Guatemala sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places
Natural beauty, exotic animals and birds, high volcanoes and ruins of great civilizations – Guatemala can offer all these and even more. This Central American country has become famous and loved by millions of travelers for its rich historic heritage and beautiful nature.
These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher.
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These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher.
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Some of the best preserved rain forests in Central America are also located in Guatemala. Here travelers have a chance to see jaguar, toucans, monkeys, ocelot, parakeets, tapir, hummingbirds, vultures and many more species. Peten and Alta Verapaz are the best places to explore wildlife.
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History and Entertainment
The first big settlements in Guatemala were formed by the Mayans. The territory of the present country had been under them until the 9th century. When the Mayans left the lands they had inhabited, the desert territory attracted the tribes of the Toltecs and Quiche. The latter captured all small tribes living here. Exactly the Quiche formed the first state in the 15th century. It fell after 1523 when it saw the times of the active colonization. Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado was the first to board the coast. Two years later, the Indians inhabiting the territory of the country were almost slain.
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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Guatemala
Reference information
Map of all parks
National and city parks of Guatemala
♥ National Park 'Cerro Miramundo' . On the map
Photos
♥ Regional Municipal Park 'Cerro de Jesús' . On the map
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♥ Regional Municipal Park 'El Mirador' . On the map
Photos
♥ National Park 'El Reformador' . On the map
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♥ National Park 'El Rosario' . On the map
Photos
Famous and uniques places in Guatemala from our review series
Santa Maria Volcano
From the series “Volcanoes and Traps That Changed the Face of the Planet”
Early 18th century was also marked by a strong volcanic eruption. That year the disaster occurred in Guatemala. In 1902, the eruption of Santa Maria volcano happened there. It is considered one of the most violent eruptions of the 20th century. The incredibly powerful explosion occurred after 500 calm years. The diameter of the crater left after that is 1 500 meters. Santa Maria volcano is the part of the chain of stratovolcanoes. After the eruption of 1902, it regularly reminds us of its power. Next, the less powerful eruption occurred in 1922. Seven years later, the volcano released into the atmosphere a cloud of easily flammable gas that killed 5 000 residents of nearby towns and villages. The height of the volcano is 3 772 meters. Researchers found out that the first powerful … Read all
Guatemala Stone Head
From the series “Most Curious Artifacts of Extraterrestrial Origin”
The impenetrable jungle of Guatemala, inhabited by the Mayan tribes since ancient times, conceals one of the most mysterious artefacts on earth. Here, in the midst of the luxuriant thickets of the exotic trees, lies the huge sandstone statue discovered by the researchers in the 30s of the last century. At first sight, the head of the impressive size seems unspectacular and reminds of the part of the statue of some ancient goddess. However, it is not so. It is that the facial features of the statue differ strikingly from the classical appearance of Maya. The statue is very different from the stone statues found in the nearby territories of Guatemala. The extensive research has proved that the terrain where the statue was discovered was never populated. Moreover, the statue is much older … Read all
Samabaj
From the series “Famous Sunken Towns”
The ancient Mayan city of Samabaj had been regarded as a legend for many years, till its ruins have been found in one of the lakes in Guatemala. This important archaeological discovery occurred in 1996, and later, scientists were able to specify that Samabaj has sunken more than 3.5 thousand years ago. According to one of the most actual contemporary hypotheses, the ancient city has been situated on a small island that was completely flooded as a result of the earthquake. Researchers have discovered ancient ceramics, magnificent altars and incense, as well as many beautiful ceremonial monuments at the archaeological area. All of these priceless artifacts confirm the version that the flooding of the rich and prosperous city was sudden. Over time, the water of the oceans receded and formed … Read all
Country maps
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Map of regions
![Map of regions in Guatemala]( "Map of regions in Guatemala")
Sightseeing in popular cities of Guatemala
Quetzaltenango
According to the historic record, the city of Quetzaltenango was founded on May 7, 1424. However, the archaeological excavations in the area prove that there was a settlement in this area long before that date. By the time when Quetzaltenango was officially mentioned in the documents, the city had existed for at least three centuries. Spanish conquerors were the first European settlers. They tried to make Guatemala a Spanish colony. At that time, the indigenous people were not strong enough to … Read more 
Guatemala City
In the vicinity of the city, there is a unique natural attraction – Lake Atitlan. The area of this huge lake is more than 100 square kilometers. It is difficult to find its equal in beauty. The lake with water of a rich blue color has a volcanic origin; next to it there are three small volcanoes. Tourists are offered to make an ascent to the peaks of volcanoes, and also to visit the original settlements that have remained in these places, the way of life of which has not changed for … Read more
