#Lake Atitlán things to do

[elblogdecleo]

The Best Destinations in Latin America: A Journey Through Beauty and Culture

[tifftravels]

10 Things to Do and See at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

[spark-nomad]

10 Things to Do and See at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

[ofwrxth]

BASICS

Name: Taliah Ramos 

Age & Birthday: 36, February 29, 1987

Gender/Pronouns: cis woman & she/her

Birthplace: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Time in Hollow Cove: tbd

Species: Werewolf

Role: Patrol / Messenger, Watch

Positive personality traits: adventurous, honest, steadfast

Negative personality traits: defensive, hasty, obstinate

ABOUT

Moving to the states at fifteen was another great adventure to Taliah who’d grown up with her family on Lake Aitlán. There, the hot sun and cool lake breeze were a constant companion as she trailed after her older brothers, wanting to be just like them as she got older. Steadfast, sometimes to a fault, she truly believed they could do no wrong (except when they annoyed her), and when their parents made the decision to move to the states, she was relieved that both Gabriel and Carlo made the decision to follow suit, despite being well into their adult years. 

The adjustment to the states wasn’t easy at first but Taliah embraced the challenges with gust during the remainder of her youth in Colorado. She’d run through the snow capped forests as a wolf, howling with delight at the freedom they had under the moon. She took life by the horns in many forms. She was protective of her family and steadfast in her affection for them. When her nephew Joaquin was born, she was overjoyed to be a tia, celebrating with Carlo. When Charlotte left Gabe, she kept a close eye on her older brother, there with steady encouragement and earnest distractions. Life wasn’t as simple as it had been in Guatemala, but it was good and, for that, Taliah was grateful.   

By the time the war broke out, she was hard pressed to keep her cover. She’d moved to Denver a few years before, joining the local police force there in an attempt to prove herself capable on her own, even if she was just a few hours away from her family. They urged her to give up the badge she’d work so hard for when the supernatural was discovered.  But Taliah had dedicated so much time to helping others and felt she couldn’t just stop because things were getting risky. That resolve was short-lived when January 2020 rolled around and violence against their kind escalated. Taliah gave up the badge shortly thereafter and returned to their small town, wanting to be closer to her family during uncertain times.  

They spent several months isolated and undetected by military forces but when their cousin’s pack joined them in October 2020, bringing with him news of their other cousins, Taliah wanted to act. Restless but knowing they weren’t going to leave the safety of their settlement yet, she and her family promised to search for their cousins whenever they could. But the opportunity never presented itself when in December 2020, their settlement and lives were destroyed. 

Taliah can still remember the scent of Christmas trees burning, the soft shimmer of holiday lights against a backdrop of violence, the sound of screams – her family’s screams cutting through the night and engraving themselves into her memory. She watched her nephew and his mother die, their parents perish, and just when she thought they’d escaped, Taliah was captured herself. 

She was taken to several holding camps before being transferred to a containment center outside of Fargo, North Dakota. Eventually, towards the end of 2021, in a bid for more weapons, the Canadian government made a deal with the US, and accepted more supernatural prisoners to free up US facilities. Taliah was in one of those transfers, moved to a facility just outside of Winnipeg.

She was there until mid-2023, when the center was at capacity and she was moved to another holding camp. There, a group of supernaturals ambushed and liberated them. However, rather than relief at being found by supernaturals, Taliah was soon filled with wariness at the way in which the wolves operated. A mercenary group, they press-ganged any freed prisoners into doing their dirty work with them, attacking and raiding towns of humans. Instead of staying hidden, they sought out violence. Taliah has tried to strike out on her own with some other wolves but attempts have been thwarted once before, so she’s biding her time until she can break off when they least expect it.

POTENTIAL PLOTS

Mercenary group is NPC and Taliah (and others if someone wants to bring wolves who were press-ganged too) escapes from them and makes it to Hollow Cove.

NPC mercenary group comes to Hollow Cove and Taliah (and others if people want to make muses) can warn the current residents of HC about the mercenary group motives.

Mercenary group is playable if people want to apply, so they are antagonistic to the balance of Hollow Cove. Could be interesting if they created problems for the council. If playable, Taliah could still escape and get to HC / they could come after her (and others) or they could all come to HC and she (and others) can still warn people.

[manybcdthings]

Name: Gabriel Ramos

Age & Birthday: 48 years old, April 2nd 1975

Gender/Pronouns: Cis Man He/Him

Birthplace: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Time in Hollow Cove: 2 years (January 2021)

Species: Werewolf - Cross Pack

Role: Patrol / Runner

Positive personality traits:  Playful, Helpful, Focused, Protective,

Negative personality traits:  Distrusting, Self Destructive, Obsessive, Closed

ABOUT:

Born and raised in Guatemala as part of the Atitlan wolf pack, Gabriel always embodied a naturally gregarious persona. He easily made friends, integrated with humans and enjoyed his way of living. He was always a confusing puzzle, sociable and helpful to those around him but could easily push them away at a moment's notice. Even as he grew older, there were no signs of Gabriel settling down and he instead centered his life around his family.

When he was twenty-seven, Gabriel moved with parents and siblings to the United States. It wasn't a change that he welcomed, but knew it was required for the sake of the pack's survival. Settling in Colorado was a change that he wasn't ready to make and he became rebellious for a number of years. While his younger brother grew up and settled down, Gabriel was still trying to inject childlike mischief into his life. He eventually matured when he met, and subsequently, fell in love with another wolf. Charlotte and Gabriel seemed the perfect pairing, both light-hearted and caring but behind the scenes things were far from paradise.

