Earthquakes are a fairly frequent occurrence in Guatemala, and they have played an important part in the country’s history. This is most evident in the picturesque city of Antigua where spectacular 200-year-old Colonial Ruins can be seen on nearly every corner.
Lying on top of a major fault zone between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, Guatemala is no stranger to the destructive forces of earthquakes. The most recent major quake (a 7.5 magnitude) occurred in 1976 and caused 23,000 fatalities and widespread damage.
It is a 1773 earthquake, however, that is Guatemala’s most famous – it changed the country’s history and it is the reason that present-day Antigua is now “decorated” with beautiful colonial ruins throughout its cobble-stoned streets.
The 1773 earthquake (also a 7.5 magnitude) destroyed much of Antigua and killed more than 600 people immediately (another 600 died later from disease) and it produced aftershocks that lasted more than four months! This quake - and its destructive aftermath - is also the reason Spanish authorities decided to abandon Antigua as its Central American Capital and move it to present-day Guatemala City.
The beautiful ruins left by the 1773 quake help add a unique charm to the city of Antigua, and they are most certainly part of the reason that Antigua was recognized in 1979 by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Mankind site.
Today tourist from around the world visit Antigua to marvel at its dramatic ruins. Add to this Antigua’s colorful squares, white-washed churches, museums, world-class restaurants, art galleries and traditional markets and you begin to understand why Antigua, Guatemala is the most visited city in Central America!
For more information about Antigua, Guatemala visit: http://www.Georges-TravelClub.com or send an e-mail to George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Guatemala's Fuego Volcano - Fire in the Sky
The ongoing global disruption being caused by Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull Volcano got me to thinking about our own neighborhood volcanoes here in Antigua, Guatemala. Our volcanic neighbors include Agua and Acatenango (both dormant) and Fuego which is famous for being almost constantly active at a low level.
From my garden in Antigua, I am able to see all three of these spectacular natural wonders and for years now I have enjoyed waking up and gazing at them while having my morning coffee. Of course Fuego is the most fun to watch because it is often “puffing away” and it can sometimes put on a very dramatic show with its “blasts” of ash and smoke plumes.
Fuego’s most recent major eruption occurred on August 9, 2007 and this extraordinary event was something I was lucky enough to see with my very own eyes! For a full day and night – without interruption - Fuego violently spewed lava, rock and ash. I spent nearly the entire night of Aug. 9, 2007 in my garden watching this astounding display of volcanic power and beauty. A column of bright red lava shot straight into the air, as high as a skyscraper, and continued to do so for nearly 24 hours straight. In my life I have never seen anything as amazing and awe-inspiring as Fuego’s 2007 eruption.
After this incredible experience, I was motivated to do a little research on Fuego. Following are a few things - both interesting and disturbing – that I discovered about our volcanic neighbor:
* Fuego has had more than 60 eruptions since 1524 with 25% of these eruptions involving significant lava flows.
* Even more “major” than the 2007 eruption was Fuego’s October 1974 eruption. With this event there was a series of powerful blasts that produced up to 10km high ash columns and multiple pyroclastic flows. The longest flows reached over 10km but were fortunately restrained in uninhabited valleys. Thousands abandoned their homes due to this eruption and many roofs collapsed under the weight of the ash that was deposited. Additionally many local crops and grazing areas were destroyed by the ash layer.
* Fuego was essentially quiet from 1987 to 1999, but it is now experiencing a period of ‘heightened’ activity. The most common activity is sporadic, small eruptions that produce ash clouds (events like this can be minutes or days apart), but in more recent years lava flows have become more common and at night incandescence can often be seen at the base of eruption column.
Future eruptions are, of course, hard to predict but you do not have to look any further than Fuego’s sister volcano’s history, Agua, to get a glimpse of what could happen…
Volcán de Agua, which dominates the local landscape of Antigua, has been inactive since the mid 16th century. In 1541, however, Agua’s volcanic activity triggered a mudflow of biblical proportions and the nearby “original” Antigua (now known as Ciudad Vieja) was completely destroyed and many lives were lost. This event is the reason Antigua was “moved” to its present location.
With any luck, Fuego will not repeat Agua’s destructive past and our beautiful home of Antigua will be spared. If, however, Antigua is destined to be destroyed once again by a volcanic event, I can only hope that when it happens I will be surfing with friends in El Salvador! Of course since Guatemala sits at the center of three tectonic plates, Antigua could always be destroyed by one of the country’s frequent earthquakes, but I think I will save that for another blog...
Note – Guatemala has 33 volcanoes of which three are active. Volcan Fuego is not accessible to hikers, but another nearby active volcano (Pacaya) is and it is one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist attractions. Just an hour’s drive from Antigua, Pacaya offers visitors the extraordinary experience of seeing hot, flowing rivers of lava up close! For more information about Pacaya Tours visit: http://www.Georges-TravelClub.com or send an e-mail to George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
From my garden in Antigua, I am able to see all three of these spectacular natural wonders and for years now I have enjoyed waking up and gazing at them while having my morning coffee. Of course Fuego is the most fun to watch because it is often “puffing away” and it can sometimes put on a very dramatic show with its “blasts” of ash and smoke plumes.
