Foreword: August 21 – the day I entered my 40th country.
I could never have imaged that I would visit 40 countries… I always thought at this time in my life I would be settled somewhere, not sitting in a cafe on a lake in Guatemala writing this blog.
(Overlooking my 40th country!)
Leaving the Caribbean I headed for what would be my 40th country… Guatemala.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when a beat up minivan rocked up an hour late with no aircon.
The journey was slightly longer than expected but was more bearable with the windows open and a breeze coming in. The further from the coast we got, the more mountainous and green the landscape became. It was beautiful.
(Showing off the wind blown look in the mini-van)
Approaching the border crossing I was slightly apprehensive, knowing that the Guatemalan immigration would try and scam me for money and I would have to refuse, whilst still hoping they would let me in the country. They asked, I refused, I entered. Win to me!
Flores was the base for exploring Tikal, the most famous ruins in Guatemala. Flores itself is on an island in the middle of a lake. My new friend Carlie and I found the perfect cafe on the lake to have breakfast…and then stay on for the afternoon for beer and nachos.
(Hanging with the locals at the lake)
(Cheers to 40 countries!)
Then it was on to the serious business of exploring ancient Mayan cities. First up was Yaxha, a 1.5hr 4wd trip in a Rav 4 that sounded like a truck. The last half an hour was through serious jungle/rainforest and you hear dinosaurs… I’m not kidding, it was like driving into Jurassic Park with something roaring in the jungle. The roaring turned out to be howler monkeys, large black monkeys that roar at each other. Google it – the sound incredible!
Yaxha is one of the less visited ruins and we pretty much had it to ourselves. You walk through the jungle and ruins just appear out of nowhere. Many are still covered by mounds of dirt yet to be restored. Magic. You can climb many of the pyramids there, so be prepared for a good thigh workout!
(Carlie venturing into the jungle)
After lunch it was Tikal, the reason many people come to Guatemala. The most famous and largest ruins in the country, a civilization that lasted around 1800 years. As we only had half a day we only saw the larger & more famous ruins, walking around 7kms to do so around the national park. The piece-de-resistance was climbing Temple 4 and seeing the most amazing view across the mountains and valleys for miles. We all sat at the top stunned just gazing off into the distance.
(Can you see me?!)
(Photos just do not do this justice)
