Awakening in the beautiful Lanquin by the river we decided to have a well earned rest day and chill out in the hammocks, and swim in the river. An enjoyable day before another 8 hour bus journey to Flores. Flores is a small town on a peninsula surrounded by a lovely calm lake.
From here we decided to explore Tikal, probably the most famous Mayan Ruins in Central America. We had the option of a sunrise tour, but all gagging for a few drinks we decided 4am was a bit too early! Turns out 8am was probably even too early, and with sore heads we headed to the ruins. These ruins were far more vast than the ones in Honduras, and unfortunately no Irish connection. The detail and scale of the buildings was fierce impressive and must have been bloody hard work with no machinery. A bottle of coke and a chicken sandwich got rid of the hangover and we enjoyed the day re igniting our cultural spirits.
The next day we were back to our adventurous selves (even with a slight hangover!). Kayaking was on the cards today as we heard about a rope swing somewhere on the lake. After some investigating and some bargaining we were off on the lake with three kayaks and two canoes. We found the rope swing, and some jumping platforms, and a few beers! We stayed there until evening and watched the sun setting over the lake, as we kayaked back into it. Nobody spoke on the journey back and there was no need as we all watched in awe at our surroundings.
We were headed to Belize the next morning for Christmas, all a bit sad to be leaving Guatemala. Another early rise (4.30am) was on the cards, no such thing as a lie on when travelling!!!
From here we decided to explore Tikal, probably the most famous Mayan Ruins in Central America. We had the option of a sunrise tour, but all gagging for a few drinks we decided 4am was a bit too early! Turns out 8am was probably even too early, and with sore heads we headed to the ruins. These ruins were far more vast than the ones in Honduras, and unfortunately no Irish connection. The detail and scale of the buildings was fierce impressive and must have been bloody hard work with no machinery. A bottle of coke and a chicken sandwich got rid of the hangover and we enjoyed the day re igniting our cultural spirits.
The next day we were back to our adventurous selves (even with a slight hangover!). Kayaking was on the cards today as we heard about a rope swing somewhere on the lake. After some investigating and some bargaining we were off on the lake with three kayaks and two canoes. We found the rope swing, and some jumping platforms, and a few beers! We stayed there until evening and watched the sun setting over the lake, as we kayaked back into it. Nobody spoke on the journey back and there was no need as we all watched in awe at our surroundings.
We were headed to Belize the next morning for Christmas, all a bit sad to be leaving Guatemala. Another early rise (4.30am) was on the cards, no such thing as a lie on when travelling!!!
