 The
highlands of Guatemala are dotted with 37 volcanoes, many of which
are still active. Tajumlco is the tallest in central America,
standing at 4,220m. Agua, Fuego, Pacaya & Acatenango with
ash continually rising from its peak are active. Toliman, Atitlan
and San Pedro are three majestic volcanoes towering above Lake
Atitlan forming a fantastic setting. All volcanoes are national
parks and visitors can access most of them.
Semuc Champey is a sequence of waterfalls forming
pools in a limestone basin that ranges from emerald green to turquoise
blue. These pools set amidst the rainforests are one of the natural
wonders of Guatemala.
 A
short distance away from Guatemala City is lake Atitlan. Surrounded
by the Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro volcanoes and dotted with
colorful mayan villages it is one of the world's most beautiful
settings.
Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest reserve
in Guatemala. These dense jungles are home to a diverse variety
of flora and fauna. Mammals such as the white-tail deer, jaguar,
puma, monkeys and tapirs inhabit the reserve and over 300 species
of birds can be seen here. Another reserve is the Chocon Machacas
situated along the Dulce River. These marshlands are only accessible
by boat and the reserve protects a large number of important species
of plants and animals.
 The
region of Petén was home to the Mayan civilization. Archeological
sites such as Tikal and Uaxactún are located within the
reserve.
Mario Dary Rivera Biotope is a sanctuary that
was created to protect the quetzal. The sanctuary is spread over
2,500 acres of cloud forest. The forests are home to some rare
species of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns, trees like oak,
liquidambar and pine and birds like the quetzal.
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