Put Guatemala on your travel wish list if you want to create lasting memories, indulge in exquisite cuisine, get lost in amazing archaeological sites, or experience a vibrant culture. Guatemala is a vibrant nation with a deep cultural heritage and fascinating tales. Guatemala, a country in Central America, will enchant you with its mystical atmosphere, lush greenery, and abundance of hidden tales. We’ll try to persuade and outline 8 reasons if you’re still not sure Guatemala belongs on your bucket list. By the end of it, you’ll change your mind.
Guatemala is considered the place where chocolate was born
Chocolate, that sweet delight, that melts on your lips and feeds your soul came from Guatemala. During the Mayan empire, chocolate was considered a gift from the gods. Today, there are many artisan shops or cafes that are built around chocolate themes. You can even smell the rich cocoa while you stroll the streets as well as become tempted to taste every version of it. So, if you enjoy chocolate, you’ll be amazon by the variety offered by Guatemala. There are even museums dedicated to this gift from gods in Antigua and Guatemala City.
There are more than 1500 ancient Mayan ruins
If you want to travel back in time as far as 400 BC, Guatemala is the time machine. Even though there are so many, the place you want to visit is Tikal. Tikal or Mayan Ruins of Tikal are found almost in the middle of nowhere because the closest city is one hour away by car. This is a major tourist location so be prepared to be one of many people visiting Tikal at the same time. Tikal is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sight so it’s well protected. This is a tour you can do on your own, but it might be worth visiting with a tour guide so you’ll learn more about its history.
Visit the former capital of Guatemala
Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala, and it continues to attract many tourists. You’ll enjoy colonial architecture, amazing markets, and beautiful places to taste local cuisine and the roads will always take you to an interesting place. You’ll walk down many cobbled streets, and marvel at old churches and charming houses which are perfect examples of Spanish-Baroque architecture. Here are some places you shouldn’t miss out on – San Francisco Church, Hotel Casa Domingo, Santa Catalina Arch, and watch the sunset at Cerro De La Cruz.
Become one with their culture by lending a helping hand
Apart from indulging in typical touristy activities like visiting chocolate museums and Tikal, Antigua or any other place, you can also lend a helping hand. Guatemala is beautiful, but it’s still a very impoverished place. By visiting the country as a tourist you’re helping their economy, but you can also sign up for volunteer abroad programs and visit Guatemala as a volunteer and humanitarian. Guatemala is also often devastated by natural disasters so they can always use a kind and helping hand.
Go on a volcano hike
Another thing you can add to your list of activities while on your trip to Antigua is the volcano hike. Acatenango Volcano is worth seeing and hiking up to. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, you probably don’t live in a volcano-rich area because these aren’t that common in certain areas of the world. There are 37 volcanoes in Guatemala only, which is quite an interesting fact especially since some of them are active. We suggest you book a hike to Acatenango Volcano, and you might be as lucky to experience a sunset when you reach the top.
Lake Atitlan will feel like you’ve reached paradise
The beauty of Lake Atitlan is so stunning that the words don’t do it justice. You have to see this gem of nature to believe that something as beautiful exists in this world. You will get a chance to socialise with natives as almost all people are indigenous. The temperature at the lake is constant and it is 25 degrees celsius so it’s also called an Eternal Spring. It’s worth visiting the lake for an entire day or just as a day trip.
For a true hidden gem, head to Semuc Champey
Now, if you don’t go to Semuc Champey while you’re in Guatemala, you’ll miss out on a true wonder of nature. Semuc Champey is a series of turquoise pools that cascade into the next and look like small pools of water. So it looks like a natural stone bridge that guides the section of Cahabon River. It is located in the rainforest so it’s surrounded by luscious forestry. You can also explore caves in the area with only a candlestick, and relax in the turquoise pools.
Visit museums in Guatemala City
Every visit to a major city starts by visiting the museums and getting to know the cultural heritage and its history. Start by paying a visit to the Guatemalan National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology. The next stop can be the Popol Vuh Archeological Museum, Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing and finish the tour at the 4 Grados Norte. This is a contrast to the museums because it’s the neighbourhood known for amazing street art.
We’ve given you eight reasons to visit Guatemala. We’re sure that one is reason enough to visit this vivid country.
