5 top attractions in Guatemala
What can you see in Guatemala and festival tours: Guatemala is undoubtedly one of the outstanding countries for vacationing in Central America, a multicolored destination where living culture, Mayan history, nature, colonial cities, and its culinary syncretism position it as the best of the region.
Major Festivals in Guatemala : Holy Week in La Antigua Guatemala. During Holy Week, La Antigua Guatemala hosts one of the most amazing faith-based celebrations in Central America, when significant processions wind their way within the city’s avenues. The festival starts on Ashes Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and gets to its climax on Good Friday when Antigua´s streets are thronged with processions and reverent spectator. Everyone embellishes the streets with Easter week carpets making use of dyed sawdust, plants, fresh fruit, veggies, and various elements producing impressive designs for the procession to pass through. The marches incorporate large floats, or ‘andas,’ displaying sculptures of Jesus with a cross, which are transported by many purple-robed males.
Giant Kites in Santiago & Sumpango Sacatepequez. The town of Santiago Sacatepequez is of Cakchiquel origins, and it is found 30 Kilometers from La Antigua Guatemala. Through the morning hours, people within this village gather inside the narrow roads and start their procession towards the community cemetery. Then, they participate in the most vibrant traditions of Guatemala, flying gigantic kites to talk with their family and friends that have past away. The special event happens in the cemetery, and it finishes having a delicious meal as well as a traditional dish known as “fiambre.” See additional info on Guatemala Vacations.
More Guatemala attractions: The Pacaya Volcano, rising to more than 2,550 meters, offers the chance to witness volcanic activity first hand. Located near Antigua, this volcano been continuously active since 1975, and lava explosions constantly change its appearance. Organized tours offer guided hikes on the volcano and an opportunity to roast marshmallows over the heat created by hot spots. It should be noted that, as an active volcano, hiking it does involve some risks. Livingston is the departure point for boat rides on the Rio Quehueche and Rio Cocoli or to the Cayos Sapodillas for snorkeling and fishing. The best beaches are just outside of town, easily reached by taxi.
Often shortened to “Chichi”, this is THE shopping destination of Guatemala. Located between two and three hours southwest of Guatemala City, ChiChi may be home to the brightest and most vibrant native market in all of the Americas. With a vast array of local fabrics, textiles, clothing, masks, wood-crafted items, pottery and even fireworks, there’s no reason that anyone should leave Chichicastenango Market empty handed. The city is also famous for their ability to celebrate and often host festivals, feasts and fiestas which tourists are welcomed to share in. Read more info on martsam.com.
