The more things to see and experience in any country, the more popular the country becomes as a tourist destination. That’s why many countries promote their natural resources, places of cultural value and places of adventure among tourists.

Guatemala is one such country, with its thousands of years of history associated with the Mayan civilization, rich rainforests, stunning lakes, eclectic cities, active volcanoes, and endless plains. A number of factors have contributed to it becoming a popular destination among tourists.

The Republic of Guatemala is a Central American country

Officially known as the Republic of Guatemala, this is a Central American country. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean Islands to the northeast, the Republic of Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. According to recent data, the population of Guatemala is estimated at approximately 17.6 million. It is the most populous country in Central America and the 11th most populous country in the Americas. Guatemala, which was a Spanish and Mexican colony for a long time, gained independence in 1821.

Ruins of the Maya

More than 1,500 sites associated with the ancient Maya civilization are located in different parts of the state of Guatemala. Among them, the city of Tikal, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes a major place. Historians are of the opinion that by the 800th century BC, it had been transformed into a city with many facilities, which is considered to have been inhabited since the 400th century BC.

Guatemala is home to many ruins associated with the Mayan civilization 

The city of Tikal, an extremely popular tourist destination in Guatemala, and its surrounding areas are said to be home to many indigenous peoples who speak languages ​​linked to the Mayan civilization. Many tourists who come here do not forget to exchange ideas about their history and lifestyle with the people of such communities with the help of tour guides.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua, a city located in the central highlands of the state of Guatemala, is a very popular destination among tourists. It served as the capital of Guatemala from 1543 to 1773 AD. A number of buildings with Italian and French architectural features are located in this city.

Pavements and highways paved with different sizes of cobblestones are another reason why this city has become a popular destination among tourists. Antigua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1979 due to its unique architecture.

It is a peculiar fact that three-wheelers are the most popular means of transport among many tourists visiting here. Famous for its handicrafts made using natural ingredients, it has a number of very crowded markets where you can buy such goods.

Folk music, traditional clothing and languages ​​associated with the Mayan civilization are also abundant here. It is said that learning Spanish is easier in Antigua than in any other country, as the people who live here speak Spanish in a very precise and clear manner.

Lake Atitlan

One of the many popular tourist destinations in Guatemala, this is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Many remains of the ancient Mayan civilization have been found at its bottom, which is also the deepest lake in Central America. Facing three active volcanoes, this lake is full of blue water. Many of the surrounding areas are home to various communities associated with the Mayan civilization, and catering to tourists is one of their main sources of income.
Although Guatemala is not a very cheap tourist destination when compared to Southeast Asian and other Central American countries, tourists can afford transportation and other facilities at an affordable cost.

The aforementioned four-hour shuttle service from Lake Atitlan to Antigua cost just US$12 last year. All-inclusive accommodation can be provided for as little as $80.

A meal at a high-end restaurant in Guatemala costs approximately $10 to $25. Local and street food can be purchased for between $1-5.

Outdoor activities

Guatemala is one of the most popular destinations among those who enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing. There are 37 climbable volcanoes located there. Trekking through the swampy trails, with mist and ice-cold winds caressing the volcanoes is an unforgettable experience for many.

Other popular outdoor activities among tourists in Guatemala include canoeing, biking, beach parties, and rainforest tours.

Guatemala is known as a country with the world’s most biodiverse flora and fauna. Many visitors to Guatemala love to visit the forests where they can see such flora and fauna. A number of unique plants and herbs can be seen in those forests.

Jaguars, pumas, quetzals, turkeys and leopard spiders are prominent among the fauna that inhabit them. Tourists say that many animal species found there are not found in any other country in the world.

Friendly people

Like many other Latin American countries, the people of Guatemala are very kind and friendly. They like to share all the information about their culture and history, especially the Mayan civilization, with the tourists who come there.

The people working in the restaurants, drivers, traders as well as even the strangers who meet on the road are very friendly with the tourists.