Editor’s note: like Sam, I also loved Antigua so much that I keep looking for a good time to go back, even after spending nearly two weeks there. You can read about my experience here. For more of Sam’s adventures, click here to visit his index page. When I travel to Latin America, some of…
Guatemala is a small country geographically, but really packs a punch. Diverse landscapes, from volcanoes and lakes to coastlines and jungles, mark it as an outdoor paradise, while historical wonders of the Mayan and Spanish colonial periods will astound those who prefer slightly tamer activities. But what do you need to know to plan a…
For so many Americans, Guatemala isn't a place per se. Rather, it is synonymous with drugs, violence, and illegal immigration, since that is what we see in the news. As a first-time visitor to the northernmost of the "northern triangle" countries - or as Fox News put it, three Mexican countries - I was curious…
Antigua Guatemala, literally meaning Old Guatemala, sits about an hour outside of the bustling capital of Guatemala City. It is, for many tourists, the first and most mandatory stop on a trip to this Central American nation, and it was for me. Easily walkable (distance-wise, as the cobblestone streets and sidewalks seem to yearn to…
It is hot. Very hot, sitting at an even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The air is steamy, the humidity approaching 85% and seeping through me. I stand in the shade of a tree, drinking water and sweating it out just as fast, staring at Temple 1, a large pyramid at one side of Tikal's grand plaza.…
Arriving in a new country (or even a new city) can be a complete culture shock. It is incredible how seemingly insignificant differences can be truly mind-blowing. New plant life, different architectural styles, or a change in climate or topography are common differences to notice. Sometimes, though, the first thing to truly stand out is…
I can't believe that this trip is upon me. I've wanted to visit Guatemala since my first exposure to Mayan culture in Belize about fifteen years ago. On that trip, I journeyed to Altun Ha, a small Mayan trading city. It was impressive, and I learned of the existence of the grandest Mayan city of…
After an incredible three months in France and a month back stateside, it is time for me to head back out of the country. The destination? Central America! I've designated this Central America Part One since I will be returning to a couple more countries later in the year. It wasn't intentional to visit Central…