Gutamala for the Backpacker
Guatemalais a backpacker’s dream in regards to the country’s biodiversity. Because of this, choosing where to backpack can become somewhat of a dilemma. From mangrove forests to mountains, from wetlands to highlands, from lagoons to volcanic craters, from Maya ruins to colonial towns; indeed the choices can be quite mind-boggling. Guatemalais a country of friendly people, many hostels, lots of attractions and great food. The wise backpacker, however, knows to have backpacker travel insurance because one never knows what is around the corner and it is best to be prepared.
For a visit to one the world’s largest pre-Columbian Mayan archeological sites visit the Tikal National Park. This national park is situated on 222 square miles within the jungle of El Petén. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is regarded as one of the world’s most important cultural reserves. There are over 4,000 structures in the park with some architecture dating to the 4th century. Make sure to visit the Great Plaza and the Temple of the Great Jaguar. Other ruins include Piedras Negras and Yaxha.
A unique excursion is climbing the Pacaya Volcano which sits 2,500 meters high and can be an active volcano depending on when you go. If you are fortunate (if that term can be said about shooting lava) to be there while it is active all the better. Even when inactive, however, the climb is exhilarating and the views are spectacular. It is also a cool experience to be hiking on hardened lava. Dress accordingly because when active it gets hot and when not active it can get really cold that high up. If you are into volcano hikes then there is also the Santa Maria Volcano and, for the truly daring, Tajumulco Volcano which is the tallest volcano in Guatemala as well as Central America.
The Mangrove Forest of Monterrico is another exciting attraction and one that can be seen on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast, which is also famous for black-sand beaches and the Giant Leatherbacks which inhabit them. Tour groups head out before sunrise in wooden boats that are navigated with poles. Guests glide through shallow waterways and see animals such as alligator and iguana.
More attractions for backpackers include the colonial town ofAntigua, the Tzantizotz Nature Reserve for hiking andLakeAtitlán which isCentral America’s deepest lake.
