Guatemala City (Guatemala)
According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Guatemala City was founded in 1776 when another earthquake destroyed the old capital of Antigua. The city is located at the foot of the Agua volcano at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level in a picturesque valley. This place is located 80 km north of the Pacific coast.
The city is divided into 21 zones. Almost all historical sights are located in the first zone. Colonial architecture here blends perfectly with skyscrapers and shopping malls. In Central Park you will see the National Palace. The Metropolitan Cathedral, built between 1782-1815, has survived several earthquakes and houses the treasures of the ruined capital of Antigua.
Viva Zone is the financial and entertainment center of Guatemala City. Here along Reformy Avenue there are offices of the largest firms, banks and hotels. Many bars, restaurants and discos make this place also the center of the city’s nightlife, and it is to them that it owes its name. Guatemala City has many opportunities for cultural recreation: there are theaters, museums and galleries. The National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology will tell about the Maya culture, the National Museum of Modern Art houses the works of modern masters and masters of past years, the Historical Museum will reveal the secrets of the history of Guatemala. The National Theater is a true work of modern architecture. It is located in the 4th zone of the city. This angular building has the shape of a pyramid. The theater can accommodate more than 2,000 people. Handicrafts and all kinds of souvenirs can be purchased at the Central Market, which is located near the Cathedral. Tourists should remember that not all areas are safe for walking. It is better not to visit the places where the indigenous population lives alone, without a guide. La Aurora International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city. It is the starting point for tourists from all over the world who want to get to know the country.
Flores (Guatemala)
Flores is located in the Petén Plain region and is located on an island in the Petén Itza Lake. The city was built on the site of the former settlement of the Maya Indians – Tayasala. In 1697, the Spanish captured Tayasal and destroyed all the ceremonial buildings.
Now Flores is connected to the land surrounding the lake by a 500-meter paved road. The road leads to the two cities of Santa Elena and San Benito. You can walk around Flores in just 15 minutes. On a hill in the center of the city is the main square. Around it are the old church and government buildings.
Close to Flores there is the Cave of the Serpent, where you can see bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. Rent a motorboat and visit the local Petencito Zoo, the ruins of the former city of Tayasal, the cities of San Andrés and San José. To the west of the zoo is a sandy beach where you can sunbathe, swim in the lake and have a picnic.
But most often from Flores they go to Tikal National Park, which is located 60 km from the city. The government did not approve direct flights to Tikal, so Flores became the tourist center of the area with an airport, hotels and restaurants. The airport is located in Santa Elena, 3 km from Flores. Flight to Guatemala The city will take about 50 minutes, the bus ride will take about 10 hours. If you intend to visit Tikal from Guatemala City, it is recommended to take a plane to Flores in the morning, spend the night in a hotel, visit Tikal in the morning and fly to Guatemala City in the afternoon. Although travel agencies usually offer a one-day visit to Tikal from Guatemala City, this is not the best option.
There is a good road between Tikal and Flores, the journey will take about an hour. If you are traveling during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, it is best to refrain from visiting Tikal National Park in the afternoon. Usually at this time there is a short, but heavy tropical downpour, which can spoil the impression of the trip.
