5 Things to do in Guatemala – An Insider’s Travel Guide
Guatemala native Maika Cotton invites One Planet Journey readers on a family trip to rediscover the beauty of this ancient Mayan land. An adventure with lush rainforests, wild animals, craters, and lakes. And the almost 2000 year old National Park, Tikal, a UNESCO heritage site filled with ruins and temples.
The Return to Guatemala
I grew up in a country known to have “eternal spring”. A landscape of volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and an innumerable amount of “oh-my-god-we-need-to-go-there” spots. People all over the world admire Guatemala for its lush nature, ancient cities, and picturesque mountains. Most of which I ignored growing up, as I had normalised the beauty surrounding me. Even when I left Guatemala at a young age, I had seen more of other countries than my home.
For me, travelling abroad equals excitement, with the word travel, a sort of cocktail-like recipe. One passport, a plane ticket, half a sense of uncertainty, topped off with anticipation of discovering the unknown. Let me introduce myself as an avid consumer of this elixir, a weaver of mental planning threads that unravel into spontaneous execution. As I had taken for granted all those Guatemalan spots people travel across the world to see, I planned to correct this oversight. This is a journey of genealogical tourism to unearth the history of Guatemala and engulf myself in a deeper and more meaningful exploration.
A Family Affair
My starting point would be in the heart of the jungle, where the ancient city of Tikal beckons. My dad had never been to Petén in the north either, and so I took him and my boyfriend with me, alongside a bag full of question marks about what the trip would bring. What a Hollywood movie storyline would depict as “family-meets-son-in-law” disaster ended up as a foundational family memory. With our backpacks, hiking boots, and deep jungle insect repellent, we headed to the airport to take our six-person jet ride to Tikal.
As a nature lover, I seize every opportunity to retreat from city life and immerse myself in greenery. Petén is a perfect starting point for anyone who feels the same. It’s an ideal place to disconnect, step into nature, and delve deeper into the history and culture that shape Guatemala. This is why my plan included spending time by the lake to disengage from normal life, paired with a jungle escapade to take in the natural scenery that is otherwise almost impossible to experience in an urban setting.
Flores, Petén
We set off on our adventure to this lost world and decided to first check out the local town of Flores. It’s an island in the northern department of Petén, situated on Lake Petén Itzá. A bridge connects it to the mainland, and the airport is located nearby. Most hotels help to arrange transportation. International flights usually stop in Guatemala City, and from there, passengers take a forty-five minute flight to Petén. There is also a bus from the capital, a 6-8 hour overnight ride.
The island bursts with a colourful celebration of life. As its name suggests, the floral charm comes alive in the deep pastel-painted houses, and the lake scenery sets the tone for the tranquillity.
It is the perfect place to stroll along picturesque streets, shop for local souvenirs, and unwind from noisy city-life.
What to do around Petén
Lake Boat Tour:
A must-do in Flores is to go boating on the lake. At the dock, expect to pay between 100 to 200 quetzales ($13-26 USD).
At the shore, we meet Victor, a kind-hearted senior who offers guided tours on his small boat. He suggests a trip to the animal sanctuary, a beloved place on the island where you can learn about the extensive flora and fauna. Unsure of the weather conditions, he warns rain could start at any time.
Petén has a tropical monsoon climate, with high temperatures, year-round and heavy rains that maintain the verdant beauty of its surrounding forests. We threw ourselves into the adventure, which led to the most breathtaking and extraordinary moment of the trip.
As we navigated the lake, we saw the rainfall racing toward us in a matter of seconds. The frail boat took the hit of the first thousand drops, impacting its wooden roof. Victor didn’t flinch. His delicate legs remained crossed, and his history-filled wrinkles drew a slight smile on his face as we braved through the pouring rain.
The lake houses hundreds of species over an area spanning 35 km east to west and 16 km north to south. It is the life-supporting nucleus for the rich ecosystem of the surrounding rainforest and the many animals and plants that inhabit the region. The surreal dance of nature, in the form of rain, enveloped us. My dad positioned his life jacket as a bulletproof shield from the thick raindrops, while my boyfriend held my hand with a tight grip, slightly questioning his life choices. Nonetheless, we sat with smiles on our faces as we listened intently to Victor’s tales of the elusive jaguars that roamed the nearby jungle.
Arcas Wildlife Rescue Center
The majestic jaguars hold a special place in the hearts of those who seek to protect them. The ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center dedicates its mission to protecting these rarely seen beasts and other animals in the area. After a waterfall-like boat trip, we arrived at Arcas, another highly recommended visit in Petén. Responsible travel includes seeking to not disrupt the environment and its wildlife. This is the perfect spot to learn about biodiversity, the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, and the protection of animals. The centre houses endangered species, and they are always open to helping hands for volunteer work.
