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Born and raised in Yorkshire, England, Jo is currently working as a freelance travel writer in Latin America. With degrees in International Politics and Human Rights, as well and Spanish and French, she considers herself a student of the world. www.josykes.com

Hometown
Holmfirth, UK
Location now
Antigua, Guatemala
Work published
Huddersfield Examiner

Manchester Student Direct

Nagasaki JET Nag Rag

www.josykes.com
Travel philosophy
Always be open minded and understanding.
Craziest place
Nomozaki, Kyushu Japan, where I lived for 2 years.
Bizarre experience
Playing drinking games with Lao Lao (local moon shine) with tribes-men in the moutains of Laos on the Golden Triangle Boarder.
Advice
Remember to smile; it's always better than being behind a desk in a office!
Dream destination
Remote islands in the South Pacific.
Traveled before
Latin America, North America, Japan, South East Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Europe.
Going next
Nicaragua

Joanne Sykes's Guide Book Entries

Info

Getting To and Away from Santa Cruz del Quiché
Nov 15, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
The bus terminal is about 1 Km south east of the plaza near the permanent market and not far from ......
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When To Go To Santa Cruz del Quiché
Nov 15, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
The main fiesta of Santa Cruz del Quiché is held August 14 – 19, the main day being the 18th, ......
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Getting Around Santa Cruz del Quiché
Nov 15, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
Mini buses wait around the plaza on the north and south sides for destinations in both directions and to nearby ......
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Safety in Santa Cruz del Quiché
Nov 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
During the day this town presents no danger and should be no different after dark. It is a hard-working town ......
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When To Go To Chichi
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Chichi is good to visit any time of year regarding the weather and market. The fiesta of Santo Tomás, as ......
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Safety in Chichi
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Chichi is a quiet town and is more or less safe. There are not so many streets lights after dark ......
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Getting To and Away from Chichi
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
The chicken buses from Guatemala City to Santa Cruz del Quiché pass through Chichi at least every half an hour. ......
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Getting Around Chichi
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
In Chichicastenango itself you can walk pretty much anywhere you would want to go. If you would like to take ......
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Getting To and Away
Aug 26, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
The easiest way to get to Antigua from Aurora airport, Guatemala City is to take shuttle buses from outside the ......
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Pepián - an authentic Guatemalan dish
Aug 16, 2009 - Guatemala
No one (only vegetarians may be excused!) should come to Guatemala without trying Pepián, one of its most typical dishes. ......
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Chile Tips for Luxury Travelers
Jun 26, 2009 - Chile
CHILE TIPS FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS As a top end traveler you can really take in so much more of the ......
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Chile Tips for Mid-range Travelers
Jun 26, 2009 - Chile
As a mid-ranger traveler you will definitely feel comfortable in Chile. With more spending power you can sample the excellent ......
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Chile Tips for Budget Travelers
Jun 26, 2009 - Chile
CHILE TIPS FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS Chile is one of the more expensive countries in South America and although it will ......
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Bolivia's Economy
Jun 24, 2009 - Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries of Latin America with 60% of the population living below the poverty line. ......
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Alternative Tourism in Nicaragua
Jun 11, 2009 - Nicaragua
Tourism has grown rapidly in Nicaragua and is now its second largest industry. As an alternative to traditional tourism, such ......
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Chile Government and Politics
Jun 09, 2009 - Chile
Politics in Chile is conducted via a presidential representative democratic republic. There are three branches of governance: executive power is ......
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Destinations

Santa Cruz La Laguna
Nov 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala
This little village is actually the closest to Panajachel but probably the least visited, with most people going to San ......
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Departamento Del Quiché
Nov 14, 2009 - Departamento Del Quiché, Guatemala
The department of El Quiché is located right in the center of Guatemala, between the Highlands and Verapaces, and home ......
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Sololá
Nov 14, 2009 - Sololá, Guatemala
Sololá, high above Lake Atitlan and often lost in the clouds, is a wonderful place to visit on market days ......
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Hotels

