Antigua "Colonial Capital"/ Nebaj "Mountain Hideaway"/ Lake Atitlan "Nature's Gift"/ Xela "The Highlands"/ Coban "Outdoor Paradise"/ Peten "Mayan Jungle"

It is difficult to imagine that any other country in the world can offer such density of wonders as Guatemala . Despite its relatively small size, (roughly that of Ireland) Guatemala boasts landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to highland sierras, jungles to dry lowlands. Sharing this land are dozens of ethnic groups, all with unique cultures and customs, and speaking over 20 different languages. The wonderful strength and vibrancy of Mayan culture has allowed it to survive remarkably durability, and its richness and colorfulness will delight any visitor. Between its dramatic landscapes and warm inhabitants, Guatemala will be a country you will never forget.

The majority of the population lives in the highlands of the western part of the country. The highlands offer the traveler incredible mountain ranges, interspersed with towering volcanoes, upon which fall atmospheric clouds and mists. Here is your opportunity to truly live ‘above the clouds'. This average altitude here is over 1500 meters above sea level, producing a climate ideal for the cultivation of all sorts of crops, especially maize, the sacred corn of the Mayans. This altitude also ensures a delightful climate of warm, sunny days and cool evenings, earning Guatemala the name “Land of Eternal Spring”. Travelers could spend years exploring the highlands and still not tire of its scenery and cultural richness. But Guatemala still has much more to offer, especially in the northern jungle region of Peten , with its incredible wildlife and spectacular Mayan temples (as seen on the Television series "Survivor").

Guatemala is truly a special place. With our unmatched experience here, we believe we can offer you the best of Guatemala . Here are some of the highlights…

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Antigua "Colonial Capital"

Antigua is an exquisitely pretty colonial town situated in a spectacular setting, nestling below the three imposing volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. It is one the finest surviving examples in Latin America of colonial town planning, laid out on a grid pattern emanating from the central park, whilst the many fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture have earned it the position of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's pretty cobbled streets are filled with old churches, theatres and houses built around courtyards, all painted in delightful pastel colors. As well as being full of fascinating historical sites, Antigua is now also a lively and international town, where you'll never tire of exploring the restaurants and bars filled with food from around the world. If all this weren't enough, we should add that Antigua also boasts a wonderful climate of warm, sunny days and cool evenings. It is truly a relaxing and beautiful spot to spend time!

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Nebaj "Mountain Hideaway"

Nebaj is the home of the Ixil group, one of the most distinct Mayan cultures. The Ixils are world famous for their stunning, intricately women traditional clothing, and it is a wonderful experience for a traveler to visit a place where the local culture feels at the same time so traditional and so vibrant. Nebaj is far from the cosmopolitan sophistication of Antigua , but it is also a bustling, lively town.

The people are warm, and travelers can take part in traditional customs, like the local sauna, a tamascal , or make the traditional food, boxboles. Nebaj is a heavenly place to visit for those who enjoy hiking, sitting as it does in a beautiful valley surrounded by verdant mountains. Exploring the villages around here will take the intrepid visitor to some of the most remote places of the Americas . The combination of spectacular landscapes and local culture, makes Nebaj the favorite spot in Guatemala for many visitors.

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Lake Atitlan "Nature's Gift"

For many, there is no more spectacular site in the world that the sun setting over the Lake Atitlan , as the evening mist descends. English novelist Aldous Huxley described the lake as like “ Lake Como with the added embellishment of several immense volcanoes” and decided it was the most beautiful lake in the world. Once the traveler gets their breath back after the first look at the incredible view of the lake, they can begin to explore the trails and nature parks that surround it- the hardy can even attempt to ascend one of the volcanoes. The lake itself is beautiful for swimming, and there are even places to go scuba diving. Dotted around the shore of the lake are dozens of towns, from busy Panajachel, with its international scene and restaurants, to sleepy indigenous towns such as San Juan La Laguna. Whether for a short visit or a longer stay, the beauty of the Lake will stay with you forever.

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Xela "The Highlands"

Quetzaltenango, or Xela as it is more usually known, is fast becoming of the most popular places in Latin America to learn Spanish and do volunteer work, and it's not hard to understand why. Offering the advantages of a city, with cinemas, good restaurants, bars and entertainment, Xela has much more the feel of a large town- easy to navigate and get to know. It's a friendly place, with the typical bustle of highland Guatemala very much present, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains is always visible. What's more, within easy reach are many beautiful trips, such as to the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, or even try to climb Central America 's largest volcano, Tajumulco.

