Tikal Guatemala

The ancient Mayan city of Tikal was rediscovered in the mid 1800s. In the century and a half that has followed, the temples and other buildings of this complex of ruins have slowly been uncovered to reveal a fascinating and mysterious society that helped to shape our modern calendar.

Walking through the ruins and learning about the complexities of this ancient civilization reminds me of the final episodes of the new Battlestar Galactica (yes, I am a nerd), that explored the origins of humanity and our history of destroying and recreating ourselves according to the plan of God.

The first thing I want to do when I get home is watch the movie “2012,” and then I want to sleep for a week.

Guatemala is a beautiful, fascinating country, filled with mystery and spirituality. I guarantee a visit to Guate will change you in ways you can’t imagine!

Market Day in Chichicatenango

Indigenous culture meets modern technology in the Highlands of Guatemala.

High in the mountains, and sometimes isolated from the rest of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is home to one of the most famous markets in Central America. Its residents are also famous for their adherence to Mayan beliefs and culture, and the ceremonies are often intertwined with contemporary Christian practices.

For decades, villagers have walked many miles to sell their wares at the weekly markets. On Sundays and Thursdays, they spread their crafts, food and other merchandise in the central plaza and sell to residents and tourists from dawn until about 3:00 p.m.

The abundance of traditional textiles, ceramics and other tipica often make time seem to stand still in Chichi on market days. However, modern technology, such as young girls talking on cell phones, remind us that it is, in fact, 2010!

Reserva Natural Atitlan

The frenetic market town, Panajachel, can sometimes make travellers forget about the natural beauty of Guatemala.

The Reserva Natural Atitlan is a coffee farm that is nowprotected as a nature preserve.

It features hiking trails, zip lines high above the trees for the more adventurous, tropical vegetation, and local wildlife such as tropical birds, coati (similar to North American raccoons) and spider monkeys.

It also produces the BEST coffee in the world! It's a must-see for visitors to Guatemala.