Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Guatemala has always been the stuff of legend.For me this was evidentearlyon.Guatemala
represented an exotic land with a palpable sense of magic and the source of my family's
origins - a land of rugged mountain trails, exotic jungle ruins, and fascinating indigenous
culture. I first visited Guatemala when I was three and was captivated by the country from
themomentIsetfootthere.Someofmyearliest memoriesareofmysteriousMayanIndians
who giggled easily and carried baskets atop their heads while walking barefoot down dirt
roads.
For all its beauty, you seldom hear much about Guatemala. Most U.S. travelers heading
to Central America opt for the well-trodden path to Costa Rica, but as that country becomes
more touristed many folks have begun seeking alternatives. I′ll warn you from the get-go:
Those looking for another Costa Rica will be disappointed, for Guatemala must be met on
its own merits. But, if I were to compare the two, you'd find that Guatemala has many of
the same attractions: Pacific and Caribbean beaches, steaming lowland jungles, white-water
