Matador's Ultimate Guide to Guatemala

Active volcanoes, delicious coffee, and a warm culture you’ll never want to leave ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [France]( Matador's Ultimate Guide to Guatemala Hi all, Guatemala: where ancient culture, stunning landscapes, and fiery volcanoes meet. This Central American destination is a backpacker's dream. Immerse yourself in the warm local culture and learn some Spanish along the way. Sip on the most incredible coffee at a local farm in Antigua, discover unique indigenous souvenirs at Lake Atitlan, or hike to the top of a volcano for a mesmerizing lava show. Or you might prefer to dive into turquoise pools at Semuc Champey or explore the breathtaking Mayan temples at Tikal and hang out with the adorable local coatis. Wherever you go in [Guatemala]( prepare to be swept away by its unique magic. [EXPLORE GUATEMALA]( Get Inspired [ Lake Atitlán]( The Ultimate Week in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán, From Sunrise Hikes and Cliff Jumping To Cacao Tasting The volcanic lake is situated in the Guatemalan Highlands among the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and surrounded by three volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tomlimán. Bright blue waters lap onto the shores of traditional Mayan villages that line the lake. Although remote and rural, Lake Atitlán packs a punch for travelers eager to tackle sunrise hikes, scoop up Mayan textiles, immerse in Guatemalan culture, and spend time in nature. [READ MORE]( [Volcano hike]( 5 Guatemala Volcano Hikes for Beginners and Experts Alike These Guatemala volcano hikes aren’t just for expert hikers, so don’t underestimate your abilities or think they’re only for experts. Guatemala’s volcano hikes offer the chance to see unique perspectives of the country’s defining geographic features whether you’re a frequent hiker or not. [READ MORE]( [Tikal]( The Coolest Pyramids Not in Egypt Including the Pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala. Scattered throughout the jungle, this UNESCO World Heritage site has five limestone pyramid temples built by the Mayans to honor their gods. [READ MORE]( [Pacaya Volcano]( Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala Is an Ancient, Active Volcano Where You Can Cook Your Own Pizza Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and has been erupting for over 1,500 years. The volcano has two main craters and several lava flows that can be observed from the nearby region. Its eruptions have created various types of lava formations where you can grill your next meal. [READ MORE]( [Airbnbs]( These Dreamy Lake Atitlan Airbnbs Have Epic Views of the Volcanoes Surrounded by perfectly conical volcanoes and lush, tropical greenery that gives way to crystal waters, the lake’s edge is the best place to take in the views and keep yourself close to on-water activities, as well as hiking, mountain bike tours, and land-based sightseeing. These breathtaking Airbnbs bring their own “wow” factor to the already breathtaking atmosphere of Lake Atitlan. [READ MORE]( [Santa Semana]( Guatemala Has the Most Colorful Easter Traditions in the World For devout Christians across the globe, the last week of Easter is known as Semana Santa or “Holy Week,” an intense festival of colorful imagery and religious symbology. This week is particularly spectacular in Guatemala, where local people have evolved the festivities to include unique events that entwine older, indigenous beliefs with those of the church. [READ MORE]( Nature + Adventure [El Paredon]( El Paredon, Guatemala, Will Be Central America’s Next Coveted Surf Destination When surfers think of Central America, Guatemala is often not even on the list. That is about to change as surfers recognize the incredible, consistent swell that graces Guatemala’s Pacific coastline, and as travelers of all stripes discover the simple charms of the tiny fishing village of El Paredon. [READ MORE]( [Acatenango]( What You Need To Know Before Tackling the Most Epic Volcano Hike in Guatemala Located just outside Antigua is one of the most rewarding hikes in Central America: the Acatenango volcano. This active volcano stands at a staggering 13,000 feet and offers unparalleled views of both the countryside and its neighboring mountain, the iconic Volcán de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). With miles of trails to explore and some challenging terrain to tackle, it’s no wonder why this hike has become so popular with travelers. [READ MORE]( [Semuc Champey]( A Guide to Semuc Champey This natural monument is tucked away in Alta Verapaz, near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín. This collection of stunning turquoise pools from the Cahabón River is an incredible spot to swim and explore. [READ MORE]( Food + Culture [Steak]( This Steakhouse Has $300 Steaks for Just $70 Located in the heart of the capital of Guatemala City, Meat Avenue is a great place to experience authentic Central American cuisine. This popular eatery has been serving up delicious dishes for over 20 years and has become one of the most sought-after restaurants in the city. [READ MORE]( [Taco Bell]( Is This Taco Bell in Antigua, Guatemala, the Prettiest One Ever? Antigua is a city in southern Guatemala that’s famous for being surrounded by volcanoes and filled with colorful Spanish colonial architecture. The architectural style is so ubiquitous that it even extends to a local Taco Bell outpost, which you could easily mistake for a charming sit-down restaurant rather than a fast-food joint. [READ MORE]( [Mayan Corn]( Ixim: A Mayan Story About Corn There are over 20 different Mayan languages, and of all of the variations there is only one word common to all: ixim (pronounced 'ee-sheem'). It means corn. In this short film, the Q'eqchi people of Guatemala tell their origin story and illustrate the importance of this crop to their lives and culture. [WATCH NOW]( Epic Stays Take the headache out of planning and check out our staff picks for places to stay [airbnb]( [Spider Monkey]( [airbnb]( [hotel]( [airbnb]( Share with friends, get cool stuff! 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