Top Things to do in Western Highlands
Countries
Top 5 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Western Highlands, Western Highlands
Guatemalas spectacular Western Highlands run from Antigua to the Mexican border. Pines blanket misty hillsides, rivers cascade through sliver-thin ravines, volcanoes rumble overhead. Catch market day or witness offerings to drinking, smoking St. Maximon, in Chichicastenango. See traditional life in the Ixil Triangle. Clamber the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Mayan dialects and ceremonies are still part of everyday life for the majority of Guatemalas indigenous population, living where their ancestors trod.
Restaurants in Western Highlands
1. Atitlan Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
The Atitlan Nature Reserve is both a must for visitors of Lake Atitlan and a force in the environmental cause: Atitlan Azul. It is an extraordinary gate to the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its spectacular volcanoes. Its zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colors and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink, then you continue to explore the diversity and beauty of this natural wonder. At night, the crickets, owls and the sounds of the night will be your company in our lodging. The Reserve supports the work of scientist and students concerned with biodiversity and environmental degradation.
Reviewed By ChrisW9565
A short tuk tuk ride from central Pana, this nature preserve is quite nice. We explored the butterfly dome which was also accompanied by some in-depth explanations & exhibits from different stages of the butterfly's life. We also did the Xtreme Ziplining. The trail up took us past some of the nature trail and were able to see some monkeys on the way up!! It was my first time ziplining, and they could not have been nice about taking care of me and showing me the ropes. The views were *breathtaking* and I absolutely recommend stopping here and spend half a day if you have the time.
2. Tzantizotz Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Situated in the area of Tzantizotz which in local Kaqchikel means Point of Bats, this mountainous area begins at the lake front and reaches high altitude tropical dry forest. Well maintained paths for every fitness level traverse old Mayan trails. Palm thatched resting pavilions offer panoramic views of the entire lake.
3. Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By 157lauf - Porto, Portugal
Perfect place to spend the day, jump from the trampoline and have a beautiful view over the lake Atitlan and its volcanos.
4. Tarrales Natural Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By elsielr - Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil
Tarrales is a working coffee farm (shade coffee, meaning the coffee bushes are interspersed with trees like inga, attracting all sorts of birds) and, as such, normal activity - picking, transporting, drying, processing - will be all around the guests. It doesn't interfere at all and is actually quite interesting. But we were there for the birds. Its owners are dedicated to conservation, and this can be seen by the work that has been done for decades. It includes the choice of trees to shade the coffee plants, the flowering bushes planted all over the place to attract hummingbirds, tracking of rare species (their trail cameras recently recorded puma and coyote, and one of their guides is personally following several species of birds), bird feeders, zealous preservation of the Horned Guan's habitat high on Atitlán volcano's flanks and the way they run the reserve. Staying in a place like this was a pleasure. Although physical limitations didn't allow me to climb the volcano to see the guan (but one of my travel companions did that, successfully), I did all the low-lying trails in the property and enjoyed myself immensely. The resident guide also took us, with a 4x4, to higher points in the property to go birding and to look for owls. He is a precious source of information and knowledge, and a good guy to boot. En-suite accomodations are very comfortable (it was December, theoretically winter, but the room fan was on at night because of the humid heat), there is a lot of hot water in the shower and it was very silent in the evenings - no vehicles, no voices. There is also the option of a lodge (I presume with shared facilities) and tree houses. The food was okay. The best were the home-baked bread, fresh butter from the neighbor and pizza night. Staff was friendly and helpful. I could definitely spend more time in Tarrales Natural Reserve.
5. Parque Ecologico Senderos de Alux
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
