Guatemala is listed among the 19 most mega-diverse countries in the world. This means that a close encounter with exotic wildlife in a green and untamed paradise is within your reach. Its landscapes are a great part of the attraction and adventure tourism can be done any time of the year thanks to Guatemala’s incredible climate.

Land, water and air adventures are waiting for you in Guatemala. The most popular activities are volcano climbing, hiking, rappelling, ziplining, rafting, cave tourism, and mountain biking.

Volcano-climbing
Over 34 volcanoes are Guatemala’s playground for exciting adventures. These volcanoes rise tall in 3 ranges 80 to 100 kilometers along the Pacific coast, forming a 380-kilometer border-to-border mountain range. The 13 most popular volcanoes in the country are Acatenango, Agua, Atitlan, Chicabal, Fuego, Ipala, Pacaya, San Pedro, Santa María, Santiaguito, Tacaná, Tajumulco and Tolimán.

Hiking
Challenging mountain, hill and volcano climbing to extensive expeditions in our jungles will take you on hiking tours of up to 10 days in search of ancient Maya cities.

There are no limits to hiking options in Guatemala, providing firsthand contact with the Maya culture and all its wonders in a spectacular backdrop of lush nature and biodiversity.

Rappelling
Rappelling in Guatemala, an extreme recreational sport, is ideal for those who enjoy abrupt descents among a wide variety of geological formations, mountains, volcanoes, cliffs, sinkholes, caves, and walls that are the perfect setting for a challenging experience.

Ziplining
If you want to experience an extreme thrill and zip through treetops, Guatemala offers several options for ziplining while enjoying the breathtaking views and landscapes, amid cloud forests, tropical forests, coffee plantations, lakes and villages. Some lines are as long as 800m long!

Rafting
Rivers in the heart of dense tropical jungles, surrounded by Maya communities and perfect weather, mingle to create the ideal site for an incredible and unique rafting experience in Guatemala.

Cave tourism
Guatemala has an impressive cavern system surrounded by exuberant tropical forests and impressive tunnels crossed by rivers and turquoise blue cenotes naturally decorated by stalagmites and stalactites.

Mountain biking
Varying altitudes within small areas makes Guatemala a paradise for mountain bikers. Beautiful volcanoes, extensive valleys, formidable mountains, local culture and historical sites complete the perfect setting for an exciting mountain biking adventure.

Archeology
For those who love history and the Mayan culture, Guatemala is an invaluable paradise full of archaeological treasures, since it has great parks and archaeological sites, including one of the most important because of its historical value Tikal National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

Languages
Guatemala is the perfect country to learn Spanish, since the mixture of professional schools and Guatemalan hospitality facilitates the practice of the language, besides being one of the destinations with better intonation.

Diving
If swimming with sea turtles or exotic fish species are an interest for your trip, Guatemala has coasts in the Caribbean and peaceful where you can find underwater wealth.

Golf
Because of the privileged location of the country, Guatemala enjoys a perfect climate and beautiful landscapes to practice this sport, near La Antigua Guatemala with a view to the Agua Volcano is a unique opportunity to practice it.

Canopy
Flying between treetops, enjoying beautiful scenery is achieved through Canopy, Guatemala has many parks that offer this service, including Jalapa where you can also enjoy bridges pendants One of the most famous is located in Atitlan due to its height and distance, making it the most extreme in the country.

Ecotourism
With 19 climates, 300 microclimates and 33 volcanoes, Guatemala is considered one of the countries with the greatest biological wealth in the world and if you like adventure, you can camp and have unique contact with nature.

Trekking
Guatemala has different ecological reserves and different national parks, where you can enjoy the walk in the open air, with different difficulties for the taste or the desired challenge.

Rafting
In Guatemala there are many rivers, with different flows, however we can find some where to practice this extreme sport and make the adrenaline rise to the maximum, one of them is the Cahabón River.

Sport Fishing
Because of its location Guatemala is an ideal country for sport fishing, especially for fishing and release of sailfish, you can experience up to 40 bites in high season.

Whale Watching
Thanks to the location of Guatemala, from November to April it is possible to see humpback whales a few minutes from the Pacific beaches, these accompanied by schools of fish and dolphins that make the trip An unforgettable experience.

ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment activities you can do in Guatemala are shopping, visits to theme parks and nightlife.

In Guatemala City you can enjoy the nightlife in a wide variety of bars and restaurants, you can also walk the Paseo de la Sexta and make your purchases in the following shopping centers: Paseo Cayalá, Galerías La Pradera, Pradera Concepción, Plaza Fontabella , Oakland Mall, Arkadia Shopping Mall, Majadas Eleven, Miraflores Galleries, Portales.

In Antigua Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Petén and Izabal you can enjoy the nightlife, you will find bars and restaurants of different types and also specialized shops where you can make your purchases.

If you like theme parks you can not miss the opportunity to visit Retalhuleu, you will find the largest amusement parks in Central America. In Guatemágica you can find the Xocomil Water Park, Xetulul Amusement Park, Dino Park and Xulik Museum.

GASTRONOMY TOURISM
In Guatemala, Heart of the Maya World, the wonderful climate is favorable for different activities throughout the year. Its fertile land offers all the benefits for cultivating countless products such as fruits, vegetables and spices commonly used in the preparation of various dishes that are a blend of Maya, Spanish and contemporary cuisines. This makes Guatemala a destination that offers a unique wealth of food and drinks to the international market, as the country has one of the richest cuisines in the continent.

Historical data shows that, before the XV Century, the Maya made stews from legumes and venison, or rabbit and domestic birds’ meat. It is also known that they drank a hot drink in the morning and a cold one during the rest of the day. The coming of the Spaniards further enriched their gastronomy through the blend of flavors and aromas.

Why is Guatemalan gastronomy valuable?
Thinking about Guatemalan cuisine brings to mind an incredible variety of aromas, combinations, colors, textures and flavors. This wealth in diversity greatly contributes to its gastronomy. One of the greatest delights comes with starting a meal with a hot soup, which complements any of the many delectable dishes made with locally-available herbs.

Spices and fresh or dried fruits are also combined to make hot or cold drinks, as well as many spirits and some of the best rums in the world: the perfect complement to our dishes! Guatemala is also the source of one of the most delicious and globally sought-after beverages, coffee, considered to be one of the best in international markets.

Guatemala offers a variety of regional dishes, beverages and seasonings, contributing to the diversity of flavors and the stories behind them. Some dishes, such as broth or soups, stews, salads, small or large tamales, sweets and desserts, and seafood are seasonal or prepared only for certain celebrations during different times of the year.

Products and region
Guatemalans enjoy certain dishes daily, but several others are specific to certain regions. For example, the “Tapado” is a dish from Izabal; “Kak’ik” is served in several regions but originated in Alta Verapaz.

