
National Parks of Guatemala
Mountains, jungles, beaches, and wetlands spread across the Guatemalan landscape. Since 1990, the Guatemalan government has become increasingly dedicated to protecting its natural resources and today there are over 30 national parks and preserved areas. The Tikal National Park, created in 1956, is the oldest and most famous of Guatemala’s national parks. Other important parks include the Río Dulce National Park, Laguna del Tigre National Park, Mirador-Dos Lagunas-Río Azul National Park, and the Sierra del Lacandón National Park.
The best places to visit in National Parks of Guatemala

Atitlán Nature Reserve
The Atitlán Nature Reserve is located along the shores of Lake Atitlán outside the town of Panajachel. This private reserve offers all kinds of fun activities, including hiking, zip lining, swimming, and more.

Maya Biosphere Reserve
The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected tropical forest in North America. Spreading across 4.3 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in Guatemala’s Petén department, this reserve protects huge expanses of forests and the Mayan ruins that lie within them.

Tortugario Monterrico
The Tortugario Monterrico is a turtle hatchery in Monterrico, Guatemala. The hatchery helps raise endangered sea turtles, as well as caimans, iguanas and crocodiles.

Semuc Champey
The limestone pools at the Semuc Champey Natural Monument have quickly grown into one of the area’s most popular attractions. Set just outside the small town of Lanquín, Semuc Champey is composed of a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. It’s a fantastic place to swim and relax.

Biotopo del Quetzal
Biotopo de Quetzal, also known as Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera, is a 2,580-acre (1,044-ha) protected area that’s about an hour from Cobán. While you may or may not see the namesake bird, the reserve’s convenient location makes it a good place to stop and explore the region’s dense cloud forests.
Bocas del Polochic
Located along the western side of Lake Izabal near the outlet of the Polochic River, the Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge protects important wetlands, flooded forests, and savannas. It’s the most fertile wetland area in Guatemala.

Ixpanpajul Natural Park
Spread across 3.5 square miles (9 sq km) in an area just outside Flores and Santa Elena, the Ixpanpajul Natural Park offers travelers aerial views of the forest canopy. The park is conveniently located along the road to Guatemala City.

Naciones Unidas National Park
The 1,213-acre (491-ha) Naciones Unidas National Park lies 13 miles (21 km) south of Guatemala City near the suburbs of Villa Nueva. The park is close to Lake Amatitlán and is one of the few remaining green spaces near the capital city.

National Parks of Guatemala itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked National Parks of Guatemala itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

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