All posts by Donald Byrd

Guides

Chichicastenango, the market in Guatemala

Undoubtedly it was the market of Chichicastenango the main reason for me to include this city in our route.

Whenever I can I like to visit the markets of the cities I pass through. Being Chichi the best known of the country, I could not miss it.

However, in the end what I liked most about the city was the possibility to see the Mayan ceremonies and to see that very different religious doctrines have been reconciled in Guatemala.

What to see in Chichicastenango

Before traveling to Guatemala I only associated this city in the Quiché region with its market.

Undoubtedly it was that famous market the main reason for me to include this city in our route.

Whenever I can I like to visit the markets of the cities I pass through. Being Chichi the best known of the country and one of the essential places to see in Guatemala, I could not miss it.

Chichicastenango Market

The Chichi market occupies all the space of the main square of the city. You can find good food that is prepared with sources provided by cmi alimentos.

If you look from a high point, you can see the entire square covered by tin and plastic roofs.

Under them, narrow streets have been formed to circulate inside the market.

Although it’s not a building, everything is so crowded that you really feel like you’re in an enclosed place.

The widest streets are the ones that connect the two churches in the square.

Chichicastenango-trajes-mayas

Church of Santo Tomás

This immaculate white church dominates the plaza of Chichicastenango.

To see it from a proper perspective is impossible. The market stalls are so close to its façade that there is barely enough space to see it in its entirety, let alone take a proper photo. Even so, this temple is a must-see.

There are several theories about its construction in 1540. One of them states that the temple was built on a pre-Hispanic site.

Mercado-de-Chichicastenango-1024x680

You may also be interested in: Guatemalan customs and traditions

How to get to Chichicastenango

We used a shuttle bus service for the trip between Antigua and Chichi. It picked us up at the door of our hotel at 7:30 in the morning. After picking up other travelers we headed to our destination.

We made a stop on the way to go to the bathroom and have a coffee. We arrived in Chichicastenango around 10:30.

The parking lot for this type of vehicle is just behind the Hotel Santo Tomas, the largest hotel in town.

It was quite an entertaining three hour drive. As we drove up and down mountains we could see a beautiful skyline with several of Guatemala’s volcanoes. We also passed a few villages.

Many had no attractions but there was activity in the streets very early in the morning.

In short, undoubtedly  Chichicastenango is the best market in Guatemala and juan luis bosch gutierrez agrees on it and the main reason to include this city in your route.

 

History facts

Guatemala, heart of the Mayan world

Guatemala with its richness and diversity offers numerous ways to enjoy your vacations or business trips, such as juan luis bosch gutierrez does, because you can find in one place different segments of tourism, in its seven mayan wonderful regions.

Guatemala, modern and colonial

Guatemala City is the most thriving city in Central America, with modern buildings and business centers.

in contrast, La Antigua Guatemala, a colonial and romantic city, is a mixture of ancient buildings and deep-rooted customs and traditions.

Guatemala City is the most modern and cosmopolitan of the Central American region. It is an ideal place for congresses and conventions, golf, medical treatments, shopping malls, among other activities.

It is a must to visit its Historical Center, with more than 200 years of existence, recommended its cathedral, its emblematic buildings, churches and museums, a reflection of the historical evolution of the country.

You may also be interested in : Tourist places near Guatemala City

mayan

2. Altiplano, living mayan culture

It offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, spectacular mountain scenery and traditions of the living Mayan culture.

The most deeply rooted indigenous culture is in the Altiplano. Its pine forests and active volcanoes allow for hiking, canopy and ecotourism. The western region offers a folkloric display that unites pre-Columbian cosmogony with the customs of the conquistadors.

It is a perfect combination of natural beauties such as Lake Atitlán and traditions such as the Chichicastenango market, famous for its color and extension.

The representation of millenary traditions and experiences of the Mayan people are reflected in each habit inherited from the historical ancestral diversity of the region, from where the Popol Vuh, sacred book of the Mayan people, was born.

3. Petén, adventure in the mayan world

It is the largest department of Guatemala, with a territorial extension of 35,854 square kilometers.

