I am seriously considering a self drive holiday for 2 weeks in Guatemala and hoping to take in Copan, Honduras and relax for a couple of days near the Belize Barrier Reef.

I read the reviews on this site and it seems Paul Tanner has already opted for this mode of travel. Do you think it's dangerous or doable?

I intend to visit Antigua, Lake Atitkal, then head to Copan Ruinas in Honduras. Then work my way to Tikal stopping at Quirigua on the way. Then I'd catch a flight to Belize.

Well. It was a long time ago so I cant guarantee the relevance of my experiences in today's conditions
We rented in Guatemala in 1995 and had been there by bus in 1985

Driving in Guatemala gave no particular problems
a. Roads were quite good
b. Police gave no problems
c. Car from an international company (cant remember which off hand) was good
d. We didnt prebook any hotels after the arrival night and didnt have problems
e. We didnt go to Tikal by car having been there by bus on the earlier trip. I presume the road will have improved since 1985 when it wasnt good. The main reason we didnt drive there i. 1995 however was that it was rather out of the way for our main circuit. As I remember it the bus from there to Beliz was quite easy.
f. Apart from that we visited all the places you mentioned plus others. Except Copan of course but my reviews describe the process for getting there from the border in those days.
g. I would do it by self drive car again

Cant think kf anything else of relevance. Good travelling!

thanks Paul! That helps me a great deal.

I'm inclined to go for it after having visited Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua and having seen that the Panamerican highway and roads in general in Central America (in the dry season!) are generally in good condition. I would be driving a 4x4 just in case, but mostly I'd like to go for self drive to be able to visit Quirigua and Copan and then Tikal before heading to Belize to snorkel and relax.

To my knowledge, self driving in those countries is the best option. In Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama traveling by public transportation could be sometimes a fair option, but in Guatemala and Honduras must be avoided at all cost. The insecurity up there is a real deal, , but the most of the violence is not directly targeted to tourists, as far as you keep on the tourist track. On the other hand, the quality of the roads, the infrastructure in general and the signage are far better up there. Still, I would have some degree of precaution driving to Tikal.

In the end we might opt for a driver with the car since it's not that expensive for 2 weeks

I see that all 2002 T entries for Guatemala are rubbish documents but does anyone know what other sites there are besides Takalik Abaj for the Mayan/Olec mashup, and where exactly the Two Rivers area is supposed to be?!

Zoe
Hi, Zoe

Well, I agree that the Guatemalan TList has extremely sparse information about its (way too many) entries.

However, some years ago, when I was very active looking in internet about the then existing TList sites from every country, some of the Guatemalan sites strucked me a bit more than the others. Those are:

-Tak'alik Ab'aj: I agree, it is the strongest candidate for a new WHS in that country. The Mayan-Olmec connection is unique, is highlighted by this site and the pictures of the site make it look really interesting. Additionally, it would be the only WHS in the Pacific side of Guatemala. Regarding the other TList entry "The Mayan-Olmecan" encounter" the text under "coordinates" clearly shows that this site is a duplicate. So, no other sites besides Tak'alik Ab'aj.

-"The Painted Murals of San Bartolo": right next in order of interest, this one seems to portray an angle of the Mayan culture that isn't really in the list, and the pictures show it as interesting. Even comparing it with Mexico's own Bonampak (if it ever gets into the list), I think it still stands out.

-"Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reservation": for its size, location (and the pictures that one can get from it), it clearly is a relatively a strong natural contendor. It is the biggest cloud forest reserve in Central America, so I think inscription would be justified.

-"The Route of the Rivers": of the rather nondescript Mayan ruin sites that are in the TList (and considering that the list has already many inscribed), this seems the most interesting one. Additionally, it is a strong chance for a binational site, with Mexico. Doing a normal search on internet will not retrieve anything about it, so I changed my search terms and found this site and map http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0185-25742017000100011. The nucleus of this site would be the use of the Usumancinta river for transport, trade and the exchange of cultural influences. It would (most probably) include Guatemalan sites as Cancuén, Ceibal, Aguateca, Altar de Sacrificios and Piedras Negras and would make 100% sense if it included Mexican sites of the other site of the river: Bonampak and Yaxchilán.

