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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala
World Heritage Guatemala · UNESCO sites in Guatemala map · historical landmarks in Guatemala
Guatemala has 5 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 3 cultural and 2 mixed inscriptions, inscribed between 1979 and 2023. This map of UNESCO sites in Guatemala covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Antigua Guatemala was the country's first inscription, added in 1979; National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj is the most recent, listed in 2023; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations, lost cities and sacred places.
Start with Antigua Guatemala, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua and National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 5
- Cultural
- 3
- Mixed
- 2
- First inscribed
- 1979
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- FRSSan Benito2 sites
- GUAGuatemala City1 site
- PBRPuerto Barrios1 site
- RERRetalhuleu1 site
Keep exploring
All 5 sites in Guatemala
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua GuatemalaAntigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. | 1979 | Cultural | Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. |
| Archaeological Park and Ruins of QuiriguaInhabited since the 2nd century A.D., Quirigua had become during the reign of Cauac Sky (723–84) the capital of an… | 1981 | Cultural | Inhabited since the 2nd century A.D., Quirigua had become during the reign of Cauac Sky (723–84) the capital of an autonomous and prosperous. |
| National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’ajTak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. | 2023 | Cultural | Tak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. |
| TikalMaya temples piercing the rainforest canopy. | 1979 | Mixed | Maya temples piercing the rainforest canopy. |
| Tikal National ParkIn the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited. | 1979 | Mixed | In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Guatemala
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Guatemala?
- Guatemala has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 cultural and 2 mixed.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Guatemala?
- Antigua Guatemala was inscribed in 1979. Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Guatemala?
- National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj, inscribed in 2023. Tak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
- Which UNESCO sites in Guatemala are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Guatemala.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Guatemala?
- The 5 UNESCO-listed sites above are Guatemala's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Antigua Guatemala (1979). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.