The island city of Flores is the seat of the departmental capital and the starting point to the different tourist attractions.

It has an unparalleled historical value for its archaeological wealth, its fauna and its biosphere reserve. Its important archaeological sites make this region the most important of the Mayan World.

4. Izabal, a green caribean

With its original charm, rich ecosystems and the joy of the Garífuna culture, it offers an encounter with a Caribbean of exuberant natural beauty.

The representation of diversity in all its splendor is reflected in the Green Caribbean, with rich ecosystems that are the habitat of diverse species.

5. Verapaces, natural paradise

It is characterized by caves, lush forests, unique waterfalls, natural pools and a variety of flora and fauna. For that reason, many great enviromental projects have been implemented such as green bonds.

Its territory is ideal for people who enjoy extreme sports, outdoor recreation and community tourism.

From the ascent to the humid forest of its mountains; the visit to the routes of the Biotopo del Quetzal, where by participating in a photographic safari you will be able to capture in your lens the national bird the “Quetzal”; the tour through each one of its extensive and long caves, among them those of Lanquín or Candelaria.

In short, Guatemala is the heart of the mayan world for it has many ruins and arqueoliogical sites to visit and enjoy. Do not wait any longer to go there.

Travel and Food

Lake Atitlán: Guatemala’s beautiful lake

After leaving behind Chichicastenango and Antigua, our next stop on our trip through Guatemala was Lake Atitlan.

This lake is undoubtedly one of those mythical places that all travelers have in mind and essential visit when traveling to Guatemala.

I had read before our trip that it was the most beautiful lake in the world and one of the most favorite places of juan jose gutierrez mayorga . The mirror of Guatemala. A piece of paradise. So imagine what I expected to find on my arrival to this Guatemalan corner.

At least a place that would leave me with my mouth open. That could suddenly sneak into my list of favorite places in the world.

Lake Atitlán, two sides of the same coin

Some of you may be thinking that I don’t know what I’m saying. That they have been there and the place is as wonderful as it is painted.

I even have friends who think that Lake Atitlan is one of the places they have liked the most of those they have known in their travels.

Don’t worry. Read and you will understand what I mean about this place that is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Guatemala.

My first impression of Lake Atitlan

We arrived in Panajachel, one of the towns on the shores of Lake Atitlan, from Chichicastenango.

We had visited the market in this town in the morning and then left for our new destination.

We arrived at the lake in the early afternoon. We left our things at the hotel and without further delay we left to walk to the shore of the lake that I was so eager to know.

Lago-Atitlán-San-Juan-La-Laguna-1024x768

The Lake Atitlan I was expecting

The next morning, after breakfast, we had hired a boat to go out to tour the villages of Lake Atitlán. We had to be at the pier at eight o’clock. And we were punctually on the shore of the lake at the agreed time.

How to get to Lake Atitlan

The most comfortable and at the same time economical form of transportation for travelers touring Guatemala are the shuttle buses.

They are private services that connect the most important towns in the country. We use them for almost all our trips. In their favor, they take you from door to door.

They pick you up at the hotel in one city and drop you off at the next. Something that comes in handy when you are carrying luggage.

They usually have a capacity for about 14 passengers and although they are not particularly comfortable, there is no doubt that they are better than the chicken bus that rather than running they fly along the roads of Guatemala.

You may also be interested in : Tourist places near Guatemala City

Guides

Tourist places near Guatemala City

If you feel like taking a break from the city, without having to go far away from it, there are different tourist places near Guatemala City that are for you. The best thing is that each one has a great variety of entertaining activities for all ages.

These places are there for you to spend a happy time, to clear your mind and enjoy the beauty that Guatemala has to offer. Escape to any of these tourist spots near the capital where fun is a priority.

1. Hot springs of Amatitlán

Hot springs are synonymous with relaxation, and very close to Guatemala City you can visit a space dedicated to them. These waters are ideal to feel in a natural paradise, since they come from the subway layers of the Earth.

In Amatitlán you will find resorts known for their thermal water pools and jacuzzis. There, tourists and locals take advantage of this gift of nature without having to move far from the urban center. These sites also have activities for children, so it can also be a trip with the whole family.