-"National Park Sierra del Lacandón": another site that only makes sense as a binational site, with Mexico. But it seems to have an amazing biodiversity. Very remote, by the way.

-Naj Tunich: it may stand a chance. The information about it shows it as an ancient rock art site (again Maya, but very different from San Bartolo). I don't know how good this angle would be to achieve WH status, but it is still an angle.

-"Visis Cabá and Triángulo Ixil": I don't know too much abouth the natural angle, but maybe the three towns in the Triángulo Ixil (Santa María Nebaj, San Juan Cotzal, and San Gaspar Chajul) may have an angle to explore in a candidacy. Yes, the WH list is inundated of colonial churches, and colonial towns, but it may be made for a case for vernacular architecture and cultural exchange.

Besides that, I still find sites that could be maybe not WH experiencies at all, but that to many people I know have been very worthy tourist experiences (many Ticos travel a lot these days through Latin America and ultra-inexpensive-Guatemala really drives many people there):

-Lake Atitlán: it definitely stands out in terms of beauty, but it suffers from pollution and -if seen from a Cultural Landscape perspective- the towns on its sides have too many modern structures, so integrity has been highly affected. Still, a place I very much look forward to visit.

-"The Green Route of Verapaz": I didn't remember anything about it, but seeing the description, it includes Semuc Champey, which some friends I know have found as a worthy experience (a Pamukkale of the jungle would be it). It has only become touristy just in the last years, but they are really milking out of it these days...so...management issues may be against it.

-"Chichicastenango": yes, in terms of tangible heritage is really meagre and Dennis Nicklaus' review of it is not precisely glowing. However, on terms of intangible heritage and in the right time of the year, it could be an interesting cultural experience. Again, not WH material at all.

Regarding the other TL sites: yes, they don't stand a chance whatsoever, they present something very similar to something already inscribed or I didn't get what exact properties would be within this TL Site. Well, maybe Castillo San Felipe de Lara, but as a part of a multinational proposal, with other Central American and Caribbean forts (and still, the already certified field is really crowded).

Thank you so much for the great info.

I ended up going just to Tak'alik Ab'aj I didn't see any signs for other similar sites in the area and overall it is enough for what representing the Mayan Olmec mashup to get the idea. Chichicastenango was rubbish in terms of WHS but unless they update the documents I will not know what it was really trying to show as unique there. Lake Atitlán is ruined by mass tourism and so was Semuc, meh it's almost like someone threw all the touristy places onto the tentative list and will work out if there is something description worthy afterwards.

I still have 3 days for the places around Flores. The murials would be awesome but definitely off limits. I'll have to contend with magnificent Mayan ruins instead lol

Oh and i just read up on the above, nowadays Guatemala is totally fine to travel on buses and coaches, maaaany tourists do it and it's cheap. I had a rental car and there are many options at the airport and it's affordable including basic insurance. Roads are similar to other Central American countries and Mexico, proholes here and there, speed bumps, trucks slowing down miles of traffic etc, but some good divided highway sections too. I went to Tikal with 3 others and the rental was only $20 without insurance, without the need to wait for a van to be full plus the pickup allowed us to drive the dirt road to Uaxactun.

If you only want to visit Copan you can take a shuttle from Antigua, Guatemala City, El Salvador, Belize, everything is super connected and safe nowadays. E.g. Copan to Antigua is $25, Caye Caulker to Flores $32.

Hi, my name is Santiago from Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala I will be updating the status of the Guatemalan TWHS list and making suggestions about it. Also, I will be adding some information about potential nominations already in the talks and propose sites that could be considered.

