Maya Archeology

The geographic extent of the Maya civilization, known as the Maya area, extended throughout the southern Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, and the Yucatán Peninsula states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán. The Maya area also extended throughout the northern Central American region, including the present-day nations of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and western Honduras.

The Maya area is generally divided into three loosely defined zones: the southern Maya highlands, the southern (or central) Maya lowlands, and the northern Maya lowlands. The southern Maya highlands include all of elevated terrain in Guatemala and the Chiapas highlands. The southern lowlands lie just north of the highlands, and incorporate the Petén of the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo and northern Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. The northern lowlands cover the remainder of the Yucatán Peninsula, including the Puuc hills.

Today, we still call this "El Mundo Maya" - the World of the Maya - who lived not only in Guatemala, but in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.

The development of the Maya culture covers three periods: (1) Pre-classic from 2000 BC to 300 AD, (2) Classic from 300 to 900 AD, and (3) Post-classic from 900 to 1500 AD.

Tikal National Park

The park covers 222 square miles amidst the thick, tropical jungle of El Petén. Created in 1958, UNESCO declared the park a "Monument of the World's Heritage" in 1979. It is regarded ad one of the most important cultural and natural reserves in the world. The easiest access to the park is by air. It is just a 20-minute flight from Guatemala City to the airport of Santa Elena. From there you can reach Tikal in 45 minutes over an excellent highway.

There are more than 4,000 structures or constructions in Tikal. The oldest date from the Pre-classic period (800 BC), and the most recent from the Post-classic period (900 AD). It was during this period that the Maya attained their artistic, architectural, mathematic, agricultural and commercial heights.

The most important plazas and temples in Tikal National Park are:

• The Great Plaza: The most spectacular structure in Tikal is the plaza surrounded by stelae and sculpted altars, ceremonial buildings, residential and administrative palaces, and a ball court. At each end of the plaza loom the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple II.

• Temple of the Great Jaguar (Temple I): Located on the eastern side of the Great Plaza, it is more than 150 feet in height. The temple was erected about 700 AD by order of Ah Cacao, whose tomb was discovered inside.

• Temple II: This temple stands at the western end of the Great Plaza and rises to a height of 120 feet. It was also constructed by Ah Cacao around 700 AD.

• Temple of the Jaguar Priest (Temple III): Rising to 180 feet, and located west of Temple II, it was constructed around 810 AD. It has a carved lintel, almost intact, depicting a central personage clothed in jaguar skin.

• Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent (Temple IV): At 212 feet, this is the highest standing structure in Tikal. It was built around 470 AD by Yaxkin Caan Chac.

• Temple V: Constructed around 750 AD and located south of the Great Plaza. This temple is close to 190 feet high.

• Temple of the Inscriptions (Temple VI): It is located south of the Méndez Causeway. The roof comb contains the longest hieroglyphic recording to date. It is estimated that the construction date was around 766 AD. It is believed to have been built under the rule of Yaxkin Caan Chac, but the inscription was done during the reign of Chitam. Stela 21 and Altar 9 are located at the base of the temple.

• "The Lost World" - Plaza of the Great Pyramid: Located southwest of the Great Plaza, this area features the largest pyramid at Tikal. It is approximately 100 feet high and, together with the structures to the west, forms part of an astronomical complex. To the south is the group called "Great Masks".

• Plaza of the Seven Temples: Located east of the Great Pyramid, it is formed by ceremonial structures of the Post-classic period. A palace with five doors, from the Pre-classic period can be seen covered up and used as a foundation for another building built during the Post-classic period. The building of one structure on top of an existing structure was a common practice with the Maya.

El Petén Archeological Sites

• Ceibal: Located in the southeastern part of this department on the shores of La Pasión River. The most beautiful and best preserved stelae of the Post-classic period can be found here along with ceramic pieces and anthropomorphic pottery figurines. The origin of the founders is still unknown, but the first settlements date back as far as 800 BC.

• Yaxhá: The city is comprised of two sectors of rectangular structures laid in such a manner that they form streets and plazas. Yaxhá is located 50 miles from Flores, the department capital. The hieroglyphic inscriptions indicate that it was inhabited sometime between the Pre-classic and Post-classic.