Fuego’s most recent major eruption occurred on August 9, 2007 and this extraordinary event was something I was lucky enough to see with my very own eyes! For a full day and night – without interruption - Fuego violently spewed lava, rock and ash. I spent nearly the entire night of Aug. 9, 2007 in my garden watching this astounding display of volcanic power and beauty. A column of bright red lava shot straight into the air, as high as a skyscraper, and continued to do so for nearly 24 hours straight. In my life I have never seen anything as amazing and awe-inspiring as Fuego’s 2007 eruption.
After this incredible experience, I was motivated to do a little research on Fuego. Following are a few things - both interesting and disturbing – that I discovered about our volcanic neighbor:
* Fuego has had more than 60 eruptions since 1524 with 25% of these eruptions involving significant lava flows.
* Even more “major” than the 2007 eruption was Fuego’s October 1974 eruption. With this event there was a series of powerful blasts that produced up to 10km high ash columns and multiple pyroclastic flows. The longest flows reached over 10km but were fortunately restrained in uninhabited valleys. Thousands abandoned their homes due to this eruption and many roofs collapsed under the weight of the ash that was deposited. Additionally many local crops and grazing areas were destroyed by the ash layer.
* Fuego was essentially quiet from 1987 to 1999, but it is now experiencing a period of ‘heightened’ activity. The most common activity is sporadic, small eruptions that produce ash clouds (events like this can be minutes or days apart), but in more recent years lava flows have become more common and at night incandescence can often be seen at the base of eruption column.
Future eruptions are, of course, hard to predict but you do not have to look any further than Fuego’s sister volcano’s history, Agua, to get a glimpse of what could happen…
Volcán de Agua, which dominates the local landscape of Antigua, has been inactive since the mid 16th century. In 1541, however, Agua’s volcanic activity triggered a mudflow of biblical proportions and the nearby “original” Antigua (now known as Ciudad Vieja) was completely destroyed and many lives were lost. This event is the reason Antigua was “moved” to its present location.
With any luck, Fuego will not repeat Agua’s destructive past and our beautiful home of Antigua will be spared. If, however, Antigua is destined to be destroyed once again by a volcanic event, I can only hope that when it happens I will be surfing with friends in El Salvador! Of course since Guatemala sits at the center of three tectonic plates, Antigua could always be destroyed by one of the country’s frequent earthquakes, but I think I will save that for another blog...
Note – Guatemala has 33 volcanoes of which three are active. Volcan Fuego is not accessible to hikers, but another nearby active volcano (Pacaya) is and it is one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist attractions. Just an hour’s drive from Antigua, Pacaya offers visitors the extraordinary experience of seeing hot, flowing rivers of lava up close! For more information about Pacaya Tours visit: http://www.Georges-TravelClub.com or send an e-mail to George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
About Guatemala & Antigua
With 33 volcanoes, 21 separate languages, 19 different ecosystems and countless Mayan and Colonial ruins, it is no surprise that Guatemala - a country no bigger than Tennessee - is mentioned four times in the #1 Bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Antigua, Guatemala's most beautiful and historic city, is a favorite destination for travelers because it is like having a little bit of Europe, just south of the border, but at a fraction of the cost.
Nestled between three dramatic volcanoes in Central America, Antigua, Guatemala is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful colonial cities. This majestic, 400 year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited city in Central America. Antigua won “TOP City” at the Wanderlust’s 2009 Travel Awards, beating out more than 600 other popular world destinations.
In Antigua you can explore the ruins, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops that are dotted throughout the famous cobblestone streets of this former capital of Guatemala. Centrally located, Antigua is also the perfect base from which to take short trips to other popular destinations like Lake Atitlan, the Pacific Coast and the world famous Mayan Temples of Tikal. Known as the "land of the eternal spring", Antigua has a humidity-free average temperature of 75 degrees all year round, so there is never a bad time to visit.
So whether you prefer a leisurely horse carriage ride through this centuries old city, or a day at the outdoor market discovering incredible hand-crafted treasures, or a heart-pounding trip through the tree-tops on a zip-line... whatever might want to experience you are likely to find in Antigua.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (April/2010)
Antigua, Guatemala's most beautiful and historic city, is a favorite destination for travelers because it is like having a little bit of Europe, just south of the border, but at a fraction of the cost.
Nestled between three dramatic volcanoes in Central America, Antigua, Guatemala is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful colonial cities. This majestic, 400 year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited city in Central America. Antigua won “TOP City” at the Wanderlust’s 2009 Travel Awards, beating out more than 600 other popular world destinations.
In Antigua you can explore the ruins, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops that are dotted throughout the famous cobblestone streets of this former capital of Guatemala. Centrally located, Antigua is also the perfect base from which to take short trips to other popular destinations like Lake Atitlan, the Pacific Coast and the world famous Mayan Temples of Tikal. Known as the "land of the eternal spring", Antigua has a humidity-free average temperature of 75 degrees all year round, so there is never a bad time to visit.
