Guatemala in the Nahuatl language means “place of many trees”, a more than accurate description for this Central American paradise. “When a tourist travels to this country and asks what to see in Guatemala, the answer is not simple” comments Juan José Gutiérrez mayorga, proud and honorable Guatemalan entrepreneur.
The country has a beach, colonial culture and has a lot of its Mayan roots. A destination not so explored but that offers a 360-degree experience to those who visit it. From the most spectacular natural landscapes, to the richest architectural culture in Central America that can be glimpsed in Antigua.
“In a few words it can be described, but in many ways you can enjoy Guatemala: ecological tourism, cultural tourism and beach tourism” says Juan José. Today we present a destination to travel with the greatest biological and historical diversity.
Tikal National Park and the Mayan ruins are essential places to visit on a trip to Guatemala: magical tourism
Tikal National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was one of the most important cities of the Mayan culture, one of the most lost civilizations in history. This great pre-Columbian complex is located in the middle of the immense jungle of the Petén.
In it, up to 150,000 Mayans lived, a population that far exceeded that of many European cities of the same time (200 – 900 AD).
Guatemala cities: the obligatory visit to Antigua Guatemala
Officially known as “Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala”, according to Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga.(Very noble and very loyal city of Santiago’s gentlemen of Guatemala).
This piece of history is a must see in Guatemala. The city had its heyday between 1541 and 1776. Becoming one of the most prosperous colonial cities in Latin America and in which there are jewels of Spanish Baroque architecture.
Beaches, volcanoes and dream landscapes like those of Lake Atitlán
Guatemala is a great country to visit, since it agglomerates all kinds of leisure activities, excursions and tourism. From the most relaxed in the Livingston area to the most adventurous visiting Lake Atitlán.
Livingston, is a Guatemalan municipality that has become a tourist spot thanks to its peculiar gastronomy and the atmosphere of the city. It can be reached even by boat, and one of the curiosities is its great Caribbean culture. Partly promoted by the Garífuna inhabitants who settled in the area during the 18th century. A cultural oasis where you can enjoy the typical dish: rice with beans.
On the other hand – the most adventurous – is Lake Atitlán, located in an immense crater and surrounded by other smaller volcanoes and impressive vegetation. Among these hills you can glimpse ruins of Mayan villages, coffee plantations and contemplate incredible sunsets .
The Chichicastenango market, the perfect place to buy souvenirs
Last stop on the trip to Guatemala. The small town of Chichicastenango has become a must-see in Guatemala. This area is not only a cultural and tourist spot, but also a historical one. It is the site where one of the relics of the Mayan Quiché religion, the Popol vuh, was found.
The central and nerve center of the city of Chichicastenango revolves around the plaza and the market. Two places where you can discover the Guatemalan gastronomic offer and where you can buy fresh local products.
Fabrics, handicrafts, vegetables, meats, etc. Everything has a special place in the Chichicastenango market, which Juan Jospe has made essential if you visit the country. An obligatory appointment that occurs every Thursday and Sunday.
