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Sightseeing in Guatemala City - what to see. Complete travel guide

Strolling about, Antigua Guatemala Guatemala is a capital of Guatemala Republic and the largest city of the Central America. The city is located in the valley on south-east of Guatemala plateau around 1500 meters above the sea level. Earthquakes are quite frequent here. The population of the city reaches 1 million of people.
Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Guatemala City inhabitants
The bulk of the local population is Indians who carefully preserve their centuries-old customs and traditions. Despite the fact that Guatemala is the capital of a prosperous modern state, … Open
The main transport gate of the city is La Aurona International Airport. The city is also connected with other regions through a system of transport routes. You can reach all regions of the country from Guatemala by bus. There are also bus routes to Mexico, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize.
Tourists who visit Guatemala are traditionally attracted by Kaminaljuyu ruins left after ancient buildings of Maya Indians who lied here long ago. National Museum of Ethnography and Archeology has special exhibitions where visitors can find out a lot of precise information about the culture and traditions of this ancient nation. Museum of History and Fine Arts features exhibitions of masters of modern art. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Excursion over cultural sights of Guatemala City - 'must visit' points of interest
Guatemala is an amazing city of contrasts, noisy and dynamic, rich in interesting sights and entertainment facilities. Near old quarters and historic districts, you can see beautiful modern … Open
The city is well-developed in terms of music and theatre life. It appeared here in the 30s of the previous century and started growing very quickly. In 1932 was formed Philharmonic Orchestra of Guatemala, later, in 1943 – Koro Guatemala Choir. In 1948 was formed the school of dance, Guatemala ballet, and opera group, and in 1964 was formed ballet group specializing in modern folk dancing. There is also a conservatory in Guatemala that has its own symphonic orchestra and a military brass band.
Chasing pavements, Antigua Guatemala The most visited tourist attraction of Guatemala is the Tikal National Park. It is one of the largest and most interesting cities in Mayan. On its territory, the majestic pyramids whose true purpose contemporaries can only guess, as well as the ruins of the sanctuaries, which were built almost 2,000 years ago was preserved. Almost the entire territory of the archaeological park is now accessible for visiting. During the tour, you can see its most hidden corners.
Your active city break in Guatemala City. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Guatemala is famous for its beautiful nature and an abundance of unique sights. It is a great vacation spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts. Mountaineering and hiking in mountainous areas remain … Open
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 hundreds of years.
Excursions to Lanquin Caves are popular among fans of walk tours. Hundreds of years ago these caves were also a sacred place for the Mayan people. At present, the cave area, which is about 400 meters in length, is open to visitors. Hundreds of years ago, the Maya conducted important rituals here, some of which can be seen even now. In the caves there is a river, on which you can ride on a boat during the excursion.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Guatemala City
1. Goods and services can be paid not only in local currency but also in US dollars. It's best to exchange currency in banks or exchange offices “casas de cambio”. Currency exchange can … Open
One of the most picturesque places in Guatemala is Semuc Champey Falls. They are in a complex and difficult mountainous area. To approach the waterfalls, several pedestrian routes of varying complexity have been developed. Those who are not afraid to overcome the most difficult route will have the opportunity to look at the waterfalls from a bird's eye view.
Pelican Squaters, Guatemala The most lively tourist spot in Guatemala City is the Central Square. Architectural and historical landmarks are located near it. There is a beautiful cathedral, as well as the National Palace and the National Library building. The so-called zero kilometers is also here. Next to the landmark, tourists are fond of taking pictures. Every weekend there is a noisy fair on the square, and on national holidays, there are interesting events here.
Guatemala City - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Sightseeing in Guatemala: things to see

Other famous archaeological sights include Yaxha, Aguateca, Nakbe, Ceibal, El Mirador and Uaxactan. As some of them are located in remote areas of the country, they can be reached only by helicopter or mule. … Open
Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in Guatemala City
♥   Shopping area ' Avenida Reforma' Guatemala, 2.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Cuatro Grados Norte' Guatemala, 2.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Zona Viva' Guatemala, 3.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Guatemala City
♥   National Park 'San José la Colonia' , 8.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Naciones Unidas' , 15.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Municipal Park 'Cerro de Jesús' , 21.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Municipal Park 'La Unión' , 22.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Volcán Pacaya' , 26.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Guatemala City from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Ilopango Volcano

From the series “Volcanoes and Traps That Changed the Face of the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Guatemala City center - 191.4 km.
The last eruption was in 1880. It was large-scale; the lava flow was directed upwards for 450 meters. The main natural attraction, which owes its existence to a mighty volcano, is Lake Ilopango. It was formed in a huge bowl, which is about 11 km long and about 8 km wide. These amazing scenic spots will attract not only for nature lovers, but also those who love extreme sports. Not far from the picturesque lake there is the Salvador airport that has been the venue for the annual grand airshow for the last several years. … Read further

Pyramids of Copan

From the series “Top Survived Pyramids from Previous Civilizations”
Check on the map:   Distance from Guatemala City center - 180 km.
Today the empty Copán town attracts thousands of travelers, although the locals do not dare to enter their territory. They believe that the city was cursed hundreds of years ago and the terrible dragon has lived in their pyramids ever since. The natives believe that when the dragon is defeated, the flourishing city will revive. For the scientists, the commemorative inscriptions are particularly interesting, which can be found on the stone walls of the pyramids. They can be very slow to unravel, perhaps a clue to the culture of one of the most mysterious civilizations in the world. … Read further

Sightseeing in regions nearby Guatemala City

Quetzaltenango
The priest decided to help women and offered them to work in textile weaving. Starting from that time, female residents of Zunil have been making wool clothes. At the moment, there are approximately five hundred female employees in the cooperative. Many of these women ... Open »
Placentia Village
Belize is a magnificent place and a beautiful city that is famous by its tropical forests, amazingly mild climate and rich choice of flora and fauna. Official currency in Belize is Belize dollar. There are many banks in the city, the majority of which work from 8 a.m. ... Open »
Tegucigalpa
The main historical and religious attraction of the city is Iglesia de San Francisco Church built in the 16th century. The church’s interior is made according to the best traditions of the Spanish style. This church looks quite unusual. Another well-known monument is ... Open »
Belize City
The Lighthouse Reef atoll, which is located approximately 80 kilometers from Belize City, is a fantastic place for beach recreation and sightseeing. This is also the location of the Great Blue Hole. The latter is a giant marine sinkhole, the diameter of which is ... Open »
Villahermosa
If you want to know more about the history of the city, you should visit Museum of the History of Tabasco that exhibits several collections of historical values found mainly during excavations. Besides observing historical places of interest you can make a walk to ... Open »
Honduras
Copan Ruins are one of the most famous sights of Honduras. This is a ceremonial center of ancient Mayan Empire that still keeps temples and stone stele with mysterious carvings. Music and art are very popular in the country, so in Comayagua city is opened a school of ... Open »
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