Guatemala - Oasis Highlights

There are so many highlights in this fascinating country that it is impossible to list them all here. Our travel consultants will discuss your interests and be able to put a specific itinerary together for you, but below are a few must see’s!

Antigua

There is no prettier, no more fascinating, no more impressive colonial city in all the Americas than Antigua. This is a town dominated by three towering Volcanoes Fuego, Acatenango and Agua which have shaped its very history and geography. Here, cobbled streets are lined with pastel hued, single story town-houses while historic chapels lie next to the rubble of glorious, golden-age monuments toppled by a succession of earthquakes. Antigua has the feel of an old-world museum brought to life by Mayan colour, markets, street-food and energy.

Lake Atitlan

The Sacred Lake of the Maya dubbed “the most beautiful lake in the world” by Alexander von Humboldt himself, Lake Atitlan is unmissable! Stay at a waterfront lodge, enjoy the breathtaking views and take boat trips across to the surrounding villages. There is excellent walking, biking and paddling and a riot of Mayan colour and intrigue to experience.

Tikal

Tikal is the face of Guatemala and a magnificent and mysterious set of ruins cloaked in dense jungle, swirling mist and wonderful wildlife. Enjoy a guided tour through the soaring pyramids, ball courts, ceremonial platforms and shrines before heading into the surrounding rainforest to stumble upon further Mayan wonders that remain yet undisturbed.

The Peten

Of course, Tikal lies within the Peten’s magnificent Maya Biosphere Reserve but we feel that it deserves its own entry entirely. However, there is so much more to experience than just Tikal. If you are looking to avoid other tourists, why not stay longer, delve deeper into the jungle and visit more remote Mayan sites such as Yaxha, Topoxte, El Ceibal, dos Pilas or – our pick – Aguateca? For intrepid travellers, you can camp next to the great ruins of Uaxactun or continue your Mayan odyssey across to Xunantunich in Belize or Yaxchilan just across the Usumacinta River in Mexico.