WELCOME TO THE HEART
OF THE MAYAN WORLD
DESTINATIONS
"Discovering a destination from the inside out is what traveling with BGT is all about."
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
Hidden by the dense jungle until the 19th century, Tikal's towering pyramids rise out of the thick jungle, like stoic sentinels guarding ancient mysteries. It attracts archaeologists from around the globe, and the wildlife surrounding the ruins make it a naturalist's dream.
The Maya began building Tikal around 600 BC, completing some 3,000 structures before the empire collapsed. They include palaces, temples, plazas, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, avenues and steam baths.
Because of its magnificent biodiversity and ancient remains, Tikal has been declared a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
ANTIGUA GUATEMALA
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town, nestled between three volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. It is warm and quaint and makes you feel as though time has stopped 300 years ago. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets you will experience the splendor of colonial times and the hospitality of its people. Beautiful cathedrals, convents, and monasteries line the streets and host the largest Easter celebration in the New World.
Capital of one of Spain's most important colonies in the Americas, Antigua remains Guatemala’s iconic birth place and one of its most popular destinations. It has a cosmopolitan flair with a colonial flavor, full of night clubs, restaurants, shops, arts and crafts markets and fine hotels.
SEMUC CHAMPEY
Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural wonders.
The site's natural pools, filled with crystalline spring water, limestone bridge and 40 waterfall are located in a narrow mountain valley with steep canyon walls. As if by magic, the color of the water changes, depending on the season, the sun and the clouds, making for kaleidoscope of ever-changing scenery.
You can swimming, hike the interpretive trails, watch birds or simply sit and observe nature.
LAGO ATITLAN
Lake Atitlan is located in the central highlands of Guatemala. The lake is tucked between three volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlan, and Toliman.
It was formed when a giant volcanic caldera collapsed. Twelve indigenous communities, with deep ties to their ancestral history are situated around the lake.
There are plenty of activities, from relaxing poolside, to hiking, to cruising the lake and visiting the surrounding Maya communities.
Writer Aldous Huxley once called Lake Atitlan “the most beautiful lake in the world.”
CHICHICASTENANGO
Chichicastenango is home to the largest, most Maya open-air market in Central America, attracting vendors from all over Guatemala.
Since before the Spanish settlement, it was one of the largest trading centers in the Maya World. Today, you'll find antiques, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, masks used by traditional dancers, wood crafts, and tablecloths – all made by hand in Guatemala. If you're so inclined, you can buy vegetables, fruit, flowers, live chickens and delicious local cuisine.
Next to the market is the 400 year Santo Tomas church, where the Maya still practice their traditional spiritual beliefs and rituals.
RIO DULCE
The eastern lowlands are bathed in sunshine and the exotic magic of the Caribbean Sea and the sensual rhythm of Afro-Caribbean music.
In this tropical paradise, the sea breeze gently rocks the palm trees and caresses the skin.
The hidden rivers, waterfalls, lakes, caves, canyons, lagoons and the influence of the Caribbean make for an experience unlike any other in Central America.
B G T & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Bella Guatemala Travel has a profound respect for the country's rich patrimony and is committed to sustainable adventure travel.
This means we tread lightly while on location, striving to support the environment and the people and communities we visit.