Gabriel's natural flare for hitting self destruct was slowly eroding away their relationship. He'd pull away, close down until eventually Charlotte had enough. She left the pack entirely without any warning, leaving Gabriel to know that it was entirely his own doing. Since that day, he's convinced himself that he isn't worthy of love and nor does he want any part of it. This has slowly seeped into his demeanor, and despite his playfulness remaining, Gabriel closes himself down far quicker and far more intensely than he did before.

When the war began, their town in Colorado was safe from discovery for many months. In the October, they were reunited with their cousin Diego but only to discover that their other cousins were missing. Gabriel quickly promised to help search for them even after the Cross pack continued on their journey to Canada. Then on Christmas Day of 2020, the Colorado town was discovered. The day is still scarred in his memory. Gabriel trying everything in his power to protect other wolves but ultimately seeing nothing but death. After his sister Taliah was captured, Gabriel furthered himself into becoming a hardened shell.

He and Carlo journeyed to Hollow Cove after fleeing their home, hoping to reunite with the Cross Pack there. They continued their search for Taliah, Amaris, Isla and little Cece until eventually they reached the town in the January of 2021. Gabriel is far from the same man he used to be, if anything his playfulness has now become an obvious deflection to the turmoil he feels inside. He tries to keep his head above water for his younger brother but there's only so long Gabriel can go before the self destruct button begins to light up and demands to be pressed.

[sailor-etheria]

I had the chance to visit Guatemala twice, once for work and once for leisure. It was my dream to visit Tikal, but what I didn't know was that the Mayan ruins are just one part of the many wonderful things about Guatemala. They have it all in terms of culture and natural beauty: preserved historical sites and villages, great museums, traditional markets and rites, lakes, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes... It's so hard to pick a favorite place! La Antigua, Chichicastenango, Lago Atitlán, Flores, Semuc Champey (AKA paradise on Earth)... Honestly Guatemala is my favorite country ever. Do yourself a favor and go visit!

Please reblog for a bigger sample size!

If you have any fun fact about Guatemala please tell us and I'll reblog it!

[kidcooper02]

Sly 5 things

I have many thoughts in my head but here are a couple of ideas I have! I just really want Sly 5 and here’s me just dumping the thoughts in my (and my siblings!) head.

Firstly, ideal ancestors!

I know people are decisive on them, but with the ending of 4, I feel we gotta include them. So I would want Henirette, Otto Van, Slaigh, and Slytunkhamen! They play into one of the ideas I have for the game

Game concept #1: Gang of Coopers

I chose these specific Coopers for how they can play into the roles of Sly’s gang in the present! In this game, Sly would be traveling through time with the ancestors (let’s say they’re able to move with him). So as they move with us, they fulfill roles of previous party members. Slytunkhamen would be very much like Sly and would be like the ancestors from TiT, Sly with a variation. Henriette could be like Carmelita and be a marksman, or even dabble back into Dimitri in 3. Otto Van is our Bentley/Penelope obviously. And Slaigh is our muscle like Murrary! Our ancestors make up our gang, to keep the same game mechanics from previous games even if we’re separated from everyone at the moment. 

Game Concept #2: Clockwerk sightings

I think Clockwerk would should be the villain for this game, I’m also thinking of this being the last game plot wise, start and end with Clockwerk. One way I see this going is as Sly manages to move from time period to time period, working his way toward the present, he gets closer and closer to a Clockwerk encounter.

Slytunkhamen, if we’re to believe this is where Clockwerk originated, we can finally see a non robotic version and get a bit of background. Maybe he goes by a different name and Sly isn’t even aware this is him.

Next is Slaigh, as Sly is departing for the next time period, there’s strange sounds outside their hideout. Slaigh says he’s tough enough to handle, and for Sly to continue on, not knowing who is really outside.

Henriette is when we finally see him as we know him. We know she canonically had an encounter with him, and Sly is around to see it. Henriette ushers him out before Clockwerk can take notice of him, and Sly spends the time traveling in a panic, has he been leaving his ancestors in the clutches of Clockwerk?

Last is Otto Van, as Sly is getting ready to move on, he lingers to maybe warn Otto to get to safety. Clockwerk does show up and Sly can’t help but aid. This backfires, I can see this being a big sky chase, and while Clockwerk has lost interest in Otto, he’s turned targets on Sly. And Sly tries to escape to the present (Otto is the best bet to make the time machine well enough to make it there) but Clockwerk follows. Think of it like Thanos in Endgame, this isn’t the Clockwerk from 1, it’s a whole new Clockwerk who doesn’t even know Sly but wants him dead all the same. The time disturbance leads Bentley and the others straight to them.

Game Concept #3: Dual World exploration

I’m not too sure how this would work long term as if Bentley had even the slightest clue of where Sly was, he’d come running. But basically, it’d work with Sly doing things in the past that will affect the environments in the future, like a Legend of Zelda game or something. That way we can still play as Bentley and Murray in this game without them actually being with us.

Game concept #4: Conner?

I don’t know how to fit Conner in but I crave more knowledge about him. And Sly getting to meet him as an adult would be painful. Maybe we’d get some background on Dr.M that 3 was lacking in. We can learn about Sly’s mom too? I dunno I just wanna know Conner’s deal

Alright let’s talk locations!

