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No, this is not the case yet another copied and pasted article about Mexico:
If you think its southern neighbor is the only Latin American country that lays claim to wondrous Mayan ruins that literally go back millenniapristine jungle reserves, and endless kilometers of pristine coastlineyou’re in for a big surprise this time.
After welcoming more than 3 million visitors in 2024, Guatemala officially broke it all-time tourism recorda growth of 15% compared to the previous year, and based on the country’s current trend, it looks like the country will build on its success in 2025.
If you haven’t been properly introduced yet, you might be wondering what it is about unusual Guatemala that keeps attracting all those tourists.
Although it is a small country located in the Central American Isthmus, which connects North America to South America, only slightly larger than Tennessee, Guatemala has no shortage of wonders of the world and historical sites in his name:
Where beautiful nature and ancient history meet
It is best known for its varied landscapes, consisting of vast rainforests dotted with waterfalls and crystal clear lakes and crossed by volcanic mountainsas well as its ancient heritage, with more than 3,000 years of written history.
As far as nature is concerned, one of the country’s top attractions is Semuc Champey, a protected jungle offers hiking and walking opportunities, and is very popular for its waterfalls and limestone bridge over a turquoise river.
An icon of Guatemala, Atitlán is an active stratovolcano that rises above a tranquil lake of the same name in the southwestern highlands. As well as being an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is also great for culture as it is bordered by numerous towns.
The Mayan-majority village of Panajachel has a charming main street lined with stalls and eateries, and is home to the bustling Chichicastenango Market, held every Sunday and Thursday, the region’s go-to souvenir and craft shopping event.
An undiscovered coastal paradise
With coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala is also one hugely underrated beach destination:
The Pacific coast is the longest coast in Guatemala and stretches for over 300 kilometers: Monterrico has black sand beaches and nesting sites for sea turtles, El Paredón is a trendy hotspot for surfing and backpacking, and in lively Champerico there is a great choice of restaurants and beach bars.
The Caribbean coast, on the other hand, is only 94 miles long and alternates with all white sandy beaches, postcard ready and laid-back seaside towns like Livingston:
Located at the mouth of Río Dulce and only accessible by boat, it’s the leisure capital of Guatemala, with its Afro-Caribbean and Mayan influences, great food scene and affordable beach stays from just $39––check this out luxury double room at Casa Nostra.
In general, traveling to Guatemala is extremely affordable Budget your trip estimating meals costs an average of $23 and hotels $33.
In Puerto Barrios you can stay indoors 5-star resorts with nights starting from $159 (Amatique Bay Hotel), and don’t forget Río Dulce itself (the town after which the river is named), famous for its historic Castle of San Felipe de Lara.
Some of the best preserved Mayan ruins known
Speaking of history: Guatemala is littered with archaeological zones and colonial cities.
Perhaps the most historically important of all Tikala ruined Mayan city that was formally an important political entity and now forms a collective of UNESCO protected temples dominated by a mystical Temple of the Great Jaguar.
In the northern department of El Petén, El Mirador is an equally fascinating Mayan site, with a step pyramid so tall it is visible above the jungle canopy – hence the name ‘The Lookout’.
Finally, there’s even more remote Quiriguá in southeastern Guatemala, a compact cluster of ruins along the scenic Motagua River, filled with ceremonial temples and ornately carved Mayan palaces.
Fast forward a few centuries in Guatemala’s timeline and you get Antigua Guatemala, a Spanish-era colonial town of brightly colored facades, baroque churches and traditional towns, with a monumental Acatenango volcano in the background.
Read more about Guatemala and why it is one of the most underrated countries in Latin America here.
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