The Republic of Guatemala, located in Central America, is capable of captivating even a sophisticated traveler. Mangroves, stunning landscapes, volcanic and mountainous landscapes, ancient hillforts and temples - all this makes a huge impression and leaves vivid memories of the trip.
This article will introduce some of Guatemala's attractions. Information about them will help you develop a route if you visit this amazing state in the near future.
Location
The Republic of Guatemala borders Belize in the east, with Honduras and El Salvador in the southeast, in the south its territory is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, and in the east - the Gulf of Honduras. The total length of the coastline is 400 km, and the borders - 1687 km. The total area of the country is 108,889 km².
In the north of the country is the limestone plateau Peten. Along the Pacific coast in the south, a narrow strip stretched lowlands. The largest Central region of Guatemala is mountainous. The largest mountain range in the country is the Sierra Madre with many volcanoes, some of which are active today. The highest point is the volcano Tahumulco (4220 m).
Guatemala Attractions: what to see
Most tourists are attracted to this country by the numerous ancient sites and temples of one of the most mysterious Mayan tribes in the history of mankind. In addition, natural attractions are of great interest. Guatemala miraculously combines modern urban settlements and homes of descendants of the Mayan tribe, who sacredly honor and abide by the traditions of their ancestors. So what to visit in this country?
The list of Guatemalan attractions that experienced travelers recommend looking at during a visit to the country can be represented as follows:
- Atitlan Volcano.
- The city of Mishko Viejo.
- Kaminaljuyu.
- Church of Santa Clara.
- Gumarkah.
- San Jose Cathedral.
- Church of San Jose El Viejo.
- Tikal.
- Museum of Colonial Art.
- Flores Sipacate Naranjo.
- Laguna Del Tigre.
- Waka.
- Street Santander.
- Monterrico Beach.
- Semuk Champey.
- Ritual cave.
This is an incomplete list of interesting places in the country. To explore all the sights of Guatemala, one trip will not be enough. The article will focus only on the most popular and most visited of them.
Guatemala City
We will begin our acquaintance and description of Guatemala's sights with the capital of the country, the city of the same name. Cuidad Guatemala is the largest community in Central America. Its population is more than three million people. It is located in a mountain canyon, between the volcanoes of Pasaya and Fuego.
This is an amazing city of contrasts: dynamic and noisy, with many entertainment venues and interesting sights.
central square
The main attraction of Guatemala City, undoubtedly, is the Central Square. Most of the historical and architectural monuments are concentrated here - the magnificent Cathedral, the building of the National Library, as well as the National Palace. Here is the so-called zero kilometer. Tourists are very fond of taking photos at this iconic mark.
Noisy fairs are held on the square at the weekend, and on the days of major national holidays - interesting public events.
Kaminaljuyu
Of great interest to tourists is this historic landmark of Guatemala. A description of the ruins of Kaminalhuiu, which remained from the ancient buildings of the Mayan Indians who inhabited this territory, can be found in all advertising booklets of the country.
The site of Kaminalkhuyu, unlike most Mayan settlements, is well preserved. Located in the central valley, it consists of 50 objects of great historical importance. Among them, one can see burial chambers, barrows, unusual relief surfaces, which testify to the ingenuity of architects of those times, structures of an unusual design.
Tikal
The largest and most visited Mayan settlement. Its history dates back to the 7th century BC. Ancient temples are located here, the largest of them being funerary ones. They were built in the form of complexes - the Northern Acropolis, Mundo-Perdido.
Here and today, excavations continue, because Tikal was a huge city with more than 100 buildings. Pyramids have been preserved on the territory of the settlement, on the appointment of which modern scientists put forward a variety of versions. Almost the entire territory of the unique archaeological park today is available for visiting.
Atitlan Lake
In the vicinity of the capital is an amazing natural attraction of Guatemala. Special editions for travelers are often acquainted with the description of this object. Atitlan Lake with an area of more than 100 square meters. km is charming beauty. Three small volcanoes are reflected in water of saturated blue color.
Tourists have the opportunity to climb to their peaks, visit the original settlements preserved in these places, get acquainted with the lifestyle of local residents, which has not changed for hundreds of years.
Attractions of Antigua Guatemala
One of the most beautiful colonial cities of the country, bearing the title of its third capital and the most visited city of the republic. The city of Antigua Guatemala (Antigua Guatemala), often referred to simply as Antigua, was founded in 1541 and by the middle of the XVIII century reached such a peak that it could be compared with Mexico City and Lima. It was during this period that for some time he was the capital of the country. However, the strongest earthquake in 1773 almost wiped the city from the face of the earth, and the capital was moved.
San Jose Cathedral
The majestic Catholic Church of the city was founded in the middle of the XVI century, but due to two powerful earthquakes today we can only see a part of the original building from the second stage of construction: the very first church was completely destroyed.
