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Antigua Guatemala: Founded in 1543, Antigua was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas, ruling over what is now southern Mexico and all Central America. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town.
Named a World cultural heritage site by UNESCO, Antigua brings visitors to its cobblestone streets by the hundreds. Some come to visit the town and wander through its ruins, while others come to take advantage of the many Spanish schools.
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The surrounding countryside became the focus of coffee farmers. Its picturesque streets, richly textured ruins and friendly residents work their way into the heart of any |
visitor and remain there for quite a while. Antigua is a cosmopolitan town that somehow manages to conserve its small town ambiance.
Panajachel: Undoubtedly Atitlan´s main attraction is the magnificent lake surrounded by the volcanoes Toliman, Atitlan, and San Pedro. The lake was formed thousands of years ago after several volcanic explosions formed an enormous hole known as a caldera.
Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, the towns around the lake are attractive by themselves. Half of the towns are inhabited by people of Tzutujil ascent while the other half is inhabited by people of Cakchiquel ascent.
Chichicastenango: Town, west-central Guatemala, located at 1965 meters above sea level. It is the market center for many Quiché Maya Indian villages in the neighboring highlands and is one of Guatemala's most famous tourist spots. On Thursdays and Sundays, Indians market their products in the large central plaza. Colors run amok in the market.
Impossible combinations of scarlets and vermilions, pinks and purples, blues and rainbow hues storm the senses. Impossible to tell people's clothing from wares to sell, merging in the melee with malevolent masks and painted effigies, while ceramic whistles, pipes and flutes are laid out in higgledy piggledy logic from every vantage point.
Martsam Tour & Travel and Rainforest Alliance have established an alliance
to work with the operator's suppliers in Best Management Practices in
Sustainable Tourism since May 2,006
