Louise Wisechild Blog of Guatemala and Mexico

Uaxactún; Mayan name: Siaan K’aan or ‘Born in Heaven’

12/1/2011

1. Arrival
George, the German biologist whose eco-lodge, ElPasado Del Cerro, was my first base in Petén, told me that large areas of the Petén rainforest were officially protected and managed by local indigenous communities. He thought I might
enjoy Uaxactún both because it was an early Mayan observatory and also because the community was working to develop sustainable enterprises as part of their protection of the surrounding jungle.

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Petén and Rio Dulce: Overview

11/25/2011

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For the last two weeks I have been traveling farther from Antigua, to
the Petén and Rio Dulce areas in the north and eastern parts of Guatemala. It was one of the most incredible trips of my life!

I was deeply moved in visiting the ancient Mayan sites of Tikal and
Uaxactún. It was impossible to be
indifferent next to the temples and pyramids, these structures of massive
limestone towering well above the tallest trees in the surrounding jungle,
placed with incredible precision so that every year the path of solstices and
equinoxes is light passing through an opening in the stones.
Petén is home to one of the world’s largest remaining rainforests and is
also considered to be the “cradle of Mayan civilization” a region where the
Mayan calendar was perfected and the incredible site of Tikal constructed, over
a period of nearly 2000 years.

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Louise "Luisa" Wisechild, PhD

I first visited Guatemala in 1995 as a member of the Vashon Island sister city delgation to Santiago de Atitlan, Guatemala.
I been living in Guatemala since 2011. I didn't intend to stay -- my idea was to develop tours in numerous countries. But I fell in love with Guatemala -- where every day I learn something new or see something I have not seen before. Guatemala is a land of diverse natural beauty. Living in a Kachikel Maya pueblo, which is also a gathering spot for international budget travelers, makes this a rare and fascinating residence. My curiosity and my heart are engaged here every day, in my relationships. . I enjoy speaking spanish with friends, and learning more about the Maya culture, giving tarot readings in Spanish and also singing my growing repertoire of Spanish songs.
I am a lifelong independent traveler and group leader. As a graduate student in interpersonal communication and the creative arts, I led tours to Oaxaca, Mexico for the Day of the Dead and co-facilitated a tour to the goddess sites of Mexico with Global Awareness through Experience. I have been fortunate to visit Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Bali, Thailand, Australia, Europe, Canada and the US. Bit by bit, I will go global again, but Latin America is so enchanting. . . .

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Uaxactún; Mayan name: Siaan K’aan or ‘Born in Heaven’

Petén and Rio Dulce: Overview

Louise "Luisa" Wisechild, PhD

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