Naciones Unidas National Park

Villa Nueva in Naciones Unidas National Park

Naciones Unidas National Park is the oldest national park in Guatemala. It protects a 5-km² area of natural forest and is popular for its wooded hiking trails and its views of both the Pacaya Volcano and Lake Amatitlán. It is a well-developed park with paved walking trails, picnic pavilions and touristic attractions like a small-scale replica of a Mayan pyramid at Tikal and the central park of Antigua.

Understand

Tikal replica in the park

Located just 21 km from the capital, its proximity makes it a popular weekend retreat for urban families. The park covers an area of 2,375 hectares.

History

Naciones Unidas was established as a national park by presidential decree in 1955.

Flora and fauna

The park preserves several species of trees including: Cypress, Pine, Cedar, Loquat, Avocado, and Guava.

Get in

By car

From Guatemala City drive southwest of the city on Antigua Carratera a Amatitlan. The park entrance is 21.5 km from Guatemala City.

Fees and permits

Entry to the park costs Q15 per person (2024). Parking costs Q10.

The park is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00

Sleep

The park is located close to Guatemala City where many hotels at all price levels are available.

Stay safe

While Guatemala is generally safe for travelers with common sense, there are areas where greater caution is warranted. One of these areas is Villa Nueva, just north of Naciones Unidas National Park. Be aware that higher than normal levels of crime have been reported in that area with robberies occurring too often. Ask locals about current safety concerns, avoid displaying anything expensive, and use secure transportation (like an Uber) to get to the park.

Go next

• Guatemala City
• Antigua
• Pacaya Volcano