Vea esta publicación en español.

Who doesn't love watching the setting sun after a fun-filled day of travel, disappearing below the horizon and turning the sky into a beautiful canvas of red and orange hues?

Today we want to share some amazing photos of sunsets from the sustainable hotels listed on our website:

Baja California Peninsula, México

Baja California offers a unique contrast between intense ocean-blue water beaches and arid desert landscapes. Photo by RED Sustainable Travel.

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Arenal Volcano is well known for providing tourists with magical eruptions in the night. But this photo proves that the views are just as great right before dark. Photo by Catarata Eco Lodge.

Cancún, México

Cancún has amazing beaches and a great weather, but its romantic sunsets may be what has made it one of the top destinations for couples getaways and weddings. Photo by Dreams Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa.

Yacuma Protected Amazon Rainforest Reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Imagine experiencing a sunset right in the heart of the Amazon jungle! Photo by Yacuma Ecolodge.

Lago Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, also known as the "mirror of the sky," has been called the most beautiful lake in the world. So you can expect exceptional views behind its three impressive volcanoes. Photo by Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago.

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Most of us like to sit, relax, and enjoy a sunset. But zip lining in the amazing cloud forest is another option to enjoy this magic moment! Photo by Hotel El Establo .

This entry was posted on January 21, 2014 at 5:36 PM and has received 722 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Vea esta publicación en español.

One of the architectural jewels of the beautiful city of Antigua in Guatemala is the Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo, a historical relic that housed one of the largest convents in the Americas: the order of the followers of St. Dominic de Guzmán.

Casa Santo Domingo promises to "transport you to another time and place" from the moment you pass through its doors. The property includes 128 rooms that showcase elements of the 16th century Baroque period. It also offers a "Museum Walk" tour that connects the city's five museums. On the tour, you'll visit extensive collections of pre-Columbian and colonial objects as well as a contemporary art gallery.

This photograph shows one of Casa Santo Domingo's beautiful gardens on a clear night, the stars and a nearby volcano framing the shot in the distance.

This entry was posted on November 1, 2013 at 5:14 PM and has received 629 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Look, Mom--no hands! Flying among and above the treetops on a zipline will make you feel like a rainforest superhero. I mean, not even Tarzan could fly! Who's the king of the jungle now?

Zip line tours are safe and family-friendly--but just to be sure, make sure the course you'll be using is up to government standards. Most tours will take kids around the age of 10 and up – and sometimes children even younger are allowed, but must go strapped to an adult.

This photo was taken on a canopy tour with Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo, just outside the city of La Antigua, Guatemala. Have you ever had an awesome zip line experience?

This entry was posted on September 27, 2013 at 2:36 PM and has received 721 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Vea esta publicación en español.

On the famous Lake Atitlán, known as the "mirror of the sky," is the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center. Each year, thousands of tourists visit this destination in Guatemala to enjoy its unmatched scenic beauty, rich nature and a mystical world, filled with the Maya traditions that have survived in the indigenous communities of the peoples that live around the lake.

Jardines del Lago Hotel is this month's winner of our recognition for Making a Difference. This hotel, verified by the Rainforest Alliance and certified by Great Green Deal , stands out for its strong commitment to conserving the environment and supporting local communities.

Heymi Patricia Ajcalón, the hotel's assistant for development and sustainability, tells us about the sustainability initiatives conducted by the hotel.

Question: How long ago did the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center decide to implement sustainable tourism practices and why?

Ajcalón: In February 2009, we realized that we should implement sustainable actions due to the nature of our tourism activities and the environmental importance of our location.

Q: What noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

A: We take measures to save electricity and lower water consumption. For example, there are energy-saving lighting systems in all hotel facilities and solar heaters for the showers. We've installed alternative ventilation systems so we can limit the use of air conditioning, and we are reusing the water treated within the hotel to irrigate the gardens.

We use biodegradable products and buy products in bulk to reduce the amount of waste generated. All of our organic wastes are converted to compost that we use as organic fertilizer in the gardens, while all inorganic wastes are sent to the municipality's collection center. We also use efficient vehicles to reduce our CO2 emissions.

