After our LONG flight from Australia back to Guatemala City we had 1 day RnR before heading back to the boat. The rest was well needed and our Recreation was museum visits.

The National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology protects and disseminates the most important collection of archaeological artifacts of Mayan Culture, as well as a collection of ethnological material showing the cultural diversity of Guatemalan society.

The permanent exhibition occupies 3500 square meters including pieces of jades, pottery, textiles and masks.

The mission of the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is to preserve the history of the country through its archaeological remains.

It is also one of the most important centres of Mayan culture, with numerous artistic artefacts and everyday objects on display from this pre-Columbian civilisation. Its collection includes over 25,000 pieces that date back around 3,000 years, representing a fascinating journey through time until the arrival of the Spanish.

The numerous pieces of ancient Guatemalan treasures, from Mayan pottery, artwork, and crafts to traditional textiles and dress. With thousands of years of human history have taken place in these hills, Guatemala is comprised of a fascinating mosaic of different cultural identities. From the first settlers who built villages to thriving days of the Maya, all the epochs are represented inside the national museum, with relics from archeological sites having made their way to these halls.

The story is well told of how people first settled Guatemala as they migrated through Central America, and formed different languages, farming techniques, and ways to honor their dead.

There are two ways to experience Mayan treasures when traveling across Guatemala: visit the important sites AND visit this wonderful museum - and we have now done both.