Guatemala Vacations

Overview

The Republic of Guatemala is a democratic country and is one of the most stable and growing nations in the entire Central American region. With Guatemala City as its capital, Guatemala is bordered by Mexico on the North, and the Pacific on the southwest. Belize and the Caribbean Sea forms its northeast border and on the southeast lie Honduras and El Salvador.

It has many species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles, which makes the country one of the most studied and visited biodiversity spots. Being the fifth biodiversity hotspot in the world, Guatemala boasts a biologically significant and distinctive ecosystem. Its geography is dominated by mountainous terrain. The two long mountain chains traversing the country divide it into three main regions - the heavily populated cool Highlands, the sparsely populated tropical jungle, Peten, and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, lying south of the mountains.

There are many factors that make Guatemala the favorite destination for an economy traveler. If you are looking for a Central American vacation at a reasonable price, then you should consider Guatemala.

Activities & Attractions

If you are interested in the Mayan culture or fascinated by its rich diversity and history, then Guatemala is the place to visit. From the remote sites in the El Peten region to the pre-Hispanic area of Chichicastenango, the culture and flavor of the Maya heritage is almost everywhere.

The town of La Antigua in Guatemala is a very popular vacation spot. Nestled between three different volcanoes, La Antigua is dominated by the colonial Spanish culture. Nearby, Lago de Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala and Nebaj is a Maya village tucked away in the folds of the Cuchumatanes Mountains. You can get to know about the puzzling Pipil culture at the town of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa.

The nation of Guatemala is the home to a variety of wildlife. Vacation activities in the country include touring the different cultural sites and engaging in hiking expeditions. And, all along the Caribbean coast, you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling and catch a glimpse of the numerous varieties of rare marine species.

Lodging

One of the best things about Guatemala is that you can enjoy a cost-efficient holiday, truly worth your money. Often rooms are available at comparatively low prices for tourists. Beds in some of the budget hotels range from about $5 to $15. You can relax in the nicer upscale rooms available in the nation's cities for less than $50 dollars (this includes meals as well). This affordable pricing makes Guatemala one of the more popular sites, for those who want to go on a vacation, as well as for Spanish language students. The affordable weeklong lodgings serve as an excellent base from where you explore the country's culture and history. Some popular hotels in La Antigua Guatemala are Quinta de las Flores, Aurora Hotel and Casa Florencia Hotel.

Transportation

Guatemala offers many travel options for travelers. You can choose the one you want, from the almost-free chicken buses all the way up to escorted helicopters. This of course will depend on the amount of cash you carry with you.