TWHS update and suggestions:

1. Castillo de San Felipe de Lara: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. I will say that it could be added in a potential transnational nomination with the colonial forts of Honduras and Nicaragua as Fortificaciones de la Capitanía General de Guatemala, otherwise remains an unmatched example of a Spanish fortress in Central America (CAM), a national treasure and a main attraction of Izabal. If the transnational nomination doesn't happen it should be removed from the TWHS.

2. Cueva de Naj Tunich: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024, still being investigated, protected, and restored. The site is unique and unmatched compared to other cave sites in the rest of Mesoamerica. It is a late classic ceremonial and pilgrimage site where many hieroglyphs, scenes, texts, and figures represent the exchange of important spiritual, political, and cultural values ​​between powerful Mayan cities. It contains the longest epigraphic corpus in the Mayan world. It's a delicate site to manage because of human destruction, hurricanes, bats, and humidity, as of now you can only visit a replica of the original cave. Should remain on the TWHS.

3. Parque Nacional Sierra Lacandón: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024, still being investigated, protected, and restored. Unique in its archeological and natural values being the second largest national park in Guatemala, it features the enigmatic and remote city of Piedras Negras. Should be a binational nomination along with Yaxchilán, México. Should be removed from the TWHS list and reframed as Paisaje Cultural Antiguo del Río Usumacinta.

4. Lago de Atitlán: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024, still being investigated, protected, and restored. The most beautiful lake in CAM it has a unique scenic, natural, and cultural value nowhere to be found outside of Guatemala. Lately, there have been efforts to save it from pollution and human invasion. In the last 10 years, Atitlán has been an important place of subaquatic archeological interest because of the discovery of the city of Pjuybel or Samabaj on the deep lake waters. As of now, all we know is that it was an ancient Mayan ceremonial and pilgrimage site located on a now-submerged island 500 m underwater probably destroyed by an earthquake. There have been many efforts to recover ancient ceramics and restore structures. In 2022 UNESCO sent a scientific and technical mission to research the site with new technologies. Many types of archaeological sites still need to be restored and researched like the ones sharing the shores of the lake like Chuitinamit and many others related to cave paintings and petroglyphs. The site may not include the towns surrounding it but some churches and buildings have a close relationship with the natural and historical landscape like the Church of San Antonio Palopó and Iglesia de San Francisco Panajachel. I think the site should be inscribed on its cultural, scenic, and natural beauty and rarity. Should remain in the TWHS.

5. Ruta de la Agroindustria y la Arquitectura Victoriana: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. It consists of various old states and properties important for the UFCO banana production along with the railway infrastructure linking the coasts of Izabal and Escuintla. I think it could be a potential transnational site along with Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. If the transnational nomination doesn't happen Should be removed from the TWHS.

6. Ruta de la Evangelización Fransicana: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. It consists of 26 different Catholic churches related to the Franciscan order. I think that this "route" does not exemplify the complicated and rich history of evangelization in Guatemala. Should be removed from the TWHS list and certain properties reframed as part of Santuarios del sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala.

7. Ruta de la Evangelización Dominica: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. It consists of 27 different Catholic churches related to the Dominican order. I think that this "route" does not exemplify the complicated and rich history of evangelization in Guatemala. Should be removed from the TWHS list and certain properties reframed as part of Santuarios del sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala.

8. Ruta de la Paz y la Identidad Nacional: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. It consists of 4 of the most important churches in Guatemala. I think that this "route" does not exemplify the complicated and rich history of peace and national identity in Guatemala. Should be removed from the TWHS list and Basílica de Esquipulas reframed as part of Santuarios del Sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala.

9. Reserva de la Biósfera de la Sierra de las Minas: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024 still being investigated, protected, and restored. It´s CAM's largest cloud forest and home to various endemic species like the jaguar it's unmatched in its importance and beauty. Should remain on the TWHS list.