Henriette: Lake of Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala

(had to piece together a tiktok for that last pic) ANYWAY, yes this is a lake, do I care? The tiktok in particular is what interested me, the water centric location seemed perfect to me. Again, yes it’s a lake not the ocean but I don’t care I wanna go to Mexico in a Sly game please. And pirates don’t have to be restrained to a boat they can dock ya know. Idk how much I’d want this to be like Sly 3 Dead Men Tell No Tales, because on one hand it was really innovative and fun but also cannon battles my detested <3

Slaigh: 15th Century Scotland

I took a variety of castles for this one, overall I’m thinking tall cliffs, perfect to paraglide off of (shit La Paradox kinda took Sly’s paraglider huh...). I also estimated Slaigh to be from the 15th century due to him on the wiki being stated between Galleth and Rioichi.

Otto Van Cooper: Manchester, England late 1800′s

This city was often looked at as dirty and overcrowded, but also freeing for many. I felt this was a city to both be open to overlook thievery but also one that can be taken advantage of by big names. I think combing the inner city with outer fields would be fun to explore (kinda like Holland in 3 and Europe in 4 but with the trains like Canada and the West).

And we already saw a glimpse of Ancient Egypt.

That’s kind of all I got right now but in this game my ideal would be expanding more on Sly building a relationship with his ancestors. (Especially Henriette you cannot tell me she isn’t his favorite ancestor did you HEAR how much he talked her up in 3? I also think the two of them being more similar than Sly would’ve thought would be super interesting to see.)

Lemme know if this was interesting to you and shout out your own ideas! I just finished playing through the series on my own (no more just watching my brother play) and I’m starving after 4′s painful ending that has haunted me since 2013.

[artoflifehealingarts]

Long update Part two but it's just very deep and close to my heart. As I said I will owe all of that choice making and stepping into to Ariel. Being present with him for his end of days, passing on teachings, and because his was a terminal condition I feel that it really could have been better if IF we only had more information on the choices available.

There is so much to say about Death.

And as I have said, I did work hard to reach people on the balancing of the masculine / divine feminine

In the tantric and the ones that got it and understood it ..

Received it.

I have always had the same offering of expanding that moment for the Living and healthy. No difference there The moment Of the stillness. The stillness in even, the orgasm.

In positive sexuality it was about teaching a balance to achieve not just an orgasmic moment but a high vibration/living from the heart moment, but an orgasmic life.

It was very hard to bring people to the realization that this was self care many had done for centuries. These are practices and ways that help us achieve a higher deeper level within that gives life a different meaning because it is not seen and measured and valued based on ridiculous lenses.

We are losing a respect for life and we are simply allowing ourselves to be bagged up and thrown or drugged up and left to die.

We can expand what this is and go deeper into this.

I would say it wasn't necessary if the wealthy and successful would not come to me.

It is they who have helped me see that no matter how high in the success ladder or how low in addictions and glow .

This is about something far greater .. something that all paths spoke of and if we look at science we can see the language of energy and hear and understand the language of god. We will be ...

I have chosen to assist in end of life and with terminal illness because to give the gift of a deeper life and vibration at any age is worth it ..at any time and age in this here place.

to see the amazing gift that life truly is

We must end these practices of no respect for death.

Do any watch the show Vikings haha imagine we went from that..as a people honoring the dead to what happens today.

That is a diresprct to life

And the more that happens it adds to the vibration of hate, disrespect for life, anger, a not following the cosmic order way of things

We must bring back and bring on again the dignity in death.

There is a lot of terminal illness and chronic pain out there and people need to expand on those or in those moments when they feel good ..so in this way they can restore and live fuller lives even and especially at the end of life.

This care was present in the past as I have said even the Buddha had an attendant and in the book

"How a Buddhist monk prepares to die" he too explains the tradition of having a death bed attendant.

We put people in sterile places and make sure that they are not in physical pain but we do not care for the emotional pain, the mental body pain or the energetic body.

This is not good. There are many working to save our lands and many working to bring balance back because we are, without going into beliefs or religion, we are clearly out of balance.

Pause

Just in the separation is what some can perceive ..you can see people struggling or a death of humanity on every level.

Let me explain:

The end is near laugh, chuckle, eventually we will perish and that perhaps is fatalist but even if we transhuman it out we last longer I say Vibration high turn into light brings..

But we will not stay in this form for long. And that's ok.

However we need not race to this place or state in the ending of that which we are. No attachment for I can not wait to "light being" it out.

But there are things we can not deny were essential to our humanity.

We are far more than robots

Consumers or a class

Or just data

And meaningless

Another post

Just another like

Or emoji

A dying person needs to Live.

As much as a person who is not dated.

I feel even more give them a choice.

The choice is what I want our people, humanity to carry forward into our demise or whatever.

I say bring in the shamanic because it opens you up to the connection that is already there. .

With the Tantric it was necessary to transcend through the body. Through it. Accepting the shadow but in a more coragroud and solitary way though if coupled much more intense and fulfilling.

At end of life, with chronic illness, chronic pain, terminal illness, end of life we can raise awareness about all the possibilities for living a more fulfilling life.

The offerings I offer and the offerings and gifts left in Shamanic teachings is the same for all.

I am simply only going to work with some.

But all can benefit.

Our Retreat to Guatemala

To the Water park Resort with plenty of lush earth energy land with trips to the Chamanic village, Great lakes Atitlán or Tikal, Will

End of Life in the living

#Alchemistrises

Why wait till the last breath to see your life embracing you fully, as deeply as possible loving you unveiling your highest potential.

