Guatemala

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VALUTA

TAAL

HOOFDSTAD

Verscholen in het hart van Midden-Amerika, zal dit land je meenemen door oude jungles die ooit de grootste Mayabeschavingen herbergden. Hoewel de Spaanse veroveraars hun stempel op dit land hebben achtergelaten, heeft de interessante geschiedenis en mix van gebruiken een rijke en kleurrijke cultuur gecreëerd. Het is niet alleen de natuurlijke en historische wonderen die Guatemala echt bijzonder maken; het is de warmte en gastvrijheid van zijn mensen die een onuitwisbare indruk op je hart zullen achterlaten. Vanaf het moment dat je voet zet in dit betoverende land, word je ondergedompeld in een symfonie van tradities, gebruiken en vieringen die van generatie op generatie zijn doorgegeven.

Terwijl je de diverse landschappen van Guatemala verkent, zul je versteld staan van de adembenemende schoonheid die je omringt. Van de majestueuze vulkanen die de horizon domineren tot de smaragdgroene wateren van het prachtige Meer van Atitlán, onthult de natuur haar meest schitterende creaties op elke hoek. Dompel jezelf onder in de dichte regenwouden, waar exotische dieren en levendige vogelsoorten vrij rondlopen, of dwaal door de oude ruïnes van Tikal of Yaxha, waar de echo's van oude rituelen lijken te fluisteren door de eeuwenoude stenen structuren.

ALLES WAT JE WILT WETEN

GENERALLY SAFE? NOT according to governments. YES according to most travellers

Volgens de Global Safety Index is Guatemala geen veilig land om te bezoeken. Reizigers denken er echter anders over en het afgelopen jaar zijn er veel solo (vrouwelijke) reizigers naar het land gekomen. Websites van de overheid zullen je waarschijnlijk bang maken, omdat ze zeer lugubere zaken beschrijven. Ik heb zelf geen enkel moment meegemaakt waarop ik me onveilig voelde en heb ook niets van anderen gehoord. Overweeg wel om de standaardroute te volgen, want de toeristische gebieden zijn meestal veiliger.

Wat natuurrampen betreft: Guatemala ligt in een seismisch actieve regio en is gevoelig voor aardbevingen en vulkaanuitbarstingen. Het is belangrijk om voorbereid te zijn op dit soort gebeurtenissen en de richtlijnen van de lokale autoriteiten te volgen als je je in een getroffen gebied bevindt.

Zakkenrollerij en kleine diefstallen komen relatief vaak voor in Guatemala, vooral in drukke gebieden zoals markten en toeristische attracties. Het is een goed idee om op je bezittingen te letten en geen grote hoeveelheden contant geld of waardevolle spullen bij je te dragen.

De grensgebieden zijn onstabieler dan de rest van het land en er zijn zelfs vulkanen die je beter niet kunt beklimmen zonder gids om te voorkomen dat je wordt beroofd. Vraag bij je accommodatie na wat ze je aanraden en houd het lokale nieuws in de gaten. Bovendien zijn chickenbussen erg goedkoop, maar ook erg onveilig als je langere afstanden aflegt. Volgens de lokale bevolking springen "bandieten" in deze bussen om je onder bedreiging met een pistool te beroven. We kregen te horen dat we deze bussen niet moesten nemen en iets meer moesten uitgeven aan andere vormen van vervoer.

Over het algemeen is Guatemala een vriendelijk en gastvrij land en de overgrote meerderheid van de bezoekers ondervindt geen problemen tijdens hun verblijf. Het is altijd een goed idee om waakzaam te zijn en voorzorgsmaatregelen te nemen die getuigen van gezond verstand, zoals 's nachts niet alleen lopen in onbekende gebieden en je bewust zijn van je omgeving.

SPANISH

Guatemala is a country with a rich linguistic diversity. The official language of Guatemala is Spanish, spoken by the majority of the population. Spanish serves as the primary language of communication in business, government, education, and everyday life. It is important to note that Guatemalan Spanish has its unique regional variations and indigenous influences.

In addition to Spanish, there are about 30 Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala. These indigenous languages have a significant presence and are used by a considerable portion of the population. Some of the most widely spoken Mayan languages include K'iche', Q'eqchi', Mam, Kaqchikel, and Q'anjob'al, among others.

English is also spoken in certain tourist areas, hotels, and establishments catering to international visitors. However, outside of these contexts, English proficiency may vary, and it is helpful to have some basic knowledge of Spanish, especially when traveling to non-touristy regions.