These are some of the delectable dishes enjoyed in different regions or departments:
Guatemala: Atol de Elote (gruel made of corn), Chipilín tamales, beef stew, rice with chicken, beans and tamales.
Sacatepéquez: Red tamales, Head of Pig stew or “revolcado”, hilachas (pulled beef), Pepián (a spicy meat stew), hen broth, Molletes (bread dessert in syrup), Mole (plantains in a chocolate-chili sauce) and stuffed peppers.
Chimaltenango: Güisquil chilaquilas and smoked ham.
Petén: Bollitos, Palmito de Ternera and escabeche de pescado (pickled fish).
Cobán, Alta Verapaz: Cobán-style tamale, chirmol (sour sauce consisting mainly of roasted tomatoes, onions and lime juice) and Kak’ik.
Izabal: Sweet potato and coconut bread, tapas and flour tortilla.
Escuintla: Seafood Broth, Stuffed Chilies, Duck Broth and Turtle Soup.
Quetzaltenango: Potato tamales (paches), Sweet Tamales, Chuchitos (small tamales), Fruit Broth, Chicken with Green Jocón sauce, Buñuelos (fried dough balls in syrup).
Four Guatemalan dishes have been declared Cultural Heritage of the Country, due to their four-centuries’ long history and their fusion of ingredients that originated in pre-Columbian Guatemala, mixed with Spanish-Arabic ingredients brought by

Europeans to the new world. These dishes are:
– Hen meat Jocón
– Kaq´ík
– Pepián
– Plantain mole

These dishes reflect a festive national culinary tradition, where corn is a staple that has a cultural meaning inherited from the Maya Civilization. Also, each destination has a hallmark dish that uses unique spices.

The biological, cultural and landscape diversity within a relatively small territorial space (108,889 km2) makes Guatemala an ideal destination to explore, visit and enjoy. Thirty-seven volcanoes – three of them active-, several kilometers of volcanic beaches, impressive mountain forests, exuberant rainforests, wetlands of global importance, and a set of archaeological sites that speak of more than 3,500 years of history, as well as the colorful traditions and cultural expressions from millenary people… these are features that make Guatemala the Heart of the Maya World. Guatemala is the stage for many adventures in nature.

In terms of nature, Guatemala has a variety of activities to carry out:
Bird watching
Guatemala is the perfect destination for bird watching as it is home to more than 720 species (migratory and resident), 33 of which are endemic to the region. Its geographic location and topography are ideal for migratory birds to pause during their journey. Bird watching is amazing any time of the year, but the best months are March and April, when birds are most active as they return home with colorful and fresh new plumage. Local birds also sing and dance to attract a partner, as it is their mating season.

Ecotourism
By visiting ecotourism destinations in Guatemala, you contribute to the conservation and preservation of nature and culture. In any of the regions of the country, ecotourism destinations offer adventure and nature tours that provide a window to experience local traditions. One of many such locations in the highlands is San Juan La Laguna, a charming village surrounded by mountains at the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. Here you can spend some time with the Tz’utujil Mayas who have preserved their own native language, while you learn the delicate techniques of traditional painting, textile dyeing using natural dyes, and even learn about the medicinal use of local plants.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching can be done in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but the Pacific coast is optimal for this type of activity.

Several species of cetaceans are visible in the Pacific Ocean. Among the most spectacular are the humpback whale (Megaptera novaengliae) and several species of dolphins, such as the bottle nose (Tursiops truncatus), the spinner dolphin (stenella longitostris) and the tropical spotted dolphin (stenella attenuata).

Protected areas
If you are a true lover of nature and want unique and genuine contact with wildlife, Guatemala is the place to visit. More than 33% of its territory is a protected area and, in addition to preserving different habitats, biodiversity provides the most surprising attractions.

A visit to protected areas ensures an authentic experience with nature and wildlife. In the dense jungle of the north, you are able to watch a variety of birds, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and raccoons, among many other species.

Agrotourism
Fertile soil, rich diversity of edible plants and ancient traditional farming techniques, as well as the sustainable use of forest resources, make Guatemala the perfect destination for agritourism.

For hundreds of years, Guatemalans have used a variety of edible plants native to the region such as avocados, beans, corn, pepper, sweet potatoes, annona and cacao. In addition, much of this knowledge has been used for the production of non-wood products, which currently command high commercial value, such as Xate Palm (Chamaedorea spp) and chewing gum (Manilkara spp).

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic
– Detoxification
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends

Sports tourism is for people or groups of people actively or passively participating in competitive or recreational sports, traveling and temporarily residing in places other than their usual home. The great popularity of national sporting events has led to the growth of sports tourism. Several sporting events take place throughout the year, with the participation of spectators as well as of national and foreign athletes.

With its mild and pleasant climate and topographical diversity, Guatemala is the ideal destination for sports. The country has quickly become one of the favorite destinations for golfers thanks to its year-round pleasant climate which permits the enjoyment of this sport any time of the year in world-class facilities. Guatemala is also recognized as one of the best destinations in the world for sailfish and marlin sport fishing, with the best catch-and-release marks in a day, per boat per day, as well as per boat per year. World-class sporting events are also held in Guatemala. Marathons, triathlons and ultra-marathons take place in the main tourist destinations. The waves of the Pacific Ocean offer a surfing adventure in pleasant water temperatures any time of the year, and different beach options are available at affordable prices at an hour’s distance from Guatemala City.

Sport fishing
Guatemala is one of the best Marlin fishing destinations in the world. On Guatemala’s Pacific coast, you can find a variety of fish such as Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish, and Dorado (Mahi-Mahi). An average of 15 to 20 bites per day have been recorded, with up to 40 bites per day during the high season. No doubt Guatemala ranks No. 1 sport fishing destination worldwide for experienced fishermen!

More information at sportfishing.com
Golf
Tucked into the delightful landscapes of Guatemala is one of the best luxury Golf Resorts in Latin America, with pleasant year-round weather and proximity to the city, as well as to tourist sites, offering golfers a unique and diverse experience.

Golf Tourism in Guatemala is perfect for combining golf rounds with sightseeing in the colonial City of Antigua Guatemala, to marvel at the Maya site of Tikal, enjoy the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlán, and much more!

Marathons, Ultramarathons and Triathlons
Guatemala’s Marathons, Half-Marathons, Ultramarathons, and Triathlons are world-class sports events that will challenge you in every sense. But sometimes it is about the destination, and not just about the journey, so, as you run, the spectacular and breathtaking landscapes, diverse climate and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the unique flora and fauna will enhance your experience.

The top running destinations where the main races take place are Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Petén, around Lake Atitlán, Cobán, Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango.

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic
– Detoxification
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends

Guatemala City, one of the most modern cities of Central America and a popular destination for medical tourism, has a private healthcare system which provides world-class care to its population and is always being upgraded. New hospitals and clinics, equipment, and highly trained doctors are always available.

We offer a variety of specialized medical services in our facilities mostly located in Guatemala City, with easy access and mobility within our modern city, a few minutes away from the hotel zone, shopping centers, and La Aurora International Airport.

Health and Wellness Tourism in Guatemala offers a healthy lifestyle vacation with innovative and alternative treatments, while staying in touch with nature and all of its benefits. High-quality services and a wide array of treatments, such as aesthetic, anti-aging and new relaxation techniques, detox procedures, salts and hot springs, along with the latest technology, offers visitors one of the best options in the world for Healthcare destinations.

Immerse yourself in a world of sensations at our facilities, from renowned spas, wellness and holistic centers, to clinics for aesthetic purposes, where health, well-being, and pleasure are perfectly combined to provide a natural environment while promoting restfulness and stress management with relaxing treatments such as thermal circuits and massages.