10. Núcleo del Área Maya: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024 still being investigated, protected, and restored. This ambiguous site is probably composed of the sites surrounding the Tikal area like Uaxactún, El Zotz, and Nakum. It has the OUV values to be inscribed but is too wide and ambiguous. Should be removed from the TWHS and their inscription should be focused on each particular site like Uaxactún or Nakum.

11. La Cuenca del Mirador: Some initial steps to include it on the WHS list as of 2024 nothing official, still being investigated, protected, and restored. A shoo-in on the WHS for its grandeur, importance, and uniqueness. Some chaservation, management, and tourism are challenges yet to be resolved. Should remain on the TWHS list.

12. El Triángulo Cultural: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024 aside from the Naranjo-Sa'aal Archaeological Site. Consists of three classical Mayan cities that share an ancient cultural landscape (Yaxhá, Nakum, and Naranjo). Should be removed from the TWHS and their inscription should be focused on each particular site like Yaxhá, Nakum, and Naranjo-Sa'aal.

13. La Ruta Verde de la Verapaz: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. Composed of 4 natural sites all associated with the karstic landscape in Alta Verapaz. Semuc Champey is the most popular of them. I think this site lacks profound investigation and can have a chance to be inscribed if more grottoes, caves, and associated natural phenomena are added along with their research related to the natural formations and the cultural, ceremonial, and archaeological importance such as Caves of B'omb'il Pek, Cueva de Chicoy, Salinas Nueve Cerros or Grutas del Rey Marcos. The fact that it was proposed as "Ruta" says that their main focus was probably tourism and not scientific. Should Remain in the TWHS list with a different focus and name.

14. La Ruta de los Manglares de la Costa del Pacífico de Guatemala: There are no plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. Its area is composed of the Manchón Guamuchal and the Monterrico mangrove reserves, I think the mangrove forest is a very common type of forest around the world, and again the fact that it is named "ruta de" says that their main focus was probably touristic and not scientifical. Remains an important natural site. Should be removed from the TWHS list.

15. El encuentro Maya-Olmeca: Already inscribed as Tak'alik Ab'aj in 2023. Should be removed from the TWHS list.

16. La Ruta de los Ríos: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024, still being investigated, protected, and restored. Unique in its archeological and natural values it features the enigmatic and remote city of Piedras Negras. Should be a binational nomination along with Yaxchilán, México. Should also include the Parque Nacional Sierra Lacandón. Overlaps with Parque Nacional Sierra Lacandón TWHS at a major level. Should be removed from the TWHS list and reframed as Paisaje Cultural Antiguo del Río Usumacinta.

17. Chichicastenango: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. Consists of a Mayan town planned as a reducción colonial where both churches, convent, plaza, sacred sites, and cemetery preserve the duality of religiousness (Christian and Maya), its colonial plaza alludes to a prehispanic plaza along with the elevated platforms in which both churches stand and see each other front to front. The sacred sites, arts, practices, and traditions are part of daily life along with the cofradías and Mercado maya. Should be removed from the TWHS list and reframed as part of Santuarios del Sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala.

18. Visis Cabá y la Arquitectura Vernácula Ixil: No plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024. Consists of the natural reserve of Visis Cabá managed by the Ixil people and the vernacular ixil architecture found in the towns of Santa María Nebaj, San Juan Cotzal, and San Gaspar Chajul. The ixil architecture is unique to its region and is part of their ancestral legacy. In 2012 archaeologists found exceptional mural paintings inside various old houses in the town of Chajul depicting the local history, traditions, and narratives about the time of La Conquista, this is still being researched and restored. Should be removed from the TWHS list, Visis cabá can be a TWHS on its own, and the Church of San Gaspar Chajul and the ancient Ixil houses with mural paintings reframed as part of Santuarios del Sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala.

