Guatemala is home to an astonishing variety of attractions, one of which is its rich archaeological history. The ancient Mayans were one of the great pre-Columbian civilizations, and they ruled this territory for hundreds of years, leaving evidence of their existence dotted around the country.
© Milosk50 | Dreamstime
Tikal
It is impossible to talk about the Mayans in Guatemala without mentioning Tikal, which provides the most complete set of ruins. Visitors will be able to see soaring temples, altars, ceremonial buildings and even a ball court inside the vast national park.
El Mirador
Those with a bigger appetite for adventure should make the five-day trek to visit El Mirador, home to the biggest known pyramid in the world by volume. The ruins are mostly unexcavated, and while it takes a more vivid imagination to picture the Mayans at this site, the experience is not to be missed.
© Stefano Ember | Dreamstime
Quirigua
Quirigua is one of the smallest Mayan cities, but is important due to its stone monuments, known as stelae. The site is home to the largest stela the Maya ever carved, which stands 35 feet tall, 5 feet wide and 4 feet thick.
Iximche
Iximche is close to Lake Atitlan in the west of the country, and is known as the last capital city of the Maya. The Kaqchikel inhabitants at first welcomed the Spanish conquistadors as allies against long-term foes the Kiche, but relations soon deteriorated and the Maya were forced out.
© Buggslife | Dreamstime
Yaxha
Yaxha is the third largest Mayan site in Guatemala, and reality TV fans may recognize it from the reality TV show Survivor. More interestingly, the temples offer an amazing view over nearby Lake Yaxha in the Peten region of Guatemala.
Read This Next
Get a Glimpse of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza
History
Mar 21, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 29, 2025Fairmont Royal York’s Spring Programming
Take in the Splendor of Spring, a curated selection of activities and events, at Fairmont Royal York.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
Hotel
Apr 29, 20254 Hotels Taking Advantage of Summer Fridays
With summer around the corner, many companies in corporate America gear up for the start of summer Fridays. Summer Fridays can come in handy when making summer travel plans, and can give you some extra time to travel in the afternoon to enjoy a full weekend away. We’ve rounded up some hotels in destinations that are easy to get to and perfect for taking advantage of a summer Friday.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Surveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
ShareThis