With a diversity of medical, aesthetic and thermal spas, in addition to medical centers specialized in yoga, nutrition and rehabilitation, among others, you will explore destinations that are truly beyond comparison, while taking advantage of stress-relief when traveling. Many of these facilities are known as wellbeing oasis, surrounded by an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna in the different microclimates found at a short distance from one other, which is why Guatemala offers unique options in this category.

Our country meets international standards for treatments, competitive prices, professional medical qualifications, and advanced technology.

Here are some of the best reasons why you should choose Guatemala as your medical destination:
– Save up to 75% in medical procedures, compared to those performed in other countries
– Quality and excellence in hospital medical care, with more than 50 years of experience
– More than 30 medical specialties and subspecialties
– Exceptional location, only a couple of hours’ flight from major cities in the United States
– Great Medical District location, just a few minutes away from the hotel zone, shopping areas, and La Aurora International Airport
– Highly-qualified board of internationally certified surgeons and doctors specialized in different medical fields who have trained in the United States and Europe
– Immediate availability for most surgical procedures
– Reliable business infrastructure with an advanced telecommunications network
– Perfect weather for medical trips and stress-free surgical recovery
– Spas, yoga studios and specialized relaxation centers
– Unique hospitality- and service-oriented culture
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends
– Hot springs
– Several tourist destinations for relaxing outdoor activities or yoga, as well as unique sites, such as the ancient Maya city of Tikal and the Maya culture on Lake Atitlán
– Yoga studios
– Wellness activities in direct contact with nature

Service categories:
Hospitals: With trauma rehabilitation centers, luxury rooms, heliports, bilingual staff, high level pre- and post-operative centers, along with the latest technology and equipment.

Dentists/Surgery and Procedures:
– Dental Implants
– Root Canal Treatment
– Dental Rehabilitation
– Dental Aesthetics
– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
– Orthodontic Treatment
– Endodontic Treatment
– Neurology/Neurosurgery:
– Brain tumor surgery
– Craniotomy
– Ophthalmology/Ophthalmology Surgery:
– Cataract Surgery
– Intraocular Lens implant
– Glaucoma/Laser Eye Surgery
– Aesthetic Procedures
– Plastic Surgeons/Procedures:
– Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
– Neck lift Surgery
– Face Lift
– Breast Implants
– Liposuction

Gynecologists:
– Fertility and Stem Cell Clinics
– Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers:
– Nuclear Medicine with High Resolution 4D Ultrasound
– Automated Clinical Laboratories
– Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
– Coronary Artery Tomography
– Digital X-Rays
– 3D and Digital Mammograms
– Electroencephalograms (EEG tests)
– Electromyography (EMG)
– Diagnostic Cardiology
– Internationally accredited specialized clinics

Surgeons:
– Backbone surgery: open, mini-invasive and micro-surgery
– Gynecological Surgery
– Hand Surgery (laparoscopic video and open surgery)
– Proctology Surgery and Procedures
– Radiation Therapy:
– Linear Accelerator (LINAC) in Cancer Treatment

Body Treatments:
Our Body Treatments will be an unforgettable spa experience, restoring your balance and well-being. We create truly unique treatments that deliver beautiful skin and a renewed sense of inner calm, with an exclusive selection of 100% natural aromas characteristic of Guatemala, such as cocoa, cardamom, sugar cane, and local organic plants. Among our featured treatments are:
– Massage: weight reduction, lymph drainage, anti-cellulite, hot stones, and many more
– Weight Reduction Treatment
– Thermal Circuits
– Equipment
– Reflexology
– Reiki
– Anti-cellulite Treatments
– Detox Programs
– Chiropractors and Chiropractic Treatments
– Acupuncture

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments:
Facial products are created at our Wellness Centers, infused with a unique blend of natural ingredients for a radiant and visibly-rejuvenated face. Guatemala is well-known for having one of the purest muds in the region, nature’s gift to you, so make sure you try different facials such as:

Rejuvenating Treatments
– Firming Anti-Ageing Eye Care Treatments
– Acne Treatments
– Lifting Effect Treatments
– Anti-Blemish Treatments
– Jowl Reduction Treatments
– Microdermabrasion Treatments
– Holistic and Alternative Practices:

Truly a one-of-a-kind retreat for those who seek balance among body, soul and spirit, engaging in activities of spiritual, emotional and psychological growth in a natural, magical, and eco-friendly environment.

Check out some of our best therapies:
– Yoga Retreats
– Thalassotherapy: therapeutic use of seawater, marine products like algae, seaweed and marine mud, as well as marine climate to promote health, wellness, and beauty.
– Meditation Retreats
– Mindfulness / Buddhist Meditations
– Metaphysical and Meditation Courses
– Silent Retreats
– Foot Reflexology Walking Paths
– Forest Bathing and Sunbathing
– Equine Therapy
– Emotional Kinesiology Courses
– Sound Energy Healing
– Naturist Health Centers
– Hiking
– Hot Springs
– Thermal Circuits
– Temazcal (traditional sweat lodges)
– Stress Reduction Programs
– Saunas
– Meditation Retreats

Aromatherapy
– Detox
– Medical or Aesthetic spas
– Thermal spas
– Nutrition
– Specialized Yoga Centers
– Weight Reduction Procedures with the latest health trends
– Hot Springs
– Complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and chiropractic healing

Guatemala, a business, religious and cultural activity center, is a metropolis with colonial architecture contrasting with modern buildings, important museums and historical monuments that together offer visitors a unique experience. Its infrastructure, tourist services, and modern shopping malls have made it a regional center for conferences, conventions and shopping.

Guatemala City is the ideal destination for meetings in Central America. It is in an ideal geographical location, and has a wide range of hotels, great infrastructure and proven experience in holding conferences, conventions and incentive trips.

Guatemala has various convention centers attached to hotels and the COPEREX fairgrounds offers up to 21,658 square meters (233,124.77 square feet) for holding events in 14 different spaces.

La Aurora International Airport, the most modern airport in Central America, operates flights that allow broad and quick connections to major cities of the world.

The road infrastructure gives business travelers the ability to travel swiftly from one place to another, while enjoying activities and tourist attractions such as golf courses or Antigua Guatemala, the colonial city, among others. Ports and roads offer the necessary infrastructure across the country for rapid mobilization of participants to events.

Guatemala City offers convention participants modern shopping centers and the Historical Center with centennial buildings and churches. The Nightlife District (the Zona Viva) is in the heart of the city, near important hotels and exclusive restaurants. The weather in Guatemala is ideal for any activity or event at any time of the year.

Guatemala has hosted very important international events. Its offering includes lounges, theaters, museums, squares, event facilities, convention centers within hotels, and international hotel chains. A wide variety of restaurants, event catering services, professional conference organizers, conventions, and incentive trips are also available, as well as ground transportation and air connectivity to major U.S. cities, Mexico, Central and South America. All these facilities and services have been tested at international events.

Imagine your wedding in Guatemala, Heart of the Maya World, a country full of life, color, magic, breathtaking natural beauty, and mysticism.

The wide range of locations you can choose for your wedding varies from a romantic city declared “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO to a magnificent garden with views of beautiful Lake Atitlan or views of majestic volcanoes.

