Lancetilla – Botanical Garden in Tela, Honduras
Not far outside of the sleepy Honduran city Tela, set on the Caribbean coast, is the huge botanical gardens of Lancetilla. The gardens were first set-up by the United Fruit Company (of banana republic infamy) in 1926 as an experimental area for growing Asian fruits in Central America. The site is still used today for [...]
Finca Ixobel – Poptun, Guatemala
After reading what is probably the most favourable review for a place in the Lonely Planet ever, and talking to friends who had visited before, we decided we should head to Finca Ixobel ourselves. The Finca has been in operation as a hostel for more than 30 years, which must make it one of the [...]
Finca Paraiso – Hot Waterfalls near Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Finca El Paraiso is about a one hour mini bus ride from the town of Rio Dulce, also known as Fronteras. The Finca is best known for its hot waterfalls. Our buson the way out there was packed to the roof with people, 23 I counted at one stage. As is typical in Guatemala, there [...]
Buses of Antigua, Guatemala
A clear morning allowed us to take a wander down behind the Antigua market to where the Chicken Buses (or Camionetas) park when off-duty. The volcanoes rising through the clouds made for a picturesque scene behind the colorful vehicles. Guys selling flags and other paraphernalia for the upcoming independence day added to the experience.
Las Capuchinas Convent in Antigua, Guatemala
Las Capuchinas was once a convent for the Capuchin nuns of La Antigua, Guatemala. It was completed in 1736 and eventually abandoned after the earthquake of 1773. The partially restored site contains beautiful courtyards and gardens, as well as a mysterious underground dungeon-type area. The fragments of light that shine through a small window onto [...]
Photo from Antigua Guatemala – Wooden Mask
Wooden masks were originally used throughout Guatemala in traditional dances. Some are based on animals, others include representations of the conquistadors, used in dances that mock their arrival. Now, they have become a popular item for tourists to take back home. This particular mask was found in Antigua, a popular shopping destination for travelers.
AWARE Animal Shelter – Dog of the Day
Today’s featured dog from AWARE Animal Shelter in Guatemala is Gruner. This energetic and attractive young man likes keep fit by practicing different sports. Gruner also has a softer side, he loves to dance the waltz, is a fan of Miles Davis and the poetry of Pablo Neruda. The AWARE website at www.animalaware.org has more [...]
Guatemala Photo – Lago de Atitlan by Night
Taken in collaboration with Lisa Anderson last February during dry season at Lago de Atitlan in Guatemala. Lisa is a close friend and talented photographer who studied at Brooks Institute of Photography. Based in Los Angeles, she mostly devotes her professional photography to weddings and events. http://rosemariephotography.com
AWARE Animal Shelter – Dog of the Day
Calle arrived at AWARE only a few days ago. His name translates as ‘Street’ in English. Not surprisingly, he is a product of the street. At this stage he is very timid, testing the waters with human contact. Two of his sisters are also at the shelter, smaller and even more cautious. All signs point [...]
Guatemala Photo – Transparent Butterfly
We have seen a few of these guys flapping about Guatemala the past couple of weeks. Their wings are perfectly transparent, the only butterfly either of us have seen like this.
