Page 39 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 4 February-March 2018

The Kukulkan Mayan
temple of Chichen Itza,
Yucatan, Mexico

CENTRAL Ruins & Culture

Central America’s rich mix of people and cultures has created
a diverse and dynamic society. With more than 20 Mayan
languages, Guatemala is the region’s indigenous heartland,
with Tikal containing the most exquisite historical discovery
AMERICA another joy to behold, with 365 steps leading up to the top —
of Mayan ruins. Mexico’s towering temple of Chichen Itza is
one for each day of the Mayan calendar.

The Spanish also left their mark throughout the region, with
majestic colonial plazas and silent hours of siesta. These three
stunning colonial towns each offer a unique charm to the
variety of coffee shops, chic restaurants and snazzy bars.

Antigua, Guatemala: Located in the highlands of Guatemala,
with preserved Spanish Baroque-infl uenced architecture,
Antigua is dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua
is a place of rare beauty and vibrant culture, remaining to be
Antigua’s main street with a backdrop of the Agua Volcano Guatemala’s most visited destination. Colourful cobblestone
streetscapes unfold beneath three volcanoes, giving way
to stunning backdrops all around the city. But perhaps the
real miracle of Antigua is its resilience. Despite earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions and fl oods, it persistently reemerges.

Casco Viejo, Panama: Panama City’s hippest neighbourhood is
a UNESCO- protected district and a barrio fi lled with grand old
colonial houses and crumbling pastel facades. Casco Viejo is
home to some of the capital’s most stylish addresses. Up until
a few years ago, gangs patrolled these narrow brick streets and
visitors kept far away. Today, however, former gang members
of the Ciudad de Dios lead what is considered to be one of the
Spanish architecture in Casco Viejo, Panama city’s most original walks — the Fortaleza Tour.

Granada, Nicaragua: Granada is a lovely historical city nestled
in southern Nicaragua. Spanish colonial architecture dominates
the streets, cathedrals and courtyards of this former capital,
while scenic volcanoes and lakes add an adventurous edge to
this laidback destination.

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Colonial buildings in Granada, Nicaragua