Roughly the size of the American state of Louisiana, Guatemala is the second largest country in Central America. It is a land of great geographic and cultural diversity with towering volcanoes, shimmering lakes, lush tropical lowlands, well-preserved colonial towns, and a thriving indigenous population.
Despite its history of violence and oppression, Guatemala welcomes travelers and offers an array of rewarding destinations. Tops among them are the magnificent Mayan ruins at Tikal, sequestered in the jungles of El Peten, the country’s northernmost department; and the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala’s original capital city. Both these locations have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The misty mountain town of Chicicastenango is world-famous for its huge Saturday handicraft market and enduring Mayan religious traditions. Volcanic peaks and fascinating Mayan communities ring Lago de Atitlan, which has been called the most beautiful lake in the world. Quetzaltenango, the country’s second largest city, harbors stately Neoclassical architecture and makes an ideal base for exploring isolated villages and markets.
Also well-worth visiting in Guatemala’s lowlands are the ancient Mayan city of Quirigua, with its intricately carved monuments, and the town of Livingston on the Caribbean coast. Livingston is very different from the rest of Guatemala. Black Garifuna people, who have their own language and culture, make up most of the town’s population. Livingston’s atmosphere is decidedly laid-back, and its streets are lined with brightly painted wooden buildings.
From Livingston, tourist Launches leave for trips up the Rio Dulce, a wide river that snakes inland through forested canyons to a large lake called Lago de Izabal. En route, the boats stop at a the Biotopo Chocon-Machacas, a nature reserve established to protect the endangered Central American manatee. On the shores of Lago de Izabal stands El Castillo de San Felipe, an old Spanish fortress dating back to 1652.
Guatemala City, the largest metropolis in Central America, is the country’s capital and transportation hub. Although crowded and sometimes intimidating, Guatemala City has some fine archaeology and art museums plus a well-preserved historic center. There are also trendy neighborhoods with bars and restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan and international cuisine.
Written by: John Mitchell
