The Central American country of Guatemala is an exotic and beautiful locale for hiking and ruin-exploring adventures. A part of the former Mayan empire, Guatemala is still home to some of the largest and most beautiful Mayan ruins in the world.
Tikal
The ancient city of Tikal is Guatemala’s most popular tourist destination. The ruins of Tikal are located in Tikal National Park, in the Petén basin of Northern Guatemala. Stone temples stand over 150 feet above the ground, towering over the surrounding rainforest. The nearby forest is actually part of an extensive courtyard built by the Mayans, and beneath the forest floor is a vast layer of stone.
The ancient site will give you plenty to hike on and explore, and the surrounding rainforest boasts an amazing diversity of wildlife. Massive, ancient conifers and gum trees dot the forest, while howler monkeys swing throughout the canopy.
Antigua
The city of Antigua is a picturesque Guatemalan town nestled at the base the Volcano de Agua. The town is famous for its beautiful architecture, which has survived largely unchanged since it was built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Row after row of pastel-colored homes provide a feat for the eyes. This is also one of the nicest places in Guatemala to stay, with several beautiful old Haciendas available downtown.
Antigua also features several ornate Catholic churches from the 16th and 17th centuries. These religious sites are particularly interesting because of the re-interpretation of Catholicism by the local people, known as syncretism. This fusion is evident in their depictions of Jesus as Spanish-looking and their association of Jesus with the Chthonic Mayan god of corn.
Lake Atitlan
In an area known as the Panajachel, three mountains dominate the landscape, and in the center of these volcanoes lies beautiful Lake Atitlan. The crystal-blue lake makes a beautiful site when you hike in the surrounding countryside.
Being near active volcanoes is also exhilarating, if a little intimidating. Guatemala’s volcanoes are notoriously active—Guatemala City itself was recently buried in 3 feet of black ash from a nearby eruption (Don’t worry, it’s clean now). All the volcanic activity also makes the surrounding soil unusually fertile. At the open-air market in Chichicastenango, you can see Quiche Mayans trading their harvests, including freakishly-large carrots that are meals-in-themselves.
Cautions
Unfortunately, Guatemala can also be a dangerous place. Since the civil war in 1996, violence on the streets has become more commonplace, and many places are now watched over by armed guards. The roads there can often be extremely dangerous, winding through high mountain passes on narrow roads with no guard-rails. Rich-looking tourists are occasionally kidnapped for ransom. Malaria is also common in the moist tropical climate.
It is imperative that travelers to Guatemala take precautions. Always carry a mugger’s walled and hide your passport and “real” wallet. Travel in groups, and stick with your travel guide. Get international travel insurance just in case something does go wrong. Get all your vaccinations before traveling, and be sure not to drink the water or any drink containing ice (which is probably made from local water). If you are safe about it, Guatemala can be a great place to get in touch with nature and see a slice of the ancient world.
