Things to Do in Guatemala

These hot springs in the midst of the Western Highlands offer a luxurious – if slightly smelly – bathing experience. Easily reached from the town of Zunil, there are three large sulfurous pools, ranging in temperature from scalding to something resembling a warm bath.

Once only accessible via a seven-day mule trek, Tikal is the largest of the ruined cities of the ancient Mayan civilization. After playing a central role in Mayan politics during the Classic Period (200 to 850 AD), the site was abandoned at the end of the tenth century. Star Wars fans might be interested to learn that this historic landmark was used for background scenery of the Rebel base on Yavin 4 in Episode IV: A New Hope.

Harboring over 1,000 mammal, bird and reptile species among 583,000 stunning acres of mountainous countryside, 55 percent of the Sierra de las Minas mountain range was declared a biosphere reserve in 1990.

Named after the Mayan goddess of fertility (and, strangely, textiles) this Guatemala City museum holds a commendable collection of textiles from over 120 highland communities. Mayan enthusiasts will also enjoy Carmen Pettersen's 61 water-color paintings of Mayan regional costume.

Three hours to the west of the capital, Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, and one of the most beautiful on the planet. The three surrounding volcanoes and fifteen villages that lie on its perimeter have also guaranteed that the lake takes a central position in Guatemalan culture.