With a growing number of U.S. travelers looking for unique experiences when going abroad, Central America has become an incredibly popular destination as of late.
Famous for its unspoiled reserves and vibrant Hispanic culture, the narrow isthmus that connects North and South offers suburbia escapees the change of scenery they so desperately seek, at times without the need to fly further than 3 hours.
While the likes of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua certainly need no introduction, there’s a lesser-known gem in the region that also offers unspoiled beaches, budget-friendly adventures, and to the odd culture buff willing to go off the beaten track, even secluded Mayan Ruins.
This year, it’s time we stop sleeping on Guatemala:
Guatemala Is Getting Trendier To Visit
Guatemala is a small Central American country just south of Mexico.
It is best known for its mountainous territory, which is cut through with towering volcanoes and undisturbed nature.
It’s not typically the number one country you think of when planning a trip to the Global South, but surprisingly enough, a growing number of travelers is giving Guatemala a shot: according to Inguat, their Tourism Institute, 3 million tourists are expected by year’s end.
However, unless you’re already familiar with Guatemala and its natural and manmade wonders, you may be wondering what it has to offer that far more popular neighbors, like the aforementioned Mexico and even Belize, don’t.
As it turns out, plenty:
Pristine Beaches
For starters, Guatemala has extensive coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean Seas: the Pacific side is the longest one, running for some 186 miles, while the offbeat Caribbean is much shorter, at only 94 miles, but just as scenic.
That’s not a feature exclusive to Guatemala––you know, there’s always Mexico north of the border––but on the other hand, beach towns here are far more peaceful, less crowded, and arguably more affordable than their Mexican competitors:
In Livingston, on the Caribbean Coast, there are five-star hotels for as cheap as $125 a night, such as Amatique Bay Hotel, and wide, white-sand beaches lapped by seas of the shiniest blue, like the idyllic Playa Blanca.
If you’re keen on going off the beaten path in the Guatemalan Caribbean and seeing a different, undeveloped side of the country, take the short boat trip from Livingston to Rio Dulce, a national park where you can relax and escape into nature for a couple of hours.
Sitting by the Pacific instead, Monterrico is the closest coastal zone to Guatemala City.
It’s a surfer’s paradise, with epic waves crashing against the volcanic dark sands and a lively beachfront lined with casual seafood restaurants.
A short two-hour drive west, El Paredon is also popular with locals and visitors alike.
It is an up-and-coming vacation hotspot nestled between beach and jungle, with a long sandy beach framed by the azure ocean.
There’s no shortage of beautiful seaside resorts along Guatemala’s sea borders, and you’ll be definitely spoiled for choice.
Budget-Friendly Adventures
Nature is the country’s greatest asset, as well as its main tourist attraction.
Based on data provided by World Rain Forests, roughly 33.7% of the territory is forested, including Parque Nacional El Mirador, a favorite among History enthusiasts.
Other than the birdwatching and thriving wildlife that can be found here, tourists typically flock to El Mirador for its monumental La Danta, one of the world’s largest Mayan pyramids by volume and an overgrown, mystical place built roughly 2,400 years ago.
If you’ve ever been scolded by Chichen Itza guards for coming ‘too close’ to a monument, you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can sit on La Danta’s steps and climb to the very top of the 72-meter-high structure for privileged views of the dense forest below.
For our fellow adventurous spirits out there, another must-do hike if you’re ever in Guatemala is Volcán de Pacaya:
The views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking, and you’ll want to make sure you bring a packet of marshmallows.
Once you reach the top, you may get the chance to roast them over the landmark volcano’s cooled lava.
This is a rather strenuous 4.3-mile trek, but there’s good signage, the odd vendor selling snacks along the way, and even public toilets, so you don’t have to relieve yourself the old way if you know what we mean.
You can book a self-guided hike with pickup and drop-off from GetYourGuide for as cheap as $22.
For our fellow water babies, Parque Nacional Semuc Champey is not to be missed, with nature-made teal-colored pools cascading in tiers.
At the highest point, atop a limestone bridge that spans the fast-flowing Cahabón River, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the Guatemalan jungle, with lush green that extends far into the horizon, and you may even spot tropical birds flying about.
This spot is also a bit far off the usual tourist route in Guatemala, as it is nowhere near an airport or major city, which only adds to its mystique, but you can visit it on this $109 day trip from Guatemala City.
It will be a long traveling day, with a duration of 11 hours there and back, but based on the 4.1/5 score, most customers will say it’s worth it.
