From the colonial charms of Antigua to the colossal remains of the ancient city of Tikal, Guatemala is easily the most intriguing and culturally diverse country in Central America.
Beginning in Antigua - the touristic epicenter of the Guatemalan Highlands - we ventured out along the "gringo trail" to take in the serene beauty of Lake Atitlan, plunged into the classic market atmosphere of Chichicastenango and absorbed the more traditional village life of Quezaltenango.
With a three-day, two-night mini-van journey over the Honduran border to the Mayan city of Copan and a two-day stay at the entrance to the jungle-shrouded ruins at Tikal, we managed - in two weeks - to take in many of highlights of this fascinating region.
Date(s): August 1994. Album by David Kohl. Photos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg. 1 - 16 of 32 Total. 4120 Visits.
Antigua After landing in the capital - Guatemala City - most travelers head directly to one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas - Antigua.
Antigua Founded in 1542, Antigua is ringed by three volcanoes - Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Despite withstanding at least 16 damaging earthquakes, the city's numerous colonial buildings are still intact.
Antigua Central square in Antigua.
Antigua A parade of school children celebrating a Guatemalan version of Earth Day.
Antigua A view of the courtyard at Hotel San Jorge.
Copan The ancient city of Copan in Honduras is located less than 10 miles from the Guatemalan border. This is a view of the Great Plaza.
Copan Hieroglyphic Stairway Copan peaked during the Classic Mayan Period from 250 to 900 AD. By the year 1200 the royal city of Copan had already been reclaimed by the jungle.
Copan Copan was brought to the world's attention by John Stephens in 1841.
Copan Intricately carved "stalae" are scattered throughout the site. They stunningly carved "portraits" of former rulers of Copan.
Group trip to Copan
Group trip to Copan, Version 2
Lake Atitlan One of the world's most picturesque lakes, Lake Atitlan is actually a caldera - a collapsed volcanic cone. In some areas the lake is more than 1,000 feet deep.
Lake Atitlan The view from our room at the Hotel Bella Vista.
Lake Atitlan Sunset from our hotel.
Lake Atitlan After an evening storm.
Santa Catarina, Lake Atitlan Girls dressed in the traditional and distinctive blue clothing of the village of Santa Catarina.
