Pacaya volcano.
Pacaya volcano. Guatemala.
The Pacaya is an active volcano located in the municipality of San Vicente Pacaya in the Department of Escuintla, Guatemala. It is unknown how many thousands of years ago erupted for the first time, but at least 23 eruptions have been recorded since the time of Spanish colonization of America in Guatemala. After being asleep for a century, he erupted violently in 1965 and has since been in constant eruptive activity. On July 20, 1963 was declared a national park and is a place of foreign and national tourist attraction. It is located 47.5 km south of Guatemala City, can be visited from the city of Antigua Guatemala or the city of Guatemala itself. It is one of the most recommended volcanoes for its easy ascent and beautiful view.
The Pacaya volcano, south of Guatemala City, is one of the most active volcanoes in all Central America and easily accessible with a height of 2552 masl. For more than 50 years, the volcano has maintained a moderate eruptive phase that has produced frequent and impressive eruptions; With an average of a strong eruption every year and signs of activity every day of the week. It is one of the most recommended volcanoes for your visit, for its easy ascent and beautiful views.
The ascent to the area known as the Plateau (maximum point) is an easy hike with some medium difficulty points that offers wonderful panoramic views and an environment rich in eruptive history and natural resources.
Pacaya volcano. Guatemala.
Natural wonders.
Semuc Champey. Guatemala.
In spite of its relatively small territorial extension, Guatemala has a great climatic variety, product of its mountainous relief that goes from the level of the sea to the 4220 meters on that level. Its landscapes and its cultural roots and traditions are a great attraction for tourism.
Its ecological diversity positions it as one of the areas of greatest tourist attraction in the region. The soil, very fertile, is the most important resource in Guatemala, which is basically a forest country. Some of the minerals available in the country, although not all of them sufficiently exploited, are iron, petroleum, nickel, lead, zinc and chromite; deposits of uranium and mercury have been discovered. In the highlands of the department of San Marcos, gold has been exploited since 2006. The Petén region provides timber and medicinal tree species, such as rubber tree, chicozapote, ebony, mahogany, and others; wood and its products are used both for local consumption and for export, and oil is also exploited to a lesser degree. In addition, there are the beaches in the Pacific and the Atlantic of Guatemala.
Semuc ChampeyIt was declared in 1999 Natural Monument. In the middle of a thick tropical forest there is a natural limestone bridge of about 300 meters long by which flows the river Cahabón and in whose surroundings there are a large number of pools of 1 to 3 m deep , whose turquoise-green or jade color changes throughout the year, varying with climate, sunshine and other natural factors. It has a viewpoint of 700 m high to observe the 350 m long of the natural pools that make up “Semuc Champey “, with cataracts of up to 40 feet high and all the pools fed by streams of the place.
Volcán Santa María. Guatemala.
The Santa Maria Volcano is located close to the city of Quetzaltenango and is the tallest room in Guatemala. Sometimes, in the cold period (Winter (October-February)), it is covered with frost or snow and can be seen from the city of Quetzaltenango its white cone, although it is not very common, but if occasionally fall snowfalls.
The San Pedro volcano has stunning views over the Great Lake Atitlan. It is an almost perfect cone, that approaches to be symmetrical and is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes that extends along the western coast of Central America. The Pacaya volcano, south of Guatemala City, is one of the most active volcanoes in all Central America and easily accessible with a height of 2552 masl. It is one of the most recommended volcanoes for your visit, for its easy ascent and beautiful views.
It has soft beaches on its Pacific coast and lowland plains to the north of the country, on the Caribbean or Pacific Coast, with landscapes as different as charming. The most outstanding are Monterrico and Playa Blanca.
Lake Atitlan. Guatemala.
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala and perhaps, all over Central America. The word “Atitlán” translates as among the waters and it is a lake of volcanic origin that nowadays is surrounded by villages of all kinds that for decades attract all the travelers who are encouraged to know Guatemala.
Main cities.
Guatemala City: is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Central America, and its official name is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, considered as the capital and seat of the governmental powers of the Republic of Guatemala, as well as the seat of the Central American Parliament. Guatemala City has been chosen as the second most expensive city to live in Latin America.
Antigua Guatemala.
Antigua Guatemala: Its fame, its beauty and the fact that it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, give Antigua the character of a must visit during a stay in Guatemala. Located at 1500 meters altitude, its climate is very pleasant and walking through its cobbled streets is very pleasant. From them you can see the menacing volcanoes that surround the city. Some of the facades of the houses are painted in pastel shades and others in vivid colors. In the beautiful Plaza Mayor, surrounded by several colonial buildings. numerous churches and convents.
City Cayalá. Guatemala.
Ciudad Cayalá: It means paradise in Cakchiquel, an appropriate name for this city that is located in the middle of two ecological reserves of 60 blocks of land and were donated by Grupo Cayalá more than two decades ago. The design of this city is based on the concept of classical urbanism where the planning of the city is based on the needs of the inhabitants.
