Guatemala’s tourism potential is unquestionable. Featuring active volcanoes, beaches, jungle and coral reefs it could certainly provide a unique experience.
Among the main attractions of this Central American country is also the Mayan culture. There is for example the Tikal National Park which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you can find more than 4,000 structures, the oldest of them built in 800 BC.
Recently, Guatemalans have launched a new “Mayan People” ethnic tourism program through which three new tourism routes will be developed. These new routes should allow visitors to have a deeper insight in the Mayan culture.
Visitors will not only admire the relicts of the dead civilization they will have the opportunity to see how present day descendants of the ancient Maya live.
All services in connection with the three routes: The Mayan Universe Trail, the Mayan Calendar Trail, and the Mayan Dualism Trail should be provided by the members of the indigenous Mayan community. They will not only be craftsmen or artists but also tour operators. The tours would teach tourists about Mayan food, clothes, crafts, spiritual ceremonies and traditions.
To achieve all that the routes will lead through Mayan populated areas. They will for instance go through Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango, Totonicapan, Quiche, Huehuetenango, Solola, Retalhuleu, Quetzaltenango, Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz.
The work on the project is still on progress and more accurate information should be available later this year.