You are light and energy so doing the shamanic offerings clears, fine tunes, hones your skills, and brings you to a point of being the proper vessel for universal energy to flow.

The mixture of resort and water park and solitude is with intent. You see we are in a very western world and so in the middle of the chaos we can and must find the balance, neutrality and total enhanced human experience.

Much energy is waisted on distractions.

Once things are seen clearly there is no suffering not because you don't miss them or gave up but because the illusion is not better than the other ..next. .layer of all that you are.

Life can be sweeter

Can be kinder

Can be among compassionate loving people that are authentic and embrace knowledge not who is right and wrong but who can I learn from and not who can I teach bit who can I share with. Who can I pay today forward to?

It is no longer a choice even and so it is truly liberating on many levels.

Once the quality of Life depends on is valued by things not of the living but material and parasitic or lacking the respect for what we are then Death and how we treat death is also reflected.

We are treating Death with out compassion and not caring for each other on do many levels.

There are many ways to Die with dignity.

The Shamanic plus 3 offerings strictly for #Endoflife and #terminalillness will include Leaving a Legacy

Very excited about

Proving information and details about my exploration of #greenfunerals

#greendeath

Plus I will also offer the most traditional which

Bedside last days rituals.

Join me and receive information not on death but on Living

Long update Part two but it's just very deep and close to my heart. As I said I will owe all of that choice making and stepping into to Ariel. Being present with him for his end of days, passing on teachings, and because his was a terminal condition I feel that it really could have been better if IF we only had more information on the choices available.

There is so much to say about Death.

And as I have said, I did work hard to reach people on the balancing of the masculine / divine feminine

In the tantric and the ones that got it and understood it ..

Received it.

I have always had the same offering of expanding that moment for the Living and healthy. No difference there The moment Of the stillness. The stillness in even, the orgasm.

In positive sexuality it was about teaching a balance to achieve not just an orgasmic moment but a high vibration/living from the heart moment, but an orgasmic life.

It was very hard to bring people to the realization that this was self care many had done for centuries. These are practices and ways that help us achieve a higher deeper level within that gives life a different meaning because it is not seen and measured and valued based on ridiculous lenses.

We are losing a respect for life and we are simply allowing ourselves to be bagged up and thrown or drugged up and left to die.

We can expand what this is and go deeper into this.

I would say it wasn't necessary if the wealthy and successful would not come to me.

It is they who have helped me see that no matter how high in the success ladder or how low in addictions and glow .

This is about something far greater .. something that all paths spoke of and if we look at science we can see the language of energy and hear and understand the language of god. We will be ...

I have chosen to assist in end of life and with terminal illness because to give the gift of a deeper life and vibration at any age is worth it ..at any time and age in this here place.

to see the amazing gift that life truly is

We must end these practices of no respect for death.

Do any watch the show Vikings haha imagine we went from that..as a people honoring the dead to what happens today.

That is a diresprct to life

And the more that happens it adds to the vibration of hate, disrespect for life, anger, a not following the cosmic order way of things

We must bring back and bring on again the dignity in death.

There is a lot of terminal illness and chronic pain out there and people need to expand on those or in those moments when they feel good ..so in this way they can restore and live fuller lives even and especially at the end of life.

This care was present in the past as I have said even the Buddha had an attendant and in the book

"How a Buddhist monk prepares to die" he too explains the tradition of having a death bed attendant.

We put people in sterile places and make sure that they are not in physical pain but we do not care for the emotional pain, the mental body pain or the energetic body.

This is not good. There are many working to save our lands and many working to bring balance back because we are, without going into beliefs or religion, we are clearly out of balance.

Pause

Just in the separation is what some can perceive ..you can see people struggling or a death of humanity on every level.

Let me explain:

The end is near laugh, chuckle, eventually we will perish and that perhaps is fatalist but even if we transhuman it out we last longer I say Vibration high turn into light brings..

But we will not stay in this form for long. And that's ok.

However we need not race to this place or state in the ending of that which we are. No attachment for I can not wait to "light being" it out.

But there are things we can not deny were essential to our humanity.

We are far more than robots

Consumers or a class

Or just data

And meaningless

Another post

Just another like

Or emoji

A dying person needs to Live.

As much as a person who is not dated.

I feel even more give them a choice.

The choice is what I want our people, humanity to carry forward into our demise or whatever.

I say bring in the shamanic because it opens you up to the connection that is already there. .

With the Tantric it was necessary to transcend through the body. Through it. Accepting the shadow but in a more coragroud and solitary way though if coupled much more intense and fulfilling.

At end of life, with chronic illness, chronic pain, terminal illness, end of life we can raise awareness about all the possibilities for living a more fulfilling life.

The offerings I offer and the offerings and gifts left in Shamanic teachings is the same for all.

I am simply only going to work with some.

But all can benefit.

Our Retreat to Guatemala

To the Water park Resort with plenty of lush earth energy land with trips to the Chamanic village, Great lakes Atitlán or Tikal, Will

End of Life in the living

#Alchemistrises

Why wait till the last breath to see your life embracing you fully, as deeply as possible loving you unveiling your highest potential.

You are light and energy so doing the shamanic offerings clears, fine tunes, hones your skills, and brings you to a point of being the proper vessel for universal energy to flow.