19. Las Cuevas de Naj Tunich: Repeats Cueva de Naj Tunich TWHS. Should be removed from the TWHS list

20. Los Murales de San Bartolo: Upcoming plans to include it on the WHS list as of 2024, In 2022 the TWHS nomination was updated by Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes. The oldest and best preserved Maya mural painting depicting scenes about the life of the Maize God, the Mayan creation of the world, and the inframundo. Its artistic and mythological values are impressive and unmatched depicting the evolution of ideas still alive in the Maya people, especially in Guatemala. Should remain on the TWHS list.

21. Sitio Arqueológico Naranjo Sa'aal: In 2022 the TWHS inscription was submitted by Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes. It was one of the biggest and most powerful cities in the Peten region that showed more complex urban and monumental design along with a unique landscape adaptation on natural hills. It has 9 acropolis or triadic complexes and a rich artistic. epigraphic, iconographic, and ethnographic legacy shown in the Hieroglyphic Stairway or the Stelae of Queen Ix Wak Chan Lem Ahau. Should remain on the TWHS list.

22. Teatro Nacional de Guatemala: In 2022 the TWHS inscription was submitted by the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes. A unique example and guideline of modernist architecture in Latin America by Guatemalan architect Efraín Recinos depicts the Maya legacy and appreciation of the natural landscape. In my opinion, it's too early to include it as a WHS because it can be part of a bigger nomination already in the talks with the other unique modernist architecture examples in Guatemala like the Centro Cívico and campus USAC. Should be removed from the TWHS list and reframed as part of Centro Cívico y la Arquitectura Modernista de la Ciudad de Guatemala.

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In summary, Guatemala has...

5 understandable TWHS :

Naj Tunich

Sierra de las Minas

Cuenca El Mirador

Murales de San Bartolo

Naranjo Sa'aal

2 TWHS that need more research and focus:

Lago de Atitlán

Ruta Verde de la Verapaz

8 current TWHS that could be reframed into 4 new TWHS

Santuarios del Sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala
(Ruta de la Evangelización Dominica, Ruta de la Evangelización Franciscana, Ruta de la Paz y la Identidad Nacional, Chichicastenango y Visis Cabá y la Arquitectura Vernácula Ixil)

Centro Cívico y la Arquitectura Modernista de la Ciudad de Guatemala
(Teatro Nacional de Guatemala)

Paisaje Cultural Antiguo del Río Usumacinta
(Sierra Lacandón y Ruta de los Ríos)

Visis Cabá
(Visis Cabá y la Arquitectura Vernácula Ixil)

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3 opportunities to make transnational or binational TWHS:

Castillo de San Felipe /as part of "Fortificaciones de la Capitanía General de Guatemala" (Honduras and Nicaragua)

Sierra Lacandón and Ruta de los Ríos /as part of "Paisaje Cultural Antiguo del Río Usumacinta" (Mexico)

Ruta de la Agroindustria y la Arquitectura Victoriana/ as part of "Enclaves Bananeros UFCO" (Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia)

4 TWHS to merge:

Sierra Lacandón / Ruta de los Ríos

Cueva de Naj Tunich / Cuevas de Naj Tunich

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Potential nominations already in the talks

1. Centro Cívico de la Ciudad de Guatemala: Between 2013 and 2015 there was a strong initiative to nominate the Centro Cívico de la Ciudad de Guatemala as a WHS backed by Docomomo Guatemala, Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, Municipalidad de Guatemala, USAC and other public and private institutions. The idea to give value to the modernist movement in Guatemala has matured well because buildings and art related to that period have been restored, like Biblioteca Nacional, Murales de Carlos Mérida in Edificio de la Muncipalidad and Teatro Nacional. I think the Ministerio decided to submit Teatro Nacional because it was recently restored. Meanwhile, Centro Cívico and the other modernist buildings are still waiting to get their place on the TWHS list.

