Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Throughout the highlands, you'll encounter the aftereffects of Guatemala's bloody civil
war, which affected this region more than any other. But, like a brilliant springtime flower
emerging through fertile soil from winter's icy chill, the highlands and its people are fast
changing and rising from the ashes of the armed conflict. There's a new feeling in the air.
Where once there was fear and apprehension (and rightfully so) on the part of its Mayan
inhabitants,thereisnowcuriosityandadesiretobuildanewfuturewhileholdingontothe
culture that is their inheritance. You are a big part of this, as your presence in these parts is
acatalysttosubstantialprogressalongthelinesofsustainabledevelopmentwithtourismat
the forefront. There are many community-based tourism projects in this area and your visit
helps provide needed income but also positive interaction with the outside world.
It is so refreshing, years later, to be able to travel to areas that were once bombed out
and cleared of vegetation but are now green and vibrant once again. This painful legacy
intertwined with optimism is most evident in the Ixil Triangle, which stands poised to be-
come a mecca for cultural and ecotourism, overseen by and to the benefit of, its Ixil in-
habitants. Despite having suffered some of the most horrendous atrocities during the civil
war,stilltheysmile,atestament totheirfortitude.FartherwesttowardtheMexicanborder,
the department of Huehuetenango boasts fascinating Mayan villages of its own in addition
to some seldom-visited natural attractions along the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountain
chain.It'sonlyamatteroftimebeforevisitorstoGuatemalaputthisvastwildernessonthe
map.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search