The linguistic diversity in Guatemala reflects the country's vibrant multicultural identity. Embracing the various languages spoken in Guatemala can enrich cultural experiences and foster better communication with the local population. If you have access to internet, the app Deepl can also help you out a lot in difficult situations.

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttles are a lot more expensive than chicken buses or other types of transportation, but they offer airconditioned and safe drives. Make sure you book with a reputable organization that is connected to INGUAT, so you don't fall victim to a scam. You can book shuttles through our friend Marco (an 80 year old local in Antigua), through local bus offices like Litegua, or at your hostel/hotel. The latter will be most expensive.

Chicken Buses are generarlly safe when you stay within 10-15 minute distances. It's fun to experience this at least once, as you are immersed in local life. The buses are old American school buses and are often painted in bright colors and covered in big lights. We were adviced by Marco to not take these buses for longer drives as many robberies happen.

Tuktuks are not only used in Asian countries as they can be seen as far as the eye can see in Guatemala.

Hitchhiking

Indonesia is a diverse and predominantly Muslim country, but there is also a significant minority of people who practice other religions, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Freedom of religion is protected by the Indonesian constitution and people are generally free to practice their religion of choice. However, there have been some instances of religious tensions and violence in the country, particularly between different religious groups. Moreover, every person in Indonesia must indicate their religion in their passport or identification document, and atheism is so far not an option.

The government of Indonesia is committed to promoting religious tolerance and has taken steps to address religious tensions, including through education and dialogue. However, it is always a good idea to be respectful of the customs and beliefs of others when visiting Indonesia or any other country.

The people of Indonesia seem to overall accept others' religions, and often tell tourists that "Humanity is the best religion".

ATMs are generaly relatively easy to find in the bigger cities and towns of Guatemala. Looking for a bank however does not always lead you to an ATM, and because of that it's better to ask around for a "Cajero Automatico" or a "Cajera". The ATMs all add a fee (often 45 quetzales per withdrawal) on top of your withdrawals, and unlike in other countries you cannot only use the fee given by your creditcard company. The limits differ per ATM or per bank company and sometimes allow you to take out money only once a day, sometimes multiple times.

Cards like Wise and Revolut can be used very well in Guatemala too. Using a card like that enables you to pay a very limited fee as opposed to what your own bank demands.

In towns located outside the touristic areas (and for example the better known El Paredon), finding ATMs can be more challenging. These towns may have limited banking infrastructure, and ATMs might be scarce or non-existent. It's important to plan ahead and ensure you have enough cash before venturing into these areas.

Highlands ( Altiplano ): The Highlands region is located in the western part of Guatemala and is characterized by its mountainous terrain. It is home to the majority of Guatemala's indigenous population and is known for its rich Mayan cultural heritage. The region features beautiful colonial towns, such as Antigua Guatemala, as well as traditional markets, colorful textiles, and picturesque lakes, including Lake Atitlán.
Pacific Coast ( Costa Sur ): The Pacific Coast region stretches along the southern and southwestern part of Guatemala. It offers a diverse landscape, including beautiful beaches, volcanic black sand, and mangrove forests. The Pacific Coast is known for its popular tourist destinations like Monterrico, which offers opportunities for surfing and turtle watching, and the historic port city of Puerto San José.
Petén : Located in the northern part of Guatemala, Petén is characterized by its tropical rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins. It is the largest and most sparsely populated region in the country. The world-famous archaeological site of Tikal, with its impressive Mayan temples and pyramids rising above the jungle canopy, is a major attraction in this region. Petén is also home to diverse wildlife and the expansive Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Caribbean Coast ( Costa Caribe ): The Caribbean Coast region is situated along the eastern part of Guatemala, bordering the Caribbean Sea. It features a mix of sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. The town of Livingston is a popular destination known for its unique Garifuna culture and cuisine. The region also offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the pristine coastal ecosystems.
Central Verapaz (Verapaces): Central Verapaz is a mountainous region located in the central part of Guatemala. It is characterized by its dense cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged landscapes. The region is known for its biodiversity and is a popular destination for ecotourism. Semuc Champey, a series of turquoise pools and natural limestone bridges, is a major highlight of the area.
Eastern Highlands (Sierra del Oriente): The Eastern Highlands region is situated in the northeastern part of Guatemala. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including volcanic peaks, highland lakes, and fertile valleys. The region is home to several indigenous communities and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring traditional Mayan villages.