Not only will you have a wide selection of unforgettable sites to choose from, but you will also have a variety of activities you can choose for your guests to enjoy. You can have fun with adventure activities such as ziplining, rafting, and climbing volcanoes; or relaxing activities such a golf, sport fishing, bird watching or hiking. Besides these wonderful advantages, the best part of getting married in Guatemala is the experience of having a more glamorous wedding at the best price. You will have everything taken care of, more sophistication, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

Accessibility and convenience
Guatemala is located in Central America, with direct flights from major U.S. cities to its two international airports: La Aurora, in Guatemala City, and Mundo Maya in the Department of Petén. If your guests are already flying from other states to get to your wedding or you have planned to fly to your honeymoon destination, why not fly them to a nearby exotic country?

Another advantage is that American or European citizens do not need visa, therefore, visitors can enter the country hassle-free. In Guatemala you will find the best hotels in Central America, from international hotel chains to ecological and romantic boutique hotels.

Culture
Most of the Maya culture developed in Guatemala, making it home to one of the greatest cultures of humanity with an amazing ancestral legacy and great constructions. Present-day Maya preserve the legacy of their ancestors, celebrate their culture and coexist with others like the Garifuna, Xinca and Mestizo, rich in worldview and tradition.

The favorite wedding destinations are:
Antigua Guatemala: The gem that is the charming city of Antigua Guatemala, main icon of colonial Hispanic heritage, is only forty-five minutes from Guatemala City. Its spectacular volcano views, cobblestone streets and ancestral buildings built in 1543, create a scene where cultural and religious traditions emerge.

Couples can choose between churches, gardens or colonial ruins for their wedding ceremony. Newlyweds can stay in beautiful colonial hotels full of history and romance. This city was declared World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

Guatemala City: It is the ideal venue to have a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception in an elegant ballroom in one of our five-star hotels. You can also celebrate your wedding in one of many venues that have been created, usually in beautiful gardens, around the city.

Lake Atitlan: Lake Atitlan was called “the most magnificent spectacle we have seen” by John L. Stephens, a 19th Century explorer/ writer. With the impressive landscape of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and lush nature you will have the wedding or honeymoon of your dreams.

Pacific Coast: Volcanic sand beaches can be the exotic setting of a non-traditional beach wedding. A romantic experience is enhanced by incredible sunsets, wildlife and water sports.
Our services

The best professionals with years of experience that provide excellent service will make your wedding unique. You can find a wide range of suppliers that specialize in wedding planning, and will give you exactly what you need:

Wedding planners
Food and beverage
Photographers
Decorators
Florists
Musicians
DJs
Professional make-up artists and stylists
Transportation specialists
Greater detail and elegance for less!

The low cost of planning your wedding in Guatemala is an advantage that will allow you to have finer details in your ceremony and enjoy more quality time with your guests, in the activities before and after the ceremony.

A honeymoon in Guatemala can also be tailored to your budget. You can enjoy boutique hotels, exquisite Guatemalan cuisine and entertainment activities without breaking the bank.

Wide Variety of Activities
During your wedding or honeymoon you can enjoy a wide variety of activities.
– Golf: There are six golf courses with incredible views of the different volcanoes in the country.
– Sport fishing: Guatemala is considered one of the world’s best sport-fishing destinations for sailfish and marlin.
– Adventure: Ziplining, rafting, surfing, bird watching and climbing volcanoes.
– Historical walks: The legends of some of the world’s most fascinating cultures originated here. Visit and enjoy captivating archaeological sites surrounded by jungle.
– Colonial tourism: You can learn about the colonial Hispanic heritage and the experiences of the Maya, Xinca, and Garifuna people.

Guatemala is the Heart of the Maya World; a living, magical, mystical, and ancestral country. Its history goes back four thousand years, when the Maya Civilization emerged, and its legacy lives on today in its traditions and culture.

It has three sites declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Tikal National Park, the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá, and the city of Antigua Guatemala.

It is a unique, unforgettable country, full of adventures between its past and present, and offers visitors a wide range of activities.

The colorful crafts markets and regional dress, the hospitality of its people, the beauty of the natural landscapes framed by volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and mountains, all make Guatemala memorable to those who visit it.
Guatemala is known as the country of “eternal spring”. Lacking extreme temperatures, a warm climate is guaranteed throughout the year. Its average temperature is 22C° (70F°).

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic
– Detoxification
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends

Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. It is also known as Xela (pronounced “sheh-lah”) or Xelajú (“sheh-lah-hoo”), its original name in the k’iche’ language, and which means “under the ten ideas or concepts”. The Mexican indigenous warriors that travelled here with the Spanish conquistadors named it Quetzaltenango or Wall of the Quetzals. Of noteworthy historical importance is the fact that, between 1838 and 1840, it was the Capital of the Sixth State of the Highlands of the Federation of the United Provinces of Central America.

XELA is experienced through culture
Quetzaltenango has been known for its commitment to culture and tradition, earning the well-deserved moniker of “Cradle of Culture” at some point in its history. Proof of this is the welcome that Xela gives its visitors with an emblematic monument in each of the main entrances to the city. It was the cradle of great musicians, poets, sculptors, and other artists, who have given a great reputation to Quetzaltenango and Guatemala, such as Efrain Recinos, Rodolfo Galeotti Torres, Jesus Castillo, Rodolfo Robles, Werner Ovalle Lopez, Domingo Bethancourt Mazariegos, Wotzbelí Aguilar and Mariano Valverde among others.

The Historic Center of the city is a genuine expression of neoclassical architecture, in monumental architectural works built with stone extracted from local quarries and buildings that currently house financial, cultural, and government agencies, as well as a wide range of cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife.

Its colonial layout, stone bridges, monumental and emblematic monuments, such as the Temple to Minerva and cobblestone streets scattered around the city surprise visitors with stories and legends of Xela. A visit to the General Cemetery, rich in architecture and history of the Guatemalan Liberal Period, adds to these stories and legends.

There are several museums and cultural centers in different parts of the city where more can be appreciated and learned about the historical, archaeological, cultural, traditional and artistic wealth of the department. An architectural jewel of the historic center is the Centennial Municipal Theater.

XELA is experienced through mysticism
Spiritual life is of great importance for the people of Quetzaltenango and its suburbs. The clearest examples of the syncretism which exists between the Christian and Maya religions are found in a large number of Maya altars in ceremonial centers near Xela and in the cult to Maya deities such as San Simón in the municipality of Zunil and San Pascual King in Olintepeque.

XELA is experienced through wellness
Quetzaltenango, with a solid network of hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and all the advantages of an avant-garde city, awaits its visitors with access to a wide range of health services, both of conventional and alternative medicine. Wellness services such as a spa with natural saunas, thermal waters, massage and various therapeutic techniques are available in the city and very close to it.

XELA is experienced through social work
Both the city and its neighboring municipalities offer various options to visit community tourism projects through ecological, agricultural, historical and/or cultural tours. Another opportunity is to do volunteer work in organizations that support vulnerable populations to defend and promote human rights, children, women and youth, and to address issues related to education, housing, health, migration, the environment, and reforestation.

