Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the most striking countries in Latin America and is easily combined with other countries in Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula.

The city of Antigua retains the beauty of its colonial heritage and has a unique atmosphere, whilst Lake Atitlan and the villages surrounding it seem lost in time with locals wearing distinctive hand-woven costumes in vivid colours. Chichicastenango with its famous markets and Iglesia de Santo Tomas (a unique church with its own style of worship blended from pre-Colombian and Catholic practices) is definately worth a visit. However, the highlight of any trip must surely be Tikal, with probably the best setting of all the Mayan ruins - surrounded by undisturbed rain forest, home to howler monkeys and toucans.

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008