How to spend top weekend in Guatemala City - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Visit the Lake Atitlan

If you drive 145 kilometers West of Guatemala City, you will come to Lake Atitlan. It has a volcanic origin and a shape resembling the crater of a volcano. Its area is more than 100 square kilometers, and the depth is 350 meters. You will admire the beauty of the reservoir. It looks especially impressive in the evening hours. Lights are lit in 12 villages located on its banks at this time. You can see the inhabitants of these settlements during the day. They wear national clothes even in the 21st century. Three low volcanoes are located near the lake. They look like cones. You will be able to climb them.

Excursions to the Volcano Pacaya

Pacaya volcano is located south of Guatemala City. It is active. If you like mountain climbing, then go on a tour to its top. The climb has an average level of difficulty. You can order it at any hotel. Its cost is 60 quetzals per person. You will become a member of the tourist group. An experienced guide will lead it. The lava is still hot in some places along the route. You'll have to go through the forest. The most beautiful view from Pacaya is at sunset.

You will be picked up from the hotel at 2 pm. You will be near National Park in 60 minutes. It is organized around a volcano. You will pay 50 quetzals for the entrance ticket. The guide will instruct you. After that, you will start climbing the Pacaya. The trip will last 1.5 hours. The guide will answer all questions, make stops and watch the group. You will admire the picturesque panorama of three neighboring volcanoes and fry marshmallows on hot lava after you get to the top of the volcano. You will return to the city in the dark, listening to the birds singing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you don’t want to book a tour, you can come to Pacaya on your own. You should hire a guide. His services cost 150 quetzals. You can even ride to the top on a horse. You will pay 100 quetzals one way for this. In addition to walking tours, you can also take a helicopter ride to this volcano. You will be taken to the airport. You will get into the helicopter. The airwalk will take 45 minutes. You will look down on Guatemala City and the plantations where sugar cane and coffee are grown. You will also see Laguna de Calderas, Lake Amatitlan, and look into the crater. After that, you will land at the foot of the Pacaya and taste the dishes cooked on the lava.

View the Relief Map of Guatemala

The most interesting tourist attraction in Guatemala City is the Mapa en Relieve. This is a relief map of the state. It is located in the open air. You can find it in Minerva Park in the northern part of the city. It was created by the engineer Francisco Vela at the beginning of the XX century. There were no earth satellites at that time. You will be able to see how many volcanoes, hills, rivers and other natural and man-made geographical features in Guatemala thanks to this map made in scale. You will climb one of the 2 observation towers to make it easier to see this attraction. They are installed on both sides of it.

Tour to the Complex Lankin Caves

You can go from Guatemala City to Coban. The large Lankin Caves complex is not far from it. It consists of numerous limestone rooms with stone cornices and beautiful domes. The Maya people performed religious rites here. You will move along lighted but sometimes slippery paths during a tour of the natural attractions. You will overcome the path of 400 meters. You will see the rock formations here. They resemble different objects or animals. You will also see an underground river where you can ride an inflatable boat. You will also meet fruit bats here. They go in search of food in the evenings.

Visit Semuc Champey Waterfalls

The picturesque Semuc Champey waterfalls are located next to the Lankin Caves complex. You will get here on a regular bus. It leaves from the capital of Guatemala. You will follow the path through the rocks and jungle after you reach this place. It will lead you to a high rock. The Mirador observation deck is equipped here. You will admire the beautiful view of the baths with crystal clear water and cascading waterfalls here. You will have to climb the wooden stairs for a quarter of an hour. You can also swim in these baths.