Le Guatemala is a destination yet little known and little developed. And believe me, it's a shame because Guatemala is a exceptional wealth.
It has been many years that I wanted to explore this country without really knowing what attracted me in practice.
So I went there for a few weeks and I am fell in love with this beautiful country which offers magnificent things to do with its people who are very kind and generous.
Some information about Guatemala
Before presenting you the things to see and do in this splendid country, here is some information that may be important to know before you fly for this next adventure.
Where is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is a country located in central America. Guatemala shares its borders with the Mexico, Belize, Honduras et El Salvador and of course the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. With an area of 108km890, Guatemala is the fourth most unequal country in Latin America.
When to go to Guatemala?
Guatemala enjoys a tropical climate on the coasts and the plains. Indeed, Guatemala is a country of plains and mountains. Obviously, the higher the altitude, the cooler the temperatures.
We find a dry season between November and April and rainy season between May and October. The best period to visit this country is therefore during the dry season between November and April.
Obviously, throughout the year the temperatures are pleasant because of the tropical climate. Temperatures will be cooler during the rainy season with more showers.
For my part, I went to visit Guatemala during the month of february. I was lucky to have a splendid weather throughout my stay with the exception of a small rainy day when I was on the Caribbean coast (which is known to be rainier).
Time difference
Guatemala is located on the UTC-6 time zone. As a result, there is a shift of - 7 hours with France as well as - 1 hour with Montreal for example.
Visa and administrative
If you intend to travel to Guatemala, be aware that you do not have no special steps to be taken. Indeed, when arriving on Guatemalan territory as a tourist, you will have the right to a 3 month tourist visa. This 3-month visa will allow you to visit in particular Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua.
With regard to vaccines, there is no compulsory vaccine to do before traveling to Guatemala.
Money and cost of living
THElocal money and the Quetzal (QTZ), so consider exchanging your money or withdrawing money once in Guatemala. Be aware that bank cards are not widely accepted in Guatemala, so you will need cash. Cash machines are not very common, you may not find them in some places so make sure you always have enough cash just in case.
For information, € 1 = 8,4Q
Le Cost of life in Guatemala is 40% lower at the cost of living in France.
To give you a few examples, as a solo traveler, you can stay in youth hostels for less than 10 € / night. As for meals, you can get by for 20 / 30Q at local restaurants / markets.
What language do we speak in Guatemala?
The official language in Guatemala is not spanish although it is spoken by 60% of the population. A large part of the population talks about Mayan dialects which are still very present in this country, there are about 20 different.
As a tourist it is strongly recommended to speak Spanish as few people speak English in this country. Obviously, in hotels and tourist places you will often find locals or employees speaking English.
What to do in Guatemala?
After this little information can be very useful, let's get to the heart of the matter.
Guatemala offers many things to do and see.
Here are the main interests. Obviously, depending on the time you will have on site, you will necessarily have to make choices. I suggest in another article an itinerary for 2 weeks in Guatemala following my experience.
Visit the Mayan sites: Tikal, Yaxha, El mirador
L'une des main attraction of Guatemala are undoubtedly the many Mayan sites that can be discovered across the country. Indeed, the Mayan civilization arrived around -2000 BC. JC and has grown throughout most of Guatemala.
Among the Mayan sites that can be visited today in Guatemala, we find the following.
Tikal
It is attraction number 1 in Guatemala. The ruins of the Mayan city are extremely well preserved. You can discover palaces, temples, and impressive monuments in the middle of the jungle. During the classic period, Tikal dominated politically, economically and militarily much of the Mayan civilization. To his apogee, during the Fifth century, the city counted 120 000 people, which is huge for the time.
Located 68km from the small town of Flores, Tikal is accessible by day expedition.
You will have the opportunity to visit this 576km2 site with or without guide.
Yaxha
Located about 30 km from Tikal, this Mayan site is less known and less touristy than Tikal, however, believe me, his visit to worth it.
There are close to 400 pre-Columbian structures. This site has been populated for more than 16 centuries and this dice 600 BC. JC. The city has reached its apogee au XNUMXth century while she was counting around 20 000 people.
You have the option of visiting Yaxha on a day trip from Flores.
El Mirador
It is a Mayan archaeological site of thepre-classic era located in the north of Guatemala, not far from the border with Mexico. To visit this Maya site, a 4 to 7 day trek waiting for you. You will find there in particular the pyramid of the tapir Who is here largest in the mayan world with its 54 meters from above.
Lake Atitlan and its small villages: the most beautiful lake in the world
All around of the lake are 12 small villages which you will have the opportunity to visit with their own Mayan dialects.
Lake Atitlan is a wonderful place to come to rest in one of these villages and there appreciate the sweetness of local life.
