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Caption: G U A T E M A L A
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Caption: • Antigua
• Pacaya Volcano
• Lago de Atitlán
• Río Dulce
• Livingston
• Flores
• Tikal
• Chichicastenango
• Guatemala City Central America
Population: 15,8 million
Caption: As the birthplace of the Maya civilization Guatemala has a rich cultural history. While villages with stunning architecture will amaze you with their vibrants colours, the outstanding natural beauty of lush tropical forests and active volcanoes is just waiting for you to explore.
So let's go! Adventure awaits
www.instagram.com/vincentdemers
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Caption: Founded in the 16th century in an area prone to earthquakes, Antigua was the capital of Guatemala. Because it had been destroyed many times by earthquakes it was decided the capital would move to a different location known today as Guatemala City. Many buildings were destroyed by a major earthquake in 1773. Three centuries later, you can still see preserved ruins of the disaster throughout the town, as well as admire the colourful colonial architecture. A N T I G U A
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Caption: TITLE Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua
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Caption: The colourful traditional
Mayan clothing isn't a rare
sight in Guatemala.
Mayan descendants
make up about 40% of the country's population. Quote Credit
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Caption: TITLE P A C A Y A
V O L C A N O
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Caption: Looking for the red stuff on
Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes.
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Caption: TITLE L A G O DE
A T I T L Á N
Caption: Renowned as one of the
most beautiful lakes in the world, the volcanic lake
"Lago de Atitlán" is located about 2.5 hours from Antigua. It is surrounded by three volcanoes and several villages mainly home to traditional Mayan people, and foreigners who felt in love with the beauty of the pristine location. Quote Credit
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Caption: Panajachel is the main gateway to the area surrounding Lake Atitlán. The town is small enough to walk but if you want to experience a ride in a tuk-tuk it will cost you
5 Quetzal (~ $0.75) to go anywhere in town. Enjoy the ride while it last, it will be a short one!
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Caption: R Í O D U L C E
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Caption: The Castillo de San Felipe de Lara in Guatemala is a fort on Lake Izabal at the entrance of the Rio Dulce river. It was built in 1644 to stop pirates from entering the area from the Caribbean Sea.
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Caption: The Rio Dulce River is a 43 km long river that brings you right into Livingston, a town with no road access.
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Caption: L I V I N G S T O N
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Caption: Livingston is home to Guatemala's Garifuna community; descendants of shipwrecked slaves from Africa.
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Caption: It's empty now but Ubafu café-bar, located on the main street of Livingston, is the most enduring bar in town. When night comes it turns it a lively place and it is the best place to enjoy a local music show inspired by the African roots of the village.
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Caption: Grab a fresh coconut and drink before heading to the beach!
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Caption: F L O R E S subtitle
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Caption: Welcome to peaceful Isla de Flores, one of the safest places in the country. The tiny island is located in Lake Peten Itza about one hour away from the famous Maya site Tikal making it a perfect stop to experience the Guatemalan life.
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Caption: T I K A L
Caption: Located in the heart
of the jungle in
Northern Guatemala
and surrounded by
a lush vegetation,
Tikal National Park
is one of the most
important archaeological
sites left by the
Maya civilization.
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Caption: A dense tropical rainforest
of almost 22,000 km2 forms
the Maya Biosphere Reserve which was created in 1990 to protect the largest area of
tropical forest remaining
in Central America.
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Caption: CHICHICASTENANGO
Caption: Chichicastenango is well
known for its famous market taking place on Thursdays and Sundays.The traditional Mayan textiles are the star of the show
at the colourful ChiChi market
but vendors sell everything from handicrafts, textiles, food, flowers, pottery, masks, live stock, etc.
While it may be overwhelming
just take it easy, wander around, enjoy and most of all, have fun!
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Caption: Chichi has two whitewashed churches facing each other and located at opposite ends of the market. This is Church of El Calvario the smaller of the two.
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Caption: The Church of Santo Tomas is the oldest church in the market area and is said to be built on a ancient Mayan ceremony site. It is a Catholic church but it is mostly used by Mayan people who burn candles and perform rituals on the steps outside the church. There are 18 steps leading up to the church's entrance, one for each month of the Mayan calendar year.
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Caption: Green chicken bus in Guatemala City. Often sporting vibrant colours, the buses are operated by two guys; one is driving while the other is collecting the money and loudly announcing the stops and destinations.
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Caption: G U A T E M A L A Photos by Vincent Demers
www.instagram.com/vincentdemers