XELA is experienced through learning Spanish
The neutrality of their accent and the professionalism of Spanish language teachers is one of the best reasons to visit Quetzaltenango, in addition to the possibility of enjoying its environment and the cultural wealth that students have access to through full immersion programs. In the city and in the outskirts, there is a large number of official Spanish schools, professional local teachers specialized in medical, legal, and commercial vocabulary, among others. In Xela, two Maya languages, K’iche ‘and Mam, are also spoken and there are schools where these can be learned and practiced.

XELA is experienced through festivities
January first: Procession of the Holy Child organized by the oldest brotherhood in the city.
Movable feast: Holy Week is observed in the oldest neighborhoods of the Historic Center.
Moveable feast: La Rogativa del Agua, celebration of the Mam people that takes place in Chicabal Lagoon, forty days after Holy Thursday.
September 15: Central American Independence Day.
October: Month of the Virgin of the Rosary, Patroness of Quetzaltenango. It is celebrated every weekend of this month in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Los Altos and the main day is October 7th.
First Sunday of the month: Handicraft fair in Central America Park.

XELA is experienced through events
The tourist infrastructure of Quetzaltenango makes it a convenient destination for any type of event. Halls, gardens, hotels, and services that tailor to all the needs and demands of users for events such as weddings, parties, conferences, conventions, workshops, training, etc. make it the ideal option to hold large-scale meetings as it offers first-class halls and services, as well as accommodations to accommodate any event.

The Convention Bureau works to facilitate the planning and logistics of your event in Xela. Its purpose is to link the organizer of the event with available service options and to provide the necessary information needed to choose the best options that will ensure a pleasantly memorable event.

What to see in Xela?
Quetzaltenango is close to everything, so visitors can extend their stay and make this their home base to visit a wide range of destinations that surround the city, and enjoy community tourism or agro-tourism. To the north of the city are the dense coniferous forests of San Francisco la Union with spectacular panoramic views of the Xela Valley. A little further away is the department of San Marcos on one side and the coastal region on the other, and Mexico is just around the corner. Agro-tourism in coffee and other crop farms is available in the municipalities of the coastal regions such as Coatepeque, El Palmar, Flores, Génova and Colomba Costa Cuca, all brimming with natural and historical wealth.

Valle de Almolonga
To the south, the most colorful vegetable gardens of the Americas will whet your appetite. Hidden in a green ravine, Almolonga surprises visitors and invites them to take a bath in its thermal waters. Known as the vegetable garden of the Americas, the landscape is dense with vegetable and flower plantations lovingly nurtured by its fertile soil and hard-working inhabitants.

Cantel
Next to the city of Quetzaltenango is Cantel, a thriving municipality that houses industrial factories and crafts producers. Famous for its blown glass factory and the CHICOVIX tourist center with its natural pools, thermal waters, eco-trails and ziplining, Cantel is also the starting point for trekking to Lake Atitlán.

Colomba Costa Cuca
The lush vegetation and landscape of the coastal region is perfect for agritourist and visiting community farms such as Santa Anita and La Florida. Its economy is based on coffee plantations, trade and some handcrafts. Attractions include the Laguna de la Finca Las Mercedes and the Chukalbal lookout.

Very close to Xela, just a few kilometers away, are the towns of San Andrés Xecul, San Cristóbal Totonicapán, San Francisco El Alto and Momostenango with cultural, architectural and traditional expressions that are worth visiting.

K’umK’um Ecotourism Center
Located in the Municipal Park of Concepción Chiquirichapa, it offers ziplining, with 600-meter cables that connect two mountains for a breathtaking experience.

El Palmar
At the foot of the Santa María Volcano, this municipality offers unparalleled views, tours to community farms such as Loma Linda and Nueva Alianza where you can walk through ecological trails, do bird watching and visit coffee and macadamia plantations. Likewise, there is the Parque Vuelo Extremo (Extreme Flight Park) at the Los Chicharros Farm, located on kilometer 198 of the inter-American highway (CA1) that offers ziplining, mountain biking, trails, camping areas and a restaurant featuring Guatemalan cuisine.

Santiaguito Volcano: (2,500 m.a.s.l.)
It is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world; its crater is constantly growing and active, offering a wonderful show to its visitors.

Cerro Quemado: (3,197 m.a.s.l.)
With its awe-inspiring landscape, it is one of the most suitable sites for sports rock climbing in the country. Expressions of Maya mysticism is experienced here.

Santa María Volcano
About 10 kilometers south of the city is the Palajunoj Valley, the main access to Santa María and starting point of a three-hour medium-difficulty hike. Once you reach the top, enjoy the landscape of the highlands, the highest mountain range in Central America, the southern coastal plains, and views of active Santiaguito Volcano.

Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon: (2,900 m.a.s.l.)
Located in the jurisdiction of San Martín Sacatepéquez, a lagoon, named after it, formed in its crater. A very pleasant hike through trails under the shade of the cloud forest makes it easily accessible to visitors. It stands out for its natural wealth and mystical force.

Travelers just need to open their senses to the exquisite beauty of the natural resources and whimsical landscapes that surround Xela. In under an hour, the weather and landscape change, from the pleasant temperatures of the coastal area to the cozy cold of the mountains and volcanoes of the highlands.

Zunil
A K’iche’ people village that can leave a profound impression on its visitors with the imposing view of the volcanoes, its hot springs and its natural saunas, as well as its deep religious syncretism. The colonial-style Catholic Church and the brotherhood of San Simón are in the center of the town. Women wear colorful and striking self-woven and embroidered dress.

ECOLOGICAL PARKS
Sija Hill (Cerro Sija)
Located in San Carlos Sija, this hill offers a most pleasant experience for visitors who walk or bike through its trails, in its camping area and family areas.

El Baúl Hill (Cerro El Baúl)
It is the “lung” of the city, and has always been a traditional family recreation center. Extraordinary panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed from the hill.

The Georgian Fountains (Fuentes Gregorianas)
The volcanic soils at the Fuentes Gregorianas produce pools of sulfur water that are naturally heated at different temperatures, within the mystical environment of the cloud forest of Zunil. Its proximity to the city makes it accessible by vehicle or on foot, down a highway that crosses produce fields.

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs.
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas.
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers.
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic.
– Detoxification.
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends.

Mayan Worldview
Guatemala is a country rich in culture and lush nature, inviting visitors to discover attractions and an ancestral, mystical and holistic legacy conducive to the enjoyment of the historical, harmonious, spiritual, natural and experience-rich components of the country’s communities.

These experiences blend well with the cheerfulness and hospitality of the people, who preserve the country’s cultural and natural heritage, traditional knowledge and customs, share their lifestyle, and work in harmony.

Guatemala invites the world to become acquainted with the wealth of its culture and its indigenous people, their vision of the Universe, as well as to enjoy its countless microclimates, landscapes, exuberant richness in its flora and fauna, and to hike trails that offer unparalleled adventures.

This is a country full of diverse, traditional, and unconventional activities that are a part of the socio-cultural dynamics of the indigenous populations in major tourist destinations, fostering a perfect relationship between visitors and the destination itself.