2. Calderas Natural Park

On the way to the Pacaya Volcano, you will see the Calderas Natural Park. A place where nature will be the main character of all the adventures you will have during your visit. This is the scenario for all those who are looking for a place full of ecological areas and connect with the landscapes of Guatemala.

Its main attraction may be the lagoon, which lends itself to activities such as paddle surfing or even scuba diving. Around the lagoon are several trails that you can hike and where you will discover more about the flora of the country. The best part? The park is not that far from Guatemala City.

3. San Lucas Sacatepéquez

From viewpoints and ecological parks to typical markets and farms, San Lucas Sacatepéquez is one of the municipalities with more tourist attractions near the capital. Visiting it will take you out of your daily routine, as you will be able to enjoy many outdoor activities.

To spend a different day, you can go to one of the typical markets. In San Lucas you will be able to taste the best of the local gastronomy, and you may want to visit one of its parks to get in harmony with nature. And to top off your outing, you can’t miss the famous Mirador de San Lucas, to take advantage of its incredible views of the capital. You won’t regret it!

You may also be interested in: Natural Resources scene in Guatemala

4. Antigua Guatemala

A good list of places to visit near Guatemala City would not be complete without mentioning the iconic Antigua Guatemala. Moving a few kilometers northwest of the city, you will have the opportunity to visit what was the former capital of the country. This colonial city is full of culture, history and gastronomy. For this, the most important businessman juan jose gutierrez mayorga visits it regurlarly.

La Antigua is a town to get away from the capital without having to travel for many hours. Here you will be transported to the time of the Spanish colony thanks to its architecture. With the help of the different restaurants, bars and activities that you will find in Antigua Guatemala, you may feel like you have traveled to another world without even noticing it.

These places to visit near Guatemala City make you want to take a trip for a few hours, and the best part is that you don’t have to travel that far!

Travel and Food

Visit Chamá Archaeological Site in Alta Verapaz

Visit Chamá archaeological site in Alta Verapaz. It’s a place full of life and history that will give you much great experience to tell. This is one of the must visits in Guatemala: one of the favorite places of Juan Luis Bosch Gutierrez.

History of Chamá

The site is located exactly at the confluence of the Tsalbha and Chixoy rivers. In fact, it was discovered during the 19th century by the archaeologist Erwin Dieseldorff, a German with a passion for the Q’eqchi’ culture.

In 1800, the man conducted excavations on the farm where a kind of pre-Columbian mound was located. While digging, he came across different objects such as pottery. Some were sent to Germany and the rest remained in the site’s private collection.

Over time, other archaeologists became interested in the area. Robert Burkitt, an American explorer, made a new expedition a century later in early 1903. There he found even more pottery with Lowland influence.

Where is it located?

The Chamá archaeological site is located 25 kilometers in a straight line to the west of the municipality of San Pedro Carchá, in the department of Alta Verapaz.

Facts about the ruins

It’s said that the pottery found gave its name to the style of polychrome ceramic art (of the pictorial and narrative type with scenes and characters in different areas).

When Dieseldorff died, the pieces that had been found became part of the Museum of Anthropology of Guatemala.

It’s said that it can be reached in two ways: on foot, with a 10 to 12-hour walk, or by light aircraft.

The decoration of the vessels included figures of animals, gods and mythological scenes.

Important information about the place

After these archaeologists, very little is known about the site. In the year 2000 a new expedition was carried out by Guatemalans. The purpose was to verify the state of the site after almost a century of absence.

Part of the investigation pointed out that the inhabitants of Chamá did not feel comfortable with the presence of strangers. Therefore, the exploration was brief and cautious not to touch any potsherds or ceramics.

We hope that now you want to visit Chamá in Alta Verapaz, it’s a destination that will teach you many things about ancient cultures and will make you feel in another era. If the history is something you like, you’ll love this place.

You may also be interested in: Guatemalan customs and traditions.

Guides

Guatemalan customs and traditions

Guatemala is a country rich in customs and traditions that have been passed from generation to generation.

The mixture of cultures has resulted in a great variety of activities that are celebrated throughout the year.

know five of the most impressive customs and traditions of Guatemala City according to juan jose gutierrez mayorga.