The Mayan civilisation had great respect for jaguars, calling them “Balam.” They served as a symbol of power and strength. Over the years, the jaguar population has seen a significant decrease, reaching endangered status due to habitat fragmentation, use of land for agriculture, and illegal poaching. Jaguars are exceedingly hard to spot, as they live deep in the jungle and like to stay dispersed. Nonetheless, it is not impossible.
A Jaguar’s Tale
With fascination, we heard Victor narrate the heart-stopping moment when he came face to face with the stealthy creature. From his boat, he spotted it drinking from the shallow waters on the shore. They engaged in back-and-forth eye contact, like when you catch a stranger’s gaze one too many times. He referred to it as tense but beautiful, an ode to nature and its harmony. The jaguar then ventured into the jungle to proceed with its mission of remaining unseen.
Victor’s amazing storytelling, coupled with the chill wind and rain, cocooned us. Without even noticing, we returned to the shore. Our journey concluded with a poetic flourish as Victor recited a wonderful poem dedicated to the jaguar as we disembarked. The warmth and compassion in our hearts swelled as we realised the uniqueness of what we experienced. A lifelong memory, to be sure.
– You are beautiful to look at, just like the stars up at night. They exist in harmony with us, and it is so that I see the stars painted all over your skin. A precious skin that, just like the stars, we should always admire but never reach. — Victor
More things to do in Flores – Crater Azul
When the weather allows, Crater Azul is the perfect getaway locked inside pristine nature. You can also reach the cenote (sinkhole) by boat. Tell your captain if you would want to include it in the tour. For a couple of hours, enjoy the crystal blue water surrounded by prolific, peaceful greenery.
Day trip to Tikal Mayan Ruins
On our second day in Tikal, we travelled to the world-famous Mayan ruins. It is easiest if you ask your hotel to arrange a van for you, as it takes around an hour to get to the National Park. It is possible to do a sunrise tour to witness the awakening of the tropical wildlife. Or you do a full day to spectate the everyday life of animals and the majestic ruins. It is mandatory to use a local guide, as its intense paths can easily become a maze for visitors.
Leaving early in the morning, we travelled back in time into the mesmerising world of the Mayan civilisation. Upon arriving, towering trees and singing birds nested in their treetops welcomed us. If you are interested in birdwatching, have your binoculars ready as Tikal is an amazing place to spot birds and other wildlife.
Bring water and comfortable shoes, as you’re almost certain to amass a dramatic step count during this tour. However, leave the snacks for your return car ride as the monkeys might see this as an invitation to have a picnic together with you!
Tikal – Climbing Pyramids
When you enter the main plaza, the one and only Gran Jaguar or Great Jaguar overshadows all. Named after a lintel depicting the great ruler Ah Cacao sitting on a Jaguar Throne, it represents the greatness those creatures symbolised to the Mayan civilization. It is not possible to climb this pyramid, but you can scale the temple across it to enjoy the incomparable view of Temple I.
You might recognise the main plaza as it featured as a backdrop for a scene in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, which showed off the remains of this fascinating archaeological park.
Throughout your walk, you pass an innumerable amount of limestone pyramids and ruins that were once completely buried under the forest and only (re)discovered in 1848. If you are up for the challenge, you can hike up Temples II, III, and IV to enjoy the tree-high views.
The Lost World Pyramid offers unmatched 360-degree panoramas of the entire park, accompanied by tachycardia for those who are not the biggest fans of heights. Still, the experience is unlike any other I have lived. We immersed ourselves in a world that felt distant yet majestic, a place from the history books now brought to life, offering a glimpse into the past.
Reliving our Guatemalan Adventure
A year and a half later, whenever I call my dad, he reminisces about our trip to Tikal during the conversation. The encounter with Victor is a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural treasures of Tikal, including the protected jaguars, who play a vital role in the ecosystem. Tikal’s parks are a gift to be cherished and conserved for generations to come. Our day in Flores left us with a profound appreciation for the kindness of the locals, the wonders of the jungle, and the magic found in the most unexpected places.
It goes without saying that I am the designated adventurer in my family, with a knack for spontaneity and always having a trip up my sleeve. This time, I morphed into a tourist in my own country, learning to appreciate the nature, culture, and beauty of my birthplace. It became a form of deep travel, a school of thought, and a Rubik’s Cube puzzle move that brought me closer to a deeper understanding and synchronicity with life. In the end, this journey taught me that sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones that take you back home.
Have you travelled to Guatemala? What are your recommendations? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
