Guatemala
Discover a vibrant culture, magnificent volcanoes, Mayan ruins and colonial cities in this captivating country.
Guatemala encapsulates all that is wonderful about Central America. A delightfully warm and welcoming people combine with fascinating history, spectacular scenery, charming towns and delicious cuisine to make this a country you will fall in love with. The landscape here truly is beautiful, a mountainous country with patches of desert, magnificent volcanoes and the hot and humid jungle in the north of the country. This mix of landscape is mirrored in the mix of cultures. The indigenous Mayan cultures remain strong with a vast number of the population still wearing some elements of traditional dress. Beautifully embroidered textiles bring flashes of colour to the black trousers and full black skirts. As with so many other Latin American countries, the indigenous intertwines with the colonial and the modern day which makes for a fascinating cultural mix. It is quite common to encounter Mayan rituals and ceremonies and several of the Mayan archaeological sites throughout the country.
Antigua Guatemala, the old capital is one of Latin America’s finest examples of a colonial city. Spend a few days soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, wander through cobbled streets past pastel-coloured buildings, shop for handicrafts and stop for a taste of local coffee or the finest rum in the world. For a smaller experience, the
Lake Atitlan is a shimmering beauty surrounded by towering volcanoes and dotted with charming settlements. Sail across this beautiful lake, passing traditional fishermen to visit some delightful towns, watch examples of traditional weaving and embroidery and shop for coffee and handicrafts.
There are several Mayan sites in Guatemala, the most famous of which is without doubt Tikal. Wander through the thick jungle, catching glimpses of monkeys and toucans to reach the spectacular pyramids and temples that make up this incredible site. This part of the country is hot and humid, the jungle a start contrast to the volcanoes and the highlands. Iximche is a more modest Mayan site but well worthy of inclusion and it remains an important ceremonial site for the modern day indigenous communities of Guatemala.
Come to Guatemala for a perfect example of all that is wonderful about Central America, return because once you visit, it will remain in your heart.
SAMPLE LUXURY HOLIDAYS TO GUATEMALA
Below are 3 sample itineraries of what you could do on holiday to Guatemala.
Contact us to create your own luxury holiday.
CLASSIC GUATEMALA
A 10-day itinerary including the classic sights of Guatemala with luxurious accommodation throughout.
WHERE TO VISIT
DISCOVER COUNTRY
WHEN TO VISIT AND FACTS
Currency | Guatemalan Quetzal | |
Time Zone |
GMT-6 | |
Language | Spanish |
Flight Time |
15 hours from London Heathrow | |
Capital City | Guatemala City | |
National Dish | Pepian de Pollo |