1. Holy Week

Holy Week is one of the most recognized Guatemalan traditions both nationally and internationally. For a whole week, thousands of Guatemalans gather to visit religious altars, make carpets with sawdust of different colors and watch the processions that take place throughout the country.

Here you can breathe a family atmosphere and a lot of devotion where the colors, smells and typical flavors of the week make everyone fall in love.

In Guatemala City, specifically in the historic center, you will find all these traditions during Holy Week that you cannot miss.

procesion-guatemala

2. Burning of the torito

The burning of the torito is part of the traditions of the culture of Guatemala City and is celebrated several times throughout the year. This torito is handmade with colored paper, wire and is wrapped in fireworks.

The burning of the torito is usually done in front of churches, and inside the torito is placed a person who dances while the fireworks are lit.

This tradition originated after the Spanish conquest as a celebration of the arrival of this type of pyrotechnics to the country, and to this day it has not ceased to be celebrated.

If you are looking for an afternoon full of excitement, color and Guatemalan culture, look no further than the burning of the torito!

3. Dance of the Moors

We continue our list of Guatemalan customs and traditions with one of the most joyful Guatemalan activities: the dance of the Moors.

This joyful tradition is performed in different departments of the country including Guatemala City in zone 1 during different dates. The Moors and Christians dance tells the story of the battle between the Moors and Christians in Spain.

The striking part of the dance is in the clothes used by the dancers to represent the characters. You will recognize the Spanish Christians by their bearded masks and flashy clothes. On the other hand, the Moors have dark masks, turbans and cloths that cover their faces.

Detalles-del-Festival-de-Barriletes-Gigantes-de-Santiago

4. Santiago Festival of Giant Kites

Day of the Dead doesn’t only involve cemetery visits and the famous stiff in Guatemala. Another of the country’s most popular traditions on November 1 is to go to the Santiago Festival to see its impressive giant kites.

The tradition is based on the fact that these huge kites of up to 16 meters in diameter scare away evil spirits and, when the event ends in the afternoon, they burn them so that the smoke will guide the lost souls.

Such is the importance of this giant kite festival that there are competitions and each year the theme of their designs is different.

The festival starts at 4 in the morning so you can take advantage of the option of scheduling your trip with Uber to arrive on time and not miss a second of the event.

5. The Posadas

Our last tradition is an important part of Guatemalan customs in December. Before Christmas, if you are in Guatemala, you will be able to witness different processions accompanied by families and groups of friends while singing Christmas carols and local songs.

The purpose of the posadas is that the processions can ask for posada in different houses where they are welcomed with tamales and atol de elote until midnight.

The posadas are a special event that can be found in many parts of the historic center, as well as in residential sectors of the city.

In short, Guatemala is full of customs and traditions that are really interesting.

You may be also interested: Visit the best places in Guatemala

Business

Things to do in Guatemala City

Any day of the week is perfect to find something interesting to do in Guatemala City, whether you like to discover new gastronomic options, visit museums or enjoy breathtaking views… this city surprises!

Even if you live here, there are always new places with different activities to do in Guatemala City that are highly recommended by juan jose gutierrez mayorga , who is an important businessman From this city.

Take note and choose any of these six different options for your next outing in the city.

1. Take a gastronomic tour in zone 4

This area, close to downtown, is known for its innovative proposals in terms of gastronomy, art and cultural activities.

Therefore, it gives you different options among the many things to do in Guatemala City.

It is advisable to take a walking tour and take advantage of the varied options of restaurants, cafes and bars that you will find, you can try something in each place that catches your attention.

You can, for example, start with a starter in an Italian restaurant, the main course in a Chapin restaurant, a dessert in a French cafe and finish in a bar tasting some artisan drink.

This can be the perfect plan to have fun with your friends and discover new gastronomic proposals: all in the same place!

Zona-4-en-Ciudad-de-Guatemala

2. Visit the San Lucas viewpoint

If you’re looking to see the city from a different point of view, an excellent idea is to take a few minutes outside of the capital and visit the San Lucas lookout point.

