Guatemala is a country in Central America that literally enchants every traveler who sets foot on the land of this amazing corner of our planet. There are many interesting places in Guatemala. Magnificent landscapes, mangrove forests, natural pools, mountainous and volcanic landscapes - all this, to the delight of the human eye, is cordially ready to provide this amazing and original state. The main attractions of Guatemala are the numerous temples of one of the most mysterious tribes in the history of the universe - the Mayan tribe. Along with the cultural heritage, tourists are attracted by natural attractions, which represent the diversity of flora and fauna. Interesting places in Guatemala attract even the most sophisticated travelers. This is the place where, in contrast, you can see the difference between two cultures: the modern urban population anddescendants of the Mayan civilization who still observe the traditions of their ancestors. Speaking about the sights of this amazing country, according to the reviews of tourists, we can select a list of the most significant and popular places. Below you can find photos and descriptions of the sights of Guatemala.
Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park occupies the first place in terms of attendance. This cultural heritage is deservedly the most popular point marked on the map of any traveler who came to Guatemala. The main place in the park is the city of the same name, where excavations continue to this day. Near the pyramids are active altars where the tribes worship the spirits of their ancestors. This ancient city is surrounded by jungle. Not all places are cleared of trees and wild plants, so on the way to some you will need to pass under a dense canopy of rainforest vegetation among the rich aromas of the earth. Having overcome the obstacles created by nature, one can enjoy the contemplation of the beautiful temples in which kings and priests once lived. Special excursions are organized for tourists.
Temple I
At the moment, 6 central pyramids have been found in the city of Tikal, next to which there are temples and observatories. All the pyramids in the city have only a serial number instead of full names. One of the main pyramids is Temple I. Its height is 47 meters. The temple is one of the mainattractions throughout Guatemala. At the very top there is a funeral altar, which is connected to the tomb with the help of a special channel. With its help, according to the ideas of the Mayan tribe, the soul of the ruler came into contact with the priests. Now tourists are forbidden to climb the pyramid due to the insecurity of the stairs. But the sight that opens up on the pyramid from the outside is definitely worth it to visit this amazing place.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is generally recognized as the "Pearl of Guatemala". It appeared thanks to one of the three volcanoes, as a result of which this magnificent endorheic reservoir arose. The mirror-like water surface and incredibly beautiful nature framing the lake will delight any person who decides to look into this cozy corner of Central America. There are a dozen large cities along the shores of the lake. The most popular among tourists are the cities of Santiago Atitlán and Panajachel. It is noteworthy that, depending on belonging to a particular settlement, local residents wear only a certain color of clothing. This ancient tradition dates back to antiquity and is still observed. The lake is included in the list of the main attractions of Guatemala.
Semuk Champay
Among the main attractions of Guatemala, one can single out Semuc Champey waterfalls. On the way to the magnificent view of the waters falling from the cliffs, there is one difficulty in the form of a road through a hard-to-reachmountainous area. There are several developed routes. They differ from each other in terms of difficulty. The most daring travelers who choose the most difficult path will be rewarded. Guatemala will reward them with a great bird's eye view of the falls.
Chichikastenango (Chichi)
One of the most striking sights of Guatemala is the market in Chichicastenago. On Sunday mornings and Thursdays, tribes from all over the area gather there, and rituals of the Mayan tribes are held on the top of one of the neighboring hills. The population of nearby cities is more than 70 thousand people. This market is the brightest and largest trading point, which is known to all people living in Central America. It is no coincidence that it is considered the brightest, because it is here that you can find all the riot of colors of folk costumes and sold fabrics. In addition to textiles, local merchants sell high-quality wool products, as well as various figurines and amulets as souvenirs.
El Mirador
At the very border with Mexico, deep in the jungle, a huge territory of the former Mayan settlements, called El Mirador, is hidden. It is still unknown why this area was deserted. The way there is 2 days on foot through the rainforests, accompanied by an experienced guide. Those who decide to make a two-day trip to this attraction will be able to see numerous intact buildings of the preclassic era. On the territory of El Mirador is one of the largeststructures of the globe - the temple of La Danta, which rises 72 meters above the ground. Most of the buildings there are decorated with impressive images of Indian deities.
Antigua
Under the scrutiny of three volcanoes, a small town in southern Guatemala called Antigua is also on the list of popular places to visit. Lovers of art, history and architecture should definitely include this object in their itinerary in order to be able to contemplate some examples of beautiful colonial architecture. Particular attention when visiting this city should be given to the arch of Santa Catarina, the temple of Santo Domingo and the Cathedral of San Jose. In addition to visiting historical sites, there is an opportunity to conquer the peaks of volcanoes and visit coffee plantations, where some of the best coffee beans in the world start their way to supermarket shelves on the other side of the ocean. Antigua remains the most visited destination in Guatemala.
Guatemala City
Of course, one of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala is its capital. Guatemala City is the cultural and business center of the country, where travelers go to see for themselves the striking existence of contrasts between the new and the old city. The most visited tourist spot in Guatemala City is the Central Plaza, which is home to many iconic historical sights. Guatemala City has many attractions to visit.to be familiar to every visitor of the city. Ancient buildings, temples and silent ruins coexist with modern skyscrapers with their characteristic seething life. The city attracts tourists with the concentration of the main attractions of Guatemala in the form of a variety of parks, galleries and museums. The National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology will tell history lovers entertaining facts about the culture of the Maya tribes and show the treasures of those times that have survived to this day. For lovers of history, the doors of the National Historical Museum are always open, where you can learn everything from the conquest of the country by the Spanish conquistadors to independence. For those wishing to follow current trends in art, it is proposed to visit the National Museum of Modern Art. Among the many buildings, three main attractions of the capital of Guatemala can be distinguished: the ruins of Kaminalhuyu, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the monumental National Palace of Culture.
Kaminalhuyu ruins
In the boundaries of Guatemala City are the ruins of the city of one of the most ancient civilizations of Kaminalhuyu, which are listed in the list of historical sights of the country. The architectural complex of adobe structures has burial chambers and a variety of reliefs, emphasizing the richness of ancient culture.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral in Guatemala City is an achievement of colonial era art. There are several chapels and statues inside the building.saints. But the main treasure of the museum is the Walker organ. There are only 30 musical instruments similar to it in size and value in the world. The cathedral is also the tomb for archbishops, bishops and some government officials.
Monumental National Palace of Culture
The architectural style of the monumental National Palace of Culture is distinguished by the fusion of Guatemalan architecture with colonial architecture. Numerous frescoes that adorn the interior of the palace tell the story of Guatemala, from the conquest of the country by the colonialists to gaining independence. Walking through the courtyards of the building, you can see a magnificent sculpture with a rose in the center. This statue is a symbol of peace in Guatemala.
As you can see, there are a lot of sights in Guatemala. Do you want to feel the spirit of history and touch the places where the ancestors of the ancient Mayan civilization lived? Go see ancient cities and ruins open to tourists. If you want to be alone with nature, then this truly magnificent country is ready to satisfy your desire. There is an opinion that Guatemala is not safe for travelers. But according to the reviews of tourists, you can understand that by adhering to certain rules, it will be easy to avoid trouble. Just like in any other country, a foreigner needs to be vigilant and familiarize himself with the characteristic features of life in the country before traveling. And then rest in any part of the globe will beenjoyable and memorable. Guatemala is a wonderful place with a special local flavor. Now you know what to see in Guatemala. Feel free to go on a journey and get acquainted with the great diversity of human culture and history. Photos of the sights of Guatemala clearly represent all their beauty and grandeur.
