Guam Attractions Guide

Guam’s cultural and historical sites are impressive. This distant island once played an important role in world history. Now we have the opportunity to see with our own eyes the Umatak bay, where Fernand Magellan landed in the 16th century, examine the sunken ships of both world wars, touch the rusted cannons and moss-covered forts, and also ... look into the ancient caves with rock paintings and walk through the ruins of houses with a thousand year history.

Guam is an ancient archaeological site, Spanish stone bridges, forts and cannons, churches and national parks. All of Guam’s historical heritage tells the story of the island for more than four thousand years.

We tried to collect the most interesting cultural and architectural sights of Guam, natural and historical, as well as gastronomic, so that you definitely will not miss anything!

Cultural and architectural attractions

Latte stones

Amazing latte stones, reminiscent of large limestone mushrooms, once served as a support for the huts of the indigenous people of Guam - the Chamorro people. They are found in different parks of the island, for example, in Latte Stone Park (Hagatna), in the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park (Talofofo), as well as in the jungle. They are definitely worth a look, because they are an integral part of the culture of the ancient Chamorro people.

Caves with rock paintings

You can see the ancient cave paintings in the limestone caves of Guam as part of an excursion or during independent trekking. The most visited caves in Talofofo, but pictograms are also inside the caves in Taragui, discovered in the 1920s. Currently, Taraguya is located on the territory of the Andersen Air Force Base, so access is limited there. To get inside you need to apply three weeks before the expected date of visit.

Square of Spain, a stone bridge and something else

Piazza di Spagna is a neat little square in Hagatna where the governor’s palace was located in Guam during Spanish rule. Unfortunately, the square was badly damaged during World War II, but something was still partially preserved - guns, three-arch gates, part of the walls and porch. Across the road, in Skinner Park, you will find the beautiful and modern Guam Museum, closer to the sea - the Spanish stone bridge of San Antonio and the statue of the mermaid of the Siren, on the nearest mountain - the remains of the Spanish fort Apugan and a magnificent view of the bay, and very close to the square - beautiful cathedral.

Cathedral of the Sweetest Name of Mary (Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica)

In the XVII century, a church was built on this site, around which the city of Hagatna, the capital of Guam, gradually grew. During the bombing during World War II, the church was destroyed, and in its place in 1959 a new one was built. In 1965, Pope Paul VI established the Archdiocese of Agagna, the church was declared a small basilica and a cathedral.

Interestingly, another Pope - John Paul II - visited the cathedral in 1981. Now near the cathedral you can see the rotating bronze statue of the Pope. In 12 hours, it makes a complete revolution around its axis. Inside the cathedral there is a statue of the patroness of Guam - the Blessed Virgin Mary Camarin. Cathedral Address: 207, Archbishop FC Flores St, Hagåtña

The Statue of Liberty

Yes, Guam has its own Statue of Liberty, so those who have ever dreamed of going to America and seeing it can do this twice - in New York and Guam. There is, of course, one “but” - on Guam it is not of such an impressive size, and to be honest, here it is quite miniature. You will find it in the picturesque Paseo De Susana Park in Hagatna, near the Chamorro Village Market.

It was established in 1950 by the US scouts in honor of the fortieth anniversary of its organization. Every year on July 21, Freedom Day is celebrated in this park (liberation from the Japanese invaders by the American military in World War II), and a festive parade takes place along the street perpendicular to the park - Marine Corps Drive.

Latte of Freedom Monument

This huge latte stone monument is located in Agana Bay, not far from Adelup Park. Inside - a gorgeous observation deck with amazing views. There is a museum here. Near the monument you can see real latte stones of different sizes. The place is very picturesque and interesting, do not miss.

Historical sights

Guam's attractions represent the five historical periods of the island:

before using latte stones / period of latte stones (500 AD - 1521)
Spanish domination (1565 - 1898)
American (1898 - 1941)
Japanese occupation (1941 - 1944)
US Exemption and Status (1944 - present)

Asan National Park Beach

It would seem that such a place should relate to natural attractions, but in fact it is more of a military memorial place. Asan Park is located on the territory of the National Historical Park "Pacific War". It was here that in 1944, American troops launched an attack on the Japanese, so that around a large number of artifacts from the Second World War.

Not far from the coast, there is an Asan observation deck and a memorial to the Pacific Military History Museum dedicated to the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Guam. If you try, you can find in the park caves and bunkers, trenches and coastal fortifications of artillery installations, hidden by dense vegetation, a bridge and a mountain cannon.

