Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volcanoes
Tajumulco
Central America's highest point is a relatively easy climb, particularly if you take two days and camp
overnight. (
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)
Pacaya
An easy day trip from Antigua, this smoking, lava-dribbling peak is an all-time favorite for hikers. (
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)
Santa María
Get an early start and catch the sunrise and views that stretch from Mexico to Antigua and out to the Pa-
cific. (
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)
San Pedro
A moderate half-day hike rewards you with some of the best views of Lago de Atitlán and surrounds. (
Click
here
)
IF YOU LIKE... STUDYING SPANISH
Rock-bottom prices and high-quality instruction make Guatemala a magnet for Spanish students. Antigua (
Click
here
), Lago de Atitlán (
Click here
) and Quetzaltenango (
Click here
) are the main centers, but there are schools all
over the country.
Ruins
Tikal
This regional superstar is well on the tourist trail but totally worth the visit for its soaring, jungle-shrouded
temples. (
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)
El Mirador
A little hard to get to (unless you pony up for the helicopter ride), you can watch archaeologists at work at
this former megacity. (
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)
Copán
Just over the border in Honduras, this site hosts some of the finest carvings and stonework in the region. (
Click
here
)
Quiriguá
Snuggled among the banana plantations, this little-visited site has some impressively sized carved stelae.
(
Click here
)
Off-the-Beaten-Track Places
Chajul
Step back in time and experience life as it has been lived for hundreds of years in this intensely traditional town.
(
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)
Laguna Magdalena
Saddle up and take a two-day horse ride out to this turquoise lagoon nestled in the Cuchamatanes
mountain range. (
Click here
)
San Mateo Ixtatán
Up near the Mexican border, this cute village is surrounded by spectacular scenery. (
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)
Laguna Lachuá
It's well worth the effort to get out to this crystal-clear lagoon that's surrounded by thick jungle. (
Click
here
)
