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Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Martinique, America

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Martinique, America

Martinique is an island located in the Lower Antilles in Caribbean between 14°40′ N latitude and 61°00′ W longitude. It is one of the overseas territories of France, surrounded by Dominica in the north, St. Lucia in the south and Barbados towards southeast.

Martinique covers an area of 1,128 sq. kms and it is used Euro as its currency as it is the part of France and European Union. Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique.

Etymology and History of Martinique:

Martinique was visited by famous voyager Christopher Columbus on 15^th June 1502. It was earlier called by different names such as Jouanacaera-Matinino, Madinina, Madiana, Matinite, and finally Martinique which was derived from the nearby island Dominica (La Dominique).

As of archeological evidences, Arawaks were the original inhabitants of Martinique, followed by the Caribs (1200 CE). French took the control of Martinique on 15^th September 1635, led by Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc.

How to reach Martinique?

Martinique has only one airport, Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport located in Le Lamentin of Fort-de-France (capital city). MACIA operates frequent flights from and to major North American cities such as Miami and Montreal and Paris in France and Barbados and Saint Lucia in Caribbean. The major air operators include American Airlines, Air France, Air Canada and LIAT.

Martinique is also connected with Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Lucia, Les Saintes and Marie Galante by regular ferry services.

Buses are frequent and taxis and cars are other choices to move within the island.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Martinique:

Martinique has a blended culture of France and Caribbean and Colombo is the famous cuisine and Antillean Creole is the native language of Martinique (French is official). The capital city Fort-de-France is an ideal site for both traditional and modern shopping.

Places of interest in Martinique:

Cathedral Saint-Louis:

Cathedral Saint-Louis was originally built in 1671, but it was damaged heavily by many natural disasters such as fires and earthquakes in later years. It was reconstructed with various specialties in 1890 and is still good in condition. Bibliotheque Schoelcher was the designer of the church.

Fort Saint-Louis:

Fort Saint-Louis is one of the major identities of Martinique, built during the rule of Louis XIII in Fort-de-France harbor. Presently it is site of French naval base and now tourists can see the museum at the place of a fortress and tourists are allowed to see fortress parts.

Sacre-Coeur de Balata:

Sacre-Coeur de Balata was established in 1925 on a cliff. This replication of the Montmartre Church of Paris is open for tourists from 8 AM to noon and 3 PM to 6 PM on all the days of the week.

Other places of interest in Martinique include:

Cascade Absalon
Jardin de Balata
Dillon distillery
Place de la Savane
Le grand marche
Bibliotheque Schoelcher
Balata Gardens
Clement House
La Savane des Esclaves
Anse Couleuvre
Caravelle Peninsula
Les Salines Beach
Fonds Blancs
Les Gorges de la Falaise
Anse Trabaud

Best time to visit Martinique:

From January to June will be the best time to enjoy holidays in Martinique while the weather will be well supportive.

Accommodation options in Martinique:

Martinique houses numerous reputed accommodation centers ranging from budget options to top end resorts and hotels. Most of star hotels and resorts offer advance booking facility for tourists convenience. List of famous hotels and resorts in Martinique is as follows:

Hotel Corail Residence
Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek
La Suite Villa
Hotel La Pagerie
Residence du Village Creole
Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
Le Marouba
Residence Oceane Hotel
Le Domaine Saint Aubin
Pierre & Vacances Sainte Luce Holiday Village
Domaine de l’Anse Ramier
Hotel Bambou
Hotel Fregate Bleue
Le Panoramic
Hotel Residence Diamant Beach
Carayou Hotel & Spa

Places to Visit in Uaxactun, Guatemala, America

Places to Visit in Uaxactun, Guatemala, America

Uaxactun also known as Waxaktun is an archeological site belonging to the ancient Maya civilization. It is situated in Peten Basin region in Peten department of Guatemala, about 25 km from Tikal, 85 km from Flores and 500 km from Guatemala City. Uaxactun is home to diverse animals like Spider Monkeys, Deer, Coatimundis and Jaguars.

Geography of Uaxactun:

Uaxactun is positioned between latitude 17°23′36.82″ in the north and 89°38′4.32″ in the west.

Etymology and History of Uaxactun:

Siaan K’aan was the ancient name of Uaxactun and it means ‘born in heaven’. This site was renamed as Uaxactun by Sylvanus Morley, a United States archeologist and the re-discoverer of Uaxactun in May 1916. The literal meaning of Uaxactun is ‘Eight Stones’ in Maya language.

How to reach Uaxactun?

Uaxactun has its own airport but it is not served by regular flights and presently the nearest and major airport to Uaxactun is Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena (around 80 km away from Uaxactun).