Fascinating Culture
We’ve (briefly) touched on that already, but Guatemala is an incredible cultural destination:
Though many of its current cities were founded in the post-Columbian era, when the Spaniards controlled the territory, the area that is now known as Guatemala was previously inhabited by the Mayans and other native peoples.
They presided over a vast civilization that stretched from the Central American isthmus to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, where some of the most important Mayan cities of Antiquity are located.
There are countless archaeological zones scattered around the Guatemalan jungle, some well-preserved, some overgrown, but the most visited and certainly the most impressive has to be Tikal, originally settled as far back as the 7th century BC and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The central pyramid, Tikal Temple I, is one of the most easily recognized symbols of Mayan architecture.
Rising 154 feet high, it is still largely intact compared to other monuments of its time despite having been raised in the long-gone Early Classic period.
The Mayans are only the start of Guatemala’s recorded human history, which extends beyond the demise of the once-powerful civilization well into the Spanish period:
For the lovers of colonial towns laden with cobblestones, Antigua Guatemala is a mandatory stop: a quaint town dotted with Baroque landmarks and colorful low houses, it is a cultural capital of the sorts and the volcanic peaks that bound it to make it feel even more special.
A walking tour of Antigua Guatemala, visiting important sites such as the Spanish-built cathedral, the iconic Arch Street, and the Bakers’ Portal costs only $25 to book on GetYourGuide (tips excluded), and it’s a great way to tick off the town’s highlights if you’re short on time.
It Can Be Incredibly Affordable
You’ve probably noticed it already, but Guatemala is one of the most budget-friendly getaways in Latin America:
According to Budget Your Trip estimates, a one-week trip to Guatemala will set you back by $343 per week, that is, if you’re traveling on a budget: high-end travelers should expect their expenses to bump up to $870.
Food is particularly inexpensive, with travelers having reported spending an average $14 on meals per day, as seen on Budget Your Trip, as is accommodation: $33 per night for centrally-located, three-star hotels in major tourism hotspots.
In Antigua Guatemala, the budget-friendly Hotel El Amigo has nightly rates starting from just $20, while Hotel Cristal, within walking distance of the historic center, is only slightly more expensive, with basic room rates set at $21.
You can, of course, go much higher than that: a four-star stay at the boutique Los Olivos, in the heart of the Old Town, will cost $164, while booking the landmark Meson Panza Verde instead, with its exotic gardens and timeless architecture, will run you up $201 a night.
In short, there’s a Guatemala for every budget, whether you’re keen on making those hard-earned dollars stretch a little further––considering the lower consumer prices, trust us, they will––or you’re the big spender type, not exactly averse to splurging on luxurious experiences.
On Safety
Once again, 3 million tourists could set foot in Guatemala by December: that’s a 15% growth year-on-year, a significant jump considering Guatemala is part of a geopolitical group that’s been historically portrayed by the media as being overrun with gangs and unsafe:
Well, if the harsh anti-crime laws enacted in neighboring El Salvador are any indication, as well as Guatemala’s own recent anti-corruption campaign, promoted by the newly-elected Government, that’s no longer the case for most countries in the region.
If you’ve ever taken a trip to the Global South, you know there are certain do’s and don’ts you must keep in mind to enhance your security, particularly in crowded urban zones, and Guatemala is no exception:
Yes, there’s been renewed political will to tackle regional crime as of late, but it remains at higher levels compared to much of the United States, as noted by InSight Crime, and some precaution is needed according to the U.S. State Department.
Tourist zones like Tikal and Antigua Guatemala are generally safer, and most visitors to Guatemala report no incidents, but American authorities continue to advise Americans to reconsider travel to the country, citing elevated crime.
Some departments present a higher risk than others, such as San Marcos (with the exception of the city of San Marcos itself), Huehuetenango, Zone 18, and Villa Nueva, part of Guatemala City’s wider metropolitan area.
In general, tourists are advised to keep valuables in a safe at their hotel, carry only the required amount of cash, and set some backup money and cards aside in case their primary source of funds gets robbed or pickpocketed.
Guatemala is an increasingly popular destination for American explorers, and most will visit the country hassle-free––however, in the unfortunate scenario you do fall victim to crime, Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides 24-hour emergency assistance.
There are both Spanish and English-speaking staff in the call center, and they can be reached via 1500 or +502-2290-2800.
For American citizens, consular assistance is also readily available in Guatemala City.
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