The mixture of resort and water park and solitude is with intent. You see we are in a very western world and so in the middle of the chaos we can and must find the balance, neutrality and total enhanced human experience.

Much energy is waisted on distractions.

Once things are seen clearly there is no suffering not because you don't miss them or gave up but because the illusion is not better than the other ..next. .layer of all that you are.

Life can be sweeter

Can be kinder

Can be among compassionate loving people that are authentic and embrace knowledge not who is right and wrong but who can I learn from and not who can I teach bit who can I share with. Who can I pay today forward to?

It is no longer a choice even and so it is truly liberating on many levels.

Once the quality of Life depends on is valued by things not of the living but material and parasitic or lacking the respect for what we are then Death and how we treat death is also reflected.

We are treating Death with out compassion and not caring for each other on do many levels.

There are many ways to Die with dignity.

The Shamanic plus 3 offerings strictly for #Endoflife and #terminalillness will include Leaving a Legacy

Very excited about

Proving information and details about my exploration of #greenfunerals

#greendeath

Plus I will also offer the most traditional which also may include

Bedside last days rituals based on the person's beliefs and/or ancestral cultural traditions.

Join me and receive information not on death but on Living

#life #deathdoula #medicinewoman

#healer #zen #curandera #Florida #costarica #guatemala #colorado #oregon #lastdays #nonjudgement #neutrality

#shamanichealing Patreon

#moments

Shamanic Moment in the Mundane

https://www.patreon.com/posts/shamanic-moment-47509564?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=postshare

[ourmodernzen]

Most 20 Zen Places on Earth

After an extended day at work, everyone could use a touch rest. However, rather than heading home to veg out on the couch, imagine being transported somewhere so tranquil and magical that your troubles simply melt away.

Around the globe (and miles faraway from the stresses of your day-to-day life), these idyllic and serene locations are the right antidote for what ails you. So relax, take a deep breath, and skim on to get the simplest places within the world to unwind and reflect. And when you're within the mood for a more invigorating trip, hit the slopes at one among the 9 Best Luxury Ski Resorts in America!

1) Angel Falls; Auyán-tepui, Venezuela Angel Falls waterfall

Located in Canaima Park in Venezuela's Bolivar State, visiting Angel may be a life-changing experience. Standing 3,212 feet tall, Angel is that the tallest uninterrupted waterfall within the world. Despite the roaring waters cascading down the Auyán Tepui mountain, Angel is undeniably serene, the right place for a contemplative hike.

2) Loch Lomond; Scotland Loch Lomond Scotland

While Scotland's Loch Ness could also be its most famous lake if it's serenity you're seeking, head to Loch Lomond. This placid, island-filled 27-mile lake, located within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs park, offers stunning views of the luxurious vegetation the Scottish Highlands are known for. And for more great travel advice, don't miss these 30 Airport Secrets Only Insiders Know.

3) Periyar River; Kerala, India Periyar River

The longest river within the South Indian state of Kerala, the Periyar River is understood for its tranquil waters and breathtaking natural surroundings. a well-liked destination for boaters, this gorgeous river, surrounded by the dense vegetation that fills Kerala's rolling hills, is as peaceful because it is picturesque.

4) Denali; Alaska, us Denali Park Alaska Shutterstock Denali, formerly referred to as McKinley, has the very best elevation of any mountain top in America. Located within the six-million-acre Denali park and Preserve outside of Healy, Alaska, this frozen wonder is equal parts stunning and serene. And wherever you're traveling, make the journey more zen with these 20 ways to form travel less stressful.

5) Namib Desert; Namibia Namib Desert Namibia

The Namib Desert, which spans the coast of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa remains amazingly untouched by human hands. Although it stretches for over 31,000 square miles, the Namib Desert is virtually uninhabited by humans, with only sand, ocean, and wildlife to greet you as you journey through its vast expanses. How's that for getting faraway from it all?

6) Redwood park; California, us Redwood National Park Shutterstock This assemblage of northern California state and national parks is one of the foremost peaceful places on earth. Home to a number of the world's tallest trees, this coastal paradise, perfect for a meditative hike, feels miles faraway from the hustle and bustle of recent life. And are you traveling this holiday season? confirm to see out these beautiful beach towns this Christmas.

7) Khor Virap; Armenia Khor Virap monastery

In the shadow of Armenia's Ararat, this monastery originally inbuilt 643 A.D., is, without a doubt, one among the foremost peaceful places on earth. Surrounded by vineyards, with the tranquil landscape of the Ararat plain below, a visit to Khor Virap is as peaceful because it gets. And if you are looking to travel, don't miss out on this secret trick which will prevent airfare.

8) Lumahai Beach; Kauai, Hawaii Lumahai Beach waves

While all of Hawaii is understood for its picture-perfect scenery, few places are as serene as Lumahai Beach in Kauai. This white sand beach on Kauai's north shore is ideal for knowledgeable surfers who find themselves asleep on the water, or anyone apt to lose themselves within the music of waves crashing on the shore.

9) Lake Atitlan; Guatemala Lake Atitlan Guatemala

When's the last time you boated through a volcanic crater? At Lake Atitlán Guatemala, topped by the clear sky and surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, the sole thing you will have to stress about is charting your course.

10) Ghost Ranch; New Mexico, us Ghost Ranch retreat

Just outside of the Abiquiú village in New Mexico lies one among the foremost beautiful and peaceful retreats within us. Occupying 21,000 acres filled with red rock cliffs within the Piedra Lumbre Valley, this tranquil area is transformative, embodying the true spirit of the American Southwest.