DRY SEASON

Most people go between December and April, when it's dry season. The height of the rain season can be very straining on your travel plans and roads may be closed making it impossible to reach next destinations.

DECEMBER

This month is one during which weather is great (dry and warm) and while it's busy, you can join in the festivities surrounding Christmas and New Year's Eve. Because of those festivities, accommodation fills up quickly - so plan ahead! At night the temperatures drop drastically, so bringing layers is a good idea.

JANUARY

January is a great time to go to Guatemala since the weather is warm and dry throughout. It's ideal for trekking in the highlands, climbing volcanoes, and checking out the jungle temples in Tikal, the Mayan city. Lots of people visit during this time, so plan ahead to avoid the crowds.

FEBRUARY

One of the most pleasant months as it is less crowded in Guatemala, it barely rains and temperatures are less drasticly hot. It is coffee harvesting season in this month as well, which you can enjoy at for example the Fraijanes Coffee Harvest Festival.

MARCH

March is one of the hottest months in the year and marks the end of winter and the beginning of a very humid spring. This makes the country a perfect swimming destination where you can experience the Semuc Champey pools, Atitlan Lake and ice cold rivers and waterfalls.

APRIL

The busiest weeks in the year are those in and around Semana Santa. During this time, Easter is celebrated and nowhere in the world this attracts more people than Antigua does. If you plan to go, book your accommodation months in advance. Next to Antigua, the rest of the country's accommodations are also filled up rather fast. We've met many people having troubles finding a place to stay last minute.

It very rarely rains in April but humidity levels increase in this shoulder month. Temperatures rise as well, so if you feel Antigua is too hot for you, consider moving around to for example Quetzaltenango. April is not the best time of year to visit Tikal and the rest of Peten because the heat and humidity tends to be too much for tourists. Also the fog in the rain forests is denser and visibility is not optimal.

WET SEASON

MAY

May marks the start of the rainy season in Guatemala. The mornings are hot and humid, while the afternoons experience frequent downpours. Occasionally, tropical storms pass through the region, accompanied by spectacular lightning displays that illuminate the entire sky, especially above the volcanoes.The country is less crowded than in the dry season.

JUNE

June in Guatemala is a serene and tranquil month, yet nature's splendor takes center stage. Along the Pacific Coast, sea turtles arrive to nest, while the rains contribute to the waterfalls' majestic flow, creating a mesmerizing sight.Two highly recommended destinations are Semuc Champey and Alta Verapaz.

JULY

After the rainy month of June, the weather brightens up a bit in the highlands, treating visitors to hot and sunny days, however still with occasional afternoon storms. It's the perfect time to venture into the charming town of Antigua and enjoy Lake Atitlán. Guatemala experiences a surge of activity as tourists from North America and Europe flock to the country to make the most of their summer vacations. For those seeking a cultural experience, Cobán is the place to be during this month. The Fiesta Nacional Indígena takes center stage, featuring vibrant street fairs, lively parades, and spirited parties that showcase Guatemala's rich heritage.

AUGUST

August is not as rainy as July or September, but your afternoons will still enjoy some regular showers. The country is hot and humid but it's also green and beautiful, a good time to explore.

SEPTEMBER

September is the month during which the most rain falls in Guatemala. Most of this rain falls in the afternoon and the morning are bright and sunny. September is also hurricane season so keep an eye on the news. These tropical storms can interfere with your itinerary as roads can get flooded and infrastructure is affected. September is one of the cheapest and quietest months though, so if you are into soltitude, this is your best bet.

OCTOBER

As a close second to September, October is one of the wettest months. The hurricane season is still ongoing, while it marks the end of the rain season. You will still enjoy off-season prices and quiet cities. Especially Flores and the rest of Peten experience more rain than the cities in the south.

NOVEMBER

The rain season is at its end and the wildflowers are blooming throughout the country, making this one of the most beautiful months in Guatemala. In Santiago Sacatepéquez you can join the Giant Kites Festival (November 1) where it's rather busy, but the rest of the country is still quiet.

LEAVING PRODUCTS FOR SAINTS

The saint San Simon (Maximon) is known to grant favors to those who leave cigarettes and alcohol for him at his altar.

TRADITIONAL CLOTHING THAT INDICATES ORIGIN

In Guatemala you will notice that as you travel the traditional clothing changes in every town or area. Around Chichicastenango you will see crosses on the ladies' skirts, but in Panajachel you will see the pattern changes completely. This type of clothing is called traje.

