Beyond Vallarta Tours

06/12/2019

Oaxaca is a stunning city nestled into a valley that has been inhabited for hundreds of years; full of beautiful churches and many colorful lowering trees. Explore some of the fascinating archaeological sites.Visit villages where the crafts are made in time honored traditions.
Oaxaca is now a culinary "Hot Spot" with many excellent restaurants and different foods to try. We also take advantage of a terrific cooking school.

Join us!-February 12-19, 2020
www.beyonmdvallartatours.com

05/12/2019

Beyond Vallarta Tours is traveling and has trips available in 2020.
This photo is of Antigua, Guatemala which was once the capitol city of Guatemala. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773.
It is now a UNESCO site and the exteriors of the buildings remain the same. It is a charming and surprisingly sophisticated city.
Come join us and experience this magical and beautiful country only 3 hrs from Vallarta.
March 23-April 1, 2020.
www.beyondvallartatours.com

15/10/2019

30/06/2019

Among other aspects, it's the people that make Guatemala so special to me. This young girl was chosen to be in a procession for her school. Her expression says it all; her joy at doing it, her love for the beliefs and her pride!

29/06/2019

Yes Guatemala does have volcanoes--33 in fact and more per sq ft than any other country in the world. One always has a volcano over your shoulder for a great view.
Fuego, seen here, is usually pretty quiet altho she is an active volcano. And on one of our tours she put on quite a display.
This is the view we had at dinner on the terrace at our hotel. Quite a show!

27/06/2019

Mayan Families is one of my travelers most loved days. We visit the school and of course, the children are our favorites! This is a great organization founded by an Australian couple. There are school classes, vocational craft classes, lunches for those in need, and a health facility. The organization helps in the small villages, They do wonderful work,,
Don't forget our trip is March 26-April 4 and you can join us on this fun day!

26/06/2019

Getting back to Guatemala, here is surely the most unusual deity you've seen- known as Maximon. He is a wooden figure clad in colorful (and sometimes expensive) scarves, a Stetson hat and smoking a big cigar. If one visits him a gift is in order; ci******es, rum or other spirits and of course money. He comes from Saint Simon and is the saint for people with bad habits and behaviors.
He is a sore point between the Catholics and the Mayas. Very much a part of the Mayan culture, you won't see anything like him!

19/06/2019

While we are in Guatemala we always take advantages of the tuk tuks--an easy way to get around fast and fun!
Wish we had them in Vallarta...

18/06/2019

While in Guatemala one of the most fascinating things we do is visit the Mayan villages and are able to experience the melding of their Mayan life and Catholicism.
Here people are going into the church; there are no benches, the floors are covered with pine needles and candles,. The shamans do healings there with Coke (yes Coco-cola) and chickens.
Certainly one of the most unusual things we see on our trip.

17/06/2019

Antigua is the "old capitol" of Guatemala. It was destroyed by earthquake in 1773. The capitol moved on and the city was never rebuilt. So it's like going back in time to admire and appreciate the beautiful Colonial architecture.
The city today, a UNESCO site, where the buildings can't be changed is remarkably sophisticated. Wonderful restaurants, the best shopping in the country, art galleries and fantastic views abound!

We spend 4 days here enjoying all;
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16/06/2019

The "chicken buses"--a most Guatemalan tradition. These are school buses from the US with 150,000 miles on them and then must be sold. They are bought at auction and 2 are tied together for a drive across Mexico and into Guatemala. Once there, they are then redone with larger engines, special transmissions (for all the hills) and painted a riot of colors and designs.
The owners and drivers take great pride in their buses. They are a fixture all over the country and we go to visit the chicken bus station for a fun time of admiring....
Guatemala--March 26-April 4, 2020
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14/06/2019

While in Guatemala, and if you're up for an adventure, you can visit Tikal. Tikal was one of the largest Mayan centers with an estimated population, at its peak, of 90,000 inhabitants. It holds the highest of any Mayan pyramid. Located in the NE section of Guatemala it is a short flight over stunning rain forest jungle. Now a UNESCO site it is one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences...
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13/06/2019

Guatemala--one of my very favorite destinations--a place that excites even the most jaded of travelers----so many wonderful surprises. This is just one--Lake Atitlan. A traveler wrote "A highlight of my travels anywhere is a stay at Hotel Atitlan". And that's where we'll be for 4 days on our trip to Guatemala.Each room, with a balcony, overlooks the lake,
There's a room for you too---
March 23-April 1, 2020

12/06/2019

After too long an absence, we're returning to Chiapas! Amazing archaeological sites,waterfalls, rivers, canyons, the most fascinating of the indigenous peoples, and the charming city of San Cristobal.
In this photo we're riding thru the high cliffs of the Sumidero Canyon.
Save the date! March 6-15. 2020

11/06/2019

Our trip to Oaxaca:Cultural and Culinary was a big success and we'll be offering it again February 12-19,2020
Here are our guests after a "hands-on" cooking class; tired but happy!

