Exploring Guatemala: Bringing History to Life
For its rather small square milage - about roughly a similar size as Tennessee -
Guatemala is
overflowing with culture and striking views. From shooting pics of the
Mayan Ruins of Tikal to hiking around a national park as you find yourself serenaded by tropical birds, you will
potentially find no finer - or more unparalleled - locale than Guatemala for your following
expedition.
Mayan Ruins. Go sightseeing at the Mayan Ruins and get the feeling that you have
passed way back to a period during which the Mayan’s reigned, from 700 BC to 900 AD. Tikal is well known as 1 of “the earths travel
marvels,” and draws in thousands of visitors each year with its stunning
ruins and historical significance. Once a busy urban center, Tikal is now an
architects fantasy with about 3,000 structures. You can look at regal
palaces, plazas and steam baths, to name just a few. Established in 500 B.C.,
the historic Mayan city of Tikal prospered for just a little more than 1500 years. Today it has
been named to UNESCO’s listings of Heritage of Humanity.
If you love animals, then the Tikal National Park is a must see sight. While you
Go for a tour through the ancient Mayan City by way of the national park, you will be suprised by the shrieks,
whistles, and clamor of occupant howler monkeys, birds, toucans, and macaws.
You can also find a doe cross the trail before of you. Very lucky travelers recall
finding a jaguar nearby.
Panajachel. Lake Atitlan is perhaps one of the most breathtaking lakes out of all those in
Central America. Looking out on Lake Atitlan are three volcanoes - San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan.
The city was
one time the focus for locals seeking to win over Indians to Roman Catholics.
With coffee shops and dining establishments lining the roads, Panajachel has amazing shops
and an active nightlife. There are also a few Programs for language students who want
to learn Spanish.
Chichicastenango. Only two and a half to three hrs. from
Guatemala City, Chichicastenango is a striking, quaint town roosted on
the mountaintops, known for its enchanting stucco architecture. If you love shopping at
markets, you will observe no greater bazaar than Chichicastenango’s handcraft market.
It is the best in Central America, routinely attracting tourists and natives alike from all
over the area. You will find sensational hand crafted blouses, masks and hand carved
artifacts.
Santo Tomas, a four hundred year old church, is another must visit in Chichicastenango. To
go in, you have to ascend 18 stairs - representing every month on the Mayan calendar. Now a
Catholic Church, Santo Tomas is known as the last standing church in the area where
Guatemalan people may pray to the Mayan Gods.
La Antigua. In a land that treasures its
ancient history, Antigua is a valued city. One of the most beautiful
colonial cities of all those in Latin America, its beauty and relaxed ambiance
pull in Language students and foreigners from all over of the world.
Antigua is home to various
Spanish language schools and study abroad participants of all levels go to Guatemala to
study The Spanish language. Deciding which
language school is most effective for you might be a
hard decision, so you will definitely want to check into AmeriSpans services
(www.guatamaleschool.com). AmeriSpan
Guatemala has made choosing a college and packing for your
holiday not as hard and more low cost.
Located about 45 minutes from the Guatemala City airport and 2 1/2 hrs. from
Panajachel, people get an oppurtunity to study at an
Antigua Spanish program
while exploring Guatemala
In addition, hundreds of backpackers come to
volunteer in one of
the many volunteer
undertakings in
Guatemala.
Whatever your grounds for visiting Guatemala, remember to take your camera.
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