"Guatemala- Land of Volcanoes & Mayan Temples" Top 5 Page for this destination Guatemala by iwys

Guatemala Travel Guide: 3,755 reviews and 8,187 photos

Tikal

I travelled around Guatemala, by bus, for ten days, in 2008. I came in over the south-western border from El Salvador and exited over the north-eastern border to Belize. I saw a lot of other travellers here, especially in the lovely town of Antigua, which is where I stayed the longest. I stopped in Guatemala City, but didn't stay there. Antigua was close by and seemed much nicer and more interesting. Other places I visited were Panajachel, Lago de Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Rio Dulce, Livingston and the Mayan sites of Tikal and Quiriguá .

Girl in Chichicastenango market

The highlight was definitely Tikal. What an incredible place! For me, it's easily the best of the Mayan sites: better than Palenque, Tulum, Chichen Itza or even my next favourite, Copan Ruinas. It really should be one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Last visit to Guatemala: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Aug 13, 2008
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (30)

Chicken buses Transportation (1)

You've just got to try Guatemala's chicken buses at least once. They are incredibly cheap and present a rare opportunity... more travel advice

fresh lake fish Restaurants (3)

Restaurante Las Calmas is one of several bamboo shacks down by the lakeside at Panajachel, but I think it is the best in... more travel advice

Mexican in Antigua Restaurants (3)

Fridas is a lively Mexican bar-restaurant, decorated like so many restaurants in Central America nowadays, with a Frida... more travel advice

pleasant hotel in Panajachel Hotels (4)

Posada Kamol Bey is a modern hotel which opened in 1998. It is a little bit away from the town centre, near the public... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Castillo de San Felipe
Been to Guatemala?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (4)

hunterV Mar 11, 2010 at 8:32 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Ian! Guatemala is certainly a very attractive destination. Thanks for your story! ><><
jumpingnorman Nov 17, 2009 at 4:02 PM Report Abuse

Nice to see some of the places I just visited here and you have described thgem so well...I have not seen Maximon --- will keep an eye out for him...Excellent Guatemala pages, Norman :)
jckim Aug 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM Report Abuse

Chicken bus is great! really wonderful intro pic and thank's Guatemala tips! Take care!
Hopkid Aug 21, 2008 at 5:34 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ian! Great tips on Guatemala! Takes me back to my trip there last year. I'll get to your Things to Do tips at lunchtime!