GuatemalaGuatemala is an awe-inspiring country that, despite its compact size, is incredibly diverse with wonderfully atmospheric towns oozing colonial charm, impressive Maya ruins hidden deep in lowland jungle and traditional villages with colourful markets. At the country's heart the beautiful UNESCO-protected city of Antigua is an idyllic pocket of colonial architecture and has lively cobbled streets to explore. The rest of the country is staggeringly beautiful with highland lakes ringed by perfect volcanic cones, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, a rugged limestone plateau honeycombed with great caves and miles of jungle teeming with tropical wildlife and exotic birds. From the mountain cultures bright in traditional dress to the vibrant Garifuna community along the Caribbean coast, the Guatemalan people are fascinating and friendly. Despite the many years of upheaval in the country, their spiritual nature and strong sense of tradition have created one of the richest and most diverse cultures in the region. Put simply it is a country that touches the heart unlike any other in Central America.32

AntiguaQuetzaltenangoChichicastenangoHuehuetenangoLivingstonRío DulceSayaxchéFloresSantiago de AtitlánPanajachelSololáSan Franciscoel AltoTodos SantosCuchumatánCobánGUATEMALA CITYTikal NationalParkGUATEMALAHONDURASELSALVADORMEXICOBELIZEThe WesternHighlandsThe VerapacesRío Dulce Lake Petén ItzáLake IzabalLakeAtitlánGulf ofHondurasPacific Ocean TikalYaxháUaxactúnEl CeibalCopánAguateca040 miles064 kilometres Guatemala 33Find out more For suggested itineraries and practical information about travel in Guatemala, please see page 39.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries, accommodation, climate information and articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Guatemala specialists 01993 838 695%Audley in GuatemalaWith its extraordinary tangle of remnants from the Maya civilisation, indigenous traditions and Spanish culture, Guatemala is one of our favourite Central American destinations. As well as an in-depth knowledge of the main highlights of Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal, we have also researched equally rewarding off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Cobán, Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands and some lesser-visited Maya ruins in the north. The international airport is located in Guatemala City, but with little there to entice the visitor we recommend transferring directly to Antigua on arrival, which is located just one hour away. We have found some wonderful guides and drivers and can also recommend land routes across to Honduras and Belize for those wanting to explore further, or for those seeking a beach on which to relax at the end of their trip.AccommodationIn recent years some beautiful hotels have sprung up in the colonial city of Antigua and around the shores of Lake Atitlán. These range from family run, good value B&Bs through to luxury boutique properties. In the north of the country, close to the Maya sites, options are often limited to simpler properties but the majority have fabulous locations on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá or deep in the lush rainforest. In the lesser-visited parts of the country accommodation is basic, sometimes you will only find a rustic thatched bungalow, but we keep up with any new additions and can recommend other properties as they become available.1 AntiguaOne of the most atmospheric colonial cities in Central America, Antigua is famous for its gorgeous pastel coloured façades draped in bougainvillea.2 Lake AtitlánA stunning lake set against a spectacular backdrop of three cone-shaped volcanoes and surrounded by traditional villages with colourful markets.3 Tikal and the northAn area of lush lowland jungle concealing countless Maya ruins. The most impressive and famous of these sites is Tikal with its remarkable collection of mighty temples.4 Western HighlandsA beautiful region with small, intricate fields patched onto steep slopes, farmed by communities that have little contact with the outside world. Semana SantaEaster week in Antigua, a lavish religious spectacle which sees the streets lined with an elaborate carpet of flowers in preparation for a procession of floats and local musicians.1234Cathedral, AntiguaLake AtitlánTikal