8 of the best outdoor experiences in Guatemala

Guatemala narrows the continent's value down to a compact country. The landscape changes dramatically between active volcanoes, lowland rainforests, and black sand beaches pounded by Pacific swells, and quiet, turquoise-like boundaries . For an energetic traveler, two days don't have to look the same.

1. Witness the eruption at Volcánde Fuego

Earth will host a heated live show in Guatemala, a country with 37 volcanoes. Options for exploring this geotourism hotspot include everything from medium hiking to lava and crater lakes to tackling a few days of adventures at Central America's highest peaks.

The headline act is Volcánde Fuego, a 12,362-foot cone of heat and rage that throws lava and ashes into the sky as often as every 15 minutes. The best way to witness this spectacular sight is a guided accommodation excursion to the 13,044-foot Acatenango Volcano, a neighboring neighbour, departing from Antiguaguatemala. During the four-hour hike, Acatenango visitors will take visitors, and the campsite will have views heading towards Fuego within two miles. As the darkness falls, the show rings.

2. Swim in the natural pool of Semuc Champey

Water and Time carved one of Guatemala's most attractive geological layers at Semuc Champey. Lost in the forests of Alta Bellapaz, the country's northern division, is a terraced pool of turquoise and ja tints, each flooding the next atrium with a series of calm waterfalls. They are part of a 984-foot-long limestone bridge along the Cahabon River, diving into the tunnel and resurfaces further downstream.

To fully understand the beauty of this natural monument, a quarter mile hike steps up the branches from the main path to the pool, heading uphill towards the perspective. Next, let yourself be cooled by the crystallization water of Semuc Champey. The shallow pool is perfect for relaxing, while the other pools are deep enough to swim among the small silver fish.

3. Find bird icons in Biotopo del Quetzal

Few countries claim birds in the country that are more impressive than Guatemala. Clue name: The glorious Quetzal has emerald feathers, scar-colored breasts, and scar-colored breasts that chase behind them like the ribbons of gymnasts, and meter-twin tail feathers. Its beauty is sacred to the Mayans, and today it gives its name to the local currency.

Annoyed and shy about these eye-catching creatures, Quetzal hides in a remote forest of clouds. One of the best places to try and find one is the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera (known as Biotopo Del Quetzal), a 1,000-hectare sanctuary in the Highlands. The Singling Trail is a breeze between the Cypress and the avocado trees humming in Birdlife, as well as quetz, slate throat tread start, roof layer robin, and about 300 other species.

4. Boat trip down Rio Dals

Livingston is a remote town on the east coast of Guatemala and is accessible only by boat, either by sea or along Rio Dals. The so-called “sweet river” meanders 27 miles as it travels from Lake Izabal to Livingston in the Caribbean. It's not just a mode of transportation, but a ride is an experience in itself.

Traveling through the jungle, the waterway passes through Castilo de San Felipe, a 17th century fortress built to protect the pirates. The Rio Dals Bridge is the longest half-mile in Central America. And the wooden house is sitting on a stilt. Downstream, it passes through a 295-foot limestone cliff, with walls dripping onto the grapes. Once you reach Livingston, sort your catches on colorful houses around the harbor and on the sun-soaked piers by fishermen.

5. Go on a rainforest trekking in Elpeten

The rainforest is never quiet. Take a short walk through the Mayan biosphere reserve, the largest region of America's tropical forest north of the Amazon, and you will be serenaded by the orchestra of life. . A few lucky people may even find Jaguars and Pumas, the elusive stars of the ensemble.

Many trails start at Tikal National Park, the trick department, from short outings to off-grid adventures. To challenge, we took a 3-day trip to the ruins of El Zotz (Maya from “Bat”). The reward is the temple's perspective, overlooking the canopy and surrounded by clouds of flying black mammals.

6. Soak in the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas

Thanks to its volcanic belly, Guatemala has dozens of natural thermal springs. The most scenic is Fuentes Georginas, a hot pool complex located in the highlands near Quetzaltenango, the country's second largest city. Here, mineral-rich waters bubble in a series of steaming baths.

Locals have been visiting these treatment springs for centuries to relieve illnesses such as joint pain and skin conditions. If you want to participate in them, consider paying a little extra to access the “secret pool.” Wellness enthusiasts have increased opportunities to relax in Antigua, with several luxurious spas in converted monasteries and colonial homes, and Lake Atitlan, which has become a hub for yoga and holistic retreats.

7. Surfing the waves of El Paredon

On Guatemala's Pacific coast, El Paredon is engraved as a budding surfing destination in Central America. This rustic village has a consistent average of 6 feet of black sandy beaches and waves. Perfect for seasoned surfers. For beginners, a strong flow and thrilling break can be challenging, but a nearby lodge offers surfing or stand-up paddle boarding lessons with local instructors as well as boards for rental.

Between sessions, sample fresh ceviche and mellow marimba music in the beachside bar. Enjoy a crowdless shoreline sunset stroll. Or kayak through the waterways of the nearby Sipaquet Naranjo Nature Reserve. Down the coast, the village of Monterico, Ridley and the Leatherback Turtles nest at the beach for several months each year, peaking in August and September.

8. Go underground in Candelaria Cave

Hidden beneath Alta Verapaz, the Candelaria cave is a limestone maze that spans almost 14 miles and is one of Central America's largest systems. Carved for thousands of years by underground rivers, it is a maze of tunnels and rooms, dripping with rock formations of stal limestone and gnar. That darkness is occasionally broken by a sunshaft through the collapsed ceiling.

The pottery found inside was that the cave was used by the Maya. The Maya believed that they were the gateway to the underworld's Sibarba. Today their descendants will still be performing rituals and prayers. Visitors can also explore, head for a torchlight tour, tube into a sacred underground river, or board a boat to visit the ancient ritual cave “Saladesibarba”.