Visitors swimming in turquoise-coloured waters of Semuc Champey.

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Central & Eastern Guatemala

Stretching from the steamy lowland forests of El Petén to the dry tropics of the Río Motagua valley, and from the edge of the Western Highlands to the Caribbean Sea, this is Guatemala's most diverse region.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Basílica de Esquipulas
Central & Eastern Guatemala
A massive structure that has resisted the power of earthquakes for almost 250 years, the basilica is approached through a pretty park and up a wide flight…
Quiriguá Archaeological Site
Central & Eastern Guatemala
Despite the sticky heat and (sometimes) bothersome mosquitoes, Quiriguá is a wonderful place. The giant stelae on the Gran Plaza (Great Plaza) are all…
Parque Ecoturístico Cascadas de Tatasirire
Central & Eastern Guatemala
Set on 15 hectares of heavily forested valley overlooking Jalapa, this private reserve features 6km of well-signposted walking trails, taking in the small…
Turicentro El Paraíso
Caribbean Coast
On the north side of the lake, between Río Dulce and El Estor, this tourist spot is in an incredibly beautiful jungle setting. Here, a wide, hot waterfall…
El Castillo de San Felipe
Caribbean Coast
The fortress and castle of San Felipe de Lara, El Castillo de San Felipe, about 3km west of Río Dulce town, was built in 1652 to keep pirates from looting…
Volcán de Ipala
Central & Eastern Guatemala
The 1650m Volcán de Ipala is notable for its especially beautiful clear crater-lake measuring nearly 1km around and nestled below the summit at 1493m. The…
Volcán de Quetzaltepeque
Central & Eastern Guatemala
About 10km east of the village of Quetzaltepeque, this volcano tops out at 1900m. The walk to the top is tough going – through thick subtropical pine…
Orquigonia
Cobán
Orchid lovers and even the orchid-curious should not miss the wonderfully informative guided tour of this orchid sanctuary just off the highway to Cobán…

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Go Beyond

Central & Eastern Guatemala and beyond

Beyond Central & Eastern Guatemala

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