Buses are available at Santa Elena Market at 2PM to Uaxactun costing Q20. Tourist can book tickets in advance at any of the tourist agencies of Santa Elena. Permission is necessary for tourist to drive his own vehicle and permission is granted at Tikal administration office (Q25).

Also tourists can reach Uaxactun by rental mountain bikes, available in Flores. The bus returns at 6AM.

Food and shopping in Uaxactun:

There are few food corners and shops located in Uaxactun, so it is advised for tourists to bring food packets and water bottles. Also tourists can refer the restaurants and shops of Tikal or Flores city for better shopping experience and to taste mouthwatering eateries.

Places of interest in Uaxactun:

Uaxactun Archeological Museum:

There is a small archeological museum located in Uaxactun and that displays on Uaxactun culture and history. It also houses local typical handicrafts’ models and photographs as well.

Maya Biosphere Reserve:

Maya Biosphere Reserve is a nature reserve covering a total area of 21,602 km² of Tikal, Uaxactun and other neighboring areas. It was established in 1990 to preserve forest and rare animal and bird species. The animals in the park include tapirs, crocodiles, the Red Brocket Jaguar, Puma, howler monkeys, the Ocelot, Margay and spider monkeys. Mahogany, Ceiba and cedar are flora found in Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Uaxactun Ball Court:

Uaxactun ball court is a typical place used by earlier kings of Uaxactun. Bring camera to take pictures of this archeological site.

Other places of interest in Uaxactun are as follows:

Temple of Masks
Tikal National Park
Uaxactun Airport
Sylvanus G. Morley Museum
Tikal Temple 1
Mundo Perdido
Stelae Museums
North Acropolis
South Acropolis
Plaza of the Seven Temples
Lost World Pyramid
Central Acropolis
Great Plaza

Best time to visit Uaxactun:

Generally from November to March is the ideal time to travel Uaxactun.

Accommodation options in Uaxactun:

Uaxactun is an archeological site featuring many specialties from the ancient period. It is home to only one well facilitated accommodation centre, Alicia’s Guesthouse and tourists can also refer camping for accommodation purpose. The major hotels in Uaxactun, Tikal (25 km) and Flores (85 km) are as follows:

Alicia’s Guesthouse
Tikal Inn
Jaguar Inn
Jungle Lodge
Hotel Casazul
Hotel Casona de la Isla
Hotel Villa Margarita
Hotel Casona del Lago
Peten Esplendido
Gran Hotel De La Isla
Hotel Casa Amelia
La Lancha Lodge
Hotel Villa del Lago
Hotel Peten
Green World Hotel
Mayan Internacional
Hotel Casa Elena de las Flores

Tikal Tourist Places to Visit in Tikal, Guatemala, America

Tikal Tourist Places to Visit in Tikal, Guatemala, America

Tikal is an archeological site located in Peten Department of Guatemala. Tikal is located between 17°13′19.54″ N latitude 89°37′25.01″ W longitude. Tikal is situated around 60 km northwest of Flores city and about 475 km northwest of the national capital, Guatemala City.

Tikal city covers an area of 16 sq. km. and the surrounding area of Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park which is spread over an area of 570 sq. km. and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Etymology and History of Tikal:

It is believed that, the name Tikal derives from the Yucatec Maya language word ‘ti ak’al’ means ‘at the waterhole’. The major rulers who were ruled Tikal from pre-classic period to terminal-classic period are Siyaj Chan K’awiil I, Chak Tok Ich’aak I, Siyaj Chan K’awiil II, Jasaw Chan K’awiil I and Yax Nuun Ayiin II.

How to reach Tikal?

Tikal is served by Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores which is placed 58 km away from Tikal.

San Juan Travel Agency is well known minibus operator in Tikal that will pick up tourists from Flores city every hour from 4 to 10AM and one more trip at 2PM. It costs around Q60 per way and takes 75 minutes for each way. San Juan Travel Agency starts return trips at 12:30PM and every hour trip from 2 to 6 PM. Second class buses charge around 30Q per way from Flores to Tikal.

Food and shopping in Tikal:

Visitor Center of Tikal is home to handicrafts shops, book stores and shops with snacks and drinks. Tikal houses many internet centers as well.

The food corners in Tikal include:

Caffee Ital – Espresso
Jaguar Inn Restaurant

Things to do in Tikal:

Jungle canopy tour
Tikal Visitor Center
Uaxactun
Especialistas en Ecotourisma

Places of interest in Tikal:

Tikal National Park:

Tikal National Park is a World Heritage Site housing many archeological sites such as the North Acropolis, Tikal Temple I and II dating from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The animal species found in the park include Geoffroy’s Spider Monkeys, Falcons, Toucans, Jaguarundis and Gray Foxes.

