Guatemala

Guatemala shares an ecologically-rich isthmus with its Central American neighbours...Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The magnificent Mayan culture that once flourished in many of those countries is only a distant memory with the exception of magical Guatemala.

Culture: Much credit is given to the Mediterranean basin for being the cradle of civilization, but while the Greeks were planting the seeds of Western civilization around 2000 B.C., some fascinating cultures were beginning to take root this side of the globe.

The Mayan nation reached incredible heights of knowledge and sophistication between A.D. 250 and A.D. 900 in territories now occupied by southern Mexico, Belize, Honduras, parts of El Salvador and, of course, Guatemala. Today more than eight million Maya still live and thrive in Guatemala maintaining the traditions, legends and the original calendar based on the movement of the heavens and a precise knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

The Spaniards arrived early in the 16th century and declared the area the seat of government for Spanish rule in Central America. They tried to convert the local population to Catholicism, and in an effort to wipe out old beliefs and convert the Maya people to their religion, the Spaniards build their new churches on old Mayan temple sites. The Maya people kept worshipping on these sacred grounds, but disguised their gods within the mantle of their new Catholic saints.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Santo Tomas de Chichicastenango, where the local church is almost devoid of pews, having been replaced by low, square wooden altars used by the townsfolk for their prayers. These small, individual platforms display candles, flowers, good and other offerings, including liquor, which the petitioners spill over the altars.

Visitors should be aware of the protocol to follow in this place of worship. For example, never sit on the steps of the church when the Maya are praying, and never take photos of them when they are performing their rituals inside the church.

Markets: Although Sunday and Thursday markets at Santo Tomas de Chichicastenango are by far the most-visited, no day of the week goes by without a market setting shop in a Guatemalan town. One of the most popular is San Francisco el Alto in Totonicapan.

Panajachel: (a tourist town on the shores of Lake Atitlan) doesn't have a typical Sunday market but daily shopping opportunities extend along the main street, where strollers can find Guatemalan textiles, jewelry, pottery, garments and arts and crafts against the backdrop of serene Lake Atitlan and its three volcanoes. The lake is perfect for watersports such as parasailing, waterskiing and kayaking. Several hotels in the area provide accommodations surrounded by lovely gardens bussing with hummingbirds and decorated with rose bushes.

Archaeology: It is estimated that Guatemala's archaeological treasures are so vast most have not yet been excavated. Pre-Columbian ruins are scattered throughout the country. Most were built between A.D. 250 and A.D. 900 during the Classic period at the zenith of Mayan civilization. Many of these sites have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including El Ceibal, Tikal and Quirigua.

Festivals: Guatemala's year-round festivals form an essential part of the country's cultural attractions. These celebrations are unique expressions of local folklore and millinery traditions. As in Mexico, one of the most popular holidays is the Day of the Dead, when families pay homage to their dead relatives. They visit cemeteries to build flower-laden altars with their loved one's favorite offerings, such as drinks, food and cigars, and cook traditional dishes.

But the most commemorated celebration in the country is undoubtedly Holy Week. The Christmas tradition has merged with several Mayan legacies to become the most unique symbolic commemoration of the Passion of Christ. The most famous event takes place in La Antigua, Guatemala. where the streets are covered in brilliant designs of colorful sawdust.