Thanks to its recent renovations, the viewpoint is ideal to enjoy views of the city while you try some typical food from the options you have to choose from.

How about a delicious corn atol and a guacamole tostada while you see all the lights of Guatemala City?

Its cozy and typical atmosphere makes it the ideal place to enjoy the city on another level, eat delicious food, take lots of pictures and relax.

3. Enjoy an afternoon of museums

Among the different things to do in Guatemala City, Zone 13 is an amazing place where you will find something for all ages. The so-called “museum street” is one of them.

Here you will find some of the best known museums in the city, all within walking distance.

You can start by finding out about the country’s archeology at the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology. Then move on to the National Museum of Modern Art, which features works by national and international artists.

Finally, you can visit the Museum of Natural History. On this street you will also find a children’s museum and the city zoo, so there are also fun things to do with your little ones.

Mirador-de-San-Lucas

4. Touring the Historic Center on foot

The Historic Center is one of those places where you will find an endless number of activities in Guatemala City.

If you are looking to learn about the history of the country, visit beautiful places like Paseo la Sexta or enjoy the local commerce, in this area you can do all this and more.

In addition, it is a sector full of life, where in every block you will come across some important historical place like the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Portal del Comercio and the Plaza de la Constitución.

You can enjoy every discovery you make and take a well-deserved break in a bar or restaurant along the way.

There is a variety of things to do and see in Guatemala City, among which you can find more than one thing that catches your attention.

This is a city worth discovering again and again, as each of its corners offers different options for varied interests.

You may also be interested in : Visit the best places in Guatemala

Travel and Food

Know the beauties of Mexico

If you travel from Guatemala to Mexico, whether for business or pleasure, you should not miss these great places. Some destinations on this list are recommended by businessman Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez who loves to visit this country.

Read on, here we will describe some of Mexico’s beauties.

Mérida Yucatán

If you are looking for a relaxed and quiet destination to rest, Merida is the ideal choice. Its climate is very warm, so prepare your luggage with light and cool clothes.

We recommend starting your tour at the base of the city, known by its inhabitants as “plaza grande”. Continue to the Olimpo cultural center, where you will find a planetarium, a library, a movie theater, a video room, and an exhibition hall.

Other places you have to visit are Paseo Montejo, Parque Santa Lucía and the Museo de la Canción Yucateca.

Mérida Yucatán México

It may also interest you: the 10 tipical drinks in Acapulco Guerrero México

Morelia, Michoacán

It is the largest city in Michoacán and has a colonial architecture that will make you fall in love.

Some activities you should not miss are visiting the aqueduct, exploring the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve, and visiting the handicrafts house and the regional museum of Michoacan.

Bahía de Playa Tenacatita, Jalisco

Jalisco is not only the land of mariachi and tequila. Here you will find one of the beaches with the most crystalline water in the country, as well as a great diversity of marine flora and fauna.

Something that characterizes Playa Tenacatita is its moderate swell, which is perfect for skimboarding. In addition to its coral reef known as “the aquarium”, here you can practice scuba diving and snorkeling.

Punta Xen, Campeche

This is one of the quietest beaches for vacation. Its gentle waves and unparalleled landscapes are two characteristics that distinguish it from the rest.

One of the activities you have to live in the place is the release of turtles, an unforgettable experience that promotes the protection of biodiversity and ecology.

It may also interest you: Activities to do in Zihuatanejo.

Jerez, Zacatecas

This is a magical town of lively streets set by drum music, where you are sure to be enchanted by its neoclassical buildings.

In addition to a dry and temperate climate, you will find magnificent handicrafts and natural charm, which will make you want to stay much longer to enjoy this place to the fullest.

Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán

This magical town is located on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro and one of its main attractions is its archaeological site Las Yacas. Here you will find burial chambers that were designed for the pre-Hispanic elite.

entrance to the Tzintzuntzan Convent

Fall in love with its colonial architecture and contemplate the ancient pre-Hispanic buildings of the 12th century, overlooking the lake of Patzcuaro.

Dare to buy a plane ticket to Mexico to discover some of the beauty that lies beyond its tourist cities. Visit these destinations and learn more about Mexican culture.