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Coban "Outdoor Paradise"

Coban is situated at the heart of the unique, highland tropical region of Alta and Baja Verapaz. It is therefore the ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, with such an incredible wealth of natural wonders to explore. From the cloud forests of Baja Verapaz to the tropical heat of northern Alta Verapaz, the region is home to spectacular wildlife and incredible landscapes. Highlights include Semuc Champey, a series of idyllic lagoons, the mysterious crater-lake of Lachua, the vast caves of Candelaria and of the course the majestic bird the quetzal, the national symbol of Guatemala. There are countless opportunities for activities such as rafting, climbing and hiking.

Coban itself is a pleasant, sleepy town where the Kekchi Mayan group are dominant. There are many fine restaurants, and also of course the famous Coban coffee, perhaps the finest in the world!

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Peten "Mayan Jungle"

Host to the recent show Survivor- Guatemala , Peten is rugged nature at its most glorious. Guatemala 's largest department, Peten is sparsely populated, with vast swathes of unexplored jungle. The intrepid visitor can hike through the nature parks and attempt to glimpse some of the wildlife- including howler monkeys, jaguars and parrots. This is a region well-suited for hardy outdoor people! Amidst all this natural splendor, however it is a man-made wonder for which Peten is most famous. Rising above the jungle canopy are the truly awe-inspiring temples of the ancient Maya. Most famous are the temples of Tikal , and the view from the top of the temples will leave you speechless. If this isn't enough for you, you can always trek further into the jungle to explore lesser-known, but equally spectacular sites!

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Rebuilding from tragedy

In 1996 the government of Guatemala and the URNG guerrilla forces signed the Accords for a Firm and Lasting Peace , thus bringing to an end one of the longest-running and bloodiest conflicts of the 20 the Century. Since the early 1960s, successive authoritarian governments had struggled to repress various insurgent groups, acting with increasing brutality. A truth commission established under the terms of the Peace Accords found that 200,000 people had died in the conflict, with the army responsible for at least 93% of atrocities. Significantly, the commission also declared that in the process of repressing the guerrillas the army committed acts that reached the level of genocide against the indigenous Maya population, who made up 83% of the victims of the conflict. The report located the main roots of the conflict in three factors- deep-rooted economic exclusion, racism, and the structures of authoritarian rule. As such, the Peace Accords set specific social and economic targets to help secure long-term peace.

Unfortunately, the years since 1996 have been disappointing in these terms. Although democratic rule seems quite secure, poverty and inequality levels remain amongst the highest in Latin America . The indigenous population also remains the most likely to suffer from economic exclusion. Although the ending of the conflict remains an unmitigated good, the majority of the population has yet to receive the promised social benefits. This makes the development work that takes place in the country all the more crucial, to guarantee a peaceful and just future for Guatemala .

Suggested Reading:

Jean-Marie Simon: Guatemala:Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny.

David Stoll: Between Two Armies in The Ixil Towns of Guatemala

CEH (1999):Guatemala : Memoria del Silencio. Tomo 1. Causas y Orígenes del enfrentamiento armado interno.

Stephen Schlesinger & Stephen Kinzer: Bitter Fruit- The Story of the United States Coup in Guatemala

 

 

During your experience you may visit or work with...

Ixil Guides

Nebaj, with its amazingly interesting culture, history and hiking opportunities, has great potential in the tourism industry. However, due to its unfortunate past and scarce resources, the infrastructure in the area (roads, hotels, restaurants, internet service, fair priced activities etc.) has never been accommodating to the foreign traveler. Up until the recent past, even when adventurous travelers would reach Nebaj, they would often only stay for short periods of time, mainly due to the lack of well designed and promoted local activities and facilities for the tourist to enjoy.

Recognizing the economic benefits to the community that responsibly established and well-designed tourists activities bring along with the opportunity to create new local employment opportunities are the reasons that CE Solutions initially ventured into tourism focused businesses. Ixil Guides Trekking Service is an example of one of our many tourism-based models.

 

 
New Development Experience 2006. Email: info@newdevelopmentexperience.com