Guatemala displays its tourism destinations for the world to enjoy through an unforgettable adventure in this wonderful country that meets all kinds of expectations, that is surprising and unexpected. Sacred Maya ritual sites, museums, archaeological sites, Colonial architecture of the 16th Century, natural reserves, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, local communities and markets make visiting Guatemala an unforgettable experience.

Indigenous people
A large part of the Maya culture, one of the most important cultures in the history of Mankind, with an astounding ancestral legacy of monumental constructions, developed and flourished in Guatemala.

The Maya of the present have preserved the legacy of their ancestors, celebrate their culture and live in harmony with other cultures like the Garífuna, the Xinca and the Mestizo, rich in visions of the Universe and in tradition.
• Garífuna people: they arrived in Guatemala over two centuries ago and most of them live in Izabal. They have their own language, their own cuisine, dress and dance, all worthy of admiration.
• Xinca people: this is one of the non-Maya indigenous people from Guatemala with their own vision of the Universe, their own culture, identity and language. The Xinca people currently speak four languages and live in the departments of Jutiapa, Jalapa and Santa Rosa.
• Maya people: Over three thousand years ago, the Maya people left behind an unmatched legacy of great knowledge which is depicted in the great monuments that we see today. Knowledge in the field of textiles, natural medicine, life dynamics, culinary art, and the Universe is all here.

Sacred sites
Maya religious ceremonies take place in sacred sites. Whether natural or man-made, these are vital spaces where cosmic energy comes together with human beings who gather here to communicate with their creator, with the universe, and with their ancestors. Permanent linkages are thus created between human life and the environment. The most outstanding sacred sites are:
– Chicabal lagoon – San Martín Sacatepéquez, Quetzaltenango
– Chicoy Caverns – Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
– Kaj Juyub HIll – Rabinal, Baja Verapaz
– Takaliq A’baj Archaeological park- El Asintal Retalhuleu
– K’umarcaaj sacred site – Quiche
– Belejeb Tzi’ sacred site – Quiche
– Iximche, Tecpán – Chimaltenango
– Kaminal Juyú –Guatemala City
– Mixco Viejo Archaeological Site –Guatemala City
– Quiriguá Archaeological Park – Los Amates, Izabal
– Tikal Archaeological Park– Petén
– Archaeological Site – Ceibal, Petén
– Archaeological Site Ixlu – Petén
– Archaeological Site Ixkun – Petén
– Archaeological Site Uaxantún – Petén
– Yaxhá Archaeological Complex – Petén
– Naj Tunich Caves – Petén
– Archaeological Site – El Mirador, Petén
– Archaeological Site Nakbé – Petén
– Archaeological Site Iximche – Técpan, Chimaltenango
– El Baúl Acropolys – Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla
– Zaculeu Complex – Huehuetenango
– Quiriguá Archaeological Park– Los Amates, Izabal

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic
– Detoxification
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends

Religious tourism in Guatemala is one of the richest experiences for foreign visitors and can be enjoyed throughout the country. In addition, its rich history envelops visitors in a unique, mystical atmosphere.

You can participate in pilgrimages for Christians, such as the pilgrimage to visit Hermano Pedro de Bethancourt who was a Religious of the days of the Colony and who was canonized in 2002.

Holy Week in Guatemala is an awe-inspiring mix of symbols, sounds and aromas. Colorful carpets made of dyed sawdust, flowers, foliage and grains, perfumed by the smell of incense in the air, mark the way of the traditional processions of the season in cities and towns. Holy Week has become one of the tourist and religious attractions that are most memorable and sought-out by tourists from around the world, many of whom come year after year to participate in the religious liturgies or simply to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Religion in Guatemala has over 400-year-old traditions and pilgrimages that follow different paths. Central Americans and Mexicans participate in many of these pilgrimages in Guatemala.

Esquipulas is an emblematic city in religion and for religious tourism. It welcomes approximately 3 million visitors yearly. Every year, a record 32 traditional national and foreign pilgrimages to Esquipulas are organized. The Basilica of Esquipulas Cathedral is home to the Black Christ of Esquipulas, a wooden image termed “black” because, over the course of 400 years of veneration, its wood has acquired a dark coloring.

Visits to basilicas or sanctuaries are popular in departments such as Chiquimula, Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango and Antigua Guatemala. These visits, surrounded by an aura of mysticism, offer history, architecture and colonial beauty.

Three celebrations attract foreign pilgrims particularly:
– Novena to the Lord of Esquipulas in January, with pilgrimages from all throughout Mesoamerica.
– Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala, one of the most solemn and largest religious events of the Christian world and which is particularly relevant in Antigua. The liturgy is further enhanced with the colorful sawdust carpets that the processions walk over, and the city offers cuisine, history, and architecture.
– In October, the month of the Holy Rosary of the Basilica of the Virgin of the Rosary in the Church of Santo Domingo in Guatemala City, pilgrims come from different parts of the country.
– Pilgrimage paths

Santo Hermano Pedro
It is a journey of spiritual and mystical reflection. Which represents the places where the Holy Brother Pedro of San José of Betancourt, carried out a diversity of works and activities to help abandoned and poor people. Which was the scene of his life; this can be known through the route of the Pilgrim of la Antigua Guatemala.

The looms of Pedro Armengol
It was the first place where Saint Brother Pedro worked. He entered to the labor of fabric and rustic cloth, performing the trade of weaver, sharing his life with the almost 400 forced that came from the prisons of the city. Here he began his evangelizing task, and by example, he started teaching with love the devotional prayers and the Holy Rosary, urging his peers to rectify their mistakes to lead a dignified life. It is currently a private property and the ruins are closed to the public.

Monument to Hermano Pedro and the Matasanos Bridge
The ancient arch held a bridge that helped to cross the River “Pensativo” upon entering the city. The monument recalls the site of the original bridge, demolished in the mid-twentieth century. On February 18, 1651, Saint Brother Pedro crossed the bridge and kneeling kissed the ground, saying “Here I must live and die”. At that time coincidentally, the earth grew and an earthquake ensued; he thought it was his fault, because he was an inordinate sinner that came to town. In his writings, he stated that from that hour until one o´clock in the morning there were 49 tremors. The monument recalls the site of the original bridge, demolished in the mid-twentieth century and marks the place where the narration happened.

Real de Santiago Hospital
Founded by the first bishop of Guatemala, Monsignor Francisco Marroquin, approximately in 1553 to serve Spaniards and mulattos under the care of the religious of “San Juan de Dios”. Here the Brother Pedro was held to recover after walking the road between Puerto Trujillo in Honduras and Santiago of Guatemala. The building was severely damaged by the earthquakes of 1773, which caused its abandonment. It is currently a private property and there is no public access.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced
It was built in the place it occupies today. The Holy Brother Pedro attended this church to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, mainly at night. The monument can be visited every day from 08:00 to 18:00 hours. The entrance to the place is paid.

Church and Convent of Compañía de Jesús (Ibero-American Training Center, Spanish Cooperation)
In the year 1625 operated the fourth largest school with the name of San Lucas School. This institution granted academic degrees to students in Theology and Philosophy. Brother Pedro entered the school with the intention of being a priest, but difficulties with studying, learning Latin and the lack of identification documents, made him give up. Father Manuel Lobo, a Jesuit priest was a confessor, spiritual guide and executor of the testament of Brother Pedro. T

he mural painting of the Temple is considered the most extensive in the ancient Kingdom of Guatemala. The Ibero-American Training Center and the Workshop for Workers, both of the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation, currently operate here.