11) Koh Lipe; Thailand Koh Lipe island

Far from the frenetic pace of Bangkok and Nonthaburi is Koh Lipe, Thailand's best-kept secret. This island, surrounded by the Andaman Sea, is understood for its pristine white sand beaches, tranquil gem-toned waters, and cloudless blue skies.

12) Serengeti National Park; Tanzania, Africa The Serengeti

If you would like to experience the true majesty of wildlife, there is no place like Serengeti park. This Tanzanian park, best known for its safaris, is home to many native African animals that roam its 5,700 square miles. If you're planning a visit, confirm to remain until dusk—the sunsets over the plains of the Serengeti are legendary.

13) Blue Lagoon; Grindavik, Iceland Geothermal Blue Lagoon Shutterstock/Bhushan Raj Timia This peaceful natural geothermal spa maybe a tranquil place to observe your troubles melt away. Known for its milky blue water and stunning views of the lava field during which it's located, this relaxing spa is world-renowned for its supposed healing powers.

14) Shwedagon Paya; Myanmar Shwedagon Paya monastery

Located atop Singuttara Hill in Myanmar's Yangon Region, this Buddhist monastery is among the foremost peaceful places on earth. Guarded by giant geography and filled with relics, including hair presumed to belong to Siddhārtha Gautama, this gilded monastery is about as peaceful an area as you will find anywhere. albeit you've got an extended journey before you, you'll make your trip less stressful and more fun with these travel hacks you will not find in any guidebook.

15) Plitvice Lakes; Croatia Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

Croatia is understood for its natural beauty, and no place embodies the enchantment you will find here like Plitvice Lakes. This park is as calm as they are available, with nothing but waterfalls, mountains, and glass-like lakes to relax among.

16) The Stone Forest; Yunnan Provence, China Stone Forest China

Lose yourself among the limestone formations that structure China's Stone Forest and find greater peace within the process. Also referred to as Shilin, this unique destination is rife with Chinese mythology, having been allegedly created when folk character Ashima turned to stone after being told she couldn't wed her true love.

17) Machu Picchu; Machupicchu District, Peru Machu Picchu Peru

One of the New Seven Wonders of the planet, this former Incan citadel is a sight to behold. Thought to possess been built for emperor Pachacuti within the 15th century, Machu Picchu is home to a number of the foremost stunning views of the Sacred Valley below.

18) Halong Bay; Vietnam Halong Bay Vietnam

Tranquil waters and islands at every turn make Halong Bay in Vietnam a worthwhile sight for any intrepid traveler. a well-liked boating destination, Halong Bay offers freedom from the disturbances of recent life, with just land and sky to occupy your thoughts.

19) Drepung Monastery; Lhasa, Tibet Drepung Monastery Tibet

Situated at the bottom of lush Mount Gephel in Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of the earth's most peaceful places. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery, founded within the 1400s, has been meticulously maintained over the years, offering beautiful views both inside and out, perfect for the contemplative traveler.

20) Kopan Monastery; Kathmandu, Nepal Kopan Monastery Nepal

High on a hill outside Kathmandu is Kopan Monastery, one among the foremost holy places in Nepal. Inhabited by Tibetan monks and surrounded by the breathtaking natural great thing about the Kathmandu countryside, a visit to Kopan is certain to relax even the foremost tightly-wound traveler. got to relax but do not have the funds for a world trip? Try these 30 Easy Ways to Fight Stress at the right reception.

[marvsreflections]

Lago Atitlán! (Atitlan lake)

I personally love Lake Atitlán, ever since I started as an assisten back in 2016 I couldn’t help but wander how in the world such beautifoul place came to be…

So if you are planning on coming to Guatemala you can’t miss some of the things Lake Atitlán has to offer, for stars the main form of transportation is by boat!

Don’t worry they are very safe and the lake is very calm most of the year, I have had to get back to my hotel at 10pm after a wedding and I rather do it by boat because is faster and safer.

There are a lot of activities on the lake, you can swim, or use a kayak to move around, if you are up for a party you can always go to “San Pedro” where all the fun happens!

Santa María holds most of the local artist and local guides can get you anywhere you want around the lake, they now where the knowledge or the art or the fun is.

You can even parachute yourself from one of the mountains that surround the lake.

When it comes to places to say, I personally recommend “La Zanahoria Chic” a little hotel own by a family that also has a bakery! So you get free coffe and on top of that you can go to the loby and get some cake..

From the hotel to the bay is a 3 minutes walk, and the view is just beautiful..

Lake Atitlán is only one of the many places Guatemala has to offer, we are a country of tradition, a pluricultural and multilingual part of the world and we are proud of it..

[quaintplanet-travelblog]

Places to see and do around this special place.

[tifftravels]

10 Things to Do and See at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

[spark-nomad]

10 Things to Do and See at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

[shannrussell-blog1]

There’s no doubting that Australian’s love to travel. Filling our passports with stamps from far-fetched places.

Usually, we do the ‘mandatory’ Europe, Asia and North America trips, then start to get curious about the less-known, but equally beautiful countries. Guatemala is a perfect example.

This Central American beauty is just south of Mexico. If you surf or you’ve got some wave-loving mates, you’ve probably heard good things about Costa Rica and Nicaragua. But the sweet, Spanish colonial feels of Guatemala shouldn’t be skipped (and I’m going to tell you why).

