5 top attractions in Guatemala and major festivals

Top places to see in Guatemala and festival tours: Guatemala is undoubtedly one of the outstanding countries for vacationing in Central America, a multicolored destination where living culture, Mayan history, nature, colonial cities, and its culinary syncretism position it as the best of the region.

Major Festivals in Guatemala : Palo Volador. Performers test out their abilities to the Palo Volador throughout the festivity of their Saint; incredibly extra tall pine poles are consecrated and set up within the plaza for that ceremony. Pole dancers climb up in pairs to the top level via platforms and ropes, and then they rotate at the end of the lines dizzyingly (and alarmingly) down in terrific swooping circles. The ceremony’s roots should lay inside the Maya traditions of Yaxche, the tree of life. The places where celebrates El Palo Volador are: July 25th in Cubulco Baja Verapaz. Cubulco is located in Baja Verapaz 196 kms from Guatemala City (3 hours). August 15th in Joyabaj Quiche: Joyabaj is located 216 kms from Guatemala City, about 70 kms away from Chichicastenango

Festival of Rabin Ajau and election of Indian Princess Tesulután in Coban. July 25th: The celebrations that occur in the location of Cobán through the Folkloric Festival of the Rabin Ajau and also the election of the Princess Tesulutlán are the single most remarkable celebrations of indigenous traditions in Guatemala. The communities of Alta Verapaz are probably less popular with regards to tourism, and yet they are probably the most charming and rich in folklore. In many of the villages in Alta Verapaz, particularly Cobán and San Pedro Carchá, the majority of the ancestral celebratory customs are conserved, especially the religious festivity of the Paabanc which is a unique traditional dance that is performed all over this area by the natives, the Kekchis, who express the perpetuation of their traditions and attires. Throughout this festivity, you’ll be able to discover and appreciate traditional meals and dances. Discover additional info at Festival tours Guatemala.

Extra Guatemala attractions: Quetzaltenango, Guatemala’s second-largest city, is the commercial center of southwestern Guatemala. More commonly called Xela, the town’s major sights are the Parque Centro America and the Neoclassical buildings surrounding it. Most of these buildings, apart from the cathedral, stem from the era in the 19th century when Xela was a major trading and artistic community. Many visitors come to Quetzaltenango to study Spanish or enjoy hiking in the nearby mountains. Walking up Volcan Tajumulco, Central America’s highest peak, is one of the more adventurous options. In addition to being a relatively clean and safe city, Quetzaltenango’s altitude of 2,333 meters ensures warm days, cool nights, and no mosquitoes. The city also serves as a base for excursions to the many nearby villages noted for their hot springs and handicrafts.

Monterrico is a bit off the beaten path of Pacific coastal Guatemala. With beautiful black sand, volcanic beaches and far fewer faces than you’ll spot at some other beaches, it’s great for those looking for a true “escape” from reality. However, the Pacific currents and tides make for rough water and only very experienced swimmers should leave the safety of the beach to explore the waters of the ocean. If you’re into environmentalism and conservation, you can actively take part in saving a sea turtle by visiting one of the local sea sanctuaries (during the appropriate season) and help facilitate the release of baby sea turtles into the warmth and safety of the ocean. Discover extra info at https://www.martsam.com/.