• Topoxte: This Post-classic city is found in the small islands of Lake Yaxhá. Its buildings are similar to those found in Mayapán, Yucatán, Mexico. Topoxte, may be reached from El Remate at the end of Lake Petén Itzá.

• Uaxactún: The oldest of the Maya cities, it is believed that this is where the Maya consolidated their culture; where their writing system was perfected and where their calendar started. Located about 16 miles north of Tikal, it is accessible from Flores. Discovered in 1916, it bloomed during the Classic period. A beautiful painted mural was discovered in one of the structures and here you will also find the oldest Maya stela dated about 328 BC.

• El Mirador: Of all the sites in the Maya World, El Mirador has the greatest number of structures. It is located four miles from the Mexican border in northern El Petén, Guatemala.

• El Naranjo: Here you will find impressive architectural structures and numerous stelae containing priceless information about the Maya. The most important monuments are a staircase covered by hieroglyphics and a ball court. Studies reveal that this city was closely related to Tikal.

• Río Azul: It is located in the far northeast corner of El Petén, close to the borders with Mexico and Belize. Río Azul reached its peak during the late Pre-classic period when it served as the administrative center of a region encompassing approximately 66 square miles and more than 500 buildings. The trip from Tikal takes about 5 hours along rugged paths. Therefore, the site can be visited only during the dry season.

• Nakún: Nakún is located 16 miles from Tikal on the road to Yaxhá and can only be visited during the dry season. There are two large building complexes joined by a "sacbe" or causeway. Some of the structures have singular vaulted chambers and interesting stelae.

• Aguateca, Dos Pilas and Tamarindito are archeological sites located in the Petexbatún area, El Petén, southwest of Ceibal and south of Sayaxché and La Pasión River.

• Aguateca: Recommended for specialists and adventure lovers, this site is magnificent.

• Dos Pilas was home to elite groups between 600 AD and 760 AD when it was abandoned due to constant wars. It reached its peak during the late Classic period. At the site there is evidence of various causeways and of two concentric walls as well as stelae, carvings and a network of caves. Ceramic artifacts where recently found in a tomb probably belonging to one of its rulers.

Other Archeological Sites

• Kaminal Juyú: It is located in the western section of Guatemala City (Zone 7) and is the largest site in the highlands. This important site reveals much about Maya ceramics, sculpture, architecture and engineering. Kaminal Juyú was an important city during the Pre-classic and early Classic periods (800 BC to 600 AD).

• Iximché: Capital of the ancient Maya-Cakchiquel Kingdom, it is located in Tecpán, 21 miles from Chimaltenango where Pedro de Alavarado established the first capital of Guatemala. It is a fortified hilltop site surrounded by a dry moat about nine feet deep, with a ball court and other structures.

• Mixco Viejo: Located in the northeast of Chimaltenango, it was a fortress and the capital of the Pocomán Kingdom. Among its Post-classic structures are two small ball courts.

• K'umarcaaj: This ancient capital of the Maya-Quiché Kingdom was also known as Utatlán. Located almost 100 miles from Guatemala City, its ruins are evidence of a magnificent past that was burned down by the conquistadors in 1524.

• Zaculeu: Located less than three miles from the capital of Huehuetenango. Like all the Post-classic cities is was fortified. Today, there is a small museum on the site.

• La Democracia Museum and Park: The site, located 22 miles from the capital of Escuintla, is considered to be one of the most ancient of the Americas. It contains monumental stone heads carved by the artists of the Monte Alto culture (mid Pre-classic period, 1800 BC to 250 AD). Other sites in this area are Cotzumalguapa, El Baúl and Las Ilusiones. All have large sculptures of the Cotzumalguapa culture which flourished during the Classic period.

• Abaj Takalik: A recently discovered site located in El Asintal, nine miles form Retalhuleu. This is a site of impressive archeological structures, some dating to the most ancient glyph period of the Americas.

