Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a series of limestone pools formed by the Cahabon river in central Guatemala. The river feeds into the green and blue pools which lie at the bottom of a steep valley. Also found inside the pools are small fish that eat the dead skin off of your toes, terrorizing or amusing, and all the while cleansing swimmers. Despite its remote location Semuc Champey is a popular attraction. When I visited it was Semana Santa and thus inundated with Guatemalan tourists. Although the pools lacked the peace and quiet that I desired it was still well worth the visit.

Tikal

The legendary Mayan city of Tikal is located deep in the lush green jungle of northern Guatemala.  Originally settled in 700BC, Tikal became one of the most powerful  Mayan citys through warfare.  At one point Tikal was over 30 square kilometers and the home to over  100,000 Mayan residents.  The city collapsed around 900 and was rediscovered in 1848. 

Two temples rising high above the canopy

Looking out over Tikal from the highest point

A partially uncovered building in the 'lost city'

Temple 1 in the Grand Plaza

The Grand Plaza

The buildings in Tikal are impressive and imposing, some of which tower over 60m above the jungle floor.  Many of the towers are high enough to emerge through the forest canopy and provide spectacular views.  Due to Tikal’s relative isolation and location in the jungle, visitors have a great chance of spotting wildlife.  Regardless of where you are, you can most certainly hear Howler Monkey’s deep echoing call throughout the jungle.  We also spotted Spider Monkeys, Foxes, Tarantulas, and Coatis.

A Spider Monkey

Fox

Coati in the Grand Plaza

Ben and his breakfast

Climbing Temple 5 was not easy for those with a fear of heights or 60m high rickety wooden ladders.  Today anyone can climb Temple 5, however, during  Tikal’s heyday it was only the High Priests and others of extreme importance who were allowed to the summit.

Temple 5

The ladder of death on Temple 5

Antigua & Lake Atitlan

South of Guatemala City are two of Guatemala's most popular tourist attractions, the restored colonial city of Antigua, and the Volcano laden Lake Atitlan.

Antigua’s cobble stone streets and restored colonial buildings are the prime attraction for visitors of Guatemala’s famed town.  Here the streets are kept trash free and even the McDonalds has to conform to building codes­­-  no protruding signage and definitely no neon arches.   There are many high end hotels and upscale restaurants catering to foreign tourists and the Guatemalan elite.  Although they were shrouded in haze when I was there,  normally looming over Antigua is an impressive volcano.  I was in Antigua during the weeks preceding the holy week of Semana Santa, when locals take to the streets in celebration and the highways for vacation.  

Residents make elaborate street art in homage to Semana Santa only to have to swept away hours later

Boris and an elaborately decorated chicken bus

After a shuttle from Antigua and a short boat ride I found myself at Lake Atitlan.  Lake Atitlan is a Guatemalan highland lake surrounded by imposing volcanoes and small charming villages.  The cool waters of the lake are great for the quick refreshing swim if the sun is out and the even more adventurous take the 9m plunge from the platform at San Marcos.

San Pedro volcano

Claire takes the plunge

San Marcos is just one of the towns on the lakeshore.  It has a distinct mix of local villagers and ex-pats who seem to have an interest in yoga or meditation which are very popular here.  It is a fantastic place to pass the time and relax.