Volcanoes, lakes and jungle ruins in Guatemala
Discover the 'vibrant indigenous culture' and biodiverse landscape of this Central American paradise
Move over, Costa Rica – Guatemala is twice as big and arguably far more beautiful, said Claire Boobbyer in The Times. Known as the "Land of Eternal Spring" for its mild climate and abundant flora, Guatemala has more active volcanoes and ancient jungle ruins than its Central American neighbours, as well as a "vibrant indigenous culture with very deep roots".
A quarter of a century ago, most foreign visitors to Guatemala were backpackers. Since then, stylish hotels have opened in Antigua, an hour's drive south of the capital. This city flanked by volcanoes was the seat of Spain's colonial power in central America until a devastating earthquake reduced much of it to rubble one afternoon in 1773. Residents were ordered to leave, and resettle in Guatemala City, but some refused to go. Some of its colonial buildings have been restored; others from that era lie in stunning, well-preserved ruin. Nearby, the Mayan Kaqchikel town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, which lies in the lee of a 12,000ft volcano, offers a glimpse of an older way of life; women here still wear traditional woven outfits, and some have formed collectives to protect their traditional Mayan weaving from the machine-made imitations.
A three-hour drive west lies the vast (12 miles long) Lake Atitlán, which fills in the caldera that was created when a mega-volcano "blew its top" some 85,000 years ago. Surrounded by steep verdant hills, it is said to be the deepest lake in Central America, and considered by many to be the most beautiful. And in the northern part of the country, set deep in a national park, you will find the towering stone pyramids of the pre-Columbian Mayan city of Tikal. Once, these honoured kings and queens obeyed the stars and communed with the gods on behalf of their people. Now, the jungle ruins are a World Heritage Site, home to jaguars, howler monkeys and toucans.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for The Week’s Travel newsletter for destination inspiration and the latest news and trends.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Russia rattles nuclear saber, orders tactical nuke drills
Speed Read President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian military to hold nuclear weapons drills in response to Western "threats"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Five top new women's watches
The Week Recommends From dancing diamonds to reconfigured classics, these models were recently revealed at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Social Security, Medicare gain years before benefit cuts
Speed Read The programs have a little longer than previously forecast before they run out of money — about a decade
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Tom Crewe's 6 favorite works that challenge societal norms
Feature The novelist recommends works by Margaret Oliphant, Patrick White, and more
By The Week US Published
-
On the trail of India’s wild lions at Sasan Gir National Park
The Week Recommends The sanctuary is a 'roaring' conservation success
By The Week UK Published
-
Recipe: almond marmalade cake
The Week Recommends This syrupy cake can be toasted for brunch
By The Week UK Published
-
Properties of the week: houses with enchanting gardens
The Week Recommends Featuring pretty homes in Hampshire, Devon and West Sussex
By The Week UK Published
-
Venice Biennale 2024: from the good to the bad to the downright 'bizarre'
The Week Recommends Central exhibition features the work of some 330 artists
By The Week UK Published
-
Sunset Song: gripping theatre that's 'close to magic'
The Week Recommends Morna Young's 'first-class adaptation' of Lewis Grassic Gibbon's classic novel
By The Week UK Published
-
Challengers: 'the most purely pleasurable film of the year so far'
The Week Recommends Zendaya plays a former tennis player turned coach in this 'almost ridiculously' sexy drama
By The Week UK Published
-
Baby Reindeer: a 'compelling and unforgettable' series
The Week Recommends Comedian Richard Gadd's disturbing Netflix drama about stalking
By The Week UK Published