Lonely Planet Guatemala

Say what you like about the Spanish in Latin America, but you have to agree that they left behind some stunning architecture. From Antiguas crumbling ruins to the stately cathedral in Guatemala Citys central plaza, there are plenty of opportunities to get snap-happy. In even the smallest towns you can find picturesque buildings the small coastal town of Retalhuleu, for instance, has a charming central plaza while larger coffee-boom towns such as Cobn and Quetzaltenango maintain vestiges of their glory days in their cathedrals, town halls and other public buildings.

While many ask whatever happened to the Maya, the simple answer is nothing theyre still here, and some traditions continue to thrive. If youre interested in archaeology, the must-see sites include Tikal, Copn (in Honduras), and Guatemala Citys superb selection of museums.

Living Maya culture can be witnessed in its 'pure' form in towns such as Rabinal and sacred sites such as Laguna Chicabal. And the Maya themselves? Well, theyre everywhere. But the most traditional villages are in the highlands the Ixil Triangle is a good place to start.