For those passing through Guatemala, unable to get more than a day trip in from Guatemala City, check out Mixco Viejo. These Mayan ruins aren’t anywhere near the splendor you will find at Tikal or Quirigua, but they are a favored spot for day-trippers from Guatemala City.

The ruins are dated back to the 12–century and they are believed to be remains of a ceremonial site, made up of many temples and palaces. There are also several ball courts that were used to play the Mayan ballgame of pitziil, a game that is a mix of soccer and volleyball. It is found here at the ceremonial grounds because it was believed to be a link between mortals and gods and Read more

A cool site to visit in Guatemala City is the ultra-modern Biblioteca Nacional, on the west side of the Parque Central. The building is especially noteworthy, since its modern design starkly contrasts with the colonial architecture of the Palace and the Cathedral on the other side of teh Plaza.

The library is built on the former site of the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales on 5 Avenida 7–26 Zona 1. For more information about the National Library of Guatemala click here.