The Passenger ⋆ Page 3 of 301 ⋆ Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.

February 11, 2025March 1, 2025

Cobán

The capital of the Alta Verapaz department in Guatemala, has a rich history deeply intertwined with German influence. Founded in 1543 by Dominican friars, the city gained prominence in the late 19th century when German settlers arrived and established coffee plantations. These German immigrants significantly shaped Cobán‘s development, introducing their culture, architecture, and agricultural practices. The city became a hub for coffee production and trade, with German families like the Dieseldorffs playing a crucial role in its economic growth.

February 10, 2025February 28, 2025

Isla de Flores

The Isla de Flores, a small island in lake Petén Itzá, Guatemala, is a charming destination known for its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. The old city center, perched atop a hill, features a picturesque main square with Maya stelae and the white-painted Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the Malecón, a promenade that encircles the island, offering stunning views of the lake and providing a perfect spot for watching the sunset. The island’s compact size allows for easy exploration on foot, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining its quaint streets.

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 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.