Guatemala is a mystery to many. Volcanoes, rainforests, ancient Mayan sites, palaces, museums, lakes, coffee fields, villages and my favourite, the little town with a delicious heart, Antigua.

Wander the quaint colonial streets of Antigua.

Antigua, west of the capital, contains preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Lake Atitlán, formed in a massive volcanic crater, is surrounded by coffee fields and villages. The only thing that I felt was missing from my 10 days in Guatemala was the beach.

Let me give you a quick rundown on the main things you need to know about Guatemala.

Preparing for my first time in Central America

After you’ve visited over 50 countries, travelling to a new one didn’t quite carry the same lustre. But, stepping foot on a new continent flashed me back to my first overseas trip (Malaysia and Thailand… at 19).

Central America was always an “I’ll get there someday’ kind of place” until one of my best friends moved to Antigua, Guatemala. She kept sending me photos of her rustic little hippie heaven in a terrace, looking out to a volcano (as you do) in the far distance. Photo by photo, she won me over and I booked a flight.

You might be able to catch a glimpse of a volcano from where you’re staying!

It’s Guatemala go-time!

Do Australians need a visa to travel to Guatemala?

Easy! Australia is one of the lucky countries that can travel to Guatemala and stay for 90 days without a visa. Depending on how long you can take off, I’d suggest visiting for at least a week, preferably 10 days.

Customs will probably ask to see your return ticket, so make sure you’ve got this before arriving into Guatemala.

Flying to Guatemala

I flew from Vancouver to Mexico City, then down to Guatemala City. The flights are usually cheaper when you land in bigger cities, so keep this in mind. Panama City is also another popular international hub.

Aussies don’t need a visa for visiting this country, making it easy to enter.

What vaccinations do you need to travel to Guatemala?

There are a few ways to travel around when you’re there.

What language do they speak in Guatemala?

The local language is Spanish and while you’ll get by just fine speaking English, take this opportunity, and courtesy, to learn a few basic words and phrases.

What travel insurance do you need?

Don’t forget to tell your travel insurance company you’re visiting Guatemala. Check your cover for adventure sports, such as hiking a volcano. I personally use and recommend World Nomads.

You’ll probably be hiking up volcanoes, so make sure your insurance covers that.

What’s the currency, and how far will your Australian dollar go?

As for money, the currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). AU$1 is worth just over 5 GTQ and your money will go far here. We’d wander the charming cobblestone streets of Antigua every morning and spend no more than $6 for a nutritious, organic brunch (including a coffee). Think Bali prices or even a little less.

You can get a delicious brunch at a cafe for very little in Antigua. 

When’s the best time of the year to visit?

The best time of the year to visit Guatemala is their dry season – between November and May. But don’t worry if you can only get holidays from April to October. Another one of the delightful things about this country is its year-round spring-like climate.

The climate is very mild all year round. 

What are the accommodation options in Guatemala?

When it comes to accommodation, Guatemala has a range of options. There’s quaint hotels, adorable guest houses, Airbnb, and of course, hostels.

You can book a whole house for less than $50 a night or stay in a 16th-century colonial mansion for around $200.

My suggestion? Earth Lodge.

There are a variety of places you can stay in, but I suggest Earth Lodge.

Cities to visit – Antigua

Elevate every sense at 6,000 feet up in the mountains above Antigua. Start your day with yoga, followed by a hammock hang gazing out over the avocado farm and, yes… more distant volcanos. Lodge in a treehouse, eat home-cooked meals, brush up on your Spanish and end your day with a Maya sauna. Truly mesmerising is an understatement. Trust me.

If you’re a lover of adventure and history, Guatemala will be one of those super-pleasant surprises.

The bohemian, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Antigua holds a special, unexpected, place in my heart. It’s a small town that’s magical enough merely with its location.

If you’ve never visited South America, Guatemala is a great place to start. 

Things to see and do in Antigua

Three volcanoes – Acatenango, Fuego and Agua embrace the township, so even walking along the colourful cobblestone streets is a surreal, visual experience.

Wander Mayan craft markets, sipping on local coffee, learning how to make chocolate (cocoa is famous here), and dining in one of the many garden terraces and ancient buildings. Bella Vista is one of my favourites.

If you’re aiming for 7 or 10 days in Guatemala, base yourself in Antigua. Spend three days exploring this heavenly town (ensure you save all your energy for your must-do volcano hike).

Hike one of the volcanoes in Antigua. 

Acatenango – the most beautiful volcano in Central America

Acatenango has been voted the most beautiful volcano in Central America. Experience this majestic wonder at sunrise and sunset, 3,776 metres above sea level. I recommend the two-day trip.

Visit Lake Atitlán

And just in case one of the famous volcanos isn’t enough, there’s Lake Atitlán. Hop in a car and drive three hours to, I believe, the most beautiful lake in the world. Yep, you read that right.

Explore the waters of Lake Atitlán in Antigua. 

Experiencing the Guatemalan highlands

In the Guatemalan highlands (in a volcano crater), the lake is an incredible spectacle. Experience the indigenous world of the Mayans, kick back and relax, go scuba diving and learn some Spanish. Stay at the lake for a couple of blissful days, before you head back to Antigua.

If you’re lucky enough during your trip, you’ll see Feugo going off (safely) in the distance. I glimpsed the fire red lava on a warm November night – in the company of good friends, looking out to a clear star-lit sky.

I told you, it’s magical.