Some articles that were published by Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes related to the subject:

https://mcd.gob.gt/centro-civico-busca-ser-patrimonio-mundial-2/

https://mcd.gob.gt/el-centro-civico-de-la-ciudad-de-guatemala-patrimonio-cultural-de-la-nacion-2014/

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Continuing from my earlier comments, Guatemala should consider adding the following sites to its tentative list:

1. Mapa en Relieve de Guatemala:

The Relief Map of Guatemala, finished in 1905 in Guatemala City, holds the distinction of being the world's first monumental relief map. Created through pioneering topographic techniques and meticulous documentation by Francisco Vela and Claudio Urrutia, it faithfully portrays Guatemala's geography. This landmark achievement symbolizes the spirit of early scientific exploration and innovation, embodying the ideals of science, education, and art during the Republican era.
More on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVKxbxPYBR4

2. Astronomical Map and Rock Site "La Casa de las Golondrinas":

"La Casa de las Golondrinas", located in Sacatepéquez, stands out as the site with the largest and most complex concentration of rock art in the Almolonga Valley. Recent research has revealed the presence of a star map in a rock panel, indicating that ancient inhabitants used the site as an astronomical observatory. This discovery represents the oldest and most accurate celestial map known of ancient civilizations on Earth. Furthermore, radiocarbon dating studies of archaeological deposits suggest that "La Casa de las Golondrinas" was a site of continued ritual activity for approximately 3000 years, from the Early Preclassic to the early years of the Colonial period.
More on:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4WdIGYMok83NI0oYj-1wZlz9t-wBVTLj&si=oNgWC9H3YYrUO6JM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1amEET_-7Ck

3. Submerged Archaeological Site of Samabaj (Pjuybel):

Located within Lake Atitlán (TWHS), is a submerged Maya city that once served as an ancient pilgrimage center on an island before sinking approximately 500 meters deep, likely due to seismic activity or other natural causes. The site has yielded a significant collection of pottery and artifacts, shedding light on the daily life and cultural practices of the Maya in the region. Since 2022, UNESCO has spearheaded scientific and technical expeditions to the site, employing cutting-edge technologies to explore and document its underwater archaeological significance. This underscores Pjuybel's unique role as a pivotal site for comprehending the Maya civilization and its interaction with the aquatic environment of Lake Atitlán.
More on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fd9qeClwmU

4. Santuarios del Sincretismo Religioso de Guatemala:

The Sanctuaries of Sincretismo Religioso represent a living cultural phenomenon where the spiritual traditions of the Mayan culture and the Catholic influence brought by the Spanish colonizers converge. They include colonial churches, chapels, ancient murals, archaeological sites and public spaces, reflecting a unique fusion of beliefs, rituals and artistic expressions in a multicultural and multi-religious context in colonial mesoamerica.
More on:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e3NE9wsxlrwvGvly-plHubuzcQpW_UbdPqa-Cstud0k/edit?usp=sharing

5. Centro Cívico de la Ciudad de Guatemala:

Modernist architectural complex in Guatemala City that symbolizes the cultural and architectural transformation promoted by the October Revolution of 1944. Conceived as a "Great Heart of the City" by architect Jorge Montes, this urban complex integrates civic, economic, cultural and judicial functions in a design inspired by the Charter of Athens. From the magical expressionism of the Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Center (Teatro Nacional TWHS) to the functionality of the Bank of Guatemala and the Supreme Court of Justice, the Centro Cívico not only represents a modern architectural response to the social challenges of its time, but also a living testimony of Guatemalan identity, reflected even in the design that evokes the Mayan ceremonial centers.
More on:
https://issuu.com/unisgt/docs/altum_1/s/17028688

6. Monte Alto Culture:

The colossal stone heads and bellies of the Monte Alto culture in Guatemala represent human heads with robust bodies, which have been noted for displaying electromagnetic properties. This phenomenon has generated interest due to its uniqueness and uncertainty about its exact meaning in the cultural context of Monte Alto, reflecting its advanced artistic and cultural development in the southern coastal region of Guatemala that are believed to be of pre-Olmec origin.
More on:
https://www.swulinski.com/travels/MonteAltoCulture.html