HOLY WEEK PROCESSIONS

Easter is a very big deal in Guatemala, and especially in the city of Antigua. Book way in advance if you want to be here and do not walk over the flower carpets made by the locals. They are made for the processions.

MARIMBA MUSIC AND REGGAETON

The marimba is the national instrument and is heard throughout the country. It looks like a large xylophone but it's nestled in the Guatemalan traditions for centuries. The Guatemalan youth has shifted its interests to the more modern Reggeaton and you will notice this in bars and clubs.

DANCING ON GRAVES

On November 1st, locals go to the graves of their deceased loved ones and dance and party on top of the graves in honor of their love for their family.

MAYAN CALENDARS

In Guatemala the indigenous citizens still use the traditinoal Mayan calendar as it better follows their culture of understanding the world and its cycles and the customs they have applied to that. They do learn the Gregorian calendar to be able to interact with non indigenous people.

PHOTOGRAPHING (INDIGENOUS) LOCALS

It's considered very offensive to take a photo of a person without asking their permission first. It may be tempting to shoot candid photos, but if you choose to interact with the locals they are often very kind and want to participate in your shots after.

In Chichicastenango it is believed that if you take a photo of a person, their soul is caught and locked in your camera. Be very careful with your shots there.

In Guatemala, same-sex relationships are legally recognized; however, they are often frowned upon by locals. The presence of the LGBTIQ+ community in the country is relatively small and predominantly limited to major cities and areas frequented by tourists. We've met some couples who had no issues at all showing their affection in public, but they did always keep their surroundings in mind.

Guatemala experiences a prevalent culture of machismo, and because of that it is uncommon for local women in Guatemala to visit bars and cantinas unaccompanied. Even when women go out in pairs, they may still encounter instances of harassment. This is not a feeling shared by most solo female travelers, but be smart and follow the advice locals give you

NATIONAL DISH

There is no official national dish, but Pepián comes closest to it in many minds. It's a stew originating from the combination of Spanish and indigenous cultures using chicken and deep flavors. The dish is not spicy at all and is often served with rice and tortillas.

DRINKS

Chocolate and coffee are some of the most exported products and are ranked among the best in the world. The high altitude and moist soils of this volcanic country boast a wide range of coffee flavors going from sweet, chocolate undertones and caramel to acidic and bitter.

FIAMBRE SALAD

SPANISH

ANTIGUA

The city of Antigua Guatemala, also known as Antigua, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Antigua was the capital of Guatemala until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Today, it stands as a well-preserved colonial city with stunning architecture and a rich cultural heritage.

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

Tikal National Park, located in the department of Petén, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. This vast archaeological site is one of the most impressive and well-known Mayan ruins in the world.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK AND RUINS OF QUIRIGUA

The Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua, located in the Izabal Department, became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Quirigua is renowned for its intricate stelae (stone monuments) that depict the rulers and gods of the Mayan civilization.

DO I NEED A VISA?

You don't need a Visa coming from most countries in Europe, from the United States, Canada, several South American countries and Asian countries. A full overview given by the Guatemalan government can be found here. If you have a layover in the USA, do look into ESTA requirements.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY?

The stamp you get on entry into Guatemala tells you you can stay 90 days. You can apply for an extension of 30 days, which costs around 190 QTZ. On top of that, you can exit the country to Belize, Mexico or Costa Rica and then enter again to get another 90 days. The countries El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua fall under the 90 days and do not count as exits.

Corinto (Honduras / Guatemala)
El Florido (Honduras)

NATIONALE FEESTDAGEN & FESTIVALS
(dates 2023)

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

1 Jan

28 mr - 1 apr

1 May

30 Jun

15 Sep

20 Oct

1 Nov

25 Dec

New Year's Day

Semana Santa

Labour Day

Armed Forces Day

Independence Day

Revolution Day

All Saints Day

Christmas

FESTIVALS

2-4 Feb

Feb

27 July

1 Nov

1-2 Nov

Feria de Fraijanes (Coffee Harvest)

Caravana del Zorro

Fiesta Nacional Indígena

Giant Kites Festival

Dia de lose muertos & Skach Koyl

Flores

The vibrant colors of Flores, Guatemala

Tikal, Flores, Guatemala, Mayan temple

Flores, Guatemala

The vibrant colors of Flores, Guatemala

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Het stadje Flores ligt op een eiland in het meer van Petén Itzá en heeft een levendige, ontspannen en kleurrijke sfeer. De smalle straatjes leiden naar charmante gebouwen in koloniale stijl die in levendige kleuren zijn geschilderd.