Tikal: Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Tikal National Park is the jewel of the crown of tourism in Guatemala. In the heart of the jungle, I could see that Tikal is the most beautiful testimony of the Mayan civilization. A real marvel. Its archaeological richness, its jungle, its fauna and its incredible views. The tops of the rest of the pyramids emerge on time from the ocean of vegetation. It’s absolutely spectacular.
Quetzaltenango. Guatemala.
Quetzaltenango: Its historic center is full of colonial houses and neoclassical buildings that were built in its day at the request of the dictator Ernesto Cabrera (1898-1920). Touring its streets, its markets see its municipal theater and its incredible Central America Square, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, you can find very good restaurants, visit a cemetery that is quite well preserved. You can also see the “Natural History Museum”, which has just been renovated, where you will discover the most native Indian face of the country between markets and churches, or Livingston, Caribbean coastal town with a lot of rhythm.
Flores is just a really wonderful little town. It is a very touristy place with narrow cobblestone alleys, the colorful facades of its houses and its hospitable inhabitants.
Santa Catalina Palopó: From this village, you can see the most beautiful views of the lake area and the volcanoes. The town has several eco-hotels and charming hotels.
Cobán. Guatemala.
Cobán: it shines especially for its beautiful surroundings, the caves of King Marcos), the Refuge of the Quetzal (where you can see the bird symbol of the nation), and the Lachuá lagoon, among other natural wonders. At the end of the year, the most important Miss Indigenous contest in Guatemala is celebrated on the occasion of Rabin Ajaw. The costumes, crowns, and diversity of Guatemalan traditions that the event brings together are particularly fascinating and are broadcast on national television.
Main beaches.
Guatemala has soft beaches on its Pacific coast, characteristic for its exotic black sands and on the Caribbean coast, with White sands and numerous lake beaches in formidable scenarios with landscapes as different as charming.
Playa Blanca. Guatemala.
Playa Blanca (Izabal): Located in the Bay of Amatique on the Atlantic coast, is the most famous Caribbean beach in Guatemala, with white sands and warm waters of gentle swell, in a beautiful place of huge coconut trees.
Playa Dorada (Izabal): One of the most beautiful beaches in Guatemala, characteristic for its golden sands with small pebbless bordering the warm waters of Lake Izabal, in an environment of excessive vegetation and large coconut trees. Along the beach, you can find a wide variety of tourist services, with hotels, restaurants and equipment rental to practice water sports in the tranquil waters of the lake.
Playa Dorada. Guatemala.
Quehueche Beach (Izabal): One of the best beaches in Guatemala for nature lovers, a place totally isolated from civilization, hosting no more tourist infrastructure than a small ecological hotel located in front of the sea, in an environment of golden sands, warm waters and Lush vegetation.
Monterrico (Santa Rosa): Beach of the Pacific coast, with extensive black sands and large waves, surrounded by mangroves and coconut palms. Some bars along it also allow you to enjoy a refreshing drink while you contemplate the spectacular sunsets. This site, at the same time, is recognized by the beauty of its surroundings, housing the nature reserve of Monterrico-Hawaii, one of the best preserved mangrove areas of Guatemala, surrounding the Canal de Chiquimulilla, with a labyrinth of navigable channels, where Cohabits an extraordinary biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Monterrico Beach. Guatemala.
Lake Atitlan Beaches (Sololá): One of the most fascinating natural scenery of Guatemala, recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, marvelling with its crystalline waters and the three imposing volcanoes that surround it: Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro. Along its banks, you can find numerous indigenous populations with small playitas of golden sands and calm waters, such as Playa Las Crystallines, Playa Dorada or the beach in Panajachel, all ideal for swimming and practicing other water sports.
Go shopping.
Mall. Guatemala.
The best purchases include textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, jade carvings and leather works, ceramics and basket weaving. To buy these local products the best is the artisan markets where you can haggle. Places to buy ceramics at a good price are Villa de Chinautla, San Luis Jilotepeque and Rabinal. Coban to buy silver objects, like crockery. The Central market in Guatemala and the handicrafts market offer a wide variety of handmade products combining modern and traditional styles. The major shopping centres are the following: the heroes, Galerías La Pradera, Plaza Cemaco and international Gemini that are in zone 10 of the city. Other shopping centers are Tikal Futura, Peri-Roosevelt and Century. Business hours: From 9.30 to 19.30 from Monday to Saturday.
The city Cayalá is also one of the tourist’s favorite places to make purchases.
Market handicrafts. Guatemala.
Lodging
The sites with the largest number of visitors in terms of the lodging are as follows.
Hotel Boutique Convento. Guatemala.
Hotel Boutique Convento.