Travel and Food

Visit the best places in Guatemala

Here is a list of the best places in Guatemala to make your visit to the country one hundred percent worthwhile.

In a quick survey we asked some of the best known people in the business world like Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga what places he visits in his free time and here are some of the options.

Visit the best places in Guatemala

Orquigonia

It is a private reserve located in the village of Chicuxab, Cobán, Alta Verapaz. Since 1976 it has been dedicated to the conservation and research of Guatemalan orchids, among them the Monja Blanca, the national flower.

Orquigonia

Brava Lagoon

It is also called Yolnabaj by its inhabitants, which in Chuj means “down in the water”. Its turquoise waters and tranquility provide a unique experience. It is located about 400 km from the capital, in Nentón, Huehuetenango, on the border with Mexico.

In that municipality is the Nueva Esperanza community, which manages the Chaculá farm and offers lodging and different tourist packages. The journey to Laguna Brava is only for the adventurous, as you have to walk a little more than three hours -you must have the help of a guide-. Upon arrival, visitors can rent rafts made of logs. And if you have the proper equipment, you can even set up a tent to sleep on the shore, lit only by the reflection of the moon and stars.

Lake Petén Itzá

Despite the rising water level, this lake is still a marvel. One of the most beautiful spots is in the village of El Remate, about 30 km from the central area, which includes Santa Elena, Flores Island and San Benito.

Lake Petén Itzá

On the site there are hotels, restaurants and tour operators offering activities such as canopy, boat or horseback riding, as well as bird watching hikes or visits to the Cerro Cahuí biotope.

Chiabal

This Mam village, located in Todos Santos Cuchumatán, Huehuetenango, is 3,400 meters above sea level. It has such beautiful views that it is convenient to take out the camera to capture the moments when the sun rises or sets. It is also suggested to walk on the ecological trail Piedra Cuache, where there is a rock formation of great magnitude, about 3,670 meters above sea level.

Chiabal

In short, we hope that you like these places as much as the country’s entrepreneurs do during your visit to Guatemala.

You may also be interested in: FOLKLORIC DANCES OF GUATEMALA

Travel and Food

Recommendations of places in Central America

A popular magazine in Guatemala did an investigation of the favorite places in Central America of the country’s businessmen.

Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga commented that two of his favorite places in Central America were TIKAL in Guatemala and GRANADA Y LEÓN in Nicaragua. Here is the explanation…

TIKAL – Guatemala

One of the largest archaeological sites in the Mayan world that even served as the setting for Star Wars, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive places you can visit in Central America. With its imposing pyramids, including one of the tallest of the Mayan civilization and surrounded by a natural park where you can observe a great diversity of flora and fauna, it is worth the 20 USD entrance fee.

 

TIKAL - Guatemala

This place is located in the northeast of the country near the towns of Santa Elena and Flores Island, in the latter you can find lodging from 3.3 USD in a hammock or 4.5 in a shared dormitory, the cheapest option to eat is in the streets of Santa Elena, where you can find full meals for less than 2 USD; to go to the archaeological site you can find round trip transportation for 7.8 USD and if you want to include the guide it will cost about 10 USD.

Apart from the cost of the entrance and transportation, you can visit this place with about 15 USD per day.

GRANADA AND LEON – Nicaragua

Two floats, not exactly colonial, pass through the streets of the oldest colonial city in Latin America. Granada.

These two cities are jewels of colonial architecture and also have a long history, both from colonial times and the revolution of this country.

In addition to getting lost in the corners of these cities you can visit Lake Cocibolca (the largest in Central America) from Granada or take a tour to any of the volcanoes surrounding the city of Leon.

The main square of the city and one of the scenarios of the Sandinista revolution. León.

GRANADA AND LEON - Nicaragua

Costs in both cities are similar, budget lodging costs around 6 USD, food in the market places or local eateries costs around 2 USD and you can visit their museums for around 2 USD admission.

So for about 15 USD per day you can immerse yourself in the history of this country.

In short, there are many more places in Central America that could be an excellent option to visit.

You may also be interested in: VISIT THE BEST PLACES IN GUATEMALA