Among villages around the lake, we find:
- Panajachel
- San Pedro
- San Marcos
- Santa Cruz
- San Juan
- ...
Around this lake, you will have the opportunity to do different activities and especially :
- Climb theIndian Nose to see a beautiful sunrise over the lake
- Ascension of San Pedro volcano
- Visit the different villages
- Se relax serenely by the lake
- Do paddle boarding, canoe, Nager
Antigua: colonial and colorful city
Former capital of Guatemala, the city of Antigua is a Spanish colonial heritage from better preserved.
You can only fall under the charm of this city with its cobblestones and colorful streets.
Take the time to stroll through the streets and the city market. You can also admire a view of the Pacaya volcano and the city of Cerro de la Santa Cruz.
It is also a good starting point to tackle the rise of volcanoes from Acatenango or Pacaya.
The volcanoes of Guatemala: Acatenango or Pacaya
Guatemala counts 37 volcanoes whose 3 who are still active (including el Fuego and Pacaya). If you are going to Guatemala, one of the inevitable things to do if you are a sports fan, is therefore to climb one of its many volcanoes.
Among the volcanoes that he is to advise to climb, there are:
- acatenango : for those with sufficient physical condition because it is a 2-day trek that will take you to see the Fuego volcano as closely as possible in order to observe its daily eruption.
- Pacaya : for those who prefer a rather short hike, I advise you to go to the Pacaya volcano. The hike is about 4/5 hours round trip. Once at the top, you will even have the right to grill your marshmallows on the rocks of the volcano.
Semuc Champey and its natural pools
Located at middle of the country nearly lanquin au middle of the jungle from Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a true paradise on earth.
It is natural pools lost in the middle of the dense green vegetation of the country.
Although the journey to reach Lanquin and Semuc Champey is very long whether from Antigua, Lake Atitlan or Flores, it is worth it.
Indeed, with the lush green forest mingle natural swimming pools with turquoise and transparent waters in which you will have the possibility from you bathe.
Also, around, you can go see the cascade, explore the cellars in a canyoning style course in the dark with candles etc.
The impressive Chichicastenango market
Located at middle of the country nearly lanquin au middle of the jungle from Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a true paradise on earth.
It is natural pools lost in the middle of the dense green vegetation of the country.
Although the journey to reach Lanquin and Semuc Champey is very long whether from Antigua, Lake Atitlan or Flores, it is worth it.
Indeed, with the lush green forest mingle natural swimming pools with turquoise and transparent waters in which you will have the possibility from you bathe.
It is the meeting point of many artisans and traders. But it is also a place that is a victim of its own success because we now meet many tourists.
You will have the opportunity to go for the day to visit this large market both from Lake Atitlan and Antigua.
I advise you to devote a few hours to lose yourself in this huge market in order to acclimatize to the rhythm of life of the locals.
The Caribbean Coast: Rio Dulce & Livingston
If you want taste the caribbean lifestyle so take a little tour in the city of Livingston.
To join Livingston, you will need to take a boat from Rio Dulce. This small boat will allow you to walk on the river and from admire the scenery, residential but also the many birds that are there.
Livingston is a different atmosphere from the rest of Guatemala, it is about the Caribbean atmosphere. With music, dancing, drugs, relaxing atmosphere etc.
You can take advantage of a few days to visit the village and its surroundings by taking advantage of the beach but also taking advantage of these moments for you relax.
Quetzaltenango and its surroundings
Also called Xela, the city of Quetzaltenango is the second largest city from Guatemala. The city, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, is more than 2m above sea level.
The city itself has no real interest unlike its surroundings. It is therefore a good starting point to go on excursions.
Indeed, around the city you will have the possibility to go explore the mountains, visit the villages surroundings or go for a swim in the hot springs of Georgian Fonts.
The small island of Flores
Flowers is a small town in the north from Guatemala. It is often the starting point chosen to go explore the Mayan sites of Tikal or Yaxha.
This small town is located on a small island.
I advise you to go explore this city and you lose in its little alleys to soak up the atmosphere.
Feel free to take a small boat to go to the other side of the island to climb to the viewpoint where you will have a superb view of the island from Flores.
Also, enjoy a beautiful island sunset.
The Pacific coast: Monterrico or El Paredon
For those who wish to take advantage of their getaway in Guatemala to spend a few days by the ocean, you can easily go to monterrico or to the wall from Antigua in particular.
monterrico is a small village that can be found in a nature reserve on the pacific coast. Around Monterrico, the black sand beaches are nesting sites for three species of sea turtles.
the wall as for she is a small one peaceful village who is also the paradise of beginners surfers. Over there, no wifi. This guarantees you a total disconnection so that you can relax and take time for yourself for a few days.
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If you liked this article, do not hesitate to consult these articles on Guatemala:
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