The Central American country of Guatemala was populated by the Maya people whose empire extended from Honduras to the south to today's southern Mexico. Remnants of their presence are found throughout this region, with monumental architecture, cities, palaces, and great pyramids. Wherever one looks, the explosion of growth and development captures the viewer in its thrall. Even the many glyphs adorning these sites with their unique writing style are a marvel to behold. They lived here for an estimated two thousand years, and then, in the early 16th century, the Spanish came and conquered these people. By then, their greatness had already ended in the midst of the 10th century, when their culture and civilization collapsed. But they retained their culture by way of thousands of pictographic books which detailed their way of life and their advancements. But the Spaniards, zealous in their Catholicism, sought out and destroyed every such book they could find and burned them all. Except for three such books, known as the Maya Codices. Historians and scholars began the slow process of deciphering the Maya past. Great effort was expended and the reality of their lives, culture, kings, wars and daily practice began to emerge. And the world was astounded by the emerging picture. Perhaps a first in the world, was their mathematical calculation with 'zero,' a phenomenal achievement. Interestingly, the glyph of the zero depicted a woman - what mathematical genius was she to use zero in calculations? Their astronomy of the heavenly spheres was astoundingly precise, as was their knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. Their religion, however, included human sacrifices, following the practice of other nearby civilizations, such as the Aztecs, the Inca in South America, and others. The Spaniards stopped such worship and offerings and now subjugated these people into serfdom called encomiendas, or enforced working for the conquistadors and their descendants. Independence from Spain came in 1821, but the Mayan living conditions did not change. The country became divided between the Spanish descendants, now known as the Criollos, the middle class, known as Ladinos (not to be confused with Jews in 9th century Castilian Spain), and the Maya and other indigenous. The social distance from the upper to lower classes was immense. And that distance came forward during Guatemala's Civil War, from 1960 to 1996. The violence and massacres during this period was so evil, the president of the country, Rios Montt, was charged and convicted of Genocide, the first time a country charged its own leader with this crime. At a previous age and time, the face of Guatemala presented immense achievements. Today, violence, crime, and cultural penury is self-evident. Guatemala is a third-world country, where the majority of its people live in great poverty while the upper class has the land, its abundance and vast wealth.

Invites you to jump on one of the country's brightly painted chicken buses and visit its bustling marketplaces, Mayan monuments, colonial town squares, and whitewashed churches, where baroque Catholic rituals meld with ancient Mayan beliefs to create a unique style of worship.

Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" is the ultimate travel guide for those who are seeking an immersive cultural experience in Central America. This beautifully designed book offers an in-depth look at one of the world's most fascinating and captivating destinations, Guatemala. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant indigenous culture, Guatemala is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the best of what the Mayan world has to offer. And with this comprehensive travel guide, you'll have everything you need to plan the trip of a lifetime. The book begins by providing a detailed overview of Guatemala's history, from the ancient Mayan civilization to the Spanish conquest and the country's modern-day political and cultural landscape. With a deep understanding of the country's history, you'll be able to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that permeates every aspect of Guatemalan life. Next, the guide takes you on a journey through the country, with detailed descriptions of the country's many regions, including the bustling capital city of Guatemala City, the lush tropical rainforests of the Petén, and the stunning colonial cities of Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Each region is covered in detail, with recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization, admiring the colonial architecture, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the country, you'll find everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide. In addition to practical travel information, the guide also offers a wealth of cultural insights and information about the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. From the colorful textiles and traditional arts and crafts to the rich spiritual beliefs and rituals, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the country's vibrant and diverse culture. With breathtaking photography and detailed maps, "Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" is not only an informative travel guide but also a visual feast for the senses. Whether you're planning a trip or simply looking to deepen your knowledge of this fascinating destination, this book is the perfect starting point. So why wait? Start your journey today and discover the heart of the Mayan world! Get your copy of "Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" today and start planning your next adventure!

“Adventure Travel” in Guatemala - The Maya Heritage is the fourth in the series of fiction - travel - culture - adventure books on Brazil, Mexico, Portugal-Spain, and now Guatemala. Professor Mike Gaherty and AT Leader Amy Carrier are in Guatemala researching that country as a destination for a future AT Travel Trip for its “Adventurers.” They investigate Antigua, Puerto San José, el Lago de Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Tikal in Guatemala and Copán in Honduras, checking out the history and culture of both the Spanish and Maya Heritages. Emphasis however is on the Maya people, their lives and efforts to survive under adverse circumstances in post 1976 earthquake and political turmoil in Guatemala. There are surprises and dangerous moments for Mike and Amy, and difficult decisions to come for AT Travel.