Guatemala is more than the jungle-piercing Mayan ruins of Petén, the volcano-ringed waters of Lake Atitlán, and the vibrant colonial architecture of Antigua. Guatemala is its humble, honest, and hard-working people, the pit-pat and sizzle of tortillas cooking over an open flame, and a resilient indigenous culture that dots the highlands with color and life. Guatemala has been on the tourist radar for quite some time, yet the “Land of Eternal Spring†still leaves its new visitors awestruck by its azure rivers, bustling marketplaces, and black sand beaches.
The writer of this guidebook spent three years in Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer, where he had the unforgettable opportunity to work, live, and form friendships in the country’s most rural regions. Gained from firsthand experiences, this book provides you with local knowledge and insight into the very best that this enchanting country has to offer. With this book in tow, Guatemala is sure to become a place you'll never forget.
- Explore Antigua, one of Latin America's most lively and well-preserved colonial cities.
- Experience Mayan culture at an indigenous ceremony or market day in the Highlands.
- Transport yourself back in time through a visit to the grand Mayan temples of Tikal, El Mirador, or any of Guatemala’s famous historical sites.
- Dive into the waters of Lake Atitlán, bask in the crystalline pools of Semuc Champey, or lounge on the rolling beaches of the Pacific Coast.
- Mingle with locals at one of Guatemala's numerous radiant, colorful festivals.
- Share a traditional meal with welcoming locals to appreciate genuine chapÃn hospitality.