7. Cotzumalguapa Culture:

The Cotzumalguapa culture, located on the southern coast of Guatemala and contemporaneous with Mayan cultures during the Late Classic period, is renowned for its impressive stone sculptures. They also developed their own style of writing that remains undeciphered. The earliest sculpture in the sequence is Monument 1 from El Baúl, also known as the Estela Herrera, dating back to the Late Preclassic Period. While not fully representative of later Cotzumalguapa artistic style, this stela significantly influenced subsequent regional sculptural art. Other notable archaeological groups include El Castillo and Bilbao (650-950 AD). Important artifacts from this culture are preserved in local museums such as Las Ilusiones and El Baúl, while the "Berlin Steles" from Bilbao are exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum of Berlin.
More on:
https://orias.berkeley.edu/resources-teachers/societies-americas/cotzumalguapa#Intro-Cotz-Eng

8. Salinas de los Nueve Cerros Archaeological Site:

This industrial mayan site had crucial importance in the pre-Columbian Mayan economy as the only source of non-marine salt in the Maya Lowlands and a vital center of trade between the Lowlands and the Highlands. Continuously occupied for at least 1,800 years, it evidences prosperous multi-ethnic interaction during the Late Classic period, enriching its archaeological and cultural value.
More on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww3QLJVTQEQ

9. Volcanic Landscape of Guatemala (part of the Central American Volcanic Arc):

The 37 most important stratovolcanoes in Guatemala stand out worldwide for their density, geological diversity and significant presence within the Pacific Ring of Fire, some notable examples are the Tajumulco Volcano, the highest peak in the region. These volcanoes exhibit different levels of activity, from inactive (Agua, San Pedro, Atitlán) to highly active (Fuego, Santiaguito and Pacaya), with eruptions occurring regularly. Their geological, landscape and biospherical importance make them an object of scientific study to better understand geodynamic processes and their impact on the landscape.
More on:
https://volcano.si.edu/volcanolist_countries.cfm?country=Guatemala

Maybe it will be interesting for someone planning similar trip - here is my itinerary for Central America (including Honduras & Guatemala) trip in February, 2023.

