Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to Guatemala
Mysterious and often challenging, Central America's most
diverse country offers landscapes and experiences that have
been captivating travelers for centuries.
Colonial Grandeur
Say what you like about the Spanish in Latin America, you have to agree that they left be-
hind some stunning architecture. From Antigua's crumbling ruins to the stately cathedral in
Guatemala City's central plaza, there are plenty of opportunities to get snap-happy. In even
the smallest towns you can find picturesque buildings - the small coastal town of Retal-
huleu has a charming central plaza, while larger coffee-boom towns like Cobán and Quet-
zaltenango maintain vestiges of their glory days in their cathedrals, town halls and other
public buildings.
The Timeless Maya
While many ask whatever happened to the Maya, the simple answer is nothing - they're
still here, and some traditions continue to thrive. If you're interested in archaeology, the
must-see sites are Tikal, Copán (in Honduras), and Guatemala City's superb selection of
museums.
Living Maya culture can be witnessed in its 'pure' form in towns like Rabinal and sacred
sites such as Laguna Chicabal. And the Maya themselves? Well, they're everywhere. But
the most traditional villages are in the highlands - the Ixil Triangle is a good place to start.
Adventure Awaits
Active souls tend to find their agenda very full once they get to Guatemala. Stunning
trekking routes through the jungles and up volcanoes, world class white-water rafting, more
miles of caves than you could possibly explore in one vacation, and what seems like a zip-
line strung between every two trees in the country are just the beginning. Like to take
things up a notch? How about paragliding into a volcanic crater at Lago de Atitlán? Or
scuba diving in the same place? You might even luck onto some good swell on the Pacific
coast. Or you could just find a hammock and think about doing all that. Your call.
