Top 5: National Parks in Guatemala

The Central American nation has a slew of great national parks. Here are the top ones to visit on your next trip to the country.

Tikal National Park

Home to one of the most iconic sights in the country, Tikal National Park is top of the list for many travelers. Home to sprawling Maya ruins, it’s worth spending a full day here.

El Mirador

For more ruins, make the five-day round-trip to El Mirador in the jungle near the Mexican border.

Sipacate-Naranjo Park

If you prefer natural attractions, head to Sipacate-Naranjo Park on the Pacific coast. It’s a popular nesting site for sea turtles and you can see the youngsters hatching at certain times of the year.

Pacaya Park

More natural wonders await at Pacaya Park, home to the active volcano that lends the park its name. A few years ago molten lava could be seen on the slopes, but it has since cooled and solidified.

Biotopo del Quetzal Park

Keen birdwatchers will undoubtedly want to see the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. One of the best places to do so is at the Biotopo del Quetzal Park, where there are still populations of the brightly colored species.

Laguna Lachua

Also worth a mention is Laguna Lachua, a park that covers 56 miles of humid forest. It’s home to 177 species of birds and some great scenery.