The current cathedral is rebuilt and moved to the capital. Cult utensils were also transported there. However, in the place of the ruins, it was possible to preserve the restored temple, which now bears the name of St. Joseph.
Museum of Colonial Art
At different times, this architectural and historical landmark of Guatemala was a university, school, church, exhibition hall. The building is located next to Central Park and is a beautiful ensemble consisting of columns, arches, ornamental plants and fountains. The museum began its work in 1936. There are few exhibits in his exposition - just over a hundred. However, visitors find it quite interesting.
Church of El Viejo
An amazing landmark of Guatemala. Everyone who purchased tours to this country and leafed through leaflets is familiar with the description. This may sound rather unusual, but this church today is a ruin of stunning beauty. It was erected in the middle of the XVIII century and has a huge number of decorative elements. Several large-scale restorations were carried out here, however, constant earthquakes continue to destroy the country's past.
Today at the temple you can often find wedding processions. Newlyweds get stunning photos on their first family album.
Mishko Viejo City
This is also the former Mayan settlement, which was built in the XII century BC. e. The description of the history of this Guatemalan landmark has several versions, but they all boil down to the fact that this city had important geopolitical significance until the middle of the 16th century, before it was destroyed by the conquistadors.
Today it is a popular tourist attraction in whose territory the museum is located.
Santa clara
The large monastery complex is located on Second North Avenue. It was founded in 1699 with funds donated to José Hurtado de Arria. At first, a small church and several houses around appeared in this place, in which five nuns lived. The official opening of the monastery is January 1700.
Since 1703, the active construction of the complex began, which was completed two years later. In various sources, the complex is described as a building with a tiled roof. It was partially destroyed after the earthquake in 1717.
The reconstruction of the monastery, which was funded mainly by private individuals, lasted almost 26 years. Almost no building from the original construction has been preserved. Numerous changes were made during the reconstruction. The monastery and church were reopened and consecrated on August 11, 1734.
Flores
The amazing island town, which is located on the shores of Lake Peten Itza, leaves travelers a vivid and unforgettable experience. The mirror surface of the lake, many rare plants, the complete absence of cars, the peaceful atmosphere of the city of Flores is delightful.
Amazingly, even the birds here meekly pose for a photo. The central part of the city has a somewhat unusual architecture. In general, the town leaves a very pleasant impression of a beautiful and well-groomed resort, where you can relax.
Atitlan Volcano
A stratovolcano (a layered high volcano) that has not erupted for almost two centuries. Climbing to the top of this natural landmark of Guatemala, you will be amazed at the stunning views of Lake Atitlan and the nesting of incredibly beautiful birds that settle on the slopes of the giant.
Lagoon del tigre
Such a complex name is the National Park, which consists of a conservation area in which wild plants grow in quiet backwaters. In this place, a huge number of birds and animals were found shelter, which are listed in the Red Book.
It is not recommended to stroll through these wonderful places on your own. An excursion accompanied by a guide will be remembered for a long time. You can visit a special biological station where you can relax on the picturesque banks of the San Pedro River.
Gumarkah
The ancient city, which was destined to exist for about a century and a half. Like many other settlements on this earth, it was burned by conquistadors. For many years, numerous archaeological expeditions conducted excavations, cleared the ruins, and restored buildings.
Today, tourists can see the remains of temples and palaces here. This attraction of Guatemala leaves two impressions - on the territory, more precisely, in the temple of Tojil, religious sacrifices of people were carried out, as well as worship of mysterious deities.
The surviving platforms, embankments, caves, squares - these are all the remains of the formerly residential premises, noble temples, altars and towers. The modern descendants of the Mayans (Keche) still burn candles in the ruins of Gumarkahe.
Semuk Champey
A place that fascinates travelers with its unearthly beauty. The waterfalls that hide in the jungle are made up of numerous light cascades. The most difficult, but at the same time the most beautiful route to this place is called El Mirador. There are two more easier routes that are no less beautiful.
Santander Street
Most of the tourists visiting Guatemala plan to bring national clothes and souvenirs from the trip. They should be sent to the city of Panajachel. There are restaurants and cafes, travel agencies, markets where products of Indian artisans are presented.
Monterrico Beach
Tourists have “mastered” this beach relatively recently. He is famous for a huge number of turtles. Watching them is very interesting. Especially lucky for those who visit the beach during the period when the cubs appear: hundreds of kids overcome all obstacles in their path, rushing to the water.
Jewelry factory
At this enterprise in the capital, you can take a tour of the museum, which collects a huge amount of stones - jadeite and jade, walk through the factory, observe the process of processing them. Entrance to the museum is free, and at the factory you can purchase your favorite product.
Tourists reviews
Travelers note that a visit to this country made a lasting impression. Guatemala is rich in extraordinary natural, architectural and historical monuments. The only regret is the fact that due to the high seismicity, the most ancient and unique sights continue to collapse. It is almost impossible to stop this process, although historians of many countries help the republic to preserve its national heritage - the ancient Mayan culture.