We’re hoping to break this information out into separate posts soon, but for now here’s the info in a google-maps-thing.

Full-page version.

Full-page version.

The crater of Volcán Chikabal filled up with water sometime in the past, and now it’s a sacred Maya site, as well as a very cool day hike. The bus ride from Xela takes about an hour, and then you are looking at an hour and a half hike up to the lake. Since the area is a sacred Mayan site, swimming isn’t allowed, but it’s a great place to make a fire and eat lunch. Be respectful and enjoy the natural beauty. Beware: the lake is well known for being almost completely fogged over – this can make for a somewhat eery experience, but it’s still definitely worth the trip. Bus ride – 5Q each way; entry fee: 15Q.

1. First, you need to find your way to Parque Benito Juárez.
2. From there, head north three blocks to the bus stop.
3. Take a bus toward Chile Verde. Ask the Ayudante if it goes to La Distancia, and ask him to tell you when you get there. Don’t ask the price. Just pay 5Q per person. There’s some chance he’ll charge more: if it’s just a little bit, pay, but if it’s ridiculous, argue.
   
4. At La Distancia you have a couple of options. You can start hiking, or you can pay for a pickup ride. Another 5Q. Either way, head up the hill towards the small town, Aldea Las Nubes. If you need directions just ask for La Laguna Chikabal.
5. Pay the entry fee.
6. Hike!
7. Check out the mirador (viewpoint).
8. Hang out by the lake.
9. Return the same way you came, catching the bus on the other side of the road.

English Two men rushing down aisles in the supermarket with their full shopping carts crashed into each other. One said to the other:
“Oh my god, excuse me, I’m in a rush because I’m looking for my wife.”
“What a coincidence, me too! I’m about to give up hope…”
“OK, maybe I can help you. What does your wife look like?”
“She’s tall, has light brown hair, nice legs, great tits and a cute ass, basically, very beautiful… And your wife?”
“Forget about mine, we’re looking for yours!

Spanish Dos caballeros que se movían muy deprisa en el interior de un supermercado con sus carritos de compras se chocan. Uno le dice al otro:
- Perdóneme usted; es que busco a mi señora.
- ¡Qué coincidencia, yo también! Estoy ya desesperado.
- Bueno tal vez le pueda ayudar. ¿Cómo es su señora?
- Es alta, de pelo castaño claro, piernas bien torneadas, pechos firmes, un culo precioso, en fin, muy bonita… ¿Y la suya?.
- Olvídese de la mía, vamos a buscar la suya…

Overlooking Xela from the East is a nice viewpoint that’s actually very easily reached from the city. It’s also a hotspot on the weekends, with families barbecuing and hanging out, kids playing soccer, and the not-to-be-missed concrete slides, or resbaladeros. This is a great hike for any morning or afternoon, or anytime, really. It’s steep, but short, so shouldn’t be too taxing for anybody. There’s also a road to the top in case you want to drive or take a taxi.

1. From the Parque Central head east and downhill on 5th Calle (the corner with McDonalds). Follow the main road as it veers to the left.

2. Turn right at the gas station.

3. Follow this road up the hill, turning when you are nearly at the end. The turnoff is a small dirt road with houses along the left side.

4. Cross the main road and keep heading up the path.

5. Enjoy the view, wander around the park at the top, and be sure not to miss the…

6. Slides. Follow the sign to Resbaladeros.

Concrete Slides / Resbaladeros

Watch out! The way these work is you take a flattened plastic bottle and sit on it to slide. If you have a good big bottle (experts use the 3L ones) you can get going really fast. These things are awesome, but… you could kill yourself. So be careful.

Introducing our version of reality television, the Amazing Race, Xela-style. Though it’s not actually televised, and doesn’t even involve video, it should be fun. All you need is a camera! At each step, you’ll win discounts or special offers at local businesses, and get the chance to chat (in Spanish or English) with various friendly members of the local tourist industry. If you complete either of the two routes of the race, we’ll also put your pictures and story on a special section of our website!

So here’s the deal: we’ll give you a place to go and a photo to take. Each of the photos should show you or your group and the requirement. At the destination, you’ll show the photo on your camera and in receive the next place and requirement. Each person in your group will also get a coupon good for a discount or special offer. For the most part the photos shouldn’t be difficult to take, and along the way you’ll get to see some of the neat places around town. Feedback welcome! Feel free to email Sean (sean@xelaspace.com) with questions, problems, or suggestions.

Remember, each photo has to have you in it, too! Have Fun. Each route has 7 steps in it, so getting on the internet (everybody wants to be there, right?) isn’t really even that hard.