semuc champay & tikal

start of my last travel trip (away from Antigua)in Central America which took me through Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.

and i'm off

at El Retiro lodge in Lanquin...

...which was full so we stayed next door at Yax Lik, which was cheaper anyways. in the morning this chicken was by the toilet and wouldn't get out. in the afternoon after we got back there was an egg in it's place.

day tripped to Semuc Champay. swim in these crystal clear pools of freshwater.

the river runs through a cave system under the pools for about 300 meters

like this one

view from the mirador. one of the most amazing places i have ever seen. photos do not do it justice.

and after Semuc Champay we (me and two others) went caving in Kan 'Ba caves... w/ just a cadle for light. you have to swim some stretches holdig the candle out of the water. was awesome!

and then went to Tikal and Flores again. temple IV for sunrise... unfortunately it was cloudy and misty so didn't see the sunrise (2nd time, previous time in december it was raining).

temple V

the main plaza w/ temples I and II

drew this while in plaza.