Into The Arms Of America

Quick travel guide to Guatemala

on November 30, 2019December 11, 2023 by Bas Guatemala

Never mind the politics. Once you look beyond the homemade problems of Guatemala, you can see a vibrant people in an astonishing scenery. Volcano country, in the west, is better than anywhere else in Central America. Old Mayan civilizations (Tikal, Copan) are another important reason for tourists to visit. But ... View Post

Xela

Quick travel guide to Xela

on November 25, 2019February 8, 2026 by Bas Xela, Guatemala

If you want to do something stupid, visit Xela for only one day. Like most tourists do. To immediately leave for the three-day hike to Lake Atitlan. Or be brave and wise. Give the town some time to blossom. And discover how gentle and relaxed the second city of Guatemala ... View Post

Antigua

Quick travel guide to Antigua

on November 20, 2019February 8, 2026 by Bas Antigua, Guatemala

It's picture-perfect. Cobblestone streets, colonial houses everywhere, a classic Parque Central. And a volcano as its backdrop. But it's also touristic and international, changing the Guatemalan fabric a bit too much.That's probably the price of beauty. It has happened to many other cities, and all that tourism is bringing in ... View Post

Xela

Hiking from Xela to Lake Atitlan

on November 5, 2019February 8, 2026 by Bas Xela, Guatemala

Being gay has huge advantages. Where my fellow travellers were performing awkward moves to change into swimming gear without being seen naked, I could just take off all my clothes within the blink of an eye, just as my female companion who was joining me into the Guatemalan sauna. No sexual ... View Post

Xela

The hike to holy Lake Chicabal

on November 10, 2019May 4, 2021 by Bas San Martin Sacatepequez, Guatemala

I can hear them, down in the valley at the lake. The endless chanting of the indigenous people, performing their rites at Laguna de Chicabal. This magical sound that will stay with me forever. But I can't see them, through the dense fog. Which makes these people an even bigger ... View Post

Photos Xela

Xela in pictures

on July 20, 2020December 30, 2019 by Bas

The second city of Guatemala is officially called Quetzaltenango. Locals call it Xela though, much easier for everyone. The city is in the heart of volcano country, and an excellent base for hiking in the region. View Post