Het centrale plein van het stadje, versierd met een charmant wit kerkje, is een centrum van activiteit en een perfecte plek om de levendige sfeer op te snuiven. Vanaf de oevers van het Petén Itzá-meer kun je een boottocht maken naar de fascinerende Mayaruïnes van Tikal, een van de belangrijkste archeologische vindplaatsen in Midden-Amerika. De dichte omringende jungle voegt een sfeer van mysterie toe terwijl je de torenhoge piramides en ingewikkelde tempels verkent die ooit floreerden met oude beschavingen. Of overweeg het minder bekende Yaxha of Nakun voor een rustige ervaring.

s Avonds komt Flores tot leven met een bruisend nachtleven, met een verscheidenheid aan restaurants, bars en straatverkopers die heerlijke lokale gerechten serveren. De straten rondom de stad zijn overstroomd door het stijgende waterpeil, waardoor sommige delen niet meer (te voet) toegankelijk zijn.

GETTING THERE

Getting to and from Flores is generally done by shared minivan shuttles. You can book these with Litegua, Guatego, your hostel, or any other company that is connected to INGUAT.

GETTING AROUND

Flores itself is so small that even when you have a hotel pickup for one of your treks, you will be picked up on foot. Tuktuks and cars drive through the town but you can walk everything in a few minutes. On top of that, lanchas (boats) can take you from place to place and can bring you to the neighbouring towns or to the famous "Jorge's Rope Swing".

NIGHT FOOD STALLS

The Las Mesitas are located along the road between the island and mainland. The most delicious street food is sold by vendors every night. Take a seat on the wall and dangle your feet while enjoying the local delights.

TIKAL

Once one of the most powerful civilizations in the world is now a very popular monumental sight. In the hearth of the jungle you can immerse yourself in both the cultural and biological atmosphere, going either on a sunrise, sunset, or day tour from Flores. It is also possible to stay inside the park at Jungle Lodge Tikal or at their hostel (which is located at the same place, and includes access to their swimming pool)

YAXHA

Yaxha ("jasch chah" = Green Water) is the lesser known Tikal, at about a 2 hour drive from Flores. A day trip here will give you a more secluded feeling as only about 30 people a day visit this park. There are a lot more animals here and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Antigua

GETTING AROUND

In Antigua all the streets are made out of cobblestone and cars go about 15 kilometers an hour. You often have plenty of time to cross a road before they reach you. Throughout the city, you can take taxis or tuk tuks. Because of the roads, taking a taxi is not that fast and is rather expensive. The city is very small, so walking is a good option.

If you take a shuttle out of Antigua, they either pick you up at your hostel or at the big road next to hotel Soleil / the Texaco gas station.

GETTING THERE

CHRISTIANITY

The vast majority in Guatemala follows either Roman Catholic Christianity or Protestant Christianity, and the same counts for the city of Antigua.

The Catholic religion was made official during the colonial era but Guatemala has established freedom of religion in their constitution.

During Semana Santa and other religious holidays you will encounter relatively emotional citizens who experience their religion in a deep way. Like always, respect their culture & customs.

Deze charmante stad, boordevol geschiedenis en cultuur, is een verborgen juweeltje dat wacht om ontdekt te worden. Hoewel Antigua geen torenhoge wolkenkrabbers of bruisende stadscentra heeft, ligt de ware schoonheid van de stad in de adembenemende natuurlijke landschappen en de bewaard gebleven koloniale architectuur. Omringd door ontzagwekkende vulkanen, zoals Fuego, Acatenango en Agua, biedt de stad een betoverende achtergrond.

Keienstraatjes kronkelen door de stad en leiden naar pittoreske pleinen versierd met levendig gekleurde huizen en grote kerken, die het rijke erfgoed van de stad laten zien. Van de iconische Boog van Santa Catalina tot de majestueuze ruïnes van het Klooster van Santa Clara, overblijfselen van Antigua's koloniale verleden vind je bij elke bocht.

