|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia (Parque la Aurora)
– The Archeology and Ethnology Museum in Aurora Park has an excellent
collection of Maya artifacts, including exquisite ceramics and stone implements,
models of the Maya cities of Tikal, Quirigua, and Zaculeu. Best of all are
the dioramas of life in a Maya city– ceremonies with
lords and priests, the market place, a family compound, carving the stone
stelae. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
In the ethnology section of the museum are tableaux of Guatemala
village life and distinctive costumes and headwear from each different village.
Mannequins model the most treasured Guatemalan fashions. Labels for the
exhibits are in Spanish. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Close by, is the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (Natural
History Museum). This is the place to see the local plants and animals
of Guatemala, along with exhibits of minerals and paleontology. Don't miss
the gorgeous (stuffed) quetzal bird, with shimmering with iridescent green
feathers and a long swooping tail. The quetzal bird feathers were highly
valued in Maya culture. There are also scenes of the animals in their natural
habitat, such as the jaguar and wild turkey prowling the jungles around
Tikal. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Zoo (Zoologico Nacional La Aurora) – Also in Parque la Aurora, the National Zoo has
many kinds of animals native to Guatemala and Central America, including
animals of the rainforest, such as spider monkeys, parrots, macaws, and
jaguars, crocodiles, coatimundi. The jaguar enclosure lets you get a good
look at this amazing animal. The herpetarium has wonderful selection of
exotic snakes. In the zoo is a fun "adventure" playground,
with slides and wooden climbing structures for kids. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Relief map of Guatemala (Parque Minerva) – To get an overview of Guatemalan geography (quite literally), visit this
huge relief map. It's bigger than a soccer field. You climb up in observation
platforms to see the map overall. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Museo Ixchel – The Ixchel Museum
is chock full of costumes from all around Guatemala, a colorful display
of the distinctive clothing from more than 100 different communities. Traditionally,
you can tell at a glance where a woman is from by her skirt and embroidered
blouse (huipil). Anyone interested in clothing is sure to enjoy the
museum. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Popol Vuh Archeological Museum – This museum covers Maya archeology, with the most of the exhibits devoted
to the Classic period, when Maya culture was at its peak. Don't miss the
replica the Dresden Codex (one of the very few Maya books), big and little
funerary urns, and the mask collection. |
