The traditional indigenous costume of Guatemala called traje is really very colorful dress in the America. Guatemala people are spread over many parts of the world but they do not keep on following their native dress. Still within the Guatemala local people remains on wearing their  traditional costume proudly.  These people speak specific or language Maya traje. In Guatemala there are nearly 12 different villages with 21 languages. So, the people of highland Maya are clearly identified by their charming and decorated costumes.

Costume of Nebaj Town

The women of Nebaj town wear the most remarkable costume in Guatemala. Their traditional wear is red skirt and a woven belt called “faja”. The skirt has two yellow stripes on both sides. The blouse is decorated with heavy embroidery. The women of Nebaj wrap their complete hairs skillfully with a colorful woven cloth hair dress.  The men wear an open jacket called “chaqueta” and a hat made of palm straw along with western-style pants.

Costume of Santiago Atitlan Town

As the town of Santiago is located near lake so the main task and source of income of the Santiago people is fishing, boating, gathering reeds, and other activities related to the lake. Relative to their work men of Santiago wear short pants with a yellow hat made of palm straw. Their women wear a blouse of white cloth embroidered with multi colored figures of animals, birds and flowers. However, mainly purple-striped are made.

Costume of Aguacatan Town

The women of Aguacatan town wear the most beautiful headdress among the clothing of women’s in many Highland Maya towns. The head wrap is made up of a 2-3 inch wide cloth heavily embroidery with brocaded designs, and at the end there is a large fringe. Read the full story

Antigua Guatemala is one of the most important cities of Central American history. It was founded in 1543 with the full title of ‘Very Loyal and Very Noble City of Saint James of the Knights of Guatemala’. It was the centre of Spanish colonial architecture and filled with numerous palaces, monasteries, churches, convents, chapels and many more historical buildings. Antigua Guatemala once had a population of sixty thousand and stood among the best cities of the New World. Once an embodiment of Spanish architecture, today it stands amidst architectural ruins and colonial ruins.

Cultural Heritage of Mankind:

The city was rocked by several deadly earthquakes over the years and suffered great damage. In 1773, it was decided that the capital would be shifted to a safer ground and the present-day Guatemala City came into existence in 1776. The old city of Antigua Guatemala was never completely abandoned and still retains the status as a historical monumental city. The United Nations declared it to be a Cultural Heritage of Mankind site in 1979.

Palace of the Captains-General:

One very important building in the city was the Palace of the Captains-General. It was the seat of the Spanish colonial government for two centuries. Over the years, it was destroyed many times in earthquakes and restored. Today, it houses offices and tourist spots for the intense interest it generates from visitors.

Fountains:

In the centre stands the very famous fountain. It was designed in 1739. The fountains served the important function of water supplies for the humbler dwellings and the important ones. The ornamental value was just a big advantage.

City Hall:

In the north is the old city hall. Now it has been converted into two museums. One of them is the Museum of Old Books.

Museum of Colonial Art:

In the southeast corner was the university of the city. Today it has been converted into the Museum of Colonial Art.

Capuchin Convent:

One of the most popular features among the tourists is the Capuchin Convent. A part of it is still in its original form today while some is in ruins. Read the full story

The most colourful native market in all of the Americas is definitely Chichicastenango. Situated at about 140km from Guatemala City, this market draws in vendors from all of Guatemala and is a place bustling with activity. It is open on Thursdays and Sundays. There are people with different dialects, wearing all sorts of costumes and shouting out in a chorus of sounds and smells.

Organized Market:

Although it gives the look of a haphazard market to the new tourist, yet it is quite organized. Vendors start setting up their booths the night before and each different product has a specific place in the market. The flower shops have their own place, and the vegetable and fruit sellers occupy their usual ones. Similarly, there are assigned spaces for pottery, condiments, medicinal plants, wooden boxes, candles, tools, chickens and many more things. There are small eateries in the main plaza called the comedores. You can find everything over there.

Costumes:

If you are a fan of costumes, then you will find many unique ones within the market. There are bright and colorful costumes from all over Guatemala and tradition is bursting forth with every dress. For those of you who have the knowledge, every person will tell where he or she is from by the costumes they are wearing. Most of the dresses are specific to a particular group or village.

Surge in Tourism:

Initially, the market only occupied the central plaza but over the years more and more tourists have started landing here. Read the full story

Pacaya Volcano, located in the south end of the Guatemala City, is very active volcano. It has repeatedly climbed by many climbers due to its easy accessibility. Since 1965 it is very active and has constant eruption of gases, steam, lava flows and powerful explosions.

Location of Pacaya

Pacaya is the part of the Cerro Grande-Pacaya-Cerro Chino volcanic complex. At the north of the volcanic complex is the Lake Amatitlán. To visit Pacaya, you must have to go with a licensed guide. There are several in guided groups to visit Pacaya every day. It is the easy and secure way. Mostly they charge about $15 per person. If you want to have an adventure and go by your own then take the way to south from Guatemala City. There is a highway to Esquintla which turns to the town of San Vicente Pacaya and Pacaya Volcano National Park.

Trails to Pacaya volvano

From and Pacaya Volcano National Park you will find 2 trails up to Pacaya volcano. The easy one trail starts at San Francisco de Sales. This is the entrance to the park where you have to pay for entry. This trail from is well kept, with rest stops, refreshments stops and petrol teams. You can feel safe at this trail.

The second trail starts from the compound of radio towers at the Cerro Chino edge. This trail is harder to climb, but form geological and photogenic point of view, it is more appreciated to climb. If you select this trail, be careful! Because it is not guarded by patrolling parties. Read the full story