Central America 7-27.02.2023

7.02.2023 –Flixbus Warszawa – Berlin (Germany)
8.02.2023 – flight Berlin – Newark (USA) – Houston – Guatemala City (Guatemala), transfer from airport to Antigua Guatemala (UNESCO),
Overnight in Hospedaje El Viajero Antigua
9.02.2023 – Visit to Antigua Guatemala – ruins of San Jeronimo, market, La Recoleccion, Jocotenango – local cemetery, finca La Azotea and coffee museum, return to Antigua – continue visiting – patio de la Huerta, ruins of Jesuit Church, La Merced, Arch of Santa Catalina.
Overnight in Central Hostel Antigua
10.02.2023 – Continue visiting Antigua Guatemala –Santa Teresa de Jesus, church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, Santo Domingo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, village of San Bartolomé Becerra, church, return (local bus) to Antigua, shuttle bus to Panajachel (Lago Atitlan).
Overnight in Central Hostal The Friends, Panajachel
11.02.2023 –boat on Atitlan Lake (tentative UNESCO): Panajachel – San Juan La Laguna (modern village) - boat to San Pedro La Laguna, mirador Plaza Maravilla, lake panorama, boat San Pedro – Panajachel, Reserva Natural Atitlán,
chicken bus, Panajachel – Solola – Los Encuentros - Chichicastenango.
Visiting Chichicastenango, (tentative UNESCO, Arco Gucumatz, St. Tomas church, murals)
Overnight Girón, Chichicastenango
12.02.2023 –continue visiting Chichicastenango – Indian market, Pascual Abaj hill
bus Chichicastenango – Los Encuentros – Xela (Quetzaltenango) – Reu (Retalhuleu) – El Asintal. Arrange pick-up for El Asintal – Takalik Abaj.
Visiting Takalik Abaj (UNESCO), return to Retalhuleu, city center
Overnight hospedaje San Francisco, Retalhuleu
13.02.2023 –bus Retalhuleu – Guatemala City, side bus terminal, taxi to city center, bus to El Salvador (destination Santa Ana), bus (King Quality) Guatemala City – Chalchuapa (El Salvador).
Overnight at Dona Angelina, Chalchuapa.
14.02.2023 –visiting Chalchuapa (tentative UNESCO – Finca San Antonio (from outside, closed), Casa Blanca (inside), Laguna Cuzcachapa (scenic spot), Tazumal (inside).
Bus Chalchuapa – Sitio del Nino – Joya de Ceren (UNESCO).
Local transport Joya de Ceren – San Salvador. Tickets for the next day (Tica Bus) to Managua (formalities – permit to enter Nicaragua – on line, location for Honduras, on line).
Overnight in La Zona Hostel, San Salvador.
15.02.2023 –Bus San Salvador – El Amatillo (Honduras) – Guasaule (Nikaragua) – Managua. Full day of travelling, including waiting time at boarders.
Overnight in Hostal Dulce Sueno, Managua.
16.02.2023 –Local bus to Terminal UCA. Bus to Granada (tentative UNESCO). Colonial town – panorama from La Merced, Xalteva, mercado, Nikaragua lake (Cocibolca), church Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Plaza Central, cathedral.
Bus do Masaya, mirador de la Laguna de Masaya.
Overnight in Hostal Don Omar, Masaya.
17.02.2023 –Taxi do Volcano Masaya National Park (tentative UNESCO). Small museum, Santiago crater, Bobadilla cross, Nindiri crater, return to main road Granada – Managua.
Bus to Managua, bus to La Paz Centro, local bus to Puerto Momotombo. Visit to Leon Viejo (UNESCO), return to La Paz Centro. Bus to Leon.
Overnight in Harvest House Nicaragua, Leon.
18.02.2023 –Visiting Leon, colonial town, cathedral (UNESCO), interior, organize shuttle bus to Honduras, visit to rooftop of Leon Cathedral
Overnight in Harvest House Nicaragua, Leon.
19.02.2023 –Shuttle Leon – Guasaule (Honduras) border formalities - El Progreso – bus to San Pedro Sula. Bus to La Entrada.
Overnight in Hotel y Restaurante El San Carlos, La Entrada
20.02.2023 –Bus to Copan Ruinas. Visiting Copan (UNESCO),
Tuk-tuk to Copan Ruinas, bus to Caserio El Florido (Gwatemala), border formalities. Bus El Florido – Jocotán – Chiquimula, bus to Quirigua.
Overnight in Hotel Royal, Quirigua.
21.02.2023 –Tuk-tuk to Quirigua Archeoliogical Park (UNESCO), return to Quirigua. Bus Quirigua – Morales – Flores.
Overnight in hotel Fiesta, Flores (close to bus terminal)
22.02.2023 –Shuttle bus Flores - Melchor de Mencos (Belize) – Belize City. Ferry (San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi) - Belize City – San Pedro.
Overnight in hotel Ambergris Sunset Hotel, San Pedro.
23.02.2023 –By bike Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve (UNESCO), around Tranquility Bay Resort. Return to San Pedro. Ferry San Pedro – Belize City. Bus Belize City - Melchor de Mencos. Border formalities (Gwatemala). Bus Melchor de Mencos – El Cruce / El Remate.
Overnight in hotel Aruma, El Remate.
24.02.2023 –Bus El Remate – Tikal. Visiting Tikal (UNESCO).
Bus – Tikal – El Remate – Flores. Night bus to Guatemala City.
25.02.2023 –Guatemala City. Arco de Correos, cathedral (tentative UNESCO), Plaza de la Constitucion, Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias (tentative UNESCO)
Taxi to the airport, flight Guatemala City – Newark (USA)
26.02.2023 – Long wait at the airport. Flight Newark - Berlin
27.02.2023 –Berlin, return by bus to Warsaw.