Give Me Guatemala Travel, OR Give Me... Guatemala TRAVEL!

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Give Me Guatemala Travel, OR Give Me... Guatemala TRAVEL!

Guatemala has always sounded a bit intriguing, but you don't quite know enough about it. Guatemala travel offers everything for the culturally curious to the active adventurous. Wondering what the region has to offer you? Let me tempt you with a little information on beautiful Guatemala!

Easter Festival!

Semana Santa is Guatemala's grandest festival. This spectacular cultural celebration in the former colonial capital of Antigua is beyond comparison to anything in the northern hemisphere. Along cobblestone streets, intricate carpets of colored sawdust are painstakingly laid down. Later, a solemn procession of Roman centurions march over the carpets, carrying an image of Christ on the cross. Music and swinging incense burners accompany the robed cofradia. During these lively days leading up to Easter Sunday, elaborate ceremonies occur re-enacting the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Visit during this holy week and join in the celebration! If you would like to spend more time in the region, be sure to look at our extensions to Peten, and explore the ancient ruins of Tikal.

What Else?

Tikal
Tikal is the largest, and possibly the oldest, ruined city of the Classic Period of the Maya. It is located in north central Petén, Guatemala, about 50 miles northwest of the border with Belize. Set in a high canopy jungle, the site encompasses at least 3,000 buildings, including a handful of impressively tall temples that loom above the forest. It consists of nine groups of courts and plazas built on hilly land above surrounding swamps (which may have been lakes in former times) and interconnected by bridges and causeways.

Before it's decline - sometime between 600 and 800 AD - Tikal was home to an estimated 100,000 Maya. In addition to its numerous well-excavated temples and pyramids, Tikal presents an excellent opportunity for animal and bird watching. Along the paths, spider and howler monkeys, gray foxes and red coatis are visible to visitors. This extraordinary region offers a spectacular glimpse into the rich history of the Maya people.

Lake Atitlan
Living up to the title, "most beautiful lake in the world" is not an easy thing to do, but Lake Atitlan feels comfortable boasting this claim with its sweeping views of the Volcanoes San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán. Along with its beauty, the lake offers hiking around the foothills of Volcano Atitlan and into a nearby cloudforest. Guatemala travels can climb a unique hill, called Cerro del Oro, exploring the lush and varied habitat. Those looking for an active itinerary, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding to a nearby cloudforest, and mountain biking are available in the area. It's also worthwhile to visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious deity. Learn about the mystical undercurrents of the area, or visit Maya Saints in the brotherhood houses and watch some of the day's Mayan rituals.

Chichicastenango Market
One of the best places to experience modern day Mayan culture is at the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region, who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colorful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Rich aromas, brilliant native weaving, the song of local musician - this sensational market is not to miss!

Home Away From Home

Chiminois Lodge
The comfortable bungalows at Chiminois Lodge can sleep up to 5 people and are fitted with their own water treatment plant, private bathroom and hot water. Parrots, toucans and howler monkeys linger just outside the windows. The palm-thatched bungalows are constructed from fine hard wood trees that have naturally fallen. Travelers enjoy the "lobby" with hammocks and a relaxing view of the lagoon, the bar and a new floating dock, perfect for sun-bathing, swimming, fishing or just relaxing after an intense day of eco-archaeological exploration. And last, but not least, prepare yourself to experience the finest cuisine in the jungle!

Homestay in Totonicapan
One of our favorite features to a number of our Guatemala itineraries is the homestay with a local Mayan family in Totonicapan. Here a community of over twenty K`iche families reaches out to visitors with the vision of bringing people into their homes to share their culture with the outside world. In return, your host family is eager to learn about your life back home. Share a communal evening. The village is eager to introduce you to all aspects of life here; you are also welcome to spend all of your time with your host family - learning to weave, helping in their garden, and practicing some of the Maya K`iche language. If you are interested in this unique experience, our Mundo Maya 9-day tour or our Highland Discovery 7-day tour are great choices.

Antigua Hotel Aurora
In the heart of La Antigua, Guatemala lies the Hotel Aurora, recognized by UNESCO as a world monument. For more than 75 years, it has been the mission of Hotel Aurora to provide guests of with comfort and a warm friendly atmosphere that makes them feel like a part of the family. The hotel has 17 rooms from single rooms to doubles and triples. Each room has its own history. The doors and windows are framed in the original antique woods, and the rooms feature antique furnishings.