Guatemala

Antigua is located 13 miles from Guatemala City, there are different options to travel back and forward, taxi, Uber, or a shuttle, I don't recommend chicken busses, consider that traffic can be rough during rush our. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. It's a cultural hub with museums, art galleries, and lively festivals. Antigua is a safe, and small old town to walk around, enjoying the view and discover hold in the walls coffee shops, and pubs.

You can take a local flight to Tikal, which I'll recommend, since it is far distance and roads in Guatemala aren't in the best conditions Tikal is one of the most iconic and significant archaeological sites associated with Mayan culture. Located in the dense rainforests of northern Guatemala, Tikal was once a powerful city-state and one of the major centers of the ancient Mayan civilization. Exploring Tikal offers a fascinating insight into the achievements, architecture, and daily life of the Maya people. Historical Significance: Tikal was inhabited from around 600 BCE to 900 CE and reached its peak during the Classic Period (200-900 CE). It was a prominent political, cultural, and economic hub, with a population that likely exceeded 100,000 people at its height. The city featured massive stone temples, pyramids, plazas, palaces, and intricate stelae (stone monuments with inscriptions). Architectural Marvels: Tikal's architecture is a testament to the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the Maya. The site is known for its towering temples, with Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar) and Temple II (Temple of the Masks) being particularly impressive. These structures served as ceremonial centers and were often aligned with astronomical events. Religious and Ceremonial Significance: Tikal was not only a political and economic center but also a place of religious significance. The Maya believed in a complex pantheon of gods and spirits, and their architecture often reflected their religious beliefs. The temples at Tikal were used for rituals, ceremonies, and astronomical observations. The city's layout was carefully planned to align with celestial events and the changing seasons. Art and Inscriptions: The Maya left behind a rich legacy of art and inscriptions that provide insights into their history, myths, and daily life. Stelae, altars, and hieroglyphic texts found at Tikal and other Maya sites offer glimpses into royal lineage, alliances, warfare, and trade networks. Decline and Abandonment: Around the 9th century, Tikal's population began to decline for reasons that are still debated by historians. Factors such as environmental degradation, warfare, or political instability may have contributed to the city's eventual abandonment. By the time the Spanish arrived in the region, Tikal was already in ruins and largely forgotten. Modern Exploration: Tikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. The site has undergone extensive archaeological research and restoration. Visitors can explore the plazas, pyramids, and structures while surrounded by the lush rainforest that once covered the city.

I will recommend, a shuttle not a chicken bus, this will be a more safe way to travel. Often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by picturesque Mayan villages and offers breathtaking views of volcanoes.

Hidden in the jungle, Semuc Champey is a natural paradise with limestone pools and waterfalls. It's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This place is located between 8 to 10 hours from Guatemala City, I will recommend if you travel to Secuc, to stay one night at Cuban and the next day travel to Semuc, and the same on the way back. Park Hotel is a good option at Coban