• Quiriguá: Located near Puerto Barrios, in the Motagua Valley, this is a site noted for its spectacular stelae, large zoomorphical stones and a temple. It was probably constructed within a period of 65 years (745-810 AD). The twelve stelae reveal a detailed style of singular beauty. The largest stela is carved from one block of stone quarried by the ancient Maya. Stela "E" measures 35 feet high, 5 feet wide and 5.5 feet thick. It weighs 65 tons. The zoomorphic structures are altars that bear commemorative dates

Ecotourism In Guatemala

Guatemala offers one of the most exciting natural history destinations in the Americas. Consider this: a wildly varied land of virgin jungles, intermingled with beautiful lakes, rivers and volcanoes; caves, valleys and ravines; mountains and plateaus.

Within its ecosystems are myriad species of flora and fauna, changing with a graduated climate whose average temperature is 68 °F.

For the visitor, it is important to note that many of the country's most beautiful and interesting natural regions are sites of enormous archeological importance, monuments of colonial architecture, and centers of traditional Indian culture. Such touristic assets add up to an unquestionably fascinating travel destination.

Three types of sub-tropical forests are found in Guatemala: warm and very humid; cool and very humid; warm and dry forest.

Warm and very humid forests are found throughout the country in the departments of Izabal, El Petén, Alta Verapaz, Santa Rosa, Escuintla, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, San Marcos, Quiché and Quetzaltenango.

Altitude in this area range from 59 feet to over 5,000 feet above sea level. The temperature varies between 70 °F to 82 °F. The area contains over 60 different species of trees as well as aquatic vegetation inhabited by nesting, spawning fish and crustaceans. There are about 180 species of native birds and over 300 species of migrating birds.

Cool and very humid forests are found in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Jutiapa, Quiché and Huehuetenango. The altitude varies from 558 to 2,133 feet above sea level. Temperature is in the range of 68 °F to 80 °F.

The vegetation of the area differs with the altitude and ranges from weeds, bushes and ferns (some arboreal) to palms. There are more than 50 species of trees and hundreds of orchids and bromeliads. Butterflies and beetles, amphibians, lizards and snakes are plentiful. The most spectacular bird of the region is the quetzal - the national bird of Guatemala.

Warm and dry forests are found in the departments of Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, Izabal, El Petén, Escuintla, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, Quetzaltenango and San Marcos. They are found from sea level to 1,312 feet in a temperature of 66 °F to 86 °F. This type of forest is located in areas of brackish water so that mangroves and bulrushes are prevalent. The area also has a great variety of fruit trees, medicinal plans and other timber. Many different species of mammals, reptiles and birds are there.

Guatemala is split almost down the middle, by a mountain range which forms two mountain systems: the Sierra Madre, which is parallel to the Pacific Ocean, and the Cuchumatanes Range, in Huehuetenango. Other systems in Guatemala are the Sierra de las Minas, Sierra de Chama, Sierra de Chuacus and the Merendón Mountains.

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán, which is volcanic in origin, is the main touristic attraction in the Department of Sololá. The lake is 90 miles from Guatemala City, and has been described by experts as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is located 5,125 feet above sea level, covers an area of 50 square miles and has a depth of 1,600 feet. Its clear waters are home to several species of fish including the very edible black bass.
Three spectacular volcanoes - Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro - form a natural backdrop for the lake waters which change colors with the varying light. Lake Atitlán is a mecca for water sports: fishing, swimming, diving, water skiing and boating. The surrounding mountains are a natural springboard for hang gliding and competitions are often held there.

Amatique Bay

The scenic Caribbean coast area - still not fully developed for tourism - has sand beaches interspersed with patches of forest. Places to visit include Punta Cocolí, Punta de Manabique and Bahia Santo Tomas.

Boats can be hired in Puerto Barrios, capital of the Department, to visit other fascinating towns. One such is Livingston, an Afro-Caribbean town inhabited by the Garífuna people.

The Río Dulce, approximately 19 miles long, is Lake Izabal's outlet to the Caribbean. At its widest point, the river has a "lake-like" stretch known as the Golfete. This scenic river is lined with dense tropical vegetation inhabited by both tropical and sea birds.

Pacific Coast

Guatemala's Pacific Coast is characterized by the volcanic black sand beaches found there. These are much like the beaches found on many South Pacific atolls. The best known of these beaches are found in the departments of Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, Escuintla and Santa Rosa. Among these beaches are La Empalizada, El Semillero, Zipacate and Hawai.
In the Department of Escuintla, beautiful waterfalls add to the natural beauty of the caves at San Pedro Mártir.