Dit UNESCO Werelderfgoed heeft ook een bloeiende kunstscène, met plaatselijke galerieën die het talent van Guatemalteekse kunstenaars tonen. Als je over de levendige markten en ambachtelijke winkeltjes dwaalt, ontdek je ingewikkeld textiel, handgemaakt keramiek en traditioneel Maya-vlechtwerk dat het inheemse erfgoed van de regio weerspiegelt. Dompel jezelf onder in de smaken van Antigua door te genieten van de plaatselijke keuken, die Maya-tradities combineert met Spaanse invloeden. Proef traditionele gerechten zoals pepián, een rijke stoofpot van vlees, of geniet van de zoetheid van chuchitos, een soort Guatemalteekse tamale. Voor natuurliefhebbers biedt het omringende platteland een schat aan avonturen, van wandeltochten over de hellingen van actieve vulkanen tot het verkennen van koffieplantages in de weelderige heuvels.

iglesia Merced, Antigua, Guatemala

Mount Fuego seen from Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua during Semana Santa

The carpets in the early morning during Semana Santa, Good Friday

iglesia Merced, Antigua, Guatemala

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MAYAN

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In Lanquin you will find yourself having more difficulties interacting with locals, as most of them speak in their native tongue. In their schools, the first language they learn is a version of Mayan, Spanish is their second, and English is their third language.

This specific language is also called Qʼeqchiʼ and is one of the 30 different versions spoken in Central America. The people of Lanquin belong to the native Cakchiquel ethnicity.

GETTING AROUND

Like in the rest of Guatemala, tuktuks are available to drive you from place to place. Lanquin lays across hills and that makes walking tough. Tours are done by jeep.

GETTING THERE

Lanquin is relatively difficult to reach from the bigger towns or cities as Antigua, Huehuetenango or Flores. From Coban it's only two hours by car though. Book a shuttle (with airco) to take you there as it is a very long day.

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The best travel time for Lanquin and Chemuc Champey are the months of November through March/April.

In these months you will experience less rains and the river water is clear. This is however also the busiest period.

Sometimes , during the rainy season, the river that flows under the Semuc Champey pools overflows and brown muddy water streams over the pools, making it impossible to see them. The towns along the river also experience dangerous times.

Viñas Hotel

There are many hostels and beautiful places to stay where you can relax and enjoy the jungle surrounding you. These places can also arrange the tours to Semuc Champey & to the caves for you.

Very cool places with many backpackers are and

A lot of these places are owned by American and Dutch companies which means less money goes into the already poor village. They are great to stay at, but if you are into more sustainable and local-supportive travel I would advice you to consider for example or at

Zephyr Lodge

Greengos Hostel

El Retiro

Lanquin

Lanquin is een charmant stadje in Guatemala, omringd door prachtige bergen en valleien. Lanquin bereiken kan een avontuurlijke reis op zich zijn, want de afgelegen ligging maakt het een minder bezochte plaats. Hoewel de weg naar Lanquin uitdagend kan zijn, is de inspanning zeker de moeite waard. De kronkelende paden die naar dit verborgen juweeltje leiden, voeren je door adembenemende landschappen, langs dichte bossen en rivieren die je onderweg oversteekt. Eenmaal in Lanquin aangekomen, word je omgeven door een gevoel van afzondering en rust, een ware ontsnapping aan de drukke buitenwereld. Je vindt er prachtige hostels waar je tot rust kunt komen na de lange reis ernaartoe.

Van daaruit kun je een bezoek brengen aan Semuc Champey, een adembenemend schouwspel verscholen in de jungle. Het heeft turkooizen zwembaden die trapsgewijs over stenen terrassen lopen en zo een paradijselijke omgeving creëren. Breng je dagen door met zwemmen, wandelen en het verkennen van de grotten met hun betoverende rotsformaties. Terug in Lanquin kun je genieten van heerlijke Guatemalteekse gerechten en je onderdompelen in de plaatselijke cultuur door deel te nemen aan dansvoorstellingen en vieringen. Lanquin en Semuc Champey bieden een onvergetelijke ervaring die avontuur, natuurlijke schoonheid en de levendige geest van Guatemala combineert.

Semuc Champey in Lanquin, Guatemala

Semuc Champey turquoise pools

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey in Lanquin, Guatemala

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GUATEMALA

...

VALUTA

Quetzales

TAAL

Spanish, Mayan

HOOFDSTAD

Guatemala City

ALLES WAT JE WILT WETEN

GENERALLY SAFE? NOT according to governments. YES according to most travellers

NATIONALE FEESTDAGEN & FESTIVALS (dates 2023)

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

FESTIVALS

Flores

GETTING THERE

GETTING AROUND

Antigua

GETTING AROUND

GETTING THERE

GETTING AROUND

GETTING THERE

Lanquin

NATIONALE FEESTDAGEN & FESTIVALS
(dates 2023)