All-year-round sunshine, verdant rainforests, and lively culture are the building blocks of Guatemala. Traveling to this Central American country means seeing picturesque landscapes, admiring a striking active volcano, and strolling through a classic city. Moreover, Guatemala shines its own light and will lead you to a perfect vacation. Then, why travel to Guatemala? What makes this country awesome to visit?
We will show you the 10 reasons to visit Guatemala. Get ready to hop on a sizzling vacation in Central America!
Breathtaking Landscapes and Wildlife
Get ready to be captivated by Guatemala’s spectacular nature. Mountains line proudly on the lush land, framed by flawless white clouds. Rainforests grow abundantly throughout the country, home to impressive fauna and beautiful flora. Brilliant turquoise lakes hide between the thick vegetation, welcoming everyone who wants to come and admire. The glimmering Pacific Ocean kissed the shores of pristine beaches, which are tinted with obsidian black. Therefore, you must travel to Guatemala and immerse yourself in its stunning nature.
Every Day is Beach Day in Guatemala
The land and sea meet in the southern part of Guatemala. Get the best out of the Pacific Ocean on Guatemala’s untouched, unique beaches. You won’t stumble upon powdery white-sand beaches. Instead, you are going to find exceptional shores made out of deep black sand. Millennia of volcanic activities form the black sediments, offering a gorgeous scene you wouldn’t want to miss.
Swaying palm trees, warm sand, and the salty air of Guatemala’s shores will make you happy. Spend your time soaking up the sun, dip yourself into the tropical waters, and go snorkeling. Alternatively, some beaches offer an impressive mangrove ecosystem for you to go wildlife-watching. Thus, some of the best beaches in Guatemala are Monterrico, Livingston, Playa Dorabo, and Livingston. With that being said, one of the main reasons to visit Guatemala is its beaches.
Magnificent Active Volcanoes to See
Guatemala’s volcanic craters never sleep. Thus, it leads to an intriguing scene of active volcanoes, melting with sizzling red lava and sparks of fire. Seeing an active volcano sounds extreme and awesome at the same time, which Guatemala has to offer. Volcan Fuego is the star of Guatemala’s volcanic attractions. So, adrenaline junkies, make sure to add this experience to your bucket list.
Seeing Volcan Fuego’s feisty fire stays at the top of travelers’ must-do lists. Thus, you can enjoy the experience by hiking to the hillside of Volcan Acatenango. The hike requires you to have a guide to make sure the adventure is safe and sound. You can do an overnight hike through ascending forest areas and craggy slopes. It does sound fun, right? Make sure to take your adventurous travel buddies through this journey with you!
Lake Atitlan Looks Magical
Ethereal – the one word that describes Lake Atitlan. Covering an area of 130.1 km squares, Lake Atitlan looks endless and magnificent. It was formed through thousands of years of volcanic activity. The lake displays a beautiful gradient of deep blue, turquoise, and green. It is adorned with rolling hills, majestic mountains, and dense forests, creating an outstanding view. Moreover, Lake Atitlan is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Travel to Guatemala and immerse yourself in Lake Atitlan’s magnificent scenery. The quaint atmosphere is perfect for you to take a breath and forget the bustling everyday life. Moreover, you can also visit the surrounding towns and villages. They are quiet, dreamy, and laidback, leading you to an experience like no other.
Antigua is Straight Out of a Painting
This intricate Guatemalan city deserves an honorable mention on the list of ‘The Most Beautiful Cities in the World’’. With the backdrop of mist-veiled Acatenango Mountain, it looks straight out of painting. Antigua is lined with a series of gaudy colonial-styled buildings, which are the footprints of Spanish settlement in the city. Cobblestone streets complement Antigua’s antique scene, leading your way throughout the tiny area. Therefore, this magical city becomes one of the reasons to visit Guatemala.
Explore beautiful Antigua with your travel buddies. Take a picture at the Santa Catalina Arch, get your mouth water at the Museum of Chocolate, munch on some Guatemalan food in a local-run restaurant, and wrap up your day in a salsa bar. Nonetheless, Antigua always has something to surprise you!
Adventures to Spectacular Mayan Ruins
Guatemala tells a long story of the Mayan civilization. Magnificent pyramids, incredible structures, and extraordinary ruins are spread throughout the country. Moreover, it is home to Tikal, an outstanding ancient Mayan city that was the heart of the civilization. Besides that, there is a myriad of sites such as Quiriguá, Yaxha, and El Mirador that will leave you speechless. Therefore, travel to Guatemala and get ready to explore these amazing archaeological sites. It will spoil the inner Indiana Jones of yours!
Witness the Beautiful Mayan Culture
As you walk through the streets of Guatemala’s cities, spot some women wearing colorful traditional clothing. The beautiful, intricately-designed dresses are part of the centuries-old Mayan culture. Thus, traditions and local culture live peacefully in the midst of bursting modern life in Guatemala. People wear colorful traditional clothing every day, staying true to their cultural identities. Besides that, indigenous communities in Guatemala still use Mayan calendars.
Another mesmerizing culture you can witness in Guatemala is the Easter celebration. During Holy Week, the streets of Antigua are popping with a huge parade. You can see the city lights up with Las Afrombas, a colorful sawdust carpet with stunning patterns.
Home to Central America’s Biggest Market
One of the unmissable things in Guatemala is the traditional markets. Immerse yourself in the popping colors, bustling atmosphere, and indulgent aroma of the markets. Thus, a must-visit market in Guatemala is Chichicastenango or Chichi. It is the largest market in Central America, selling a myriad of items from Mayan fabric to old electronics. Then, get ready to find beauty in the chaos of Chichicastenango Market.
Chichicastenango Market is simply unique and vibrant. It features hundreds of vendors opening their stalls throughout Chichicastenango city, especially in front of Santo Tomas Apostol Church. The market only opens on Thursdays and Sundays, so make sure to mark them in your itinerary. Therefore, Chichicastenango Market is one of the main reasons to visit Guatemala.
It is an Affordable Destination
Are you looking for a destination that won’t break your bank? Then, Guatemala is perfect for you! The country offers a wide variety of items and travel essentials based on your budget – from luxurious to budget. However, Guatemala is fairly affordable. It is not as affordable as countries in Southeast Asia, but it is still amazing.
Travel to Guatemala and get the best deals with a reasonable amount of money. You can find a standard hotel room for as low as $10. Moreover, meals, especially in a local restaurant, can cost as low as $5.
Guatemala is an amazing country to explore. With the brilliant blend of culture, history, and natural landscapes, the country will make you fall in love at the first sight. Moreover, Guatemala welcomes travelers with friendly faces and open arms from the locals. Whether you are a dedicated solo traveler or newbie explorer, Guatemala is a great place to visit.
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