Kaminal Juyú – Mayan Ruins in Guatemala City

If you aren’t going to have time to leave Guatemala City to see the real Mayan ruins in Guatemala, then your best bet is to visit the ruins in Zona 7, known as the Kaminal Juyú archaeological site. I don’t mean to say that these ruins aren’t real, they just aren’t as fascinating or incredible as the major Mayan ruins in Guatemala, such as in Tikal, and therefore may not be worth your time in Guatemala City, if it is limited.

The ancient city located on the western side of modern day Guatemala City stands thrived from 300 b.c.e to 900 c.e. All that is left today are a couple of former pyramids and a large collection of Mayan artifacts, such as ceramics and Read more

Guatemala City's Botanical Gardens

We are keeping on going with our tour through Guatemala City, next stop the Jardines Botanico, or in English, the Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Gardens in Guatemala City were the first of their kind in Central America, and are the only ones in the country of Guatemala. They are located in Zona 10 and are home to a variety of interesting Guatemalan flora. It is neat to see things you would only see out in the country in Guatemala, especially if you are not going to have the time to do any exploring of the wildlife.

The Botanical Gardens is also home to other plants from around the world. A number of exhibits feature particular species, while some endangered plant Read more

Mercado Central – The best place to souvenir shop

One of the must-do things in Guatemala as far as I am concerned is visit the Mercado Central, or Central Market in Zona 1.

The Mercado Central is always a bustling hive of activity as locals and tourists alike mingle through the many stalls and displays in search of different crafts and other items.

This is a great place to purchase souvenirs; you will be able to find something for everyone on your list, guaranteed. Common items include typical woven Guatemala (Mayan) clothing, sundry wares, wooden trinkets and artifacts, pieces of art, leather items and jewelry.

Locals also buy produce and live animals here, although those items aren’t as popular among tourists… wonder why…

There are three levels, and the items for purchase Read more

Mayan Museums in Guatemala City

Guatemala City often gets passed over by tourists in search of adventure and culture, but the are a number of reasons to spend at least a day or two exploring the capital, and one of its main attractions are the museums.

It is easy to visit the Ixchel Museum and the Museo Popol Vuh in the same day; they are right across the street from one another. Both museums feature pieces of the Mayan culture.

The Ixchel Museum centers around works of Mayan weaving: textiles and traditional clothing, while the Popol Vuh showcases Mayan art and archaeology.

At the Ixchel Museum you will see how Guatemala’s culture has been shaped by the development of these beautiful fabrics. The museum is Read more

Live Music and Good Food at the Rainbow Cafe

The Rainbow Cafe and reading room is a popular place to eat throughout the day in La Antigua Guatemala, but it is also popular in the evenings for its live music.

Music is scheduled to start every night at 7:30 (you know how schedules go in Guatemala…)

Mondays feature Don Ramiro and classic Latin folk music. Tuesdays we have local musician Cesar who plays a mix of Western and Latino songs. Wednesdays are Open Night Mike – if you’re brave enough to take the stage you get a complimentary drink. If you are a guitar fan you’ll want to come on Thursday to hear Guicho play. Fridays we’ve got Reggae tracks played by Sergio and Saturdays La Casa del Kello plays Read more

Jazz at the Teatro Municipal in Quetzaltenango

If you are a Jazz fan then mark this Thursday night off on your calendar and make plans to be at the Teatro Municipal in Quetzaltenango.

The opening act starts at 7 pm with the Colegio Miguel Angel Asturias students, which is sure to be an endearing performance. The real show begins, however, at 8 pm, or sometimes after that, when Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots take the stage.

This world famous blues, R&B and zydeco group comes straight from the heart of music in the US, New Orleans. The program is being put on by the US Embassy in connection with the IGA Jazz Festival.

And don’t worry, if you can’t make it Thursday the 19th in Quetzaltenango, you can catch Read more

Map of La Antigua Guatemala

I am on the search to find a good map of La Antigua Guatemala to put up here for you guys! While Antigua isn’t large, having a good map can still be a very helpful tool.

AntiguaSelect.com has two different maps that you can print off:

Click here to view the map of La Antigua that is for print on legal size paper.

Click here to view the version of the La Antigua map for print on letter size paper.

From what I can see the maps are pretty accurate. They are provided to AntiguaSelect by the Candelaria Hotel and show North and South, label the Avenues and Streets, and highlight the main points.

The whole town of La Read more

Festival Atitlan brings Art, Music, Food and FUN!

The hippie-ish Festival Atitlan is back and it’s happening this Saturday, March 14th, 2009 from 12 pm – 12 am.

Music, Art, Dancing, Theatre, Camping, Family and Peace in the Open Air are all advertised as being the events main features. The event is being hosted by Santiago Atitlan, and is the largest alternative cultural event in Guatemala. This year’s festival is the sixth of its kind since the celebrating started in 2001.

The event raises money for Hospitalito Atitlan, and this year the Kendida Foundation is getting involved as well; they have agreed to match any funds raised for the Hospitalito, making the ticket price go twice as far.

Arts and music are the entertainment of choice Read more

Buy Guatemalan Sweet Bread Online!

One of the hardest parts about relocating to Guatemala is giving up the traditional foods you enjoyed back home. The same can be said for Guatemalans who now live abroad… as well as many expats who, for one reason or another, have to head back to their country of origin.

Craving Guatemalan goods, the sweet and delicious breads in particular, can be a problem, especially when there are no panaderias or a Guatemalan bakery in sight! Thankfully, it is a problem that has a solution: Antigua Flavors and Colors.

www.Antiguafc.com was is the brain child of a Guatemalan living in the United States, who was constantly craving sweet Guatemalan treats. Evelyn, the Pastry Chef on hand, brings delicious Read more

New "Mayan People" Tourism Program in Guatemala

Three new tourist routes are in the works for Guatemala, all of which highlight the country’s Mayan population. The three new routes, the Mayan Universe Trail, the Mayan Calendar Trail, and the Mayan Dualism Trail, will be run by the Mayan community.

As the largest indigenous people in Guatemala, the Mayans are prepared to take on the spotlight. Local Mayan businesses, cultural associations, tour operators, artists and other craftsmen will all get involved, fueling income into the poorer predominantly Mayan regions.

Guatemala is jumping on a wonderful opportunity here; designing routes that run through popular tourist locations such as main archaeological sites and sacred places and take visitors on the inside of Mayan communities really caters to the increased demand for Read more

Get the real story about Guatemala from a USA expat living there…

Subscribe by email to receive special reports and newsletters from the Gringo Travel Network

For Email Marketing you can trust

SafeSubscribe with Constant Contact

Additional Travel Resources

Archives

Categories

Tags