Known as El Altiplano, the region lies from the outskirts of Guatemala City to the Mexican border and from Huehuetenango to the Pacific.
The Western Highlands are home to over 30 volcanoes, which reach heights of up to 3800m/12,464ft. The area experiences frequent earthquake activity.
It has the highest concentration of indigenous people and is rich in tradition. The Western Highlands has archeological sites and colonial architecture spread throughout an area which grows vegetable for most of the nation.
One of Guatemala's most impressive sights and prominent tourist areas is Lake Atitlán. This incredibly scenic lake is a volcanic crater, with volcanoes rearing up in the distance.
The ancient capital of the Kakchiquel Maya kingdom, Iximché contains the ruins of four large plazas surrounded by 30m/98ft high temples. Some of the temples are fully uncovered with original plaster and paint in place while others are still grass-covered.
On-site are two large ball courts and a museum.
Iximché was the first capital of Guatemala for three years in the 16th C, but the capital was moved to a safer place after the indigenous people rebelled against the Spaniards.
The 1,000 ha/2,849ac of the Mario Dary Rivera Quetzal Reserve were preserved to protect the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala.
The Quetzal can be seen in the early hours of the morning on the two informative nature trails that rise to an elevation of 2,300m/7,590ft in the cloud forest. Other birds, such as the green toucan, are seen throughout the day amid the orchids, bromeliads and ferns in one of Guatemala's best-preserved rain forests.
A third trail is designed for people of limited mobility.
Mixco Viejo was a prominent city of the Post Classic Maya. The ruins dating back to the 13th C are made up of 12 groups of pyramids surrounded by steep ravines. Important structures include a ball court near the main plaza and the twin pyramids.
The 9,000 people of remote Nebaj preserve their ancient way of life by conversing in native languages and practicing a hybrid of Maya rituals and Catholic principles. The mountainous scenery draws visitors as does the town's distinctive weaving.
In San Pedro Carchá is the Balneario las Islas, a natural swimming pool at the bottom of a gentle waterfall. San Pedro Carchá is known for its production of silver jewelry.
Sololá, a departmental capital is located on a plateau overlooking Lake Atitlán. Its market is one of the best in the highlands. Held on Friday, it caters to the townspeople, not travelers. Produce, house wares and the yarn used in the village's distinctive weaving is sold here.
The Tajumulco Volcano is the highest peak in Central America. The climb to 4,220 m/13,842ft top offers views of the volcanic chains and the Pacific Lowlands.
The little town of Todos Santos, is set in a valley of the Cuchumatanes Mountains at an altitude of 2,470 m/8,077 ft.
Both the men and women of Todos Santos wear distinctive, hand-woven clothing.
Visitors to the town may study Spanish or Mam, a local language.
The Mam people of Todos Santos hold a festival bringing together the feast day of their patron saint and the Day of the Dead with horse races, traditional dances and visits to the graves of their dead ancestors.
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Lake Atitlán
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Lake Atitlán
Panajachel
Chichicastenango
San Pedro La Laguna
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán
Chichicastenango
