Guatemala: The world of the Mayas I - Antigua, Atitlán lake, Chichicastenango, Tikal Guatemala lies in the heart of the Maya world. Our journey to one of the most fascinating cultures of the world, which left us many mysteries, begins in the capital of Guatemala and leads first far to the Atitlán lake and Chichicastenango. Later the journey leads us to Mexico into the province Chiapas and turns back to Guatemala, after Tikal, and then after Copán and Roatan in Honduras. The Atitlan lake is called also the most beautiful lake of the world. The lake is framed by 3 volcanos, the San Pedro (2995), Tolimán (3158) and Atitlán (3537). In Guatemala can be found innumerable volcanoes. The Pacaya volcano belongs to one of the most active volcanoes of Central America and rises not far from Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala. Antigua is also a centre for all, which are interested to learn the Spanish language. In Chichicastenango one experiences a traditional Indio market. The journey from the Atitlán lake is possible in a day tour. No place of the Mayas is comparable with Tikal, because it lies deeply in the jungle. From the Maya cities we know today that Tikal was the largest, Palenque the most religious and Copán the most majestic. In addition there was never a "centre government" in the Maya World but autonomous city states.   >> regard photos          >> info main-page