Spanish forts

The Spaniards built fourteen fortifications of various types and sizes on Guam. Most of the defenses were open batteries with guns for firing through loopholes. Four fortifications were built to protect Umataku Bay, three to protect Apra Harbor, one was assembled at Meriso to protect maritime parking outside the municipality. You can arrange a whole quest to find them, it can be very exciting.

Mount Alifan

In this place there are more than thirty different artifacts from the Second World War, scattered along winding mountain trails. The path here is not easy, but you will find in the mountain as many as thirteen caves, bomb shelters, tunnels, the remains of weapons and much more.

Gan Coast

Literally on Gan Beach, you can see the ruins of a long-term firing point with an artillery gun. Surprisingly, this is one of two such places on the island where the Japanese gun is in its original position.

Petey Hill

On this hill, in lush grass, history buffs will discover three well-preserved coastal fortifications that the Japanese built during the occupation of Guam. And the view from here opens just wonderful, so, in any case, it will be interesting.

Natural attractions

Guam is magnificent nature: picturesque beaches, rivers and waterfalls, mountains and caves, forests and jungles, as well as many beautiful parks. You have already learned about many of them from other articles on Guam, so here we will only talk about places that have not been mentioned.

Guam National Wildlife Refuge National Park

This nature reserve park is located in the north of the island and is famous for its amazing wildlife. It is guarded, so entry here is possible at certain hours, but if you get inside, your impressions will be overwhelmed, and you will never forget it. By the way, it is here that the most beautiful beach of Guam is located - Ritidian.

Mount Lam Lam

Guam’s Lam Lam Mountain can be considered the highest in the world, if you start measuring its height from the base - at the bottom of the Mariana Trench (the deepest place on Earth). And so tourists on foot can reach its very peak in about half an hour.

Santa Rosa Mountain

This mountain is located in the municipality of Yigo and is considered the highest point in northern Guam. Santa Rosa is an extinct volcano, from the top of which there is an incredible view of the ocean and Andersen Air Force Base.

Inarahan Natural Pool

It is just a beautiful and picturesque place in the municipality of Inarahan. Here you can take a walk, enjoy the views, and if you wish, even swim in the natural pools.

Observation Decks

The most interesting observation platforms of Guam: Pago Bay, Stella and Setti, Apra Harbor, Asan Park, the Latte Liberty monument, a monument to Magellan and, of course, Cape of Two Lovers.

Gastronomic attractions

Guam's national island cuisine is something you should never miss! You will not find such anywhere else.

Of course, in Guam you can taste almost any cuisine in the world, there are restaurants of American, European, Mexican, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and many, many more. However, the Chamorro cuisine is truly unique. This is a burning mix of Pacific, Spanish and Asian cuisines. The result is something completely unique with a lot of fried meat and seafood.

Guam also has a special love for barbecue. Chicken or ribs are soaked in a special marinade of soy sauce and vinegar, onions with garlic and pepper. Of course, every self-respecting cook has a special secret to making the most delicious barbecue. If you are a fan of fried meat, then come to Guam on July 7th, when the largest barbecue party on the island, the Barbecue Competition, will be held.

Top 5 dishes you should definitely try in Guam:

1. Barbecue on tangan-tangan

You already know everything about barbecue, but locals believe that the most delicious barbecue is cooked on the wood of a Guam tangan-tangan tree. Try it and then tell us if you feel the difference.

2. Cadon Peak

Local rather spicy roast, most often from chicken. The chicken is stewed in a special sauce of coconut milk, soy sauce and vinegar with the addition of a mixture of hot peppers, onions and garlic. Kadon peak is usually eaten with a side dish of fragrant red rice.

3. Kelaguin

Kelaguin is a sauce of lemon juice and a mixture of hot peppers, sometimes with the addition of grated coconut. Any dish cooked with it is called kelaguin. Chicken kelaguin is most commonly found, although it may be from seafood or beef.

4. Red rice

Once upon a time, red rice was brought to Guam from Mexico. For a very long time it remained the basis of local cuisine, especially with the addition of onions and garlic - a wonderful side dish. Previously, it is soaked in water, it turns red or orange, depending on how long it has been soaked.

5. Coconut sweets

Traditional dessert of the Chamorro people. Fresh coconut pulp is added to the melted sugar, boiled to a dense state, and small balls are made from the resulting mass. Guam has many places where you can learn how to cook such a delicious tropical dessert as part of a master class. Learn and teach others!