Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
visit, so as to ascertain current safety conditions. As conservationists and archae-
ologists working in the field can attest, there are too many illegal activities per-
petrated by heavily armed men, and far too many stories of run-ins with them, to
beoutrunningaroundinthesepartsoblivioustothepotential dangers.Thatsaid,
some well-established parks such as Tikal and Yaxhá can be considered gener-
ally safe, along with some well-established ecotourism circuits in the Maya Bio-
sphere Reserve, including the Scarlet Macaw Trail, trips to El Zotz-San Miguel
La Palotada, and treks to El Mirador.
Latin Americans are very family oriented and Guatemalans are no exception.
ThereisplentytoseeanddoinGuatemala forfamilies traveling withchildrenof
all ages. The following is a list of kid- and family-friendly attractions throughout
the country.
GUATEMALA CITY
Among the city's museums, none is more kid friendly than the
Museo del
Niño
(Children's Museum), in Zona 13 near the airport. There are a number of
interactive displays as well as opportunities for play. Just across the street, you'll
find the city's excellent
La Aurora Zoo,
harboring a good collection of animals
from Guatemala and around the world. Cages are being gradually phased out. If
youwanttoseethecity'ssightsbuthavekidsintowwhomightnotwanttowalk,
opt for a
trolley tour.
LAKE ATITLÁN
On the lake's beautiful shores, there are plenty of places to stay for families trav-
eling with children. Among the best are the family-size villas at
San Buenaven-
tura de Atitlán,
equipped with a kitchen and several rooms. Nearby, kids (and
outdoor-loving parents) will enjoy the
Reserva Natural Atitlán,
where they can
see monkeys and coatimundis along the nature trails leading to waterfalls. There
arealsoabutterflyfarmandprivatelakebeachinadditiontoanexcellentvisitors
center.
PACIFIC COAST
The Pacific Coast is extremely family friendly, primarily thanks to the presence
of the twin theme parks of
Xocomil and Xetulul,
near Retalhuleu. Xocomil is a
waterparkonparwiththefinestintheUnitedStatesandXetululincludesre-cre-
ations offamous Spanish, French, Italian, and Guatemalan landmarks along with
an exhilarating roller-coaster and assorted other rides. After the parks close, the
fun continues across the street at the excellent accommodations of
Hostales del
