Here volcanoes rise out of the early morning mists to inspire artists, whatever their medium. For those who choose to extend their stay, Tikal, the most spectacular city in the ancient Mayan world, can be reached from Guatemala city by air in about an hour. The Rio Dulce sports yachts and jet ski's with lush jungle, intermingled with thatched roof huts, along it's river beds. It's all diverse, exciting, and nearby. Many of Guatemala's indigenous population have retained their traditional heritage and continue to dress and live as they have for centuries.
Women weave their family's colorful clothing, called 'traje'.
Each village boasts it's distinctive 'huipil' which identifies where it's wearer is from. This is particularly true in the central highlands, where Antigua and lake Atitlan are located. Life is difficult for many. But Guatemala possesses a contentment, a joy in living, that many of us from more harried, technical worlds can learn from. Guatemala is the kind of place travelers fall in love with and never want to leave.