Guatemala is a country where the line between past and present is so blurred that history simple seems to live on in daily life. The Maya in Guatemala continue to practice ‘pagan’ ceremonies (often in front of the Catholic cathedrals built on top of the ancient Maya sites), don traditional clothing - handwoven huipils, and often won’t speak Spanish within their communities. In the Peten region of Guatemala, the Itza people can be traced to the “original” Maya, and with significant sites such as Tikal, Yaxha and the mysterious San Clemente nearby, it’s not surprising that the lineage is strong. However, while the Peten is the soul of the Maya World, the Highlands is the heart of it. Venture into the villages of Nebaj and Chajul and you’ll find yourself in a different world. This was the epicenter of the war and the area suffered greatly under the military - today the community can be wary of outsiders, but with a local guide exploring the Maya highlands is very rewarding. From the mind-boggling temples of the Peten and the small Maya villages on Lake Atitlan, to the wide boulevards of Guate and the coffee fincas high in the cloud forest, Guatemala has so many worlds to explore. Amani will open the doors for you.