The Highlands

Chocoyá Bathing Resort: Two and a half miles from Santa Cruz del Quiché on the banks of the Chocoyá spring.

• Pachitac Bathing Resort: On the shores of the Pachitac River, four miles west of Santa Cruz del Quiché near the place where the Pachitac meets the Chiquilaj River.

• Lemon Lake: This small body of water is located near the road between Santa Cruz del Quiché and Chichicastenango. It offers refreshing scenery, cool temperatures and rustic recreation facilities.

• Chicabal Lake: Located in the crater of the Chicabal Volcano in Quetzaltenango. It is a pleasant and easy trip.

• Quetzaltenango Plains: In addition to its historical heritage, Quetzaltenango is known for its extensive plains and its beautiful, verdant scenery. Places to visit include the Urbina Plains, La Ciénaga, El Chirries and La Floresta. The municipal zoo is in La Floresta.

• Momostenango Cliffs: Located in the Department of Totonicapán, near the town of Momostenango, this peculiar natural formation was created by the erosion of crystallized sand. It is a pleasant trip.

• Chuimekana Thermal Baths: Located near San Miguel Totonicapán, these thermal springs contain medicinal properties.

• Origin of the San Juan River: Located 15 miles from Huehuetenango in Aguacatán, you can visit the spectacular origin of this river which flows from the side of the Cuchumatanes Range.

El Petén

The humid soil of this department is due to the rain and the lakes which are prevalent here. The long and slow running rivers include the San Pedro, Usumacinta, La Pasión, Santa Isabel, Machaquile, San Juan, Azul and El Subín. Most of these rivers are navigable. The many lakes in El Petén are small in size. Some are aligned to the geological pleats of the Arco de la Libertad. The same is true of the lakes of Mendoza, San Diego, La Gloria, Larga, Sacpuy, Petén-Itza, Yaxhá and Sachab. Other lakes such as Petexbatun and Del Tigre are not in the Arco, but form part of the El Petén's marshy environment and biological wealth.

El Petén, being primarily a limestone region, has many caves - some which evidence occupation of Pre-Hispanic people. The best known are Ajtun Kan (the Serpent), Naj Tunich and Jobitzinaj.

Alta Verapaz

Some of the rivers in this department are navigable. Most have spectacular waterfalls. Among them are the Cahabón, which is great for white water rafting, Polochic, Sebol and Chajmaic. The most accessible waterfalls are Sepemech, near the town of Cahabón, La Prensa, in San Juan Chamelco, Patal, in Tactic, Pelizimpec, in Cahabón, and Seamay, in Senahu. Lake Lachua is near the Chixoy Valley in Cobán and sits amidst some wonderful scenery.

Semuc Champey is considered to be the most beautiful place in Alta Verapaz. The area consists of a series of naturally terraced pools in limestone terrain branching off the Cahabon River. Nearby there is a cave through which the river runs.

Volcanos

Pacaya (8,373 feet): Located south of Lake Amatitlán. To climb the top, it takes four hours from Santa Elena Barillas, but only an hour and a half from San Francisco de Sales. The small McKenny crater, with its boiling lava, has been active since it formed in 1975. It takes approximately a half hour to climb and is an excellent spot from which to take photos.

Agua (12,325 feet): The peak of this volcano can be reached in five hours starting from Santa María de Jesús, ten miles from La Antigua Guatemala. The view from the top is magnificent! You can see almost all of the southern part of Guatemala including the western mountain ranges.

Acatenango (13,041 feet) and Fuego (12,346 feet): Both are located to the west of La Antigua Guatemala. Acatenango has two cones: the largest of the two is Acatenango, the other is Yepocapa. Fuego's cone was destroyed during the 1962 eruption, but it is still active and spews ash and sand clouds frequently. Starting at Acatenango, both volcanoes may be climbed during the same trip.

Atitlán (11,600), Tolimán (10,282 feet) and San Pedro (9,908 feet): These are the three majestic volcanoes which surround Lake Atitlán. Climbing Atitlán usually takes eight hours, Tolimán about six hours, and San Pedro about five. The climb is well worth the effort as the view of the lake, from any of their tops, is breathtaking.