Archaeology
The forested lowlands to the north hide most of Guatemala's archaeological sites. The majestic Tikal is the most developed for tourism, but many others can also be reached with relative ease, those such as Uaxactun, Aguateca and El Ceibal. For the more adventurous, a number of exciting trips can be made to the outlying Maya cities of Rio Azul and El Mirador, the largest Maya site in the country. Although some areas have been restored allowing you to climb the pyramids or explore the palaces many of the other sites have only had minimal clearing and excavation. Flores, siting on an island in Lake Peten Itza, is the centre for exploring El Peten. There are routes from here to visit the Maya sites in both Belize and Mexico, but also accessible from Guatemala City in the south is the magnificent site of Copan in Honduras, famous for its complex carvings and the amazing Rosalila temple.


Textiles
Pre-Colombian ceramics and figures found at archaeological sites around Guatemala show that Indian dress has changed little over the centuries. The introduction of silk, wool, looms and embroidery by the Spanish and later the arrival of modern-day synthetic dyes and metallic threads have been incorporated into, but not overwhelmed today's textiles. There are the richly patterned sashes and kerchiefs, hatbands and tassels of the men and the colourful head-dresses, huipiles (tunics) and skirts of the women. The colours, patterns and designs, as also with the dialect and customs, vary greatly from village to village. There are beautiful green, yellow and blue huipiles in Santa Catarina Palopo village and striped, half-length embroidered trousers belonging to the men in the town of Santiago Atitlan. Local markets are the perfect place for seeing these textiles. Not only does a market attract various ethnic groups in from the surrounding area but also the various weavings are displayed for sale.


Nature Tourism
Within recent years, National Parks and forest reserves have been set up or are planned in Guatemala. 1990 saw the creation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve protecting 16,000 sq km in the north of the country. These areas aim both to protect wildlife such as the quetzal, the manatee and the jaguar, but also to develop sustainable tourism. With the wealth of tropical flora and fauna and the hundreds of remote Maya sites, it is possible to combine archaeology with abundant nature. Jungle lodges, although rustic, are becoming more common place and are the perfect base to explore the jungle.


Easter Week
Dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century, Easter in Guatemala is a fascinating occasion. Although originating from Spain the celebrations have mixed together with the Indian cultures and beliefs and taken on their own characteristics. Monumental processions go through the colonial streets of the towns, with many carrying the image of Jesus of Nazareth bearing His cross. In Antigua, for example, each day of Semana Santa, bearers, known as cucuruchos, carry a different procession on their shoulders over now famous carpets made of rose petals and dyed sawdust that the residents have spent many hours preparing the day before. It is a fascinating spectacle to see, but worth arranging well in advance.