10/06/2019

Watch for Beyond Vallarta Tours 2020 schedule coming out soon, www.beyondvallartatours.com
This is a shot of dancers from our trip to the Zacatecas Cultural Festival. We won't miss it--we're going again April 7-13, 2020

09/07/2018

This is the magnificent Tower of the Magician in Uxmal. We visit Uxmal during our marvelous tour to the Yucatan in Jan 2018.
Beyond Vallarta's 2019 schedule is out and 5 exciting tours are available to join.
www.beyondvallartatours.com

10/01/2018

Although this photo is rather dark it does give an idea of the ambiance in the wonderful restaurant where we have our Closing Dinner. It is lit with hundreds of candles and sparkling lights.The waiters are all dressed in traditional clothing and the food is great!
It's a great place to celebrate our last night in Guatemala!

There is still time to join us--and we hope you will...
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10/01/2018

This is the Plaza Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral.The capitol was founded in 1775. Remember this was the 3rd capitol after disasters destroyed the other two.

09/01/2018

Our last 2 days are spent in Guatemala City. The downtown area has the Government buildings--in this photo, the cathedral and a large plaza. There is also a market near by. We do an overview tour of the city.
This the countries capitol after earthquakes destroyed the first 2 capitols, including the city of Antigua. The elevation is almost 5000 ft.The city is surrounded by mountains and the ever present volcanoes, on all sides.

08/01/2018

This is a shot of Tikal from the air with Temple 4 above the jungle. It is a magnificent site!

07/01/2018

This is Temple 4--the tallest of the buildings on the site. The view from the top is stupendous--miles and miles of jungle with temples poking up through the top of the foliage.

It is a climb to the top to the viewing area but they have built a staircase on one side; with good railing and manageable steps. That makes it much easier...

Still time to do it--March 2-12
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06/01/2018

Tikal is one of the largest Maya cities ever uncovered. However, no one knows if it was a city of industry and commerce or a ceremonial center. Due to the number of temples, ceremonial platforms and shrines it seems the later is more probable. Tikal is also distinguished by it's tall and narrow structures.

The city dates from 250 AD and ended abruptly in 900 AD and is part of the Classic Period. At that time the city was abruptly abandoned.

05/01/2018

Tikal is one of the greatest of the surviving Classic Mayan cities. It is a massive site believed to have supported a population of over 100,000 people at one time.
Archaeologists have found over 3,000 structures and the site probably covered 25 sq miles.
Tikal is located in the North East section of Guatemala in the Petan Province. Petan is thick tropical rain forest and is the least populated province. The Maya Biosphere Reserve of 2.5 million acres encompasses most of the area.
This area is the main plaza--the "Great Plaza". The place to start your explorations of Tikal...

04/01/2018

Going to the exciting site of Tikal we start our adventure with a short flight. The scenery is beautiful--flying over 1 hour of lush green jungle!

Do join us--March 2-12.
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03/01/2018

This is Marco, our guide, at Iximche. Marco has been with me for 4 years of tours and we worked on the planning stages together. He accompanies every Guatemala tour and is the ideal guide.
Marco has worked in the business for some time and has a college degree and guide certification. He is part Maya and speaks the language. This is a huge asset when we are with local people.
Marco is knowledgeable, kind and helpful in all ways. He is a joy to have along and is a wonderful compliment to our tour.

02/01/2018

This very interesting site is called Iximche--founded in 1465. It is in a peaceful location of rolling hills and trees. It's location on a steep plateau with ravines on either side was chosen for its natural defenses.
Today there remain 4 large plazas, a ball court and several large temple structures. It is still an active site for Maya worship and we have seen ceremonies or remnants of lighting of candles and incense.
And it is a lovely place to be...

01/01/2018

More joyful colors!

01/01/2018

Happy New Year--celebrating with the beautiful colors of Guatemala!

31/12/2017

Before we leave Panajahel we stop at a wonderful NGO. This center was started by Australians. They provide schooling, food and health services, and assistance of all kinds to all ages of the population.
What is a stunning statistic is that Guatemala has the 6th worst rate of malnutrition in the world. Almost 50% of children under 5 are undernourished. The center is amazing with the help they offer.
These sweet and delightful children give us a charming presentation while we visit the facility. Many guests say it was their best day of the trip!

30/12/2017

During our stay in the Lake area and the town of Panajachel we all enjoy the local transportation. Fun rides but a little bumpy on the cobblestone streets.
Don't forget our adventure to Guatemala begins on March 2. Coming up soon... [email protected]

29/12/2017

Of course there is great shopping in the market in Chichicastenango. Woven bags galore! and more...

28/12/2017

As I mentioned, this is a busy market--the largest indigenous market in Latin America. People come from all around the area to buy and sell and not just crafts. They also buy and sell food-- it is a huge food market. It's fascinating people watching with all the clothing distinct to each area.

27/12/2017

Ceremonies at the church often include processions. There is always color, incense, flowers, shamans and officials of the various villages. Because the market happens on Thursday and Sunday the area is packed not only with locals but with visitors there to enjoy the market.

26/12/2017

This lady is often at the church during ceremony times.. She seems to work with the incense and candles. I wonder how long she has been doing it? And I wonder how old she is?