Guatemala

Ancient Wonders Await

Guatemala overflows with remnants of the great Maya civilisation, from the towering temples of Tikal peering above the jungle canopy to the carved stelae of Quiriguá. The country packs an astonishing amount of history into a relatively compact space, offering visitors a chance to trace thousands of years of human achievement through some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Americas.

Volcanic Horizons

A string of volcanoes defines Guatemala’s dramatic skyline, with more than 30 cones rising above the highlands. Lake Atitlán, cradled by three of these volcanoes, has been called the most beautiful lake in the world by more than a few starry eyed travellers. The colonial city of Antigua sits in a valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, its pastel painted facades and cobblestone streets providing an almost impossibly picturesque backdrop for wandering and wondering.

Colour in Every Corner

Markets across the highlands burst with handwoven textiles in patterns that carry centuries of meaning, passed down through generations of Maya artisans. Chichicastenango hosts one of the largest open air markets in Central America, where the air smells of copal incense and the stalls overflow with embroidered huipiles, carved masks and fresh produce. The country’s culinary traditions are equally vibrant, from the rich complexity of pepián stew to fresh tortillas pressed by hand.

From Jungle to Coast

Guatemala’s landscape shifts remarkably as you travel from the misty cloud forests of the Verapaces to the tropical lowlands of the Petén and the dark sand beaches of the Pacific coast. The Caribbean side reveals yet another face of the country, where Garífuna culture thrives in the town of Lívingston, accessible only by boat. Birdwatchers come for the resplendent quetzal, the country’s namesake, while adventurers find plenty of rivers, caves and trails to explore.