Guatemala from Past to Present

Audley client Ellen Abraman shares her photography and impressions from her travels to Guatemala

By Audley Travel

March 14^th, 2018

Diverse and compact natural beauty

Life is born from our land and it is no wonder that the complex Mayan civilization originated from the soils of Guatemala. A land of ferocious volcanoes that seem to stand in protection around tranquil highland lakes and dense lowland jungles that are home to a dizzying variety of tropical wildlife and exotic birds.

To understand the culture of Guatemala and the complexities that exist here one first has to understand the land. My trip took me to the rainforests that still hide old ancient Mayan ruins, to the calm and spiritual Lake Atitlan, to the base of Pacaya Volcano.

Marguerite 22 years old , lagunas area near Yaxha

ancient civilizations and timeless monuments

Looking to the gods, centuries of complex and sophisticated civilizations have left their mark on Guatemala, both thriving off of the land and learning to live peacefully with it. Stepping into the ancient civilizations that have carried the Guatemalan people through centuries of development provide a glimpse into the strength of the Mayan people. These people whose culture and indomitable spirit have survived amidst a mountainous and volcanic landscape that can often be unforgiving, requires patience, resilience, and remarkable innovation.

I was fortunate enough to take in both Tikal and Yaxha, two of arguably the most well preserved and impressive sites in the Americas. Tikal is a vast ceremonial city, whereas Yaxha provides a glimpse into daily life, demonstrating what a functional city looked like.

a rich artistic tradition

Today meandering through the markets that dot the entire country reveals an artistic tradition that bridges the past to the present. Current day artisans find inspiration from past techniques, while harnessing the colorful culture and spirit that have hardly changed with traditions being passed down through multiple generations.

The opportunity to see old and new interpretations of Guatemala’s artistic wealth provides a physical representation of the countries long standing belief system. I noticed the attention that is given to rebuilding things by hand and the importance that is given to preserving the remnants of a church decimated by a volcanic eruption. The art acts as a constant reminder and symbol for the continuum of life that was so prevalent in the beliefs of the Mayan.

Up close of a Guatemalan textile, made in Santiago on Lake Atitlan

Painting representing the Mayan ideology

modern day culture-old meets new

Today Guatemala is a complex mix of ago-old traditions, ritual, fervent Catholicism and modern conveniences. Next to Mayan ruins, hidden deep in lowland jungles lies, traditional villages that come alive with their colorful markets and howler monkeys, which still swing gleefully through the trees.

Then there are the cities where colonial history is on display, mixing the vibrant culture of the Mayans with the modest and regal Christian aesthetic, evident in cities like Antigua, which showcases classic cobblestone streets flanked by pastel- colored houses.

Experiencing the diversity of Guatemala from the land, to its ruins, to its intricate art, all the way to its present culture gave my travels a depth that I was not anticipating. What one does not realize is the beauty that emanates from past civilizations all the way up to the present. I felt extremely lucky to witness it firsthand.