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Guatemala is a small country located in Central America. This country has received the nicknames of the land of the everlasting spring, the heart of the mayan world, and others. Through this blog will learn about the hidden gems that this country posses, gems that makes this small place a woth place to travel and discover.
This is brochure I designed. This brochure includes the 7 touristic Zones of Guatemala. Pictures by:
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One of the best ways to enjoy Guatemala in its culture is through the food. The variety is amazing it can go from european influence, to mayan, mexican, caribbean, and other international cuisine. Here are the name of some of the best food and desserts you can try at this country:
I grew up in a small and beautiful country, between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, in Guatemala, Central America. This country is full of rich and diverse cultures, languages and even holidays. The way people celebrate the holidays in Guatemala is unique. A good example of it is “El Día de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead.”
Some people say that this tradition is mixed with the prehispanic custom of burying the dead with objects, food and gifts for their journey to the afterlife. The tradition stems from the belief that at death the souls remain in a certain place while they’re waiting to go to heaven. El Día de los Muertos was celebrated by the Aztecs (in Mexico) and the Mayans (in Guatemala) during the prehispanic time. When the Spanish arrived to the American Continent this local practice was adapted to the Christian calendar, and now is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. The first day people celebrate the Day of All Saints, dedicated to children. The second is dedicated to the rest of the dead, which are the only days on which the souls are allowed to return to visit their loved ones. So it is actually a welcome party for those who are surprised. Despite the similitudes of El Día de los Muertos between Guatemala and Mexico, Guatemala celebrates this holiday in a different way. Guatemalans go to cemeteries and put some flowers on the graves of their loved ones and friends who have passed away. This is done to honor and remember their memories. Guatemala’s best Día de los Muertos celebrations are held in the town of Santiago Sacatepéquez, a small town outside of the famous city of Antigua Guatemala. People there made what is called “barriletes gigantes” — extravagant and enormous kites central to the festivities. These hand-constructed kites guide the departed souls back to life on November 1st. As a link between life and death, they’re covered with special messages and designs to the deceased, written by the living. Every year thousands of tourists visit this place in order to appreciate the wonderful tradition for themselves. There is another famous celebration in the country, in the small town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán. The main event there is the horse race competition that happens on November 1st. This horse race has been celebrated for many years, and attracts a lot of tourists as well. Also unique to these dates in Guatemala is the “fiambre.” Fiambre is a traditional dish, very similar to a salad, made up of several ingredients. This dish usually include numerous sausages, hams, pickled baby-corn, onion, beets, pacaya flower, cheeses, olives, chicken, and sometimes even Brussels sprouts or shrimp. It is customary to eat the fiambre with the family. El Día de los Muertos is one of the most famous traditions Guatemala has. People from all over the country celebrate it. They also remember those families and friends who have passed away, but still live in their memories. I’ve had the opportunity to experience this holiday and enjoy it. In fact, it has become one of the most memorable celebrations I’ll never forget. Famous Places to Visit
Hidden TreasuresImportant Information to Know about the ZoneEsquipulas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esquipulas Chiquimula: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiquimula El Progreso: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Progreso_Department Zacapa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zacapa Jutiapa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jutiapa HotelsRestaurantsThis is the East side of the country. In this zone the visitor will have the opportunity to see the rest of prehistoric animals who lived in the area before, as well as to enjoy of other attractions that are such as rivers, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
Departments or States located in this area: - Chiquimula - El Progreso - Jalapa - Jutiapa - Santa Rosa - Zacapa Famous Places to Visit
Hidden Treasures
Information about this ZoneXetulul: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xetulul_Theme_Park Xocomil: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xocomil Mazatenango: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazatenango,_Suchitep%C3%A9quez Escuintla: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escuintla_Department Retalhuleu: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retalhuleu_Department Volcan Pacaya: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacaya Hotels- Soleil Pacifico - Fins'N Feathers Casa Vieja Lodge - Hostales del IRTRA - Gran Karmel - Bambu - Takalik Maya Lodge - Posada de Don Jose RestaurantsGuatemala has a long Pacific Coast. Here the visitor will enjoy of the gray sand beaches, volcanoes, maglares, olmec culture, as well as marlin fishing.
Departments or States located in this zone: - Escuintla, - Suchitepequez, - Retalhuleu - Pacific Coast areas of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Santa Rosa, and Jutiapa. Famous Places to Visit
Hidden Treasures
Important Information about this ZoneCoban: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob%C3%A1n Salama: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salam%C3%A1 Semuc Champey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semuc_Champey Quetzal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzal Monja Blanca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monja_Blanca HotelsRestaurantsThis zone is known as "The Verapaces." The visitor will have the opportunity to practice eco-tourism activities such as the famous White Water Rafting. The visitor will also have the opportunity to swim in the crystal waters of rivers and lakes.
Departments or States located in this zone: - Alta Verapaz - Baja Verapaz Famous Places to VisitHidden TreasuresImportant Information about this ZoneIzabal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izabal_Department Lago de Izabal: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_de_Izabal HotelsRestaurants- La Buga
- Sandy Bay - Flowas - Comunidad Lagunita El Salvador This is the Atlantic Coast of Guatemala. Here the visitor will enjoy of the combination of the Spanish, Mayan, and Garifuna culture, food, and people.
The department or state found in this zone is Izabal. Famous Places to VisitHidden TreasuresImportant Information about this ZoneHotelsRestaurants- Raices
- Villa del Chef - La Albahaca - Achiote - El Tucan - Capitan Tortuga In this zone the visitor will enjoy and feel the "Mayan Spirit," and learn about this amazing civilization. Places like Tikal, El Mirador, and Yahxa will amaze any visitor with their ancient Mayan temples and variety of flora and fauna found in the wild and almost virgin jungle.
The department or State located in this zone is Peten. Famous Places to Visit
Hidden Treasures
Important Information about this ZoneQuetzaltenango: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_de_Atitl%C3%A1n Chichicastenango: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichicastenango Hotels- Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve - Posada de Don Rodrigo - Porta Hotel Del Lago - Hotel Atitlan - Villa Santa Catarina - La Riviera Atitlan - Jardines del Lago - Pension Bonifaz - Maya Inn - Villa Grande - Santo Tomas Hotel Restaurants- Restaurante Tertulianos
- Cardinalli - Pana Rock - Restaurante Hana - Guajimbos - Al Pomodoro - La Vienesa (Bakery) This area is famous for having the greatest concentration of Mayan descendants in the country. In this area the visitor will enjoy of handcraft markets, waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains, and lakes. The famous Lake Atitlan is considered by many as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Departamentos or States located in this area: - Quetzaltenango - Sololá - Quiché - Huehuetenango - Totonicapán - San Marcos Famous Places to visit |