Semuc Champey is an impressive limestone pool system, formed into tiered aqua-blue pools, surrounded by lush forests. Visitors to Lake Atitlan can also swim and kayak in the crystalline waters, in the shadow of the San Pedro Volcano.įilled with abundant natural beauty, a few icons stand out as must-visit sights on a Guatemala tour. The dramatic scenery of volcanoes, hills and quaint Maya villages surround the shoreline and a nearby nature reserve and a butterfly garden offer plenty of outdoor activities for visitors on holiday in Guatemala. Situated in a huge volcanic crater in the southwest highlands, Lake Atitlan is simply breathtaking. Volcanoes and glistening lakes typify the highlands of Guatemala, with magical Lake Atitlan among the most popular natural attractions. The giant Tamjulco volcano is the highest point in the whole of Central America at 4,220 meters high. Guatemala has it all: mountains, beaches, coastal enclaves and the lush tropical rainforests of the leafy Petén region. In 1996, a peace accord between the government and guerilla forces brought harmony at last, and since then, Guatemala has seen good economic growth and has remained a thriving democracy. The later 19th-century was characterized by persistent instability, resulting in a dictatorship which would endure throughout a long list of successive leaders.Ī pro-democracy military coup in 1944 marked the beginning of a decade-long revolution and the 60s saw widespread civil war and the devastation of Maya communities. Independence came to Guatemala in 1821, along with much of Central America. Under Spanish rule, Guatemala was incorporated into the kingdom of New Spain and suffered a number of devastating earthquakes in the 18th-century. The Spanish influence in Guatemala began in the early 16th-century, with contact among the Europeans and indigenous populations resulting in fatal epidemics among the native population. Regional kingdoms filled the void of the all-encompassing Maya civilization, with kingdoms such as Itza, Kejache and Q’eqchi among the most famous. In the year 900 AD, classical Maya civilization collapsed, and many of these ancient cities, which today are the highlight of a Guatemala vacation package, were mysteriously abandoned. Countless ruins across the country, such as the magnificent ruins of Tikal, whisk visitors back across the centuries. Once the heartland of the century-spanning Maya civilization, Guatemala is bursting with fascinating historical sites. Prepare for a trip through wildlife-rich rainforests, picture-perfect highlands and the kind of ancient ruins which leave you with goosebumps, on a Guatemala holiday package. The capital, Guatemala City is home to a mish-mash of charming colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, whilst the nearby city of the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala retains more of its Spanish-era charms and is famed for its avant-garde Easter week celebrations. With coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Guatemala shares land borders with Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Take a tranquil cruise on the scenic Dulce River and spot birdlife from heavenly Lake Atitlan for a taste of the pure, virgin wilderness that Guatemala possesses in abundance. Travelers often choose a tour of Guatemala to walk amongst the relics of the lost city of Tikal, where astrologically designed Maya pyramids reveal the secrets of an ancient civilization.Īlthough cities of the classical Maya period have long laid abandoned, on a trip to Guatemala you can meet authentic Maya communities in the remote hillside villages of the highlands, for a cultural experience like no other. Note: Keep in mind that both the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) and the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA) are sometimes called the “Belize City” airport.A small Central American country with a huge Maya legacy, Guatemala is a bucket-list travel destination which encompasses biodiverse rainforests, volcanoes, highland lakes, beaches, and mysterious jungle ruins. San Pedro (SPR) – Serving Ambergris Caye. Once in Belize, the country’s two domestic air carriers – Tropic Air and Maya Island Air – offer multiple daily flights to locations all across Belize. Flight time: 5.5 hours.Ĭentral American cities with direct connections to Belize: Service provided by both Air Canada and WestJet. Service provided by both American Airlines and Delta Airlines. Service from HOU provided by Southwest Airlines. Service from IAH provided by United Airlines. Service provided by American Airlines and Delta Airlines. North American cities with direct connections to Belize: The airport is located in Ladyville, approximately nine miles north of Belize City, but is commonly referred to as the Belize City international airport. Currently, all international flights to Belize land at the Philip S. Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
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