So whether you prefer a leisurely horse carriage ride through this centuries old city, or a day at the outdoor market discovering incredible hand-crafted treasures, or a heart-pounding trip through the tree-tops on a zip-line... whatever might want to experience you are likely to find in Antigua.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (April/2010)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Spectacular Semana Santa!!
IN THE WORLD, there is no better place to be than Antigua, Guatemala for Semana Santa (Holy Week)! You cannot step more than a few feet in Antigua during this time without seeing an alfrombra (spectacular carpets made of flowers and colored sawdust) which adorn every single cobble-stoned street here.
You have to be sure to snap your photos when you see the alfombras, because it is not long before one of Antigua's many processions comes along and tramples them underfoot, as is the custom.
Antigua's Semana Santa is the most spectacular celebration of Holy Week on the planet. Tourists from around the world converge on Antigua (quadrupiling its population for a week) to see this amazing, one-of-a-kind celebration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Feliz Semana Santa!
For more information about Antigua, Guatemala and Semana Santa visit: http://www.Georges-TravelClub.com or send an e-mail to George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
You have to be sure to snap your photos when you see the alfombras, because it is not long before one of Antigua's many processions comes along and tramples them underfoot, as is the custom.
Antigua's Semana Santa is the most spectacular celebration of Holy Week on the planet. Tourists from around the world converge on Antigua (quadrupiling its population for a week) to see this amazing, one-of-a-kind celebration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Feliz Semana Santa!
For more information about Antigua, Guatemala and Semana Santa visit: http://www.Georges-TravelClub.com or send an e-mail to George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Spectacular Mayan Ruins of Copan
Often described as the 'Paris' or "Florence' of the Mayan world, Copan is home to some of most detailed and beautiful Mayan artwork found anywhere. What it lacks in size - versus the "Manahattan" of the Mayan world, Tikal - it more than makes up for with its spectacular, well-preserved Mayan sculptures and reliefs.
"Copan is a feast for the eyes" said one Travel Club member, "and I still get goose bumps just thinking about standing at the top of the pyramid in the exact same spot in which Mayan Kings sat on their thrones."
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (Jan/2010 Trip)
"Copan is a feast for the eyes" said one Travel Club member, "and I still get goose bumps just thinking about standing at the top of the pyramid in the exact same spot in which Mayan Kings sat on their thrones."
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (Jan/2010 Trip)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Magical Mayan Ruins of Tikal
I had the pleasure of going to Tikal this weekend with some friends, and we all agreed that seeing the tops of ancient Mayan Pyramids poking through the jungle canopy at sunrise is a sight every soul should see during their lifetime...
The undisputed center of Ancient Mayan Society, Tikal sits in the heart of Guatemala’s northern rain forest – making this sacred place the home of Mayan history as well as home to hundreds of species of monkeys, toucans and parakeets.
The Tikal National Park, a protected area some 370 square kilometers, is a moving, mystical experience for visitors - highlighted by the magnificent pyramid ruins of the lost Mayan world. For years visitors from around the world have come to Tikal to transport their minds, bodies and spirits back in time while watching a new day dawn at sunrise as they are surrounded by the ancient Temples of Tikal.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (August/2009 Trip)
The undisputed center of Ancient Mayan Society, Tikal sits in the heart of Guatemala’s northern rain forest – making this sacred place the home of Mayan history as well as home to hundreds of species of monkeys, toucans and parakeets.
The Tikal National Park, a protected area some 370 square kilometers, is a moving, mystical experience for visitors - highlighted by the magnificent pyramid ruins of the lost Mayan world. For years visitors from around the world have come to Tikal to transport their minds, bodies and spirits back in time while watching a new day dawn at sunrise as they are surrounded by the ancient Temples of Tikal.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (August/2009 Trip)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Guatemala's Beautiful Rio Dulce...
Guatemala's beautiful Rio Dulce is a one-of-a-kind ecological and cultural gem. Once the 'water highway' of the ancient Mayans, this river is now an international aquatic community that hosts pleasure boats from around the world.
As we saw during our recent visit, Rio Dulce boasts some of Guatemala's most amazing natural wonders - a spectacular river canyon, countless bays, coves and lagoons and a not-to-be-missed HOT spring waterfall (in Finca El Paraiso).
Other not-to-be-missed sights include the Castle of San Felipe, the incredibly well-preserved Mayan Ruins of Quirigua, the remote beach of Playa Blanca, the Garifunan music and culture of Livingston and the country's biggest lake, Izabal Lake.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (July/2009)
As we saw during our recent visit, Rio Dulce boasts some of Guatemala's most amazing natural wonders - a spectacular river canyon, countless bays, coves and lagoons and a not-to-be-missed HOT spring waterfall (in Finca El Paraiso).
Other not-to-be-missed sights include the Castle of San Felipe, the incredibly well-preserved Mayan Ruins of Quirigua, the remote beach of Playa Blanca, the Garifunan music and culture of Livingston and the country's biggest lake, Izabal Lake.
www.Georges-TravelClub.com (July/2009)
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