Juan Pascual's video and we thank him
for the showing
Some of the Temples, such as those in Tikal are
27 stories high in the jungles of Guatemala
Guatemala is known by the hospitality of its people, the mysticism of
its traditions, and the variety of ecosystems,
volcanoes, flora and fauna. Its characterized as the Country of the
Eternal Spring, even more if you experience an
encounter with nature and discover the legacy of the Mayan Civilization
in Peten’s tropical jungle, where you find one of America’s foremost archeological sites. Temples and palaces
rise through the colored vegetation that
covered them for centuries.
And if you like adventure imagine yourself trekking trough tropical
jungles, climbing volcanoes, and exploring
mysterious caves. On the other hand, enjoy the thrill of water rafting,
an arqueological diving excursion, or admire amazingly beautiful birds.
View of Lake Atitlan looking southwest toward Santiago
Atitlan, located between the three volcanoes.
This is a shot from another little hang out
of
ole Buffalo Benford's on Lake Atitlan.
Panachele is also a great tourist town and place to meet
folks from all over the
world. Town has some great bars and hotels on the lake.
Tourist from all
over the world are going in and out of the town, plus there are a lot of Europeans
and Americans
that live in the town. This is a good place to do some buying of Guatemalan clothes and
materials. No doubt can pay for the trip with what we can export out of Guatemala...for
sure help the people of
the area
make some money from their trade...
According to the Annals of the Kaqchikels, the ancient highland Maya
associated Lake Atitlan with these first waters of creation. When the Kaqchikels first arrived in
the region, their king threw himself into the lake and changed himself into Gucumatz ("Quetzal Serpent"),
the god who initiated the creation from within the waters that once covered the earth (Recinos
1953:76-77). Immediately the lake became dark. Then a north wind came up and a whirlpool formed
in the water reminiscent of the
darkness and chaos of the primordial world. According to the text,
the Tz'utujils were so impressed by this demonstration of power that they ceded the northern shores
of the lake to the Kaqchikels.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid U.S. passport is required to enter
and depart
Guatemala, even though many people, including some U.S.-based airline
employees, mistakenly believe
otherwise. U.S. citizens returning to the United States from Guatemala
are not allowed to board their
flights without a valid U.S. passport. Therefore, U.S. citizens are
strongly advised to obtain a U.S. pass-
port before departing the United States. Certificates of Naturalization,
birth certificates, driver's licenses,
and photocopies are not considered acceptable alternative travel documents.
While in Guatemala, U.S.
citizens should carry their passports, or photocopies of their passports,
with them at all times. Minors
(under 18) traveling with a valid U.S. passport need no special permission
from their parents to enter or
leave Guatemala. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of 90
days or less (that period can be
extended upon application). An exit tax must be paid when departing
Guatemala.
Thanks to the diversity of micro climates and extensive arable land,
Guatemala is able to produce all types of
ornamental plants throughout the year. The mountainous, volcanic area
is suited to: Tillandsias, Aphelandra, Hedera, Cissus, Maranta, Peperomia. The area of the South Coast, near
the Pacific Ocean, provides ideal conditions for: Aglaonema, Brassia, Codiaeum, Dracaena, Ficus, Polyscias,
Scindapsus, Syngonium and Philodendron.
The tropical forests of the northeast and southeast produce palm varieties
such as Phoenix and Arecas, as well
as Beaucarnea, Yucca, Cordyline and Sansevieria. The coldest area of
the country, northeast of the capital and in the western highlands, is ideal for the cultivation of flowers such
as roses and carnations, as well as decorative
greens.
Lago Atatlan
This is another shot from the Bay on the other
side of the lake from Panachel.
The Bayof Santiago Atitlan was a beautiful and peaceful
place where I rented
rooms and housesseveral times over the years. During
the ten years I traveled Central and South America
This spot on earth is one of the most powerful
geophysical and cultural places I have everexperienced
They still speak ancient Myan languages and wear clothes like they wore
2,000
years a go. This area ofGuatemala is like a trip 2,000 years in the
ancient Mayan past.
You hear stories of author Tom Robbins, Aldous Huxley and others that have
