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No other country in the
world will give you a glimpse into the distinctive culture of the
native Maya people than Guatemala. Situated in the Central American
region, Guatemala is a culture-rich country which borders Mexico,
Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and a tiny piece of the Caribbean
coastline.
Out of its more than 12 million inhabitants, a large
percentage of the Guatemalan population belong to the
ethnolinguistic Mayan groups. Despite the modernization that the
country has undergone, the people have retained the cultural
traditions that they inherited from their ancestors.
The Maya Ruins in Guatemala
If you're a first time
visitor in this part of Central America, the Maya ruins are probably
the main reason why you went to visit Guatemala in the first place.
To give you an idea about the cultural delights in store for you,
here is a list of the Maya-related sights which are a must-visit in
Guatemala:
Aguateca
Would you like to see archaeologists in action? Then you should
definitely head out to Aguateca in Guatemala, where some of the
best-preserved Mayan ruins are located.
El Peru
Locally known as Waka, you can venture out to El Peru via a
three-day trek or boat trip from Flores. Rumor has it that El Peru
is one of the identified sources of many looted Maya artifacts.
El Mirador
Despite its being not that developed for tourists, El Mirador is a
massive Maya site which could be the cradle of this ancient
civilization. You might also see archaeologists hard at work here.
Iximche
History buffs can venture out from Guatemala City to the Central
Highlands to explore the ruins of Iximche.
Nakum
Nakum is a classic Maya ruins site which is accessible by taking a
round trip from Yaxha – after which you have the option to venture
out into Tikal.
Tikal
Tikal and El Mirador are currently battling it out as being the
largest among the Maya ruins in Guatemala. Tikal, however, is more
established which makes a trip to Guatemala well worth your while.
Yaxha
Located between Flores and Melchor de Mencos, Yaxha consists of more
than 500 structures which show traces of the ancient Maya
civilization.
Other Notable Characteristics of this Gem of a
Country
In addition to the Maya
ruins, what sets Guatemala apart from similar countries in the
region is the rich tradition of its people. When you stay there for
a week or so, you should sample the striking colors and patterns of
Mayan weavings. Their intricate handiwork is turned into huipiles or
blouses, skirts, sashes and native headdresses.
Guatemala is also home to Nobel Prize in Literature
awardees like Miguel Angel Asturias and Rigoberta Menchu. Another
must-see which reflects the rich culture of the Guatemalans is the
marimba, which is a large xylophone with a wooden keyboard that
produces a unique sound.
Nature lovers would have a blast trekking to the region
of Coban where quetzal, a rare bird species, can be seen freely
roaming the blue skies of Guatemala.
Whether it's the culture, the Maya ruins or the unique
charm of the place which interests you, Guatemala should definitely
be included in your list of places to travel because it's simply a
gem of a country. |
