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Guatemala is unlikely to be on the average traveler's priority list.
The majority of people are only partially aware of the country's existence, and those who have heard of it don't know much beyond its name and the fact that it may be located in Latin America.
Sitting in the Central American Isthmusthis Hispanic country is dominated by the jungle, with almost 40% of the territory is forestedand it has both a rich biodiversity and a cultural wealth like no other, but surprisingly, only 2.4 million tourists visited last year.
It turns out that not only is it extremely underrated, but Guatemala is also incredibly cheapand it may well be one of the the most affordable international getaways in 2024:
Why you should visit Guatemala in 2024
Located south of Mexico, and often overshadowed by the ubiquitous popularity of its neighbor, Guatemala is a small Latin American state encompassing a verdant territory, including a volcanic hinterland, tropical forests, a vast Pacific coast and a (very narrow) Caribbean coast.
It's everything you'd expect from a Latin gem, with your usual tropical climate, the same hospitable locals, and rich indigenous and Hispanic heritage: whether you're here for the culture or the breathtaking natural sights, be assured. you will not be disappointed.
One of the main Guatemalan monuments is Lake Atitlanperhaps the country's most recognized symbol, towering over coffee fields and sleepy jungle villages, and it's just one of many volcanic formations you could visit.
As for the coast, beaches can be volcanic black sand, sugar white, or honey gold, and because Guatemala is not a typical resort destination, it receives only a small fraction of the competition from the Mexican Caribbean . record tourism levels – it's much calmer.
Playa Blanca is The Caribbean Jewel of Guatemalalined with tall palm trees and calm turquoise-colored seas, while Monterrico, on the Pacific side, is quite the opposite, with darker-colored sands and waters suitable for surfing.
Other stunning beach areas include Livingston, a resort town and area of outstanding natural beauty just a short drive from hidden waterfalls and preserved reserves, El Paredon, a migration location for marine life and a capital of water sports, and the laid-back Puerto Barrios.
Guatemala is an underrated cultural hotspot
For all you history buffs out there, you should probably know that little Guatemala is just one of four countries outside of Mexico where you can see Mayan ruins (in fact, it has the highest concentration of sites of this guy as he once was). at the center of the Mayan world).
The best preserved of them, Tikal is the typical example of Mayan city buildingwith its giant Lost World pyramid, Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian building in the Americas, and the iconic Temple of the Great Jaguar, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Guatemala's cultural wealth expands well beyond the Mayan periodHowever, because it concentrates several of the most beautiful colonial areas in Latin America, including Antigua Guatemala, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site full of colorful low houses and Spanish Baroque monuments.
It is a country full of natural and man-made wonders, and above all, it is incredibly cheap to visit:
A Dirt Cheap tropical getaway
According to Budget your tripa week-long trip to Guatemala for two people costs only $685 on averageincluding everything from accommodation to daily meals and transportation, not counting flights, although it can be even cheaper if you're a “budget” traveler.
In this case, your weekly expenses total an almost negligible $135, but it's worth noting that this is likely happening without comfort, staying in hostels, using local buses, and eating at cheap and busy restaurants. locally; on the other hand, if you are a big spender, weekly cost cap at $868.
Either way, you'll find that Guatemala isn't the kind of destination that will clean out your wallet: if you're not exactly thrifty and don't mind treating yourself every once in a while, it There are five-star spa hotels in Antigua Guatemala that will only cost you $154 by night.
Flying to Guatemala from the United States is just as affordable, with Spirit Airlines offering nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Guatemala City. from only $138 one waywhile Avianca connects Los Angeles to the Guatemalan capital with airfares starting from $182.
Planning to visit Guatemala soon? Learn more and start getting inspired here.
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This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the publication.
