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Best places to visit in Guatemala

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Guatemala has famous locations that offer both local and foreign visitors varied experiences of a lifetime. These locations are mostly tourist spots, and art and cultural centers found in both the cities and villages of the country. On top of these locations is the country’s capital—Guatemala City itself—which tourists will find interesting because of its old portion that has historical values of deep colonial traces.

Another city, the Antigua Guatemala, which is the former Spanish colonial capital, has a fabulous baroque architecture, and the San Carlos University which was founded in 1676, that has a museum of nine rooms containing 17th and 18th century pieces of colonial art. One can also find in the city the La Merced Church where a visit can be a live culture experience.

Lake Atitlan is a must-see for any tourist. It is known as the deepest lake in Central America. Located at the foot of many volcanoes, it is surrounded by unique villages where Mayan culture and lifestyles are still evident.

The largest open-air market is found in Chichicastenango City’s central plaza where merchants sell their goods produced from the mountains and villages. The city also has the 40-year old Sto. Tomas Church where Catholic and Protestant rituals are held.

Guatzaltenango, the second largest city, has also a popular market destination, lying near volcanoes about 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City. A busy market called Calle Santander is found in Pahajachel in the Guatemalan highlands, that provides a breathtaking view of the Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro volcanoes, and serves as a gateway of the indigenous villages that surround Lake Atitlan. Other tourist destinations include Huehuetenango that displays Guatemalan live culture, the Puerto Barrios with an attractive seaside, and Tikal, where the Jaguar Temple is located, and where the jungle below has kept the ruins for centuries.