Guatemala - Natural Wonders

Itinerary: Natural Wonders

Tone up your muscles by climbing a couple of the volcanoes around Antigua: the active Pacaya and the mighty Acatenango. Move on to Lago de Atitlan, certainly one of most beautiful lakes in the world.

Continue westward to bag more volcanoes around Quetzaltenango - say, Santa Maria and Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America. Head north to experience the beauty of the Cuchumatanes mountains around Todos Santos Cuchumatan and Nebaj. East from Nebaj is Coban, stepping stone for the lovely lagoons and waterfalls of Semuc Champey, the extensive Grutas de Lanquin caves, the forest trails of the Biotopo del Quetzal and the jungle-surrounded Laguna Lachua. Move north to the thick jungles of the Peten, exploring the rich bird and plant life of Laguna Petexbatun. The magnificent ancient Mayan city Tikal and the area around El Peru ruins are two of the finest spots in the country for observing tropical wildlife. On your way back south, pause for cave exploration at Finca Ixobel, a boat ride along the beautiful, jungle-shrouded Rio Dulce, and a side trip to the Bocas del Polochic reserve, which supports over 300 bird species.