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Away from the ruins, temples, columns, and the beaches people usually envisage many may miss a very special part of Central America. Tucked between Mexico and Honduras and sharing a long border with Belize; Guatemala is a vast landscape of mountain ranges, rivers, Mayan civilisations.
Approaching central Guatemala, on the Lago de Petén Itzá past the disorganized city of Santa Elena is a tranquil island community. Founded by the Itzáes after their expulsion from Chichén Itza, a city that once had pyramids and temples of major Mayan ceremonial importance, Flores is now adored by narrow cobble stone streets. On approach this may feel like the island of Mont Saint Michel on the North coast of France. Its small stance within the lake is an remarkable Buenos vista, shy and lonely although visually powerful. Atop the hill in the island centre is an adorable Church coupled with a local basketball court, where local children play games after the service. The views of the surrounding village is quaint almost surreal in the sunsets of the evening, as the sun highlights the charming red-roofed houses.
Walking from one side to the other is just a stroll along cobble stone streets that wind their way through the island, although there is an abundance of mini taxi bikes. Small cafes and restaurants line the streets along with plenty of travel agencies and Internet café’s. For dinner overlooking the sunsets upon the lake, you can’t miss one of the many fabulous restaurants situated on the shore. A very safe community where everyone knows each other you have no reason to be scared to walk by yourself after a few drinks at night, its only going to be a short stroll back to your hotel.
During the day you may choose to do a local Spanish course while on the island, where you can stay with a local family, and experience home cooked meals, for a very affordable price. For the real tourist within us all you can chose to visit the local ruins of Tikal only a short bus ride away. Here towering pyramids scrape though the clouds above the rainforest canopy, offering 44m high views of the largest Mayan ruins in Guatemala. You’ll be confronted by the sounds of Howler monkeys, a mean growl, small stature, echoes of squawks from colourful parrots, and an abundance of local tree frogs.
Back in Flores, while strolling through the streets one night, I was witness to a Sunday night Grandmothers community song and chant to the Virgin Mary. Away from the famous ruins this a great place to view enchanting local communities, sharing food, song and dance. The local Guatemalans are very friendly and always helpful with a giant smile on their face. To get your bearings on the island you can hop on a small boat and circle the surroundings, even asking the driver to stop while you take a swim or maybe a cervesa or two. Paradise.
Copyright © 2009 Joel Hauer
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