Guatemala’s landscape includes jungles, forests, beaches, and mountains, packed with diverse flora and fauna. Fortunately, the Guatemalan government is dedicated to expanding sustainable tourism throughout the country. There are more than 30 national parks and preserved areas, encompassing 19 different ecosystems. Here are some of the most visited national parks in Guatemala.

Tikal National Park

The Mayan ruins of Tikal are undoubtedly among the world’s most incredible archaeological sites. Therefore, it is no surprise that the national park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the park includes the ruins and the dense jungle surrounding them, home to wildlife such as gray foxes, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, harpy eagles, and even jaguars (don’t worry, they’re nocturnal). If you visit the park for the famous Tikal sunrise, you’re almost certain to spot a few critters roaming the ancient city.

Sierra Del Lacandon National Park

Located in the northwest region of Guatemala, Sierra Del Lacandon National Park is recognized as one of the country’s most crucial parks in terms of biodiversity. The park shares a border with Mexico, connecting with national parks like the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas. Two tracts of land (77,000 acres total) of Sierra Del Lacandon National Park are owned by The Nature Conservancy. Called “Naranjitos I and II,” this acreage represents some of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Guatemala. The park also includes several Mayan ruins, such as Piedras Negras, La Pasadita, El Ceibo, Macabilero, El Hormiguero, and El Porvenir.

Río Dulce National Park

As one of Guatemala’s oldest national parks, established in 1955, Río Dulce National Park protects its namesake “sweet” river, which flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean. The river’s banks are densely forested, particularly as it approaches the sea. Consequently, travelers voyaging via motorboat from the village of Río Dulce to Livingston are likely to glimpse numerous colorful birds and possibly monkeys. The park also protects the long, skinny El Golfete lake.

Pacaya National Park

Due to its proximity to both Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala, the Pacaya volcano has always attracted tourists, prompting the establishment of Pacaya National Park for monitoring and protection purposes. The 8,373-foot volcano has been continuously erupting since 1965. Although most eruptions are small, a significant eruption in 2010 led to the temporary closure of the La Aurora National Airport and the evacuation of villages near the volcano.

Lake Atitlan National Park

Lake Atitlan National Park (Lago de Atitlán) is also one of Guatemala’s oldest national parks, established in 1955. The centerpiece of the park is undoubtedly Lake Atitlan itself, often hailed as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This acclaim is largely due to the three volcanoes bordering the lake’s southern shore: Volcán Atitlán, Volcán San Pedro, and Volcán Tolimán. At 340 meters deep, Lake Atitlan holds the title of the deepest lake in Central America and is surrounded by traditional Mayan villages.

Laguna Lachuá National Park

Laguna Lachuá National Park protects the stunning Laguna Lachuá, a nearly circular karstic lake located northwest of Cobán. However, challenges such as deforestation continue to affect the area, even within the park itself, despite its protected status. The lake is a sight to behold, with its turquoise waters colored by minerals, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding forest and calcified tree branches. Impressively, around 120 species of mammals reside near the lake, accounting for 50 percent of the mammals found in all of Guatemala.