Another important period in Guatemalan history began with the arrival of conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado. In 1523 Alvarado founded the first capital of the kingdom of Guatemala which stretched from Yucatan to Panama. Visitors to Guatemala are attracted by the country's tremendous cultural richness ranging from colorful Indian markets and crafts to the grandeur of her Mayan heritage of the mighty city of ancient Tikal in the north to carved stelae of Quirigua on the Honduran border to the charming colonial town of Antigua. An astonishing variety of natural landscapes ranges from the northern rainforest of El Peten to rugged mountains in the central region and lowland coffee, banana and sugar plantations. Charming Indian villages are differentiated by unique traditional crafts and garments that incorporate a bright symbol or geometric pattern.
Opportunities abound to hike, backpack, climb volcanoes, and bicycle.
Upon arriving in Guatemala, it's the variety of beautiful textiles that draws the most attention. Ceramics is another popular craft. Molded by hand and lacking any kind of glaze, today's pottery resembles the pre-Hispanic relics found at the archaeological sites. Look also for baskets, wooden masks, hammocks, silver and jade. Weekly markets offer fresh produce and livestock plus regional crafts in such centers as Chichicastenango.