On the social side, we provide all legal benefits to our employees plus additional benefits offered by the hotel owner, and we support the socio-cultural events held by the surrounding communities.

Q: What additional support do you offer to local communities?

A: We provide cash or in-kind donations and we often allow community members to use our facilities at no cost for social and cultural activities. We also buy natural shampoo and soap for our guests from the women's organization in the department of Solola. In addition, we communicate our sustainability initiatives to primary and secondary schools and universities, provide a space for learning, and give lectures on sustainability.

Q: Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful sites in Guatemala, but it has also suffered from pollution and the negative impact of tourism. How does your hotel take care of this lake and the wildlife that depends on it?

A: We conducted a lake cleanup rally with the collaboration of the company's entire staff, and we participate in other initiatives organized by the Municipal Environmental Commission of Panajachel.

Q: How can your guests get involved with your sustainability activities?

A: In all of our hotel facilities, we post informational signs to raise awareness among guests and visitors about saving water and electricity. We also have a Ten Card inside the rooms that tells guests to place it on the sheets and towels they want to have washed and replaced, which helps us save water and detergent.

The hotel's corridors have marked bins so that everyone can help with sorting wastes. We also invite guests to respect the cultures and customs of the communities near the Lake Atitlan watershed and to not introduce exotic species at any site they visit.

Q: Why is the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center so special compared to other hotels in the area?

A: We stand out for our sustainability activities and our perseverance for continuing improvement. In addition, our facilities and grounds are unique; no other hotel can offer the panorama that you will enjoy from our rooms and gardens.

This entry was posted on May 1, 2013 at 11:32 AM and has received 378 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Vea esta publicación en español.

All over the world, Catholics are preparing to celebrate Holy Week. This holiday involves prayer, fasting, devotion, and, in many countries, traditional parades. It is a great time of year for travelers in Latin America and other regions to enjoy an authentic cultural tourism experience!

A "procession" is an organized religious parade of people on a journey, usually as an offering to God, the Virgin, or the saints. The processions are inspired by biblical passages, so participants are dressed in costumes from the Roman era, and they carry images of Jesus and the Virgin, among others. During the journey they may go quietly, sing hymns, or chant prayers.

The processions can begin during Lent and be held every Sunday until Easter. Starting on Palm Sunday, there are sometimes daily processions, but the largest and most elaborate parades are from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday.

Spain, Argentina, Peru, and Guatemala are world renowned for their colorful and moving processions. However, the processions of Guatemala are said to be the best of America, especially those of the colonial city of Antigua.

During Holy Week, the narrow cobblestone streets of Antigua are filled with domestic and foreign tourists who travel there just to appreciate these acts of devotion. But there is another element that makes them unique in the world: the beautiful carpets of sawdust the Guatemalan Catholics carefully produce to decorate the route the processions will pass.

The carpets display impressive Maya and Roman designs and others inspired by nature, which are made using colored sawdust, flowers, fruits, vegetables, pine and other materials. Families, neighborhoods, and entire guilds organize themselves to decorate the streets outside their homes and churches, combining their talent and effort and pooling money to buy the materials and molds needed to create the carpets.

Depending on their length and difficulty, the preparation of a carpet can take a few hours or even full nights and days. Some carpets in Antigua may be nearly a kilometer in length.

Seeing Antigua converted into an artists' studio is a visual feast for visitors who wander through the streets capturing the images of the creative process and the final works. The life of a carpet is short, making it even more special.

The start of the procession marks the carpets' greatest moment of splendor, but also their end. The crowded streets fill with white incense, followed by the group of people with special clothing and prayers or chants, while the strongest carry very heavy litters bearing the precious images. Everyone marches slowly on the beautiful carpets that have patiently awaited this moment. Within minutes, only remnants of the colorful tapestries remain, and a cleaning crew sweeps up the waste to leave the streets clean again.

In a few hours on another street of Antigua, the process is repeated again and again until Holy Week ends.

This entry was posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:34 PM and has received 644 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Vea esta publicación en español.

Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world – some say that it is actually THE most beautiful on Earth! Located in the department of Sololá, in the highlands of Guatemala, this lake is a gift to the eye, with its deep blue waters surrounded by three majestic volcanoes and a dozen villages that contain a rich and magical cultural heritage.

Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America, about 1,148 feet (350 m) deep with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km). It is estimated to have formed about 84,000 years ago from a major volcanic eruption that interrupted the course of the three rivers that come from the north, collecting their waters here to fill the lake. Another theory holds that the lake is an old crater of an extinct volcano. The volcanoes that rise above the lake are Atitlán (11,604 ft), Tolimán (10,361 ft) and San Pedro (9,908 ft).

Thousands of people from around the world visit the lake every year to enjoy its beauty and the many activities offered there: kayaking, scuba diving, exploring the canopy, hiking, trekking up the volcanoes, bird-watching, biking, and of course, visiting the 12 local Maya villages.

Upon reaching the lake, the first village encountered is Panajachel, which is more touristy and has the best facilities for lodging, food, and shopping. Panajachel is the hub for visiting the other small villages, named after 'the 12 Apostles', where you can relax and learn about and appreciate indigenous culture and traditions while enjoying the wonderful natural setting.

Santiago Atitlán, San Pedro La Laguna, San Marcos, and Santa Cruz la Laguna are some tourist favorites. Santiago is the largest and it remains deeply rooted in Maya and Catholic traditions. San Pedro attracts young and bohemian tourists due to its large number of hotels, hostels, and low-cost restaurants. Meanwhile, San Marcos and Santa Cruz La Laguna offer many spiritual tourism options with centers for meditation, relaxation, and yoga.

The magic of Atitlán was enhanced in 1996, with the discovery of an ancient Maya city submerged in the lake. Following several expeditions, researchers have found six ceremonial monuments and four altars believed to belong to the pre-Columbian era.

The lake can be visited year-round. Although it rains a lot from May to October, the weather is always warm and it is said that the sun never fails to shine there every single day. In fact, Atitlán is a Mayan word that means "the place where the rainbow gets its colors."

To find sustainable hotels near Lake Atitlán, visit Sustainabletrip.org.

This entry was posted on November 27, 2012 at 10:55 AM and has received 678 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

There are a few places in the world that promise unique experiences for lovers of diving, snorkeling, and marine life, and one of them is on the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras: the magnificent Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest reef in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia) and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, extending approximately 625 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands on the northern coast of Honduras.

Throughout this reef system are vast expanses of coastal wetlands, seagrass pastures, lagoons, mangrove forests, beaches, and dunes. These ecosystems are home to a rich biodiversity that includes 65 species of stony corals, 350 species of mollusks, more than 500 species of fish, and one of the largest manatee populations in the world. In addition, on the reef and in its surroundings live many endangered species such as leatherback sea turtles, West Indian manatees, black coral, and marine crocodiles, and seasonally it is also home to the largest aggregation of whale sharks worldwide.

This rich biodiversity and the beauty of the landscapes created by the reef's ecosystems make it a great tourist attraction. An estimated one in five people living on Caribbean coastlines is employed in tourism, an industry that is among the primary sources of income in these countries.

For starters, travelers can enjoy beautiful, fine white sand beaches that are products of the disintegrated remains of corals, calcareous algae, and other reef organisms. Tourists can also explore the coastal wetlands and mangroves of this reef, which serve as the nursery for many species of fish and provide an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife on canoeing and kayaking excursions.

However, scuba diving is the way that tourists can best experience the reef in all of its splendor. The warm, shallow, crystal clear waters of the coast bordering the Mesoamerican Reef offer impressive visibility of the hundreds of multicolored fish, turtles, manatees, and other marine species, as well as many types of coral.

Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Costa Maya are some of Mexico's most popular sites for diving. In Belize, the biggest attraction is the Blue Hole; considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, it is located in Lighthouse Atoll and consists of a system of underwater caves and passages with stalactite formations dating to the last ice age. On the Caribbean side of Guatemala, the port of Livingston is popular for diving directly offshore and in the nearby Belize Cays. Finally, Honduras boasts sites such as Tela, Cayos Cochinos, Puerto Cortes and the Bay Islands (Roatán, Guanaja and Utila).

