Dr. Stefan Christmann

February 8, 2025March 1, 2025

Alice

Alice Guesthouse in El Remate offers a magical escape that feels like stepping into a jungle wonderland. This charming retreat, run by a French and Belgian family, features cozy bungalows equipped with hammocks, perfect for relaxing while listening to the sounds of howler monkeys and observing a variety of colorful bird species. The guesthouse’s name, a nod to Alice in Wonderland, perfectly captures the whimsical and enchanting atmosphere of the property. Guests can enjoy refreshments at the on-site bar and savor delicious meals at the restaurant, all while immersed in the lush tropical surroundings.

February 7, 2025March 1, 2025

Aside

Livingston Resort Hotel is a relaxed, mid-range accommodation nestled along the Caribbean coast of Livingston, Guatemala. This colorful retreat offers guests a laid-back, set against the backdrop of the azure sea. While slightly removed from the bustling harbor area, the hotel’s location provides a tranquil escape, requiring about a 15-minute walk from the town center. For those preferring not to walk, tuk-tuks are readily available, and the hotel generously covers the transfer cost upon arrival, typically amounting to five quetzales per person. The resort’s architecture is an eclectic mix of styles, with the main house featuring an unconventional design that adds to its quirky appeal.

February 7, 2025March 1, 2025

Siete Altares

The seven altars are a stunning natural attraction located near Livingston, Guatemala. This series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools is nestled within lush tropical forest, offering visitors a refreshing escape from the heat and a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Caribbean lowlands. The name ‘Siete Altares‘ comes from the seven distinct pools formed by the waterfalls, which are said to resemble altars. For the indigenous Garifuna people and local Q’eqchi’ Maya, these pools hold spiritual significance, serving as sites for ancient ceremonies and rituals. The area is believed to be a place where the natural and spiritual worlds intersect, making it not just a tourist destination but also a sacred space for local communities.

February 6, 2025March 1, 2025

Livingston

Livingston, a unique coastal town in Guatemala, is steeped in the rich history and culture of the Garifuna people. The Garifuna, descendants of West African slaves and indigenous Caribs, arrived in Livingston in the early 19th century after being exiled from St. Vincent by the British. Today, their presence is immediately evident as you walk through the streets, with the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture visible in the local music, dance, and cuisine. This distinct heritage sets Livingston apart from the rest of Guatemala, creating a fascinating cultural enclave on the Caribbean coast.

February 6, 2025March 1, 2025

Agua Caliente

The Centro Ecoturístico Agua Caliente is located directly next to the Río Dulce and it is a really good reason to stop when you’re passing by boat from the city of Río Dulce to Livingston. It is a natural hot spring that runs directly into to river itself. This geothermal wonder is a result of the area’s volcanic activity, which heats groundwater as it percolates through the earth’s crust. The heated water then rises to the surface, creating the hot springs that have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

February 6, 2025March 1, 2025

Pirates of the Caribbean

Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, Río Dulce

The Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, situated at the strategic entrance of the Lago de Izabal in eastern Guatemala, stands as a testament to the Spanish Empire’s struggle against piracy in the Caribbean. Built in the mid-17th century, this fortress was designed to protect vital trade routes and Spanish ships from the persistent threat of buccaneers and pirates who frequently raided the region. The castle’s location at a narrow point of the Río Dulce made it an ideal defensive position, allowing the Spanish to control access to the Lago de Izabal and the important port of San Antonio de las Bodegas.

February 5, 2025March 1, 2025

Quiriguá

The Parque Arqueológico y Ruinas de Quiriguá is an ancient Maya archaeological site located in the department of Izabal in southeastern Guatemala. Situated along the lower Motagua river, about 200 kilometers northeast of Ciudad de Guatemala, the site covers approximately 3 square kilometers, with its ceremonial center positioned about 1 kilometer from the river’s north bank. Quiriguá’s strategic location at the intersection of important trade routes made it a significant player in the Maya world during the Classic Period.

February 4, 2025March 1, 2025

El Bosque

Located in the heart of Antigua Guatemala, El Bosque is a popular beer garden that attracts a diverse crowd, including many expatriates and tourists, often referred to as ‘Gringos‘. This charming spot offers a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy local craft beers. The beer garden is part of Antigua Cerveza, a local brewery known for its variety of beers, which range from blonde ales to stouts. Visitors can enjoy these brews in a serene setting, often accompanied by live music and delicious food, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and foreigners alike.

February 4, 2025March 1, 2025

Cerro de La Cruz

The Hill of the Cross is a popular viewpoint located on the northern edge of Antigua Guatemala. From this elevated position, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic vista of the colonial city, with its charming terracotta roofs and cobblestone streets sprawling out below. The iconic Volcán de Agua dominates the southern horizon, its symmetrical cone rising majestically to an altitude of 3,760 meters. On clear days, the view extends far beyond Antigua, encompassing the surrounding valleys and even distant volcanoes like Fuego and Acatenango.

February 3, 2025February 27, 2025

Quetzal

The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) is the official currency of Guatemala, named after the resplendent quetzal, the country’s national bird. Introduced in 1925 during the presidency of José María Orellana, it replaced the Guatemalan peso at a rate of 60 pesos to 1 quetzal. The currency’s name has historical significance, as quetzal bird tail feathers were used as currency in ancient Mayan culture. The quetzal is divided into 100 centavos, and its plural form is quetzales.