The Maya abandoned many of the cities of the central lowlands or were killed off by a drought-induced famine. This lasted until around 900 AD, when the Classic Maya civilization collapsed. This period is characterized by heavy city-building, the development of independent city-states, and contact with other Mesoamerican cultures. The Classic period of Mesoamerican civilization corresponds to the height of the Maya civilization, and is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén in the Northern Lowlands. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America. The El Tigre and Monos pyramids each have a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Archaeologists divide the pre-Columbian history of Mesoamerica into the Pre-Classic period (2000 BC to 250 AD).Įl Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. Sites dating back to 6500 BC have been found in Quiché in the Central Highlands and Sipacate, Escuintla on the central Pacific coast. The first evidence of human settlers in Guatemala goes back to at least 12,000 BC. History Pre-Columbian See also: Indigenous cultures of North America 17.222094 -89.623614 9 Tikal - long considered the largest of Maya ruins, this impressive site is often the reason folks choose to add Guatemala to their itinerariesġ20 volt / 60 hertz (NEMA 1-15, NEMA 5-15)ġ23 (fire department), 128 (emergency medical services), 110 (police), 120 (police).15.533333 -89.961111 8 Semuc Champey - a swimmers paradise this series of stepped, turquoise pools is perfectly situated atop a natural limestone bridge.15.7475 -88.872222 7 Rio Dulce - surrounded by National Parks, Rio Dulce checks a variety of boxes for the outdoor adventurer: jungles to trek, rivers to swim, and ruins to explore.17.18 -89.36 6 Nakúm - an impressive Classic Maya site.13.892802 -90.481247 5 Monterrico - located on the Pacific coast, Monterrico is known for its volcanic black sand beaches and annual influx of sea turtles.14.7 -91.2 4 Lake Atitlán - a stunningly beautiful volcanic lake surrounded by picturesque Mayan villages, visitors may find themselves staying longer than anticipated.14.7358 -90.9962 3 Iximché - these Mayan ruins in the Central Highlands are an easy day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua.17.75505 -89.920431 2 El Mirador - still being uncovered, the adventurous few who visit this massive early Maya site will discover a cradle of Mayan civilization.16.411944 -90.188333 1 Aguateca - visit some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala, where you're more likely to encounter archaeologists than tourists.Other destinations Temple 1 at Tikal with surrounding Central Acropolis buildings 14.833333 -91.516667 8 Quetzaltenango - Second largest city, in the western highlands.15.73 -88.6 6 Puerto Barrios - Caribbean seaport with speedboats to and from Belize.14.736051 -91.15584 5 Panajachel - Gateway to Lake Atitlán, a beautiful and busy tourist area.17.066667 -89.15 4 Melchor de Mencos - Border city which is the main crossing point to Belize.16.933333 -89.883333 3 Flores - Island city capital of Petén, good starting point to access Mayan ruins of Tikal.14.5567 -90.7337 2 Antigua Guatemala - Colonial Spanish capital of Central America, a World Heritage site, and the most popular among tourists.14.609861 -90.52525 1 Guatemala City - Capital and largest city with many amenities.This consists of the rolling foothills of the Sierra Madre, extending across the wide Pacific plain to beautiful beaches. This region has very dense jungled rainforest, and some amazing Mayan ruins, including Tikal. Lake Atitlan is also in this region, along with at least 2 active volcanoes.Ī dry region on the routes to Honduras and El Salvador, with a mostly Hispanic population, and dedicated to cattle ranching. This region is home to the capital of Guatemala city and at least one active volcanoīy far the most beautiful part of Guatemala, this region includes many indigenous Mayan villages.
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