What Are the Top Activities in Guatemala?
Guatemala's top activities involve cultural and natural exploration. Cultural activities include visiting Mayan ruins, touring historic sites, and perusing some of the country's colorful local markets. There are national parks and reserves that are great for hiking or bird watching. River rafting is popular in some areas, and some of Guatemala's coastline lends itself towards swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
Living Maya Tours in Guatemala
Although many Maya ruins are quite ancient, the Maya culture has survived to the present day. This culture has a strong representation in the western highlands. There are several villages surrounding Lake Atitlán where you can see modern Maya practicing their religion and hear the Mayan language spoken. The largest groups of modern Maya are the K’iche’, the Kaqchikel, and the Mam.
Rappelling Tours in Guatemala
Imagine rappelling down a waterfall in Guatemala — water rushes past as you hold onto a rope and slowly walk yourself down a rock wall. Rappelling is an exhilarating experience, and one that you’re not likely to forget. These tours take travelers to beautiful outdoor areas to go rappelling. You’ll be given all necessary equipment and taught the proper way to rappel. Professional guides accompany you throughout the entire trip and provide a fun and safe tour environment.
Guatemala Bird Watching Tours
Guatemala has more than 700 different species of birds living within its borders. In the last few decades, the country has become increasingly well known for its fantastic birding. Among the many species that live or pass through Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal remains one of the most emblematic — the national currency is, after all, named for it. Bird watching tours take travelers to Guatemala’s best birding sites, which are usually in national parks or reserves. Naturalist guides accompany the tours and help travelers to spot a range of colorful, feathered creatures.
Historic Tours in Guatemala
Historic areas in Guatemala often have a worn look, and they have survived many years of earthquakes and political upheaval. But in some ways this adds to their beauty. Wandering the streets of Antigua you will see the remains of monasteries and convents that the Spanish built, as well as restored cathedrals. Go see Guatemala’s first capital, Ciudad Vieja, just a few miles from Antigua. It was built in 1527, although almost nothing from the original town remains. Lake Atitlán and the traditional villages that surround it will give you a feel for Guatemala’s Maya history – many of the people who live here are the descendants of the ancient Maya.
Guatemala Hiking Tours
Guatemala is a fantastic place to hike. The country's diverse terrain features mountains, volcanoes, and forests. You can enjoy relaxed strolls near the shores of Lake Atitlán or full-day treks to the top of the Agua Volcano. Professional guides lead the hiking tours, and safety is always prioritized. Hiking tours are a great way to get outdoors and experience Guatemala's beautiful landscape.
Rafting Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala has several white-water rivers that have excellent rafting. These rivers have rapids that range from Class II to Class V, and many of the rivers pass jungles, hot springs, caves, and even Maya ruins. The best rafting rivers are the Río Cahabón, Río Candelaria, and Rio Chiquibul. These tours are thrilling and available for both experienced and inexperienced rafters. They offer travelers a wonderful way to see places in Guatemala that are otherwise inaccessible.
Ruins Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala has many Maya ruins you can tour with local guides. In every region of Guatemala you can visit a Maya site that used to be hub of commerce or political power. Some of these sites, like Tikal and Copán, have undergone restoration. Guided tours make it easy to get to these sites, which are often located deep in the jungle. The Maya left behind larger-than-life works of art – on a visit to these ruins you’ll see some incredible carved reliefs and statues depicting fierce Maya rulers.