The Main Plaza
In honor of the Holy Brother Pedro, 3 trees of Esquisúchil were planted in this place, today known as the tree of the Holy Brother Pedro.

Palace of the Noble City Hall
The current building was inaugurated in November of 1743, at the site where the previous buildings of the city council were. On April 7 of 1799, it became the headquarters of the municipality of La Antigua Guatemala. On the top floor of the palace is the Main Hall or Hall of the Cabildo, whose main furniture is of the chairs and table that the Municipal Corporation occupies during the ordinary sessions and protocol acts.

The chair for the Municipal Mayor has a carved backrest with a commemorative inscription to the Holy Brother Pedro who exalts his life, virtues, and works.

San José Cathedral
The Cathedral witnessed the expressions of fervor of Saint Brother Pedro towards the Blessed Sacrament, during the procession of the Eight of Corpus Christi, which crowned the Main Plaza, revoked his cloak tied to a pole while dancing and reciting couplets in honor of Sacred Jesus.

Street of the Steps
It runs from North to South from the “San Francisco El Grande” Church to the Hermitage of “Santo Calvario”. It houses 10 chapels that mark the Via Crucis stations established according to the Franciscan tradition. It measures 1,322 steps, the same distance that Jesus traveled with the cross on Good Friday, from the Praetorium to Calvary.

The Holy Brother Pedro had a great devotion to the Passion of Jesus, as a penance on Friday nights, he dressed as Nazarene and carrying a heavy cross on his shoulders, he made his Way of the Cross, in the Street of Bitterness. Which currently is called the Street of the Steps, where he pondered the mystery of the Redemption.

School of Christ Church
Father Bernardino de Ovando, lived here, who was the spiritual guide of Saint Brother Pedro. When he died, many people wanted to express his veneration before his body, but since the nursing room of the House of Bethlehem was very small, Bishop Payo de Rivera determined that it was more convenient to guard it in the School of Christ Church.

The next day the procession went out through the Street of the Steps towards the Church of “San Francisco El Grande” to celebrate the Eucharist and bury it according to its will. Currently, the School of Christ is the seat of the Parish of “Nuestra Señora de los Remedios”. In its plaza, there is an Esquisúchil tree, planted in 1994.

Hermitage of Santo Calvario
It was built at the southern end of the Street of the Steps by the Franciscan tertiary in the mid-seventeenth century. In addition to living there for some time, the Holy Brother Pedro actively participated, performing the duties of supervisor and promoter of the work. In 1657, Pedro de la Rosa concluded the sculpture of the Holy Christ for the hermitage; the popular tradition calls him “The Christ of Brother Pedro”. On March 19 of that same year, Saint Brother Pedro planted the Esquisúchil tree in his gardens.

Hospital and Temple of “Nuestra Señora of Belén”
In this place, was founded the first hospital for convalescents in Latin America and the first school of first letters for poor children and adults. Site where love and care were lavished on the sick and destitute who came, searching for comfort.

At the west is located the old Plaza, where afterwards the Plaza of Peace and the monument to Saint Brother Pedro with a plaque containing a prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi were built.

Beguinage of Belen
In this temple of the Beatas, settled down the Betlemite Sisters. The front of the temple has in the niche the figure of the Holy Brother Pedro in an attitude of devotion towards the birth of Jesus.

Temple and Convent of “San Francisco el Grande”
Inside the Temple is the sepulcher of the Holy Brother Pedro, today it is a place of pilgrimage to thank or request intervention. At the south of the Temple, you can see the Franciscan Museum of Saint Hermano Pedro. It consists of three rooms: the colonial hall, the hall of miracles and the room of Saint Hermano Pedro.

The first contains vestiges of the splendor of the Franciscan Temple; the second has the offerings that the faithful people dedicated to him and the third keeps the relics and the portrait painted by Antonio Montufar, considered the oldest and most faithful in terms of physical appearance.

Social Work of Hermano Pedro
Today the social works occupy the old hospital for the clergy of St. Pedro the Apostle. Here, the Holy Brother Pedro visited the clergy who were in poor health. The social works are administrated by the Order of the Franciscan friars, where medical assistance, educational-spiritual-religious-moral and social training is provided to low income people, which is why today it is the heart of evangelical inspiration of faith.

Holy Pilgrim Route
Esquipulas: Mesoamerican religious destination since the beginning of the colony, it receives a big number of group excursions and pilgrimages that have a common purpose (devotion or penance). It offers different accommodation options, places to visit, food services and handicraft sales in general. Within the traditions of pilgrimage marked for years, this pilgrimage has been recognized as the Pilgrim´s Holy Route, where the faithful devotees have made walks with songs and prayers until they meet their Lord of Esquipulas.

Holy Pilgrim Route: Very old route, it begins in the Municipality of San Agustin Acasaguastlán of the department of El Progreso, then the department of Zacapa and concludes in the Basilica of the Lord of Esquipulas in the department of Chiquimula. During this way of manifestation of faith, temples, churches and hermitages are visited; finalizing the pilgrimage in the Sanctuary of the image of the Black Christ, the Lord of Esquipulas.

With tradition of more than 400 years of Pilgrimages, they have arrived from various geographical points of Mesoamérica towards the Religious Destination of Esquipulas. Using different access routes and different means of mobilization. Being the most traditional and recognized in recent years and since the decade of 1970, the asphaltic route to the Atlantic that covers much of the old Royal Road used during the colony.

With an annual average visit of 1.2 million Pilgrims who pass in front of the Camarín of “Santo Cristo” in the Basilica and an estimated 3 million annual visitors to the city of Esquipulas in general, 32 traditional national and foreign pilgrimages are registered. An estimated of 60% of them pass through the CA-9 and CA-10 routes, considering the traditional points of their origin and arriving from various points of Guatemala, in addition to the neighboring countries of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador throughout the year.

It cannot be discarded the tourist and merchandise traffic that circulates daily to or from the borders of “El Florido”, “Agua Caliente” and “La Ermita”. As well as the one coming from various regions of Guatemala through Las Verapaces, the Guatemalan Caribbean, Petén, the rest of the East region and the capital city of Guatemala, where traffic comes from the West and South regions of the country. Holy Pilgrim Route integrates 13 municipalities linking 3 departments of the Mystical and Natural East Region, which are El Progreso, Zacapa and Chiquimula.

Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.

You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.

Some of the services might be:
– Natural hot springs.
– Thermal, medical or aesthetic spas.
– Specialized yoga and meditation centers.
– Complementary medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic.
– Detoxification.
– Weight reduction procedures with the latest health trends.

Petén
Petén is considered one of the most important places of pre-Columbian occupation. The department includes two reserves of the Mayan biosphere, seven national parks, five wildlife refuges and four protected biotopes, among other diversity of points to explore, so to know it is ideal to plan several days of stay.

It is in this place the legends of the Mayan culture are born, one of the most surprising in the world. On arrival you will find fascinating archeological sites that are surrounded by rainforest that has kept them well guarded, including Tikal National Park that was declared a Natural and Cultural heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1979.

