A Weekend of Mayan Culture, Good Food, and Gorgeous Landscapes

At Maximo Nivel there is a stand belonging to Carlos who owns and operates Guinness Travel. He offers several guided trips throughout Guatemala and surrounding Latin American countries. This weekend I was fortunate enough to join 8 other volunteers on the trip to Tikal. We left on Friday morning and made the long and winding 8 hour journey to Flores, Guatemala, arriving in time for some dinner and a walk around the island. The fact that Antigua is approximately 1 mile above sea-level quickly became obvious while in the lake-level town. Flores was balmy and warm. The next morning we woke early and grabbed our Mayan guide, Oliver, before entering the national park to explore the old Mayan ruins of Tikal. It was fascinating to explore the grounds while soaking in the history of Mayan culture and beliefs. The humidity and heat continued, which was a welcomed change from the cool winter temperatures we’ve been experiencing in Antigua. It only took 5 minutes before we had all sweated completely through our clothes, but I wasn’t about to complain! After about 4 hours we had seen and climbed most of the temples, palaces and residential areas. It is always fascinating for me to see such intricate and impressive architecture from so long ago. Most of the area is overgrown with rain forest and is being archeologically excavated and restored. Trudging through the rainforest was a bad idea in shorts… despite the copious amounts of bug spray I had been using I was completely eaten alive. 

There were SO many tarantulas!

Spider Monkeys!

Breathtaking! The view from Temple IV.

I haven't counted, but I'm probably up to about 60 bug bites. SO ITCHY!

 We enjoyed an incredible lunch and then headed back to Rio Dulce, where we had stopped for lunch the day prior. Again, we arrived near dark, quickly changed and headed to dinner. We took a boat to a water-access-only restaurant and hotel owned by an Australian/Mexican couple. I had some INCREDIBLE fish tacos. We had breakfast there the following morning as well. The river culture here is absolutely beautiful. I’ve decided that I’d like to retire in one of the bungalows lining the river (which will be lined with tiki torches, citronella candles and Off clips). It is so beautiful here. I just need to learn to sail (not to worry, it’s on the bucket list). We then headed to the natural hot springs and jumped into the river. The current made it into something similar to a never-ending pool, which would be great for triathlon training; from my labored breathing and burning arms I could quickly tell it’s been a while since I’ve been in the pool! Time to sign up for a race (eek!). Next we docked in the Amatique bay which allowed magnificent views of Belize across the ocean. The vastness of the ocean and majestic towering of the mountains never cease to amaze and humble me and remind me of my modest role in this world. We hiked about 15 minutes through beautiful forest flora and pools of cool water and smooth river rock. Finally we arrived at our cliff jumping spot. You know the terrifying feeling during a dream that you’re falling? Yep, that was real life today. Each of the 8 others jumped off into the cool, clear, blue water, and I stood shaking at the top. I climbed up fine and wasn’t fearful at first, but the longer I stood there the harder and faster my heart began to pound. I could literally feel the blood pulsing through my body and my hands were shaking like I had drunk 10 shots of espresso (had they been 10 shots of whiskey, I feel like I would have been more daring!). Again, the 8 jumped by and finally, FINALLY, I ran to the edge and jumped off. I’m certain that the entire village close by heard the ear-piercing scream that evacuated my body. I had to do it again. Masochist.

It's possible to fall in love with a place.

Some evening fishing

I would love to take this to work everyday instead of a chicken bus haha

Paradise

The hot springs

Did I mention falling in love?

Our hike to my eventual cliff jump, near-death experience.

After some time, we trudged our way back to the boat and made our way to the quaint town of Livingston, Guatemala. This town is unlike any other area of Guatemala in that the people there speak the Mayan language Q’eqchi’ and are darker skinned, looking more African than Latina or Central American. As per Guatemalan tradition, it was a beautiful and colorful town full of friendly people and delicious food. Our stay was short as we had to head back to Antigua, but I am so glad that we were able to stop. This weekend was jam-packed with lots of learning, adventure and fun and will be one that I will always remember. It is such a blessing to meet a local who knows these small, quaint and beautiful spots that are a bit off the map and allow for a better understanding of Guatemalan culture and life.