Thursday 23 May 2013
At Semuc Champey (Q’eqchi’ for Sacred Water), you’ll find stunning blue and green pools filled by small waterfalls that are fed by natural springs while a river runs below in an underground waterway. This unusual and gorgeous geological formation is well worth a visit.
This 6.5 square kilometer archaeological site in the department of Retalhuleu dates from the 9th century BC through the 10th century AD; the city flourished during the Pre-Classic and Classic periods. The architecture, sculptures, and monuments have characteristics from both the Olmec and early Mayan civilizations. The site also has a small facility housing...
Guatemala always surprises. Whether to the north, the south, the east, or the west; up, down, in, or out. It impresses and impacts. Traveling through the countryside, crossing its landscape, breathing its springtime, learning about its people… wherever you go, this country will leave its mark on you. It’s true that each time that we...
Monterrico is a small coastal town located on an island with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Canal de Chiquimulilla and mangrove swamps on the other. The town itself has many small to midsized affordable hotels as well as restaurants and some nightspots. The beaches here are known for their black sand,...
TOSA La Laguna This Lake Atitlán retreat and day spa, located on a private nature preserve and gracing the shore of its own pristine lagoon, is a luxurious yet affordable getaway. Take a moment to discovery the tranquility and beauty of TOSA La Laguna for yourself. ...
It was in 2005 when I first visited El Zotz. During my first trip to Guatemala, I was living in San José, Petén, studying medicinal plants and their uses at the Institute for Maya-Ethnobotany and Maya research Playa Diana field station. Curious about Mayan history and archaeology, after just one month I had already...
Monterrico is a small coastal town located on an island with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Canal de Chiquimulilla and mangrove swamps on the other. The beaches here are known for their black sand, powerful waves and currents, amazing sunsets, and are the nesting ground of three endangered species of sea...
Auto Safari Chapin is a wild animal park near the city of Escuintla. Founded in 1980 as a natural reserve area, Auto Safari Chapin helps to preserve Guatemalan species threatened with extinction, such as white-tailed and huitzizil deer, wild boars, jaguars, spider and capuchin monkeys, red and blue macaws, and parrots. There are also big-game...
Zunil This small town not far from Xela was founded in 1529. A traditional highland farming community, you’ll find life in Zunil hasn’t changed much over the centuries. The city boasts a beautiful white church with a façade of graceful serpentine columns. The church is the backdrop to Monday’s market, which is held in...
Mayan Cave Paintings By Claire Bourgin Farther down the trail from El Hoyo de Cimarrón, there are some very old Mayan paintings left by the Maya who lived in the region. They are on private property and difficult to find, so ask your tour company to arrange a local guide who can coordinate your...
