Mexico might be the more popular and accessible destination, but have you thought about going down further and stepping on the Mayan heart of Central America?
When it comes to historical sites, Guatemala will leave you filled with sights and stories. But besides history, this country can also give you tons of natural wonders from lush rain forests to great volcanoes you won’t resist exploring.
Here are ten of the natural spots you should see in Guatemala.
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Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a series of limestone bridges and caves located in Central Guatemala. Going here isn’t for the half-hearted as this isolated destination isn’t the easiest place to get to especially if your time is extremely short. From Guatemala’s two commercial airports, you can reach the Lanquin for eight hours. Once you’re in Lanquin it’s recommended to book for guided tours through the village hostels to ensure you a safe hike up to the pools and back. When you arrive at Semuc Champey’s stunning pools, all that time waiting on the road will be washed away by its cool clear waters.
Pacaya Volcano
Seeing more of what Guatemala’s nature can offer may take you to extreme heights and it’ll be necessary to ask your hotel or hostel for guided tours. This reminder also goes when you want to visit Pacaya Volcano, situated an 1.5 hours from Antigua. The hike from the base of the volcano takes between an hour to 1.5 hours before you can reach the highest level which lets you see amazing views.
Lake Atitlan
A trip to Guatemala also means a trip to the beautiful Lake Atitlan, This Western Highland destination loved by backpackers is surrounded by volcanoes and small towns such as Santa Cruz La Laguna, San Juan, and San Pedro la Laguna. In Lake Atitlan, you can enjoy taking boat trips to visit the surrounding villages or go kayaking. You can also hike the nearest mountains and volcanoes, or just sit down somewhere around the lake to appreciate the scenery.
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