Sights Archives ⋆ Page 2 of 148 ⋆ The Passenger

February 9, 2025March 1, 2025

Tikal

Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive Maya cities, flourished in the heart of Guatemala’s rainforest from around 900 BCE to 900 CE. At its peak during the Classic Period (200-900 CE), Tikal was a bustling metropolis with an estimated population of 100,000, boasting monumental architecture, advanced astronomical knowledge, and a complex political structure. The city’s decline towards the end of the 9th century remains a subject of debate among scholars, with theories ranging from environmental degradation to warfare and social unrest.

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

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

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, 2025March 1, 2025

Antigua

Antigua Guatemala, meaning ‘Old Guatemala‘, is a captivating colonial city nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala. Founded in 1543 as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, it served as the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala until 1773, when a series of devastating earthquakes prompted the relocation of the capital to present-day Ciudad de Guatemala. Despite this setback, Antigua has preserved its rich colonial heritage, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.

February 3, 2025March 1, 2025

Lago de Atitlán

Nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, Lago de Atitlán is a breathtaking natural wonder surrounded by three majestic volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán. This stunning lake offers visitors a plethora of activities and sights to enjoy. Adventure enthusiasts can partake in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even paragliding for an aerial view of the landscape. The lake’s shores are dotted with picturesque Mayan villages, each with its own unique character, where travelers can immerse themselves in local culture, shop for traditional textiles, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails like the Indian Nose offering spectacular sunrise views over the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

January 3, 2025January 4, 2025

Teide

The highest mountain of Spain can in fact not be found on the Spanish mainland, but on the island of Tenerife belonging to the Islas Canarias. The Teide is 3,715 meters high and of volcanic origin – the last erruption was in 1909. Surrounding the mountain you can find a beautiful national park and a caldera named Las Cañadas with a diameter of 17 kilometers. The Pico del Teide was also the holy mountain of the Guanche indigenious people who gave it the name Echeyde, El Teide is just the Spanish transformation of this name.

December 28, 2024December 30, 2024

Ghost town

If you’re into lost places or graffiti art you should consider a visit to the Sanatorio de Abona at Abades, on the southern coast of Tenerife. Leprosy reached the island rather late and in 1943 it was decided to create a sanatorio with all you need: from different houses via hospitals to a church in Franco style. Prior to finishing the construction works leprosy could be defeated and the sanatoria became superfluous. Not a single person moved and was treated there. As the buildings were never finished and repurposed, Abades is today a ghost town close to the shore and tourist houses.