One of the things that really sets Guatemala apart from other countries is their dedication to preserving history. While all other Central American countries seem to be charging ahead leaving as much as they can behind, Guatemala is open to progress but unwilling to let go of the past. While indigenous groups that still speak their native tongue are small and rather uncommon in other countries, Guatemala has major indigenous groups some even as large as 1, 000, 000 people. These large groups treasure their language, culture and customs and refuse to let them die out.
It only makes sense that such a varied and culturally rich country would be home to many archeological finds that help to shed some Read more
Lake Atitlan should be amongst the wonders of the modern world. The pristine volcanic lake is the deepest in Central America and renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by Atitlan, San Pedro and Toliman volcanoes, this lake is a truly unique site. Toliman and Atitlan are still active, although its been several hundred years since either has erupted.
The lake is also surrounded by many Mayan populations, most of them isolated. Reachable only by boat. Most Mayan inhabitants in the area belong to either the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel peoples. These are ancient civilizations that have kept their language and culture alive throughout the past centuries. Though remote and secluded the natural and cultural Read more
Who says time travel is impossible? Between Volcan de Agua, Acatenango and Volcan the Fuego sits a city that allows us to travel back in time into Guatemala’s past, La Antigua Guatemala. This city was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Antigua was Guatemala’s capital until a major earthquake hit in 1773. The city suffered great damage and much of the population moved away from the city, reducing its population by nearly half. The city has preserved its colonial charm boasting great ruins, churches and even the The Captain General’s Palace. However, Antigua still caters to those of us living in the 21st century.
Antigua is home to Guatemala’s best Spanish Language Schools, which Read more
If you are looking for a little adventure and fun for the whole family in Guatemala, then head to the Petén region.
The Petén region is famous for its many lakes, each with a different composition, which causes them to vary in color and transparency. The Petén region is part of an incredible rainforst, and the lakes are the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the view.
As you would expect in the rainforest, the birdwatching is particularly excellent, and with the many lakes canoeing is a very popular things to do in Petén.
The area of Petén spans almost the whole northen section of Guatemala. It is a “Protected Area” thanks to its abundant rainforest vegetation and animal life. Read more
We interrupt this tour of Guatemala City to share with you an important update from the Guatemala Gringo and his other Gringo affiliate sites (see the blogroll)…
The Gringo has worked to create a system that puts readers in touch with valuable people in Guatemala and other Latin American countries. If you need an English speaking driver, real estate information, legal services and so on, all you need to do is this:
Get your blood pumping hiking one of Guatemala’s volcanos/mountains!
Tajumulco is Central America’s highest volcano, at 13,776 feet, but technically it is an easy climb. It does, however offer some pretty amazing views of both Mexico and Guatemala. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean!
Semuc Champey is one of the most incredible sites in all of Central America. It is a series of natural wells that combine to create a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by lush tropical forest, there is a 300 m limestone bridge with several different size pools along the top. The bridge runs above the Cahabón River, and at the end of the bridge the water overflows to create a 40 ft waterfall.
The pools range in depth from 3-14 feet, and are great for swimming. Depending on the season and other natural factors the color of the water changes in hue, making for some beautiful photo opportunities. In addition to swimming one can go hiking on Read more
Hotel Chi-yá sits overlooking the majestic Lake Atitlan in the highlands of Guatemala. The Hotel boasts 4 private bungalows and 5 rooms available for rent at the best rates you will find in San Juan La Laguna. Double occupancy in a bungalow is just US $12.00 per person per night, while 4 people lower the price to only US $9.00. Rooms run at the same rate.
Hotel Chi-yá has the most incredible of backyards, and encourages its guest to explore it. Free services provided by the hotel include swimming, rock diving, canoeing, table tennis and volleyball. You can also enjoy windsurfing, horseback riding, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and more, all at a reasonable price.
Guatemala has an appealing mix of landscapes and cultures, attracting visitors of all kinds. The northern lowlands are home to a lush tropical rainforest, where the most amazing Mayan archaeological sites are found, including the famous Tikal. The pine forested highlands are home to traditional Mayan communities that still cling to their indigenous roots.
As far as its major city goes, Guatemala City is the political heart and capital city of the country. However, it is not as attractive as Antigua Guatemala, which is the former capital of the country. Antigua Guatemala is one of the most popular places to visit, with its old colonial buildings being surrounded by awesome volcanoes that are perfect for hiking and climbing. Read more
Explore Guatemala, extreme style. CA Tours, based out of Antigua, is a professional Motorcycle company that offers guided tours on dirt bikes through the Guatemalan interior. They feature a wide variety of tours; ones for intermediate bikers last just a few days, while more advanced riders can tackle the 8 day tours. For those with a limited amount of time and a specific agenda, custom tours can be designed.
The guys at CA Tours are a couple of English blokes who are genuinely interested in helping you have the best dirt bike excursion possible. They provide you with protective clothing, including a helmet, and bikes that are safe and of high quality. Off road and Read more
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