|
Guatemala, the “Heart of the Mayan World”, as the country calls itself, is a small land with a big history and
an open mind for visitors. Still among the lesser known destinations for cultural tourism to Mayan sites, Guatemala is one
of the true hidden gems of the Caribbean.
Majestic mountains, fertile valleys and sand dunes with serene beaches alternate
the geography within a very small territory, making the countryside look like a patchwork of landscapes. This variety
and favorable conditions for agriculture have attracted people to these lands since 12,000 BC – making the country
one of the richest in history in the Americas.
Pre-Columbian and pre-Mayan ruins, magnificent artifacts in museums
and Mayan temples, are witnesses to a glorious past well before the Spanish conquistadores arrived. Today, historic and architectural
landscapes in Guatemala represent an impressive blend of vestiges from several civilizations.
Indigenous people, mixed
with the European descendents form the modern Guatemalan nation: a friendly and welcoming community, which still preserves
the traditions and the skills of generations long past.
These agricultural, culinary and art traditions are the basis
for the most interesting tours to Mesoamerica. Cultural Crossroads tours are also designed around the preservation and sustainability
of the local traditions, keeping in mind the demand of its patrons for luxurious and comfortable journeys into this exotic
culture.
|
