Guatemala rich in culture and history, Chichicastenango market, Tikal, Lake Atitlan and Antigua are just a few of what this Central America country has to offer.
Guatemala, Central America is know as “the land of the eternal spring” is a nation rich in history. Most archaeologists agree that ancient Guatemala was the culture center of the New World and the famed Maya civilization. It’s many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural attributes. This much we know: Beautiful lakes, towering volcanoes, rugged mountains, and exotic flora and fauna all make Guatemala an exceptional place to vacation.
Chichicastenango must be visited on Sunday, the day of the famous open-air market where traditionally dressed Indians offer their wares in open stalls. The cofradias (religious brotherhoods) often hold processions on this day. The locals have combined traditional Mayan religious rites with Catholicism; the best places to witness these old rites are around the church of Santo Tomas and the shrine of Pascual Abaj, which honors the Mayan earth god Incense, food and drink are offered to ancestors and to ensure the continued fertility of the earth. This is a magical and misty highland town is surrounded by valleys and overshadowed by looming mountains.
Tikal, in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Tikal Park is not only a refuge for most of Guatemala’s mammals, but one of the places where they can easily be observed.
Towering pyramids rise above the jungle’s green canopy, while down below spider and howler monkeys swing nosily through the branches of ancient and trees, colorful parrots squawk and tree frogs fill in the auditory gaps. With some luck you may even spot coatis, raccoons or white tailed deer. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded within the park, from hummingbirds to great birds of prey. Tikal was one of the most important, if not the most important, urban centers of the Maya area, as proven by the more than 3,000 buildings spread over 16 kilometers, including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, residences, plazas, causeways and steam baths. Here you will also find more than 200 stone altars, hundreds of graves and ritual sites, hear is an uninterrupted history of at least one thousand years. You can almost feel the presence of this ancient society.
Lake Atitlan and its eternal blue sky here you will have a magnificent view of several volcanoes. Though this area does not prompt instant name recognition among travelers its beauty easily trumps more famous lakes. The tiny villages along the 50-square-mile lake are still inhabited by modern-day Mayans wearing traditional dress, kaleidoscopic garments shimmering with purple, orange and crimson threads. A highlight will certainly be the boat tour to the village of Santiago de Atitlan.
Antigua Guatemala set amid three magnificent volcanoes, with superb colonial buildings. And of course time in Guatemala City where you have the opportunity to visit several important museums, housing beautiful Mayan and Spanish colonial art.
If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous, this could be the one. Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll send you on your way, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com
