Destination: Guatemala

There are [462] stories and [6290] photos from Guatemala

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Despite its past turmoil and political instability, travelers are returning to Guatemala because it offers Central America in concentrated form: its volcanoes are the highest and most active, its Mayan ruins the most impressive, its earthquakes the most devastating and its history decidedly intense. Guatemala is the Mayan heart of Central America, though the government has touted and tortured the Maya - sticking their pictures on brochures and guns in their faces. However, indigenous culture survives in the ancient ruins of Tikal, rituals of Chichicastenango and blazing colors of Mayan dress.

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Latest photos from Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala: by pilgrim_plato, Views[20]

As many have before me, I sat in awe, looking down at the temples of Tical, a monumental city who housed some of the very first astonomers of the human species. The precison of the architecture, so that at some points the clapping of the hands mimiked the sound of the Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird, was quite frankly breathtaking. : by centralamericantales, Views[51]

Semuc Champay, the wondorous limestone pools of every shade of gree. Perhaps due to the more recent development of a hostel right on the edges of the park, it is now one of the more recommended spots for a traveller to witness, as the journey to Guatemalan highlands is arduous and long, tempered by the glorious views and local dress. : by centralamericantales, Views[60]

This little fella was one of 4 sons and their father, collaborating in a musical family performance, of great precision and thankfully, also having fun. : by centralamericantales, Views[49]

I love crafts. Not to buy them, but to admire them as a emblems of stories told over generations, or long- learned skills handed down from mother to daughter or father to son, using local (if at times unsustainable) resources. : by centralamericantales, Views[48]

More photos from Guatemala >

Latest stories from Guatemala

Guatemaya

Fri, 18 May 2012 | By tempolibre | Views [32]

Xela, 22 de abril, 22h Primera ciudad de Guatemala en la que estuvimos, ¡nos encantó! Nos pareció una ciudad muy viva, más auténtica que San Cristóbal, pero con una buena dinámica asociativa, proyectos de desarrollo, etc. Nos pateamos toda la ... Read more >

Tags: carnet de bord

My Scholarship entry - Seeing the world through other eyes

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 | By baskets_in_a_ring | Views [30]

Three barefoot and dark skin guys stood up besides Cahobón River. This river is part of ‘Semuc Champey’, a nature reserve formed of rivers and waterfalls, in northern Guatemala, near the Atlantic Coast. These guys were barely 12 years old, and hardly ... Read more >

Tags: travel writing scholarship 2012

Chicken Buses & Guatemala Transport

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 | By safetyhub | Views [702]

They're just so freaking colorful; how can you not want to take a ride on one of these old American school buses while backpacking around Guatemala, or any Central American country for that matter? Being painted in a rainbow of ... Read more >

Tags: bus, central america, guatemala, travel-transport

Metal in Antigua

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 | By jaymehagen | Views [196]

I stood on the cobblestone roadways, staring at the Spanish Mudejar-influenced architecture of Antigua. It felt like being inside a castle's courtyard. I had just arrived that morning. I checked into a cheap one-bedroom hostel. They gave me a room on ... Read more >

Tags: travel writing scholarship 2012

Guatemala Part 2- Zephyr Lodge (Lanquin), Semuc Champey & Tikal

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 | By rubylucas | Views [106]

Lanquin and Semuc Champey Zephyr Lodge There is very little in Lanquin except for the glorious hostel Zephyr Lodge which is set at the top of a hill with two expansive valleys on each side. We had an amazing little bungalow that ... Read more >

Guatemala- Part 1 Laguna Atitlan & Antigua

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 | By rubylucas | Views [74]

Laguna Atitlan So we’ve seen a few lakes on our travels and this is by far my favourite. It is absolutely beautiful and slightly odd as at its edge are an array of trees and buildings which are partially submerged. This is because last year ... Read more >

Photos: Guatemala Part 2

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 | By rubylucas | Photo Gallery

Zephyr Lodge, Semuc Champey and tTkal
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Two Pistols and a Machete

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Views [129] | Comments [1]

Alone I was on a volcano, shaking. Alone I was, scared. Alone I was, in complete shock! It actually happened! I was robbed by three men brandishing guns and a machete! It's not so much that I was robbed, but rather that it happened and where it happened.... Read more >

Photos: Antigua

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Photo Gallery

Guatemala's colonial jewel
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Tankers, danger, and the colonial capital

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Views [53]

With Semuc Champey wrapped up, I began my journey toward Antigua. In the cab of a big rig I was, going up the winding and gravel road out of Lanquin and onto the road toward Guatemala City. Up a series of twists, turns, and hairbends, it took over ... Read more >

Photos: Semuc Champey

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Photo Gallery

After walking 11 km to get here, I dive in head-first and fully-clothed!
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Semuc Champey

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Views [61]

I rise up this morning to take a test of my true adventureness! Whilst El Retiro boasts a beautiful setting, I regret staying here. They're nice enough to let me store my bag as I stuck 50 quetzales (price of admission to Semuc Champey) in my pocket.... Read more >

Tags: water

La Casa de Federico

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 | By kiwiaoraki | Views [27]

"La Casa de Federico" is what I said to the driver as I got on the sardine-packed bus toward San Jose (in Guatemala, not Costa Rica). He knew precisely how to get there! Driving seemingly in a circle around Lake Peten it was pouring down ... Read more >

Tags: nature, organics, people