Guatemala Travel

26/05/2010

Iximche is located in the department of Chimaltenango at 2100 m above sea level. This site is the historical Mayan city where the Spaniards were received and welcomed as friends by the maya kakchiquel. It is the place where the city of Guatemala was founded in 1524 too. Iximche was founded circa 1460 and was built in top of a platform surrounded by deep canyons and broken ravines that was a natural fortress. This site is composed by three restored plazas and a dozen of uncovered mounds framed by lots of pines and oaks including a little plaza which is used as a sacred shrine by the Mayan priest. They perform ceremonials in the place that links them with a past of glory. Is probably the only Mayan ruins where most of the visitors are maya people. Iximché also contains two ball courts (one restored) and a little museum. An average visit to the site will last 90 minutes. Nearby there are restaurants with a high quality so it is a favorite spot to stop and experience the Guatemala´s cuisine.

16/05/2010

Located in the department of Petén, Tikal stands among all the archeological sites of Guatemala as the most famous of the ancient Mayan cities. A one hour drive away from the International Airport “Mundo Maya”, the visitor´s center welcomes tourist from all over the world and this is the place where all the walking tours begin.

An Average visit last 4 hours and most of the visitors will begin visiting the Great Plaza where Temple I (The Great Jaguar) brings all the attention, built during the VIII century is without a doubt the most famous building of Guatemala. Across the Main Plaza and facing Temple I is Temple II that gives us a panoramic view from the top that overlooks the North Acropolis which was the necropolis of the kings of Tikal, and the Central Acropolis home of the elite that resembles a giant maze… It’s amazing!

After exploring the two Acropolis, an ancient causeway leads the travelers to Temple III and IV, Temple IV is the tallest in Tikal with a spectacular view of the whole site and the jungle (a must to climb!!).

The ancient City ruins are framed by a thick, dense and exuberant jungle which is the home of many wild life so encounters with Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkey, Coatimundis, Ocelots, Margays, Agutis , Pacas, deers, birds, insects, snakes and others are fairly common.

16/05/2010

Semuc Champey, in the middle of Guatemala is a place not to be missed. It is located in a valley with steep forest clad walls overlooking several natural crystalline spring water pools. There is a natural limestone bridge below which there is a 40ft waterfall flowing into the Cahabon river. As if thats not enough to keep you entertained, the river also flows through caves, which you can enter at your own risk!

16/05/2010

Chicastenango is a Mayan community where the culture is very strong and the traditions are well kept, some of these dances are only perform during the patron saint festivity like the Palo Volador acrobatic dance (The Flying Pole).Located in the Department of El Quiche, Chichicastenango stands in top of a platform surrounded by deep canyons , approachable only by a steep but picturesque road .

It is “invaded” twice a week for people visiting the famous handicraft market, probably the most colorful in the country.

16/05/2010

Pacaya Volcano is the most active volcano in Guatemala, it’s 2500 mts. above the sea, the environment is formed by humid forest and rocks. It has impressive views of the lagoon of Calderas and other three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.

Pacaya Volcano is readily accessible, therefore with our tour you don’t need to be in good shape to climb it. You will visit the border of the base within the main cone to see the lava eruption. It is a complete adventure in only one day. Walk of ascent 2 1/2 hrs. You can also make the ascent by horse, it´s one of the best adventure experiences in Guatemala.

15/05/2010

Located in the department of Guatemala, Guatemala City is the gateway into the country. La Aurora´s International Airport is served by the major airlines of the region making it an easy destination to reach. Guatemala City enjoys everlasting springtime weather with an average temperature of 20 Celsius degrees all year around. The City was established at the end of the XVIII century (circa 1776) keeping the urbanistic pattern of the Spanish cities in the new world: a big square or Plaza Mayor (nowadays the Constitution Plaza), surrounded by the main religious and civil buildings: “The National Palace of the Culture” (circa 1943), “The Centennial Park “(former city hall), the magnificent “Metropolitan Cathedral” (circa 1781) with priceless religious images of saints, virgins Mary and old religious paintings also. The other streets and avenues of the historical center are originated from the square´s corners following a chessboard pattern. Around the block from the Metropolitan Cathedral a visit to the “Central Market” gets you into the colorful handicrafts of Guatemala with a large variety from all over Guatemala

Read more: http://www.guatemalanadventure.com/guatemala-city/

15/05/2010

Antigua is among the world´s best conserved colonial cities, it is magic and captivating small town that makes the visitors feel time had stopped some 300 years ago. Antigua is close to Guatemala City (1 hour drive) and is probably the most common tourist destination in the country. A good place to start a walk of this monastic town is the “Plaza Mayor” or the square which in the center has the “Mermaids Fountain” (circa 1739), then a visit to the “City Hall”, “The Palace of the Generals Captain’s”, and the “Cathedral” is advise, the fourth side of the square is occupied by souvenir shops, coffee shops, library, jewelry and others. Our walk will lead us to la “Merced Church” following the Arch street which is the Restaurants street, there is 26 monuments (ruins) in the historical part of Antigua, the best preserved and open to visits is the “Church and Nunnery of Our Lady of el Pilar of Zaragoza (Capuchinas)” 4 blocks away from La Merced Church. From Las Capuchinas we can address our steps to visit the Antigua´s Saint burial place at San Francisco El Grande Church, the tomb of brother Pedro is the only Saint Canonized in Central America is a point of pilgrimage for many catholic believers. A visit to the city includes the visit to one of the Jade Factories which offers free guided tours to visitors. There is so many places to see in Antigua that a day visit is not enough time.

14/05/2010

Located in the Deparment of Sololá. Framed by three towering volcanoes Atitlán (3535 m), Toliman (3200 m), San Pedro (3020 m) all extended in Lake Atitlan stands among the most beautiful lakes in the world, it is a wonder of nature. It is 1500 m (5000 feet) above sea level and 300 m deep (1000 feet) enjoys a pleasant weather all year around. Only 2 ½ hour drive (146 km) away from Guatemala City following the Pan American Highway with great scenic views of the Mayan highlands. Panajachel a small but very charming town located on the shoreline of the lake is the gateway to explore the surroundings. A panoramic boat ride from Panajachel to Santiago Atitlán will last 30 minutes with a few stops for photos. The Mayan village of Santiago Atitlán (pop. 35000) located over the shoreline is one of the most famous towns because of its Mayan culture that is very strong, lots of handicrafts including textiles and paintings, Wood carved figures, beads Works, etc. Whenever there is more time to spend, you can visit the other little Indian villages like San Antonio or Santa Catarina, each is different and each has a different traditional dresses. There are lots of resorts, restaurants and other entertainment places in Panajachel so it is highly recommended to spend one or two nights here to get a flavor of Guatemala´s nightlife. Panajachel is also convenient located to visit The Chichicastenango´s open air market one hour away to the north on Thursdays and Sundays.

13/05/2010