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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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