Finally we simply stopped the fantasizing and set out to explore the real thing. After the chronic infection of a creeping civil war, democracy got off to a bumpy start. So far, it prevailed. And that's the reason why a rediscovery of this beautiful little country with its rich cultural heritage has begun. Take normal precautions, and you should be safe.
People are friendly, and glad to see foreigners.
International flights arrive in Guatemala City. The capital has a pleasant setting, but we were not interested in a big city, stayed only two nights, and picked up a rental car before leaving. Then we wiggled our way through the capital's crazy-creative traffic and climbed the first mountain. It stays mountainous in the central highlands. The drive to Chichicastenango takes about three hours through a completely rural countryside, a few villages, and a patchwork of forested hills dotted with countless small fields.