Sadly, the Mesoamerican Reef faces major threats caused by pollution, over exploitation of resources, and uncontrolled coastal development, among others. For this reason, and because of its immense importance for wildlife and the economy, the countries near the reef have created several national parks and protected areas to help conserve it. Some of these are Cozumel Reefs National Park, the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and the Cayos Cochinos Marine Park.

Similarly, initiatives such as the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) and several community projects aim to implement best sustainable tourism practices to reduce the negative impact of tourism activities on the wonderful Mesoamerican Reef.

If you want to experience the reef responsibly, search our listing for sustainable hotels and tour operators on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

This entry was posted on November 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM and has received 972 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The magnificent resplendent quetzal is a creature of legends. This spectacular bird played an important role in Mesoamerican mythology; it was worshipped by the Aztecs and Mayas as the god of the air and closely associated with Quetzalcoatl, the powerful god of creation. For many years, it was believed that they could not be held in captivity, for a resplendent quetzal would usually kill itself soon after being caged – which led to its becoming a traditional symbol of liberty and freedom.

Today, the resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. Travelers can find them living in the cloud forests of Central America, singing their soft and mellow call. The resplendent quetzal is threatened throughout its range, due primarily to deforestation.

For a list of sustainable birdwatching destinations in Central America, click here.

This entry was posted on October 23, 2012 at 1:38 PM and has received 1489 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

Vea esta publicación en español.

Central America and Mexico contain a rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature built from the various indigenous civilizations that first inhabited the region, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the Americas. This Spanish heritage is visible today in the regional cuisine, an exquisite fusion of local ingredients with those brought from the old country.

The same holds true with architecture – in most of these countries, beautiful colonial cities have become very popular tourist destinations, because they offer a unique opportunity to travel back into history. They can see bits of Spain in the narrow cobblestone streets, large plazas, houses with interior terraces and gardens, beautiful cathedrals, convents and monasteries, and even carriages and horses that share the road with automobiles.

Here are some of the most well-known colonial cities in Central America and Mexico – all are amazing destinations to discover:

Mexico

Oaxaca, Merida, Puebla, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Morelia are some of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites because they preserve infrastructure from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Rich in colonial ruins and monuments that are still well preserved, these towns are also home to Mexican art and folklore.

Guatemala

Antigua is the best example of a colonial city in Guatemala. Founded in the 16th century, it was the capital city of the Kingdom of Guatemala, the Spanish colonial government that controlled southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The city was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but its main monuments still stand, and many are open to the public. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Honduras

Comayagua, Valle de Angeles, Ojojona, San Antonio de Oriente, Santa Lucia, Santa Rosa de Copan, the Copan Ruins, La Esperanza, Tegucigalpa, and Gracias are the best examples of the colonial architectural heritage in Honduras. They are located in the middle of the mountainous highland areas of the country, as these sites were ideal, safe places to build the forts that today still dominate the landscape of these cities.

El Salvador

Santa Ana, Suchitoto, and Panchimalco are key colonial destinations in El Salvador. Along their cobblestone streets are Baroque and even Gothic-style churches, such as the imposing Cathedral of Santa Ana. Suchitoto is said to be very similar to Antigua Guatemala, with its colorful houses, cobbled streets, large plaza, and church, but with fewer tourists.

Nicaragua

Leon and Granada, Nicaragua, were named after Spanish cities and both are emblems of the colonial period in the country. Granada is a very colorful and lively city, with a large cathedral and park, a walkway, and boardwalk filled with tourists who walk on foot or ride in traditional carriages. Leon has several 17th and 18th century churches, as well as the outstanding ruins of León Viejo, one of the first cities established in America which has been declared a World Heritage Site. This ancient city was buried in ash after the eruption of the Momotombo volcano.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not have as many colonial cities as the rest of Central America. Nicoya is considered the oldest colonial city in the country, since the parish church was presumably built in 1522, but Cartago was actually the country's main colonial seat. Today few traces remain from this period.

Find sustainable hotels near these colonial cities at SustainableTrip.org.

