ABOUT GUATEMALA
With 37 volcanoes, 23 individual languages, 19 different ecosystems and numerous Mayan and Colonial ruins, it is no surprise that Guatemala - a nation no bigger than Tennessee - is cited four times at the #1 Bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Antigua, Guatemala's most beautiful and historic city, is similar to having a little bit of Europe, just south of the boundary, but in a fraction of the cost. Also, with helicopter adventures in Guatemala from New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas, Guatemala is easy to access and in less time than it takes to fly to Europe or Hawaii.

ABOUT ANTIGUA
Nestled between three stunning volcanoes in Central America, Antigua, Guatemala is among the world's oldest and most beautiful colonial cities. This majestic, 400 year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited city in Central America and its popularity only continues to grow as recently underscored by its winning"TOP City" in the Wanderlust's 2009 Travel Awards, beating out more than 600 other popular world destinations.

In Antigua travelers explore the ruins, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops that are scattered throughout the famed cobblestone streets of this former capital of Guatemala. Centrally located, Antigua is also the perfect base from which to take short trips to other popular destinations such as Lake Atitlan, the Pacific Coast and the world renowned Mayan Temples of Tikal.

So whether you prefer a leisurely horse carriage ride through this centuries old town, or a day at the outdoor market discovering incredible hand-crafted paintings, or a heart-pounding trip throughout the tree-tops onto a zip-line... whatever could inspire and renew you is very likely to be found in Antigua...

ABOUT LAKE ATITLAN
Maybe it happens when you are gazing at the towering volcanoes disappearing into the distance as you skim across an ancient, blue coloured lake on your way to detect your next lakeside Mayan Village. Or perhaps it strikes you when you're enjoying the rising sun on a morning in a place so beautiful it makes you grab your breath. Here, in this magical place, it happens - you disconnect, and then reconnect to something which profoundly enhances and renews.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan is a stunning all-natural wonder that's seduced travelers for centuries. In many of the villages the Mayan civilization is still prevalent and the traditional dress is still worn.

Complementing the standard villages are a few"funky tourist towns" like Panajachel, San Marcos and San Pedro, where travelers from around the world meet, mix and have fun. Atitlan is a really exceptional wonder of the Earth, or as one recent visitor described it Lake Atitlan is like getting too much of a fantastic thing! Only a short distance from the lake is the world renowned open market of Chichicastenango. In Chichi, tourists get a glimpse into a different world full of Mayan rituals, rituals, processions and of course an infinite choice of magnificent and authentic Guatemalan handmade products.

ABOUT TIKAL
The undisputed center of Ancient Mayan Society, Tikal sits at the center of Guatemala's northern rain forest -which makes this sacred place the home of Mayan history as well as home to countless species of monkeys, toucans and parakeets.

The Tikal National Park, a protected place some 370 square km, is a moving, mystical experience for visitors - emphasized by the magnificent volcano ruins of the lost Mayan world. For years visitors from all over the globe have come to Tikal to transport their minds, bodies and spirits back in time whilst watching a new day dawn at sunrise since they're surrounded by the ancient Temples of Tikal.



ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA - RESOURCES & ACCOMMODATIONS


* One of the most beautiful and distinctive attributes of Antigua will be the spectacular 400-year-old destroys that can be found on nearly every corner of this enchanting, centuries-old city. Many of these ruins can actually be rented for various personal events - creating any celebration, meeting, wedding or ceremony uniquely memorable.

This resort warrants serious attention from anyone planning a trip to Antigua.

* Another luxury resort in Antigua that has recently opened is El Convento. This hotel is best described as a boutique version of Casa Santa Domingo Hotel.