Tikal
It means “place of voices” and is one of the largest Mayan cities so far known for its 576 km2 of area. World Cultural and Natural Heritage of humanity since 1979. We can find and appreciate a great footprint of what was this site, with more than 3,000 archaeological elements, a city that inhabited between the Preclassic and classical periods.

Of its temples and squares, stands out the Plaza Mayor, heart of the archaeological park of Tikal and is surrounded by temples I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and II (temple of the Masks), the North Acropolis and the Central. There is the square of the Great Pyramid or lost World, a set of monuments of the oldest of Tikal and the palace of the windows, with a lot of interconnected rooms.

Temple III or “temple of the Jaguar priest” has different carvings on its lintels. The temple IV or “Temple of the Serpent doubleheaded” is the highest of Tikal, by its 70 meters of height from where we will be able to recreate of one of the most spectacular panoramics of the park. And the temple VI or “Temple of the Inscriptions”, is named after the cover of glyphs in its cresting.

The arrival to the park is accessible, so you can enter it with a family or small vehicle. During the trip to the central square we can enjoy beautiful walks, observe different kinds of monkeys such as howler monkeys, coatis, parakeets, toucans, parrots and even jaguars.

Yaxha National Park
It means “green water” and in this city there are more than 500 monumental buildings between squares, walkways, astronomical complexes, a commemorative square with two twin pyramids and the Acropolis, an area inhabited by the aristocracy.
Currently from the highest monument, Temple 216, you can see the jungle and the lagoons of Yaxha and Sacnab, within the framework of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.

The park is a refuge that allows to appreciate a balanced combination of biodiversity and pre-Hispanic cultural heritage. Due to the presence of impressive lagoons and wetlands that are part of the main migratory bird routes, it has been recognized as a wetland of world importance. 

In the area there are four main cities, Yaxha, Topoxte, Nakum and Naranjo; They played a very important role in the social and political organization of the central lowlands for more than 1500 years (800 BC-1450 A.D.). It is possible to visit the first three cities, being Yaxha the most accessible and from where you can start the visit to the park.

During the walk it is possible to observe different kinds of animals like monkeys and birds.

El Mirador National Park
It is located in a natural environment formed by a Sierra Karst and with an extension of 3,000 km2 in which there are ancient Mayan monuments. This biological environment is spectacular for its subtropical forest in which endangered animals and plants inhabit. You can access the park by helicopter or for the more adventurous, walking on a wonderful three-day route.

El Mirador is a Mayan city in the north-west of Petén, where you can discover architectural complexes, such as El Tintal, La Florida, la Danta, La Muralla, El Tigre and La Wakna, between its causeways and monumental structures within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. It is worth mentioning “the Great Pyramid of the Danta”, which is named after the largest animal that populated in the jungle.

The Danta is the largest pyramid in the world in terms of volume, occupying a space of 2,800 cubic meters and its height is the highest in America, with 72 meters.

Ceibal Archaeological Site
The name Ceibal is due to the presence of large numbers of Ceibas in the area. The ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, is located in the municipality of Sayaxché, where it had its apogee between 700 and 900 d. C, ie in the late Classic period.

In this archaeological site you can see a variety of Mayan stelae and two structures that are already restored. One of them is a pyramidal temple, in which 5 stelae placed according to the Cardinal points are located. In Stela 10, south Side shows the Lord of Ceibal taking possession in the presence of rulers of large Mayan cities, such as Tikal, Calakmul and Ucanal.

The stelae are one of the main attractions, as they are the finest and best preserved of the late Classic period in the Department of Petén in the Mayan lowlands. Taking into account the surprising collection of sculpted monuments and the decipherment of their present texts and iconographic elements, it can be said that Ceibal constitutes a “meeting point among the rulers”, given that in one of the Stelas, they are The emblems of cities such as Tikal, Calakmul (Mexico), Ucanal and Ceibal itself are present.

In the year 1985 the site was declared by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as Archaeological park, and in the year of 1995 was declared as protected area with the category of Cultural Monument Management, has an extension of 1512 hectares and is currently Administered by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

In Ceibal we can observe some restored structures, since some of them were composed of perishable materials. You can also see more than 600 structures, as well as different kinds of animals like monkeys and birds.

Piedras Negras Archeological Site
The original name of this archeological site located in La Libertad, Petén is Yo´ki ´ b which means “grand entrance”.

Nowadays it is known to the archaeological site like “Piedras Negras”, and it is due to the color of rock that was used for the construction of the different structures. It is one of the largest cities of the classic Mayan period which has approximately 550.000 meters where there are clustered structures.

It is an adventure to reach this destination because you must travel by boat through the river Usumacinta, where we can be astonished by seeing different landscapes and animals like monkeys and birds.

Sierra del Lacandon National Park
The park has an extension of 95.529 hectares and was declared as a protected area in 1990.

This protected area is one of the areas with the greatest diversity of species in the world and in it live more than 870 species between plants and animals such as the red Macaw and the jaguar aiming to care for and protect these species through preserving the habitat.

El Zotz Biotope
The mountains with its steep cliffs and interior cave systems condition two of the most impressive features of El Zotz.

The name of the biotope is due to the number of bats that we can observe in the area because “Zotz” is the name of this animal in different Mayan languages.

The tour is about an hour long, passing through the archeological site El Zotz and culminating in another archeological site called the Devil. From these sites, located in the high parts of the mountains, you can see magnificent views of the Petenera jungle and even the cresting of the LV Temple of Tikal. We also can find different kinds of trees like male xate, Cambray, chicozapote and fat pepper; As well as animals of different species such as Howler monkey, Spider monkey and drum turkey.

Laguna Del Tigre National Park
Laguna del Tigre National Park protects an important sample of humid Tropical rainforest that houses the most extensive freshwater wetlands throughout Mesoamerica.

Laguna del Tigre serves as a connection between the east and southwest of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, which favours the area of singular landscapes, with lagoons and wetlands.

Uaxactún
Uaxactún is considered one of the oldest cities dating from the pre-classic and classical periods. The architectural evolution of the Mayan lowlands is appreciated and we find inscriptions that date from 328 A.D. to 899 A.D. in different stelae.

This Mayan city began to be rediscovered and studied from 1931 when the first formal works were carried out by the Carnegie Institution of Washington. It received the name of Uaxactún or “eight Stones” by Sylvanus Morley, the first investigator to arrive at the place, crossing Nakúm, Naranjo and Yaxha. The word Uaxactún is composed of “Uaxac”, which means eight and “Tun”, which SIGNIFCA stone.

Among its archaeological remains stands the structure a-2, a truncated pyramid that could serve to the aristocracy to observe ceremonies, sacrifices and other relevant events. The palace to XVIII, a beautiful temple that has the best panoramic view of the site, was appointed palace for its numerous rooms, and temple by its staggered bodies that form a pyramid that supports a temple from where the ruler officiated the ceremonies. In the palace V or Acropolis were found four graves that are believed to be those of the smoking Frog dynasty. In the group called E highlights its astronomical observatory, used to study the movements of the sun or seasons, to know when to harvest.

Located 24 kms. of Tikal. Among its buildings stands the Astronomical Observatory, which served to begin its studies. Here they perfected their writing system.