This entry was posted on October 16, 2012 at 11:10 AM and has received 1160 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The Mundo Maya, or Mayan World, consists of the modern day countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. This year, the entire world has been captivated by the prophecies of the ancient Mayan civilization. According to the Mayan calendar, December 21, 2012 marks the world's rebirth: the end of a 5,125 year cycle and the beginning of a new era. What does this mean? Well, for travelers, it means that 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the special year-long celebrations and discover the mysterious and beautiful Mundo Maya firsthand.

Read on for our 5 tips to make the most of your trip to the Mundo Maya in 2012!

1) Hidden history

There are many world-famous Mayan sites to explore, but did you know that there are also tons of lesser-known ruins tucked deep in the jungle? These hidden ruins, surrounded by dense forest, where only the calls of birds and monkeys accompany you, leave quite a different impression than the crowded museum-like experience of the more popular Mayan sites. The forests of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico are full of these hidden petroglyphs (stone carvings) and pyramids, their already mysterious air compounded by the overgrown foliage and desertedness. The ruins at Calakmul in Mexico are one of the most impressive of these off-the-beaten-path destinations.

2) The early bird...

Despite the crowds, the breathtaking magnificence of the frequently visited Maya sites makes them also worth the trip. (Hey they're popular for a reason, right?) Among the most popular sites are Chichen Itza and Tulum in Mexico, Tikal in Guatemala, Copán in Honduras, and Altun Ha in Belize. When you do go, make sure you arrive in the morning – the earlier, the better. For one, you'll beat the majority of the tourist traffic, and second, you'll avoid the oppressive afternoon heat. As an added bonus, you're far more likely to see wildlife in the morning, as most animals retreat into the shade to escape the midday sun.

3) Consider your impact

Keep in mind that the Mayan ruins you'll be visiting are thousands of years old and are thus in varying degrees of deterioration. One person climbing on the stone may not cause any visible damage, but the sum of millions of tourists stepping on the same spots each year eventually causes noticeable erosion. To make these amazing sites last for generations to come, make sure to respect all roped off areas and signs. And don't gripe about the nominal fee you may have to pay to enter the park – that money goes directly to protecting and preserving these cultural landmarks, so be proud of the contribution you're making!

4) The Mundo Maya lives!

The Mayan World isn't just a relic of the past -- it still lives on in the descendants of this ancient civilization, who still practice some of their ancestors' traditions to this day. Engage with them, learn from them, and you'll see the Mundo Maya come alive! You can learn about Mayan customs, sacred shamanic rituals, cosmology, medicinal plants, and traditional recipes. Some groups even offer travelers a chance to participate in activities such as spiritual ceremonies, chocolate making, and traditional healing.

5) Take a tour

If you're not an archeological expert yourself, a local guide can really enrich your experience by explaining the history and meaning behind the architecture and petroglyphs and drawing your attention to the best and most interesting spots. A tour operator can also set up the aforementioned cultural activities with local Mayan people. There is nothing wrong with being an independent traveler, but when it comes to the Mundo Maya, going on a tour can really enhance your experience – that is, IF you pick the right company. Be sure to pick a responsible tour operator that hires locally, like the ones in the SustainableTrip.org directory.

We hope you found these tips for travel in the Mundo Maya in 2012! If you're looking for environmentally and socially sustainable accommodations to book for your trip, check out some of the highlights from our directory below:

• Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland, Mexico – Built alongside the temples of Chichen Itzá on the Yucatan peninsula and within driving distance of over a dozen Mayan archeological sites, including Cobá, Tulum, Ek Balam, and Uxmal.
• Proyecto Ecoturísitco Los Robles, Mexico – Located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve along the access route to the Calakmul archaeological zone.
• Ecolodge El Sombrero, Guatemala – An ecolodge offering tours to the famous Tikal ruins, as well as the ruins of Yaxhá, Topoxte, Nakum, Naranjo, and El Kuch.
• Black Orchid Resort, Belize – A resort near the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai, Caracol, and Xunantunich.

This entry was posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:00 AM and has received 1678 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.