Considering its very small square mileage - about roughly a similar size as Tennessee - Guatemala is crawling with culture and impressive sights. From clicking pics of the Mayan Ruins of Tikal to walking through a national park as you find yourself sung to by exotic birds, you will in all likelihood locate no better - or more unequaled - spot than Guatemala for your next trip.
Mayan Ruins. Go sightseeing at the Mayan Ruins and feel as though you have traveled way back to a time during which the Mayan’s dominated, about 700 BC to 900 AD. Tikal is recognized as 1 of “the earth's travel wonders,” and grabs thousands of tourists per year with its striking ruins and historical significance. At one time a bustling urban center, Tikal is currently an designers fantasy with about 3,000 buildings. You will enjoy glorious plazas, plazas and steam baths, for example. Built in 500 B.C., the historic Mayan city of Tikal thrived for more than 1500 yrs.. Today it has been named to UNESCO’s listing of Heritage of Humanity.
If you adore critters, then the Tikal National Park is a must see sight. While you tour around tikal by way of the park, you will be diverted by the shriekings, whistles, and music of the occupant howler monkeys, parrots, toucans, and macaws. You can also experience a doe crisscross the path before you. Very lucky tourists recall beholding a jaguar nearby.
Panajachel. Lake Atitlan is possibly one of the most dramatic lakes of all those in Central America. Looking across Lake Atitlan are three volcanoes - San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan. The area was onetime the center for locals attempting to convert Indians to Roman Catholics. With coffeehouses and dining establishments up and down the roads, Panajachel has excellent shopping oppurtunities and a bustling nightlife. There are also a few Language Schools for travelers who need to learn Spanish.
Chichicastenango. Only two and a half to three hrs from Guatemala City, Chichicastenango is a spectacular, little town perched on mountains, recognized for its beautiful stucco architecture. If you love browsing at markets, you will observe no larger marketplace than Chichicastenango’s handicraft market. It is surely the best in Central America, routinely pulling in travelers from all over the nation. You will see stunning hand crafted tops, masks and carved wood products.
Santo Tomas, a 400 year old church, is a second must see in Chichicastenango. To go in, you must come up 18 steps - representing every month on the Mayan calendar. A Catholic Church, Santo Tomas is acknowledged as the last remaining church in the area where Guatemalan people may pray to the Mayan Gods.
La Antigua. In a land that holds dear its colonial history, Antigua is a respected city. One of the most enchanting historic cities out of all those in Latin America, its charm and relaxed atmosphere attract Language students and travelers from all parts of the earth. Antigua is the home to numerous Spanish language schools and pupils of all backgrounds journey to Guatemala to learn Spanish. Determining what language school is best for you will be a tough task, so you will most likely want to investigate AmeriSpan's help (www.guatamaleschool.com). AmeriSpan Guatemala has made selecting a classroom and preparing for your trip better and more affordable.
Located close to 45 minutes from the Guatemala City airport and 2 1/2 hours from Panajachel, travelers get the chance to learn at an Guatemala Spanish center while traveling in Guatemala
In addition, many backpackers return to volunteer in one of the many volunteer projects in Guatemala
Whichever your reason for visiting Guatemala, remember to bring your camera.