The Convento Boutique Hotel is excellent for those who want to explore Antigua Guatemala and its surroundings as it offers a prodigious location just a few steps away from a lot of popular tourist destinations, shops and restaurants. It has been recently renovated and offers currency exchange, concierge and express check-in/check-out. It offers an airport shuttle service, dry cleaning, laundry service and babysitting service on request. It also has an indoor pool and a limousine service are just some of the luxury amenities that are offered to guests during their stay.
In the convent Boutique Hotel there are 26 rooms of striking style, and all of them contain everything you need for a pleasant stay. Guests can enjoy a unique culinary experience in the establishment’s restaurant, which is a perfect alternative for those who wish to stay close to their rooms for lunch or dinner. At the end of the day guests can relax and unwind, while having a drink, in the comfortable surroundings of the lounge-bar.
Hotel Soleil Pacifico. Guatemala.
Hotel Soleil Pacífico is a luxury resort located facing the sea, a 10-minute drive from Guatemala’s San Jose Port Airport. It has 2 outdoor swimming pools, gym, tennis court and spa with massage service. Spacious rooms with air conditioning, 2 double beds, sofa, cable TV, safe and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. The hotel’s main restaurant, Los Caracoles, serves Caribbean cuisine and has an outdoor terrace. The El Mirador bar, located by the pool, prepares more informal dishes. The hotel offers free parking, 24-hour reception, tour desk and laundry service available for an additional fee.
Hotel Best Western Peten Splendid Hotel & Conference Center. Guatemala.
Best Western Peten Splendid Hotel & Conference Center.
The Best Western Peten splendid Hotel & Conference Center is a tropical corner located next to the main local attractions but a whole world away from the stress of modern life. Located in the heart of the Mayan world, the best Western Peten splendid Hotel & Conference Center gives you the best of both worlds. To enjoy the charm of the tropics just a few minutes from the majestic Mayan pyramids. Here you will find sensational shops and spectacular views. It consists of a attentive multilingual staff that offer personalized service, which has become the hallmark of this hotel. This resting place is located within walking distance of the local restaurants and the charming island of Flores.
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Guatemala.
Casa Santo Domingo.
It is a luxurious 5-star hotel that is located in a former convent a 10 minute walk from the center of Antigua Guatemala. In the 17th century, the convent of Santo Domingo was one of the largest in the Americas and in 1773, the Santa Marta earthquake destroyed it almost entirely. In 1989 began the development of a project called Casa Santo Domingo, rescue of the vestiges, the convent and the temple buried by tons of rubble. Gradually arose the Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo, where every corner is a page lost in time that joins others to form a beautiful architectural ensemble protagonist of the Great Book of its history.
Hotel Santo Domingo has spacious rooms, which are surrounded by beautiful gardens and feature elegant décor, a fireplace and panoramic views. All rooms feature cable-plasma TVs, a safe, a minibar and a private bathroom. This museum hotel offers guided tours of its attractions, such as its pharmacy, colonial art and Archaeological Museum. It also has a chapel, a workshop of ceramics and wax, as well as the largest factory and Jade Museum in Antigua. The gourmet restaurant El Fork serves breakfast and traditional cuisine. Guests can also enjoy snacks and refreshments on the terrace of the El fitted bar. Free private parking, a car rental service and a daily airport shuttle service are also available for an additional fee. The hotel is located 45 km from Guatemala city.
Hotel Atitlán. Guatemala.
Hotel Atitlán.
The Atitlan Hotel & Gardens is one of the best and most charming boutique hotels in Guatemala, surrounded by botanical gardens, and located ten minutes from the main city of Panajachel in what was once the heritage of a coffee plantation owned Family.
Designed to be a relaxing home, it is beautifully decorated with hand-carved wooden furniture combined with ceramic tiles, adorned to reflect the elegant Spanish colonial style of an 18th-century Guatemalan plantation.
On the outside, amidst meticulously cultivated botanical gardens, roses, orchids, bougainvillea and azaleas abound. An infinity pool contemplates Lake Atitlan and the majestic volcanoes Atitlán, Toliman and San Pedro in the distance.
From an intimate family event or a formal banquet for up to 500 guests, to a business meeting or corporate event, these botanical gardens create unforgettable memories, as well as views of Lake Atitlan and volcanoes through large windows with Spectacular sunset views, the Hotel Atitlán’s Volcanoes restaurant and bar offer informal and sophisticated ambiences for cocktails and top-notch cuisine.
Holiday Inn Guatemala Hotel.
Holiday Inn Guatemala.
The Holiday Inn Hotel is located in Guatemala’s Zona 10 district and offers free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool. This place also has a gym and the functional and elegant rooms have a complete bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen cable TV and some also have iPod docking stations. Guests can explore the restaurants available near Holiday Inn Guatemala. The property also has vending machines for drinks and snacks, a bar and a restaurant. Meeting facilities, luggage storage and a tour desk are also available for guests. Free parking is available. La Aurora International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.
