Maximon – Guatemala’s Folk Saint
Defining Maximon is no easy feat although the most suitable description of him is probably as a folk saint.
Defining Maximon is no easy feat although the most suitable description of him is probably as a folk saint.
Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM & Delta have just launched a new North Atlantic Joint Venture. Will flights to Havana follow?
A Temazcal is just one Anglicised version of the name given to a sweat-lodge by the indigenous, pre-Hispanic natives of Mesoamerica.
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s east coast, Sian Ka’an is a protected biosphere made up of tropical forests, marsh and mangrove as well as a large marine section.
With effect from 9th June, Virgin Atlantic’s twice-weekly service from London to Havana will switch from London Gatwick to London Heathrow.
Most prospective travellers in the UK have heard of ATOL & ABTA. We are also a member of ABTOT which provides protection for your non-flight holidays.
Cuba two centre holidays are perhaps the most popular option for visiting the Caribbean’s largest and most varied island and Beyond The Ordinary offer thousands of options.
Hiptipico, which describes itself as an ethical fashion brand, is based in the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Experiencing a traditional Cuba homestay is now one of the biggest selling points of a holiday to the Caribbean’s largest island and something that Beyond The Ordinary highly recommend.
For anyone wishing to explore Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, British Airways Cancun service is the only direct, scheduled option from the UK.
The Destinations Show is returning to London Olympia from Thursday 30th January to Sunday 2nd February and Beyond The Ordinary will be there.
Being very much a touring destination, the first decision visitors must face is how exactly they plan to get around this fascinating country. Having a car and driver in Guatemala is by no means the only option but, in our opinion, it is by far the best.
Although we don’t offer any specific tours or set itineraries, options for Cuba walking holidays abound and we are able to pre-book a number of private, guided walks in various destinations.
Located around 45 minutes’ drive south-east of Campeche city, the Mayan ruins at Edzna are notable for their mixture of architectural styles, a result of its location relative to other, more powerful Mayan cities, namely Calakmul, Uxmal & Palenque.
As one of Cuba’s key tourist destinations, one would assume that Trinidad has a great selection of hotels to choose between. Up until now, sadly not.
Taking place every Tuesday & Friday morning, Solola Market is often referred to as being one of the most ‘authentic’ markets in Guatemala.
Combining Mexico City & the Yucatan Peninsula couldn’t be easier and offers an insight into two very different parts of this vast and fascinating country.
Set to open in early 2020, the Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski is set to be the most luxurious beach hotel in Cuba.
Located just to the north of the town of Baracoa, almost at the eastern tip of the island, the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is home to one of the most important eco-systems in the Americas.
On the basis that this is a fairly typical holiday duration, this is our guide to what to do and where to visit with two weeks in Guatemala.
Named after the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, who founded Merida in 1542, the Paseo de Montejo is one of the grandest, most attractive avenues to be found anywhere in Mexico.
Trying to decide on our top 10 recommendations for things to see and do in Havana has been no easy feat but here we go……
The Quetzal is part of the Trogon family and is the national bird of Guatemala. It is found both on the country’s flag and coat of arms as well as lending its name to the national currency.
At the height of the boom in henequen production, known as the ‘Green Gold’, it is said that the Yucatan Peninsula was home to well over 300 haciendas, including Hacienda Sotuta de Peon.
The Gran Hotel Bristol By Kempinski will be the luxury hotelier’s second hotel in Havana and third overall in the country.
The small village of San Andres Xecul is located a short drive north-east of Quetzaltenango and is famous for its colourful Roman Catholic church.
The Moncada Barracks are located in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba and, for many people, are where the Cuban Revolution began.
Despite its relative proximity to Cancun, being close to Chichen Itza means that Ek Balam receives very few visitors even though it is one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most impressive Mayan sites.
Located on the outskirts of Quetzaltenango, the otherwise unremarkable town of Almolonga has become famous – some might say infamous – for its vegetables. Yes, its vegetables.
One of the stand-out buildings in Old Havana, the grand Museum of the Revolution occupies what was once the Presidential Palace.
Perhaps the most surprising fact about the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya in Merida is that it took quite so long to come about.
Pretty much anything you read about Antigua – especially in regards to tourism – will at some stage refer to the Arco, normally in relation to its proximity.
The name Ceibal derives from the Ceiba, a tree endemic to the region and the national symbol of Guatemala. Ceibas were also considered sacred by the ancient Maya who believed that these enormous trees somehow connected the earth and sky.
Even before Instagram, everyone loved a hotel with a view and there are a number of hotels in Cuba that tick this particular box.
British Airways have recently announced further improvements to its World Traveller Plus cabin which will be introduced through 2019.
Castillo de San Felipe de Lara is a 17th century Spanish colonial fort, located at the head of a narrow channel where the Rio Dulce meets Laguna Izabal.
It might be just 27 miles inland from the Yucatan Peninsula’s fabled east coast, but the ancient Mayan city of Coba goes largely unnoticed by the beach brigade.
What comes to mind when you think of Cuba? Perhaps music and dancing in a steamy basement bar, with a fat cigar in one hand and glass of rum in the other?
Established in 1972, UNESCO World Heritage sites are locations of global significance, both cultural and / or natural. As of 2018 there were 35 World Heritage sites in Mexico of which 5 are located within the Yucatan Peninsula.
Spain’s largest airline, Iberia, has announced that it will be offering its new Premium Economy cabin on flights between Madrid & Havana.
When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here.
Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.
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