The post The Australian’s Travel Guide to Gorgeous Guatemala appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[pkwanderer1111]

03.12.2019 - DAY 12: one year ago to this day, ten days minimum completed in total #darkness and #silence here at @mahadevi.ashram near #lakeatitlan #guatemala... 18 days remain... or 432 hours… or 25,920 minutes… or 1,555,200 seconds... I write only one thing to myself today: "Chauvet Caves in France, I need to go here." This is most likely a carryover from my experiences hallucinating here in this cave without any darkness or sound or light. As previously mentioned, I start hallucinating almost immediately. There’s some source of light where I do not know it’s origins that may be the same kind of shaft of light that is described as divining prophets in the wilderness that has yet to speak to me. I’m also seeing rooms where there shouldn't be any, furniture that obviously isn’t there… but the dominant halluncination is some sort of bas relief fresco that looks like prehistoric animals. It reminds me of the caves in Chauvet, where some of the earliest records of human consciousness exists in cave paintings. Am I just hallucinating and seeing something that shouldn’t be there because my mind is deliberately seeking out a pattern? Or is what I’m witnessing possibly a collective memory from the collective subconscious? I don’t have answers… only questions… and endless hallucinations. More to come. Join the @armyofempaths (at Tzununá Lake Atitlán Guatemala) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6tVKCFXMT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6lae73czdlnn

[bibijanca]

GUATEMALA 🇬🇹

I left beautiful Mexico after a month to explore another beautiful Latin American country: Guatemala. I took a collectivo to a river called “Usumacinta”, there I had to cross the border by boat. It was kinda confusing to have a new currency again and it took me a while to get used to it.

My first stop in Guatemala was FLORES, a little town on a lake with cute little houses and nice street food. I spent 2 nights there, the day I arrived was mainly about walking around Flores, and on my second day I went to “Tikal”, a ‘park’ with Mayan Ruins in the jungle. It was pretty cool, there were a lot of Monkeys in the park and we saw the sunset from the top of a Mayan building. I didn’t do a tour though, wanted to save money and walked around with some other people to explore the park ourselves. I already left Flores the next day, took a little bus to Lanquín, a small town in the Mountains close to SEMUC CHAMPEY and surrounded by a lot of beautiful nature.

When I arrived in Lanquín I met two other Germans who are my age, Ben and Louisa, who were looking for a hostel as well and we ended up staying in the same one close to Semuc Champey. It was a really nice place: cheap, nice staff and placed in the jungle. We were almost the only people in the Hostel, therefore we had a whole Dorm for ourselves. On our first day it was raining a lot, but we didn’t really care and just started “hiking” around in our rain jackets, it was quite fun and adventurous. To go to Lanquín we just had to ask a pick up driver if he can take us there in the back of his car - very adventurous as well cause the “streets” were really small. One day we just went swimming in the river and the next day we went to the 'park’ Semuc Champey and did a cave tour, went swimming in the springs and jumped from a 10m high bridge. Semuc Champey is beautiful and we definitely had a nice day! There was nothing around the hostel except for jungle, no wifi or anything which was really nice, we spent a lot of time just walking around, talking and playing cards.

We left this beautiful place after 4 nights and took a shuttle to a city called ANTIGUA. Our hostel was nice and it also had a rooftop, so we could see the volcanos and the city from up there. Antigua has nice markets where you can buy everything, clothes, food, souvenirs, jewelry and much more and it’s just a nice city to be in. There’s this 4000 meter high volcano called “Acatenango” close to the city, which erupted 6 years ago for the last time. We hiked it up with a guide and a group of 18 people and camped on the top.. The hiking was by far THE HARDEST THING I EVER DID IN MY LIFE! It took us 6 hours to hike up to our camp and we had backpacks full of water, food, tents, sleeping bags and a lot more. Plus, it was SO cold up there, minus something degrees. The volcano next to the one we hiked is active and erupted every 15 minutes (we saw the Lava at night, it was amazing). We got up at 4 am to hike up to the very top of the volcano (another 1,5 hours IN THE DARK) to see the sunrise. Honestly the most breathtaking thing I have ever seen, so beautiful! I’m proud of myself and it was an unforgettable Experience, but probably the last time I hiked up a volcano..

After spending a week in Antigua (including the volcano trip) we went to the “LAKE ATITLÁN”. It’s a lake with several towns around it, we stayed in a “hippie, yoga and meditation - town” called “SAN MARCOS” for 2 nights, then crossed the lake by boat to stay in “SAN PEDRO” for another 4 nights. I liked San Pedro more, it’s a bit bigger and cheaper than San Marcos and a lot more to do. We rented Kanus one day and crossed the lake, it was a lot of fun! The time at the lake was nice and chilled, and San Pedro had really good street food as well (very important!).

Our last stop (I’m still traveling with the 2 Germans I met in Semuc Champey) was a coastal surf town called “EL PAREDON” (Pacific side of the country). I missed the beach sooo much, haven’t been to one in a few weeks. We planned to stay in El Paredon quite a while but ended up being there for only 2 nights, cause it was a bit expensive. It’s a nice place though, especially when you surf and love waves, but there’s nothing else to do. We just chilled there for 2 days, there was no wifi and almost no people, so a perfect place to just relax and enjoy the weather.

Guatemala is a beautiful country and definitely worth visiting, I had a great time there! Everyone’s really nice and friendly and I talked to a lot of interesting people. I’m now in El Salvador and can’t wait to explore it!