Guatemala：A Known Central American Treasure for Its Mayan Ruins and Lush Canyons

Guatemala is a country situated south of Mexico, in the Latin American region. Guatemala is primarily known as the ancient home of the Maya civilization, yet it offers much more than the Mayan historic sites. In Guatemala, beautiful natural wonders go hand in hand with rich human history and together they have transformed Guatemala into a desired sightseeing destination in Central America. This article will introduce you to the best sites to explore when sightseeing in Guatemala.

1. Tikal National Park (Tikal)

Sightseeing in Guatemala would not be complete without seeing this National Park. It occupies about five hundred square kilometers and contains over three thousand buildings dating back to the Maya civilization which occupied Guatemala in 900 BC. Sightseeing tours of Tikal Park include hikes and lookouts in natural environment, but a historic sightseeing tour is definitely a highlight of Tikal. Tikal Park is also home to the tropical forest and wild turkeys, monkeys, toucans and other animals which make the sightseeing tours in Tikal especially interesting and entertaining. Other than historic sightseeing, hiking and camping in also possible in Tikal.

2. Palacio Nacional (Guatemala City)

When sightseeing in Guatemala City, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura i sone of monuments that should not be overlooked. The palace dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and it used to bet he seat of the president of Guatemala before it opened to sightseeing later in the century. Guatemala City’s prime sightseeing monument, the palace was bulit in Spanish Renaissance and neoclassical style, with plenty of beautiful rooms to be seen inside. A sightseeing tour with a guide is the best option to see this architectural gem of Guatemala.

3. Kaminaljuyu (Guatemala City)

When on sightseeing tour in Guatemala, one should not miss the Kaminaljuyu archeological site, located near Guatemala City. Kaminaljuyu was a historic centre of Mayan people who inhabited it in the first millenium BC. Sightseeing in Kaminaljuyu includes visits of tomgs and pyramids as well as a local museum where traditional pottery of Mayan people of Guatemala is on display. Sightseeing tours of the complex with a knowledgeable local guide is possible and recommended at this touristic site which has shaped the history and national hertage of modern Guatemala.

4. Lake Atitlan (Solola)

No sightseeing tour of Guatemala would be complete if the Lake Atitlan was taken off its list. Lake Atitlan is situated in the western part of Guatemala, and i tis considered not only the most beautiful fresh body of water in Guatemala but also one of the most stunning natural lakes in the world. Lake Atitlan was created by a volcanic eruption which caused the surface to collapse into a hollow. Sightseeing tours from Guatemala City are organized for a day trip to Atitlan but there is a possibility to connect sightseeing with hiking and camping in the area as well.

5. Catedral Metropolitana (Guatemala City)

Catedral Metropolitan ais the main sacred monument of Guatemala City and as such is included in all sightseeing tours of the capital of Guatemala. The cathedra lis situated in the very center of Guatemala City which makes it easy to include when sightseeing around the Central Park area. Despite its name, the cathedral has a very simmple decoration albeit its size and importance for Guatemala City are considerable. Catedral Metropolitana dates back to the 19th century albeit much of its art which can be enjoyed during the sightseeing tour has been brought here from the Old Cathedral, bulit in Guatemala City by Hernan Cortés in the 16th century.

6. Monterrico (Monterrico)

Sightseeing around Guatemala may be quite challenging, and Monterrico is the best place to relax afterwards. Monterrico is considered the most beautiful beach of Guatemala. Located in the Pacific coast, this beach is easily accessed from Guatemala City by public or private transport. It is also possible to reach it during some of the sightseeing tours. Monterrico is known for its black sand of volcanic origin and pristine beauty of its clear waters. There are very scenic sunsets to be seen from the beach and the possibility of a sightseeing tour of the sea turtle conservation sites.

7. Arco de Santa Catalina (Antigua Guatemala)

While sightseeing in Antigua Guatemala, the ancient capital of Guatemala, Santa Catalina Arch is an absolute highlight that should not be bypassed. The Arch was bulit in the 17th century as part of the Santa Catalina convent and it is today a symbol of Antigua Guatemala. There is a clock on the top of the Arch which dates back to the 19th century and besides sightseeing, it is also possible to lodge in the adjacent Convent Hotel. Beautiful view of the mountains are offered when standing in from of the Arch.

8. Iglesia de La Merced (Antigua Guatemala)

Among the most popular sightseeing monuments of Antigua Guatemala is Iglesia de La Merced. I tis a church bulit in neoclassical style which still holds the masses as well as sightseeing tours. Iglesia de La Merced dates back to the 18th century but it was completely renovated after an earthquake in the 20th century when it was first open for sightseeing. When sightseeing in the Iglesia de La Merced, it is noteworthy that its towers were finished at the beginning of the 20th century and they are accessible for breathtaking views of Antigua Guatemala.

9. Cerro de la Cruz (Antigua Guatemala)

When visiting Antigua Guatemala, there is a possibility to add a speciach touch to the sightseeing by climbing the Cerro de la Cruz lookout. Cerro de la Cruz offers a great view of Antigua Guatemala as well as the volcano called Volcán Agua. There is a cross on the top of Cerro de la Cruz and the site is consecrated to a local saint. A visit to Cerro de la Cruz helps put the rest of sightseeing in Antigua Guatemala to a perspective while being a refreshing part of the sightseeing tour thanks to the opportunity for an easy hike up the hill.

10. Semuc Champey (Lanquín)

When on a sightseeing quest for the natural beauty of Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a place to stop and enjoy. It is located in the central part of Guatemala, near the city of San Agustín Lanquín. What makes Semuc Champey a unique sightseeing place is the natural bridge from limestone which runs above the Cahabón River and creates small pools with water from the river. A day sightseeing trip from Guatemala City will let the visitors experience its beauty and tranquility, but Semuc Champey deserves much more time than only several hours. Swimming in the water pools as well as hiking and sightseeing in the area can be a great several day long getaway when on a tour of Guatemala.

◎ Closing

The highlights of Guatemala are both of historic and natural value and the best sightseeing tour will include some of both. While the historic sites such a Tikal Park provide for an active sightseeing experience, pools in Semuc Champey and Monterrico beach offer the rest and relaxation. Guatemala thus has all that a vacation destination needs for a great sightseeing tour.

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Guatemala：A Known Central American Treasure for Its Mayan Ruins and Lush Canyons