Flores Journals

Great Guatemala Loop Part 1 – Flores and Tikal

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A January 2004 trip to Flores by lcampbell

Tikal National Park Photo - Flores, Guatemala More Photos
Quote: In Part 1 of 7 of our month-long journey around Guatemala, we get our first introduction into a new country and a crash course in Spanish, land unexpectedly in the middle of a local festival in Flores, and explore the ultimate in Guatemalan archaeological sites at Tikal National Park.

Great Guatemala Loop Part 1 – Flores and Tikal

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Overview

Tikal National Park Photo - Flores, Guatemala
Quote:
After a border crossing and bus trip that left us feeling harried, unsure, and exhausted, we recovered to a state of awe and exhilaration at the new and unknown. We were in Guatemala! We rested up and frantically tried to recall long-forgotten Spanish words and grammar, then headed out to explore charming Flores. Located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is built on the site of an ancient Mayan city. Refugees from Chichen Itzá in Mexico settled on this island and lived there peacefully until conquered by the Spanish in 1697. While once the "last major functioning Mayan ceremonial centers" (according to Lonely Planet guidebook), the city was completely destroyed and no sign of it...Read More

Mirador del Lago II

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Hotel

Mirador del Lago II Photo - Mirador del Lago II, Flores, Guatemala
Quote:
Our Room: Room #27 at Mirador del Lago II is the absolute best room available at the hotel. If at all possible, get this room. It is on third floor, with a lake view, and a small balcony. In addition, there is a tile-top table and chairs just outside the room, also with a fantastic lake view. As far as we could tell, ours was the only room in the building with the view. The room below us on second floor would have its view blocked by the buildings across the street. I had thought that our room would be more expensive because of the view, but all the rooms were the same price. This room was great for sunrise views as well. And very clean. Private or Shared Bath?...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2004

Mirador del Lago II
Calle Union
Flores, Guatemala

Festival – Cristo Negro de Esquipulas

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Attraction

We heard the drumming first Photo - Festival – Cristo Negro de Esquipulas, Flores, Guatemala
Quote:
After a day filled with bus travel, a harried border crossing, rapid foreign language recall, and a brief recovery period, we were delighted to find entertainment waiting just under our hotel window. We heard the drums first, then singing. From our balcony, we got a better look at the procession passing below. The street was packed with people, a huge clump moving slowly forward together, almost shuffling. In the middle of the mob, a statue of Christ on the cross was carried by somber-looking men. We dressed and followed the crowd to the town square, which was a small park just outside a grand white church. As night fell, mass was held to a packed park. With worship co...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 4, 2004

Festival – Cristo Negro de Esquipulas
Town square
Flores, Guatemala

Tikal National Park

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Story/Tip

One of the big ones Photo - Flores, Guatemala
Quote:
The monkey was gesturing at me. I swear he was. I looked over my shoulder. My husband was long gone down the trail, and there was nobody else around to see. I looked back at the monkey. He was doing it again! Sort of pointing at me, then flailing his arms above his head, then pointing at me again. What did it mean? Does he want me to come up for tea and bananas? Do I have something stuck in my teeth? What? This was surreal. After my long-tailed possibly-insane friend lost interest in me, I wandered to the nearby ancient stone wall to find my hubby. I was amazed where I found him. He was in the largest plaza area that we had seen since starting our day-long exploration of Tikal Natio...Read More

ARCAS Animal Rescue

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Story/Tip

A little shy, very attention starved Photo - Flores, Guatemala
Quote:
The sign said "If all other work is done, cuddle with the monkeys." Having seen the adorable attention-starved monkeys earlier in the day, the sign was just tempting me into signing up as a volunteer at the ARCAS Animal Rescue Center. ARCAS is located in San Miguel town, on Lago de Peten Itza, near Flores. We decided to visit after reading a short blurb in our guidebook, and discovered that this is a gem of an organization. ARCAS, founded in 1988, is a non-profit organization that focuses on animal rescue, forest and habitat conservation, research, and environmental education. The animals at ARCAS are rescued from the illegal pet trade. Many ar...Read More

About the Writer

lcampbell

lcampbell
Port Angeles, Washington

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