Guatemala’s best mountaineering spots you must visit during your next vacation

Guatemala is the westernmost country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean to the northeast, Honduras to the east and the Pacific to the south. With a population of nearly 18 million, it is the most populous Central American nation. Historically speaking, the territory was the core of the Maya civilization, one of the most sophisticated in both the Mesoamerican region and the world. The Maya (a modern, collective term used to comprise all the people that inhabited the area) had a complex writing system, art, architecture, and were also highly adept at mathematics and astronomy. They also used an intricate calendar system. 

Its rich historical past, alongside the amazing natural landscapes, rich biodiversity and vibrant culture are what makes Guatemala a popular tourist destination. Tourism is indeed one of the most important parts of the economy, with the country receiving over two million tourists on a yearly basis. Guatemala is also popular among people who are keen mountaineers and enjoy hiking, so if you are among this group, here are some of the spots you should consider visiting during your next trip.

Sierra Madre de Chiapas

The perfect place to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities, the Sierra Madre de Chiapas won’t leave you disappointed. There are different routes you can take depending on how experienced you are, so it’s best to do some research before you lay your feet on the path. You don’t want to bite more than you can chew and end up struggling on a route that’s above and beyond your comfort level. The Volcán Paquisis and Agua caliente hasta el Aguila are two of the routes you can take if you’re new to hiking. The difference is in the distance, with the former being roughly three km, while the latter is no less than twenty-four and would take approximately six hours to complete. 

On both the ascent and the descent you should take the time to admire the scenic views and local flora and fauna. There are over 750 species of plants, over 60 reptiles, as well as well over 100 types of mammals and 300 kinds of birds. If you enjoy nature watching, this is definitely the place for you. If you’re fortunate enough, you may even spot a harpy eagle or a jaguar in the distance. That’s definitely bound to be a once in a lifetime experience. 

If you want to challenge yourself, you can try the Santa María volcano route, located in Quetzaltenango. With a distance of a little over four km, the duration of the ascent would be around four hours, with the descent being more accessible and taking up to three hours. Make sure to book accommodation close by so you can truly enjoy the sights before and after the hike. Central America is friendly with crypto payments, however, it’s advisable to check a bitcoin price chart before deciding if you use digital or traditional money to pay for services, to ensure that you make the most of your money.     

Cuchumatanes Range

The Sierra de los Cuchumatanes is the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America, meaning that adding it to your travel bucket list is a must. The name may come from the Nahuatl word, kochmatlán, which translates to “place of the parrot hunters”. You’ll want to reach the La Torre peak, which, despite standing at no fewer than 4389 m, is actually quite straightforward and easy to reach. You should start off as early as possible, however, ideally before dawn. It’s important to reach the summit before noon so you get the best view of the surroundings. And a word of warning: the weather can be very fickle, so be prepared for clouds, rain, and even snow. 

The best thing is that there’s no risk of getting lost, as you can always ask for direction from the local people. There are many small communities residing in the mountains, practicing subsistence agriculture and still keeping in touch with the ancient customs and traditions. You may want to take some time to learn a few things about the local people. After all, no vacation is complete without learning something new. The farmers grow potatoes and agave and raise sheep. The area is interesting as it doesn’t see the extensive cultivation of maize, which is characteristic of indigenous populations in other parts of the country. The most important aspect is to be mindful of the local communities. Being a traveler doesn’t mean acting like the stereotypical tourist, causing a fuss and disrupting the lives of people. Instead, make sure to be mindful and respectful. 

Some of the local homes maintain the traditional Mayan design, using thatched roofs. You can also see the chuj, the traditional Mayan bathhouses, made of either adobe or cinder block. Steam baths take place inside them, with the bathers lying down on wooden beds. As they are believed to cleanse the mind alongside the body, each family builds a chuj near their home. 

While in los Cuchumatanes, you can also try camping. There are no restrictions for camping grounds, and it’s the ideal solution when you’re hiking, as you can take the time to rest before setting off again. You should, however, be mindful of paramo burns. This is the act of burning grassland to help new grass grow quicker so it can serve as fodder for cattle. It can occur during both daytime and nighttime, so it’s important to set camp after careful consideration so you don’t end up encountering problems. 

The bottom line

Guatemala is a beautiful country with many beautiful natural spots. If you’re a fan of mountain climbing and hiking it’s an ideal destination you must definitely add to your “to-visit” list. Make sure to see as many places as possible and try various trails. Given the diversity of the natural landscapes, anytime you take a different route it’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another country.