Sylvanus G. Morley Museum:

Sylvanus G. Morley Museum also called as Tikal Museum is the main cultural centre in Tikal, established in 1964 and it features a precious collection of archeological remains from the middle of the 19^th century.

Tikal Temple I:

Tikal Temple 1 is an ancient structure dating back to 732 AD. It is called by different names like ‘Temple of the Great Jaguar’ and ‘Temple of Ah Cacao’ because of its historical significance. It is placed in the heart of Tikal.

Other places of interest in Tikal are as follows:

Central Acropolis
Great Plaza
North Acropolis
South Acropolis
Plaza of the Seven Temples
Mundo Perdido
Stelae Museums
Temple IV
Temple I
Temple II
Lost World Pyramid

Best time to visit Tikal:

From December through February is the best time to enjoy holidays in Tikal.

Accommodation options in Tikal:

Tikal is an archeological and World Heritage site, visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year. Tikal is home to 3 standard hotels with upgraded facilities like swimming pool, semi-luxurious rooms, private bathrooms and much more. Camping is budget option charging around Q50 per person or per site. List of hotels and lodges in Tikal and Flores (60 km) include:

Jaguar Inn
Jungle Lodge
Tikal Inn
Tikal National Park Campground
Hotel Casa Amelia
La Lancha Lodge
Hotel Villa del Lago
Hotel Casazul
Hotel Casona de la Isla
Hotel Villa Margarita
Hotel Casona del Lago
Peten Esplendido
Gran Hotel De La Isla
Hotel Peten
Green World Hotel
Mayan Internacional
Hotel Casa Elena de las Flores

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Solola, Guatemala, America

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Solola, Guatemala, America

Solola is the capital city of Solola department and the administrative headquarters of Solola municipality in Guatemala. It is located around 115 km northwest of the largest and capital city of the country, Guatemala City. Solola municipality comprises of 59 smaller rural communities and 4 village communities such as Argueta, Encuentros, El Tablon and San Jorge la Laguna.

Manna Project International, Friendship Bridge and Love Futbol are the international organizations hosted in Solola. It is believed that, Solola was founded in 1547. Kaqchikel people dominate the population of Solola. Central Park is the major landmark of Solola city.

Geography of Solola:

The municipality of Solola occupies an area of 94 sq. km. and the city is located at 14°46′00″ N 91°11′00″ W, at an altitude of 2,114 meters.

Connectivity to Solola:

Solola is well connected with the national capital Guatemala City through regular bus services, operated by many private organizations. Tourists can reach Solola from Guatemala City by direct bus or tourists can get off at Panajachel and then catch buses to Solola and it takes around 10 minutes from Panajachel to Solola and 3 hours from Antigua to Solola.

Quiche Airport is nearest airport to Solola situated at a distance of around 40 kilometers and other nearby airports includes Quetzaltenango Airport, Retalhuleu Airport and Huehuetenango Airport.

Food and Shopping in Solola:

Quiche has a famous traditional market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, traditional handicraft products, woven clothes and jewelers.

Most of Solola’s restaurants located around Central Park and list of the prominent restaurants in Solola include:

Deli Jasmin
Cafe Atitlan
Le Jardin des Saveurs
El Bistro

Tourist Attractions in Solola:

Central Park:

Central Park is the major landmark as well as tourist attraction in Solola. Musical water fountain is the prime attraction of the park organized every evening.

Universidad del Valle:

Universidad del Valle is located about 10 minutes drive from Central Park of Solola. It is a best place to learn on the agricultural practices and birding.

Lake Atitlan:

Lake Atitlan is located in the vicinity of Panajachel is located 8 km away from Solola. This stunning natural tourist attraction attracts tourists from all around the country. Tourists can reach it by bus or rental vehicle.

Other places of interest near Solola include:

Torre Centroamericana
Solola cemetery
Casa Cakchiquel
Thirteen Threads Fair Trade Store
Iximche
The Maya Traditions Herbal Medicine Garden
Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Museum
Circus Bar
La Palapa
Atitlan Butterfly Sanctuary
Atitlan Nature Reserve
Hotel Atitlan Gardens

Best time to visit Solola:

The months between June and August will be ideal to visit Solola.

Accommodation Options in Solola:

Solola hosts many deluxe hotels designed for utmost comfort of the guests. The facilities offered by the hotels are dry cleaning, doctor on call, swimming pool, 24 hour room service and helpdesk, private bathroom, internet access, spa and much more. Advance booking will be better to get hotel room as per the requirements of tourists and the major hotels in and around Solola are listed below: