lodges in Lake Atitlan each morning to the solar rising behind epic volcanoes in Guatemala, earlier than leaping into the lake for a refreshing swim. Spend your day exploring the completely different villages in Guatemala, and end your day with a sundown hike on one of many volcanoes surrounding the village. 

Lake Atitlan-living is paradise dwelling at its easiest type!

2. Go Browsing on the Black Sand Seashores of Guatemala

On the Pacific Coast of Guatemala are distinctive black sand seashores which can be the results of quite a few volcanic eruptions up to now. The volcanic eruptions expel black sediments that finally choose the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. 

These seashores are tremendous lovely to have a look at, however they don’t seem to be the one motive why guests come to discover this area. Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is the proper place for browsing, particularly for superior surfers. However if you’re a newbie surfer, fear not, there are many surf camps and instructors which can be greater than keen that will help you benefit from the epic waves.

Maybe essentially the most well-known seaside city on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast is El Paredon, a small group the place WiFi is weak and easy dwelling is at its finest. There’s solely a handful of lodging, and even much less for those with air-conditioning. Guests come right here to benefit from the off-grid dwelling and revel in browsing on El Paredon’s seaside.

If you’re visiting from September to December, you may even have the ability to take pleasure in releasing some turtle hatchlings into the ocean!

Simply watch out with the black sand seashores in Guatemala. As a result of they’re black, they soak up warmth in a short time and simply. This implies if you’re strolling on them in the course of the day, you’ll most positively want some foot safety!

3. Hike Volcanoes And See Volcanic Eruptions

There are a complete of 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, and a handful of them are nonetheless energetic. Unquestionably, mountain climbing volcanoes are a number of the most iconic actions within the nation.

In truth, two of the most well-liked issues to do in Antigua Guatemala are mountain climbing Volcano Acatenango and Volcano Pacaya.

Volcano Acatenango is the extra demanding of the 2 hikes, often lasting 2 days and 1 evening. However the reward is way higher as nicely – hikers can summit the almost 4,000-meter volcano and see the close by Volcano Fuego erupt. Fuego Volcano may be very energetic, with eruptions occurring round each half-hour. 

It’s really a outstanding expertise to observe it erupt on the Volcano Acatenango hike.

If you’re visiting Guatemala with youngsters, then possibly the Volcano Pacaya hike is extra appropriate. That is a straightforward 3-hour hike the place you possibly can roast marshmallows utilizing the energetic volcano’s lava! You too can get a horseback trip as much as skip a number of the most tough elements of the hike.

4. Uncover the Cobblestone Streets of Antigua, Guatemala

The small metropolis of Antigua is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Guatemala. This ex-capital of Guatemala is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Website, due to the long-lasting Spanish structure that resides right here in ruins. 

As a result of Antigua is located in a really excessive seismic exercise area, the town was hit a number of occasions by devastating earthquakes. This finally brought on the capital to be moved to present-day Guatemala Metropolis, however most of the finest points of interest of the nation nonetheless reside right here.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the attractive colonial-style buildings. Try the ruins that had been as soon as a number of the most iconic landmarks of the nation, akin to San Jose Cathedral and Santa Clara Convent. Go to Cerro de la Cruz and benefit from the sweeping panoramic views.

Antigua is without doubt one of the fundamental the explanation why guests come to Guatemala!

5. Discover One of many World’s Finest Mayan Ruins

Geographically, Guatemala was the place the guts of the Mayan civilization relaxation. Although the Mayan Civilization has vanished, they’ve left many unimaginable ruins that give us clues to the previous. And maybe there aren’t any higher Mayan Ruins on the planet than Tikal, as soon as the beating coronary heart of their civilization.

Situated within the Peten division of Guatemala, Tikal Nationwide Park is located within the rainforest of the nation. Exploring the ruins looks like you might be in Indiana Jones, as you must undergo thick forestry and traverse the 60 sq. kilometers (23 sq mi) park.

If you’re fortunate (or unfortunate,) you may encounter a number of the native wildlife within the area, akin to tarantulas, howler monkeys, and jaguars.

However with the proper steering, exploring this iconic Mayan Break is an unimaginable expertise. Guests can see the beautiful temples that had been constructed solely by hand a number of hundred years in the past. The tallest one is 213 toes (65 meters), however the large archaeological website continues to be below excavation so there may be extra to be found!

6. Guatemala is Reasonably priced

Maybe one of many largest causes to go to Guatemala is its affordability. Vacationers can spend a fraction of the associated fee in Guatemala in comparison with different locations all over the world and have about the identical high quality of journey. 

Mixed with its lovely tropical climate, glorious meals choices, and beautiful landscapes, Guatemala certainly has heaps to supply!

7. Discover Paradise At Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a pure monument of Guatemala. Identified for its beautiful turquoise swimming pools surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic canyon, Semuc Champey is the definition of nature’s paradise. 

The attractive place in Guatemala is uniquely fashioned by the Cahabón River, which existed below the limestone bridges that had been naturally created over time.

Its distinctive geological formation is without doubt one of the causes for its excellent magnificence. Guests can hike as much as the canyons close by for a chook’s-eye view of this pure marvel, go cool off in one in every of its swimming pools, and discover the cave contained in the park. 

If you’re the kind of traveler that likes journey in off-the-beaten-path locations, then you definately’ll love Semuc Champey!

8. For One of many Largest Outside Markets in Central America

Guatemala is residence to one of many largest out of doors markets in Central America, Chichicastenango. The market attracts distributors from each little village in Guatemala, and the market particularly involves life on Sundays.

Right here guests can discover something and all the pieces they could want (and never want) – from Mayan trinkets to previous electronics and tons of produce. Should you attempt to flick through each single stall in Chichicastenango, it would take you greater than a whole day. 

And like each Guatemala market there may be, count on quite a lot of chaos, however it’s the chaos that makes this market so genuine and exquisite.

If you wish to store for souvenirs in Guatemala, that is the most effective place to take action. It may be a little bit bit touristy although, which suggests distributors mark up the worth for overseas vacationers. Be sure to negotiate if you’re going to buy one thing!

9. Study Spanish in Guatemala

One of many the explanation why vacationers come to Guatemala is to study Spanish. There are lots of completely different accents of Spanish all over the world, however the Guatemalan model is without doubt one of the most impartial. This implies you might be extra doubtless to have the ability to use your Guatemalan Spanish elsewhere.

Consequently, Guatemala has turn out to be a hotspot for vacationers seeking to dive deeper into studying Spanish. Spanish faculties are considerable within the nation, and lots of of them supply immersive 1-on-1 studying and the choice to do a homestay with a Guatemalan household. If you wish to study Spanish within the shortest period of time, then Guatemala is a spot you must go to!

10. Strive Some Native Guatemalan Espresso

One of many largest export of Guatemala is espresso, and it’s no shock why. Because of the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, gentle subtropical climate, and excessive altitude, Guatemalan espresso is wealthy and daring. The espresso beans are principally Arabica beans (just like the espresso beans from Colombia), which suggests they’re of the best high quality.

And for vacationers, there are many cafes in Antigua the place you possibly can take pleasure in a cup of freshly made espresso on an out of doors terrace overlooking Volcano Agua, Antigua’s most recognizable volcano! It’s an expertise each traveler will need to have in Guatemala!

Ultimate Verdict

Should you had been questioning why you must go to Guatemala, hopefully our information has now given you all the explanations you want! This nation is filled with magnificence in all places you look, and the time to go is now earlier than it will get too overcrowded!

Pin to Save or Share