Hotel Acuario
Nov 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
Not even one block from the square, this is definitely a well-placed hotel, if you want to be close to ......
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Casa Blancas
Oct 06, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
The Casa Blancas villa is a stunning blend of colonial history and modern luxury just two blocks from Parque Central ......
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Hotel Las Vegas
Sep 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
The Las Vegas, formerly the Hotel Maya Quiché, has something of an out of town motel feel and the courtyard ......
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Hotel San Pascual
Sep 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
This verdant family-run hotel doesn’t look much from the outside, indeed it’s a little hard to find the entrance, but ......
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Hotel Mary
Sep 14, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Hotel Mary, a step up from the Todos Santos Inn, can be found just east of the main square, opposite ......
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Todos Santos Inn
Sep 14, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Santa Cruz del Quiché is only about 30 minutes from Chichicastenango, making it possible to do as a day trip. ......
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Hotel Vasquez
Sep 14, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Hotel Vasquez is as colorful on the inside as it is on the outside; the pink exterior goes with the ......
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Hotel San Luis de la Sierra
Sep 13, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
The San Luis is a modern hotel with a smart dining room serving breakfast and dinner, a large secure parking ......
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Hotel Santa Maria
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Hotel Santa Maria is the newest (and probably best) place in town. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious, and the ......
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Medio Luna Medio Sol
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Media Luna is Nebaj’s only hostel-style accommodation, offering mainly dorms and a couple of private rooms. This place would appeal ......
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Hotel Turansa
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Sufficient, if perhaps a little uninspiring, Turansa has 16 rooms set around a parking lot courtyard with pine furniture, each ......
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Hotel del Centro Naab'a'
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Naab’a’ is a small, simple three-level hotel next to Taco Express. There’s not much to see from the outside, but ......
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Hotel Villa Nebaj
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Impressive or garish - depending where you stand - with a folk-artsy exterior and entrance hall, Hotel Villa Nebaj is ......
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Hotel Shalom
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
There are actually two Shaloms in town. Shalom One, in the center of town, is the older sister of Shalom ......
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Hotel Cafe Maya Ixil
Sep 13, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
The Maya Ixil is a long-standing Nebaj hotel and restaurant with plans for some major improvements, including a roof garden, ......
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Mayan Inn
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This comfortable and civilized hotel off the southwest corner of the square boasts well-appointed rooms, some with bathtubs, all with ......
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Hotel Santo Tomás
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Santo Tomás is as good as it gets in Chichicastenango: located in an attractive white building centered around two delightful ......
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Hotel Chalet
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This lovely, bright hotel on a quiet road northeast of the plaza is decorated with local fabrics and typical clothes. ......
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Hotel Chuguila
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Hotel Chuguila has been on the accommodation lists of Chichi for quite a while. But recently, a new complex has ......
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Hotel y Restaurante Tutto’s
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
At the quiet southern end of town, this family-orientated hotel is bright, open and welcoming. All rooms have cable TV ......
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Hotel Posada Belen
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
The Belen's 18 rooms are split evenly between those with private bathrooms and those without, but all are reached by ......
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Hospedaje El Salvador
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
The Salvador is a large and very economic hotel five minutes' walk south from the marketplace. The hotel looks a ......
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Hotel Posada El Teléfono
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
El Teléfono is little more modest than its neighbor Mashito, but there are few extras here: Guests can use the ......
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Hotel Mashito
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Despite having been painted entirely fluorescent green, this hotel is still easy to miss, tucked away on a quiet street ......
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Hospedaje Girón
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This major outdoor equipment distributor is a top source for brand-name sportswear, trekking and camping gear, biking accessories and more. ......
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Posada El Viajero
Aug 16, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
The greatest draw to the cheap and cheerful ‘Traveler Hotel’ is its central location. The 10 rooms are definitely basic ......
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Casa de la Gringa
Jul 30, 2009 - Cusco, Peru
Just around the corner from the San Blas plaza is the Casa de la Gringa, which is owned by Lesley ......
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Hostal Marani
Jul 30, 2009 - Cusco, Peru
Set around a colonial courtyard in San Blas, Hostal Marani offers good-quality accommodation at relatively low prices. All rooms are ......
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France-Amazonia Guesthouse
Jul 21, 2009 - Misahuallí, Ecuador
France-Amazonia is a small, peaceful jungle lodge run by a lovely couple who will make you feel right at home. ......
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Urcu Puyujunda Eco-Lodge
Jun 23, 2009 - Mindo, Ecuador
The Urcu Puyujunda (cloudforest in Quechua) Eco-Lodge is a small ecological reserve privately owned and run by an Ecuadorian couple. ......
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Restaurants

Sobremesa: Degustando el arte
Nov 10, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
More than a gallery or a mere restaurant, this cultured café allows you to taste the delights of art and ......
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Ronny's Tacos
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
For a quick and cheap tasty snack you can’t beat this Mexican café. Themenu has the full range of tacos, ......
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Casa Escobar
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
Not just a steak house, Casa Escobar offers a more traditional-feeling night out than you would expect from a chain ......
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La Casbah Discoteca and Lounge
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
This is possibly the best place to go for a proper club-night-out in Antigua. With a Middle-eastern theme throughout, there ......
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Café Sky
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
Café Sky is THE place to be at dusk in Antigua. Climb the tight winding staircase to the upper terrace ......
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Travel Menu
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
From the outside, the Dutch-owned Travel Menu might not appear like your usual budget eating establishment. In the evening the ......
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Toko Baru Oriental Fast Food
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
Toko Baru offers not only the East Asian treats you would expect, given its name, but also Middle Eastern fare. ......
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La Septima
Oct 05, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
At the junction of 7th and 7th, La Septima is a great place to go Tuesday to Friday for its ......
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Zona Rock Café
Sep 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
By way of evening entertainment there isn’t much to speak of in San Cruz del Quiche but at least the ......
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Comida Tripica
Sep 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
A basic and authentic Guatemalan comedor serving all the usual favorites, desayuno tipico and churrasco, as well as mojarra - ......
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San Miguel panaderia
Sep 14, 2009 - Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala
Facing the plaza from the western edge, this is a great place to relax and quench your thirst with a ......
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Comedor Central
Sep 14, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
A very basic eatery right on northwest corner the square, with a mini-store attached from where you can order any ......
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Asados El Pasabien
Sep 14, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
A very basic eatery right on the northwest corner of the square, with a mini-store attached from where you can ......
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Pizza Genio
Sep 14, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
This place is a bit of a strange mix, offering pizza and Chinese food, with the usual burgers (veggie option ......
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Taco Express
Sep 14, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
As the names suggests, this is a Mexican fast food joint. It’s small but has a few tables to sit ......
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El Descanso
Sep 14, 2009 - Nebaj, Guatemala
Founded by a Peace Corps volunteer back in 2001 to provide sustainable employment for youngsters in Nebaj, El Descanso has ......
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Especialidades Doña Esterecita
Sep 14, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
The local history behind this place justifies its rightful place on anyone’s list of places to eat in Huehue (see ......
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La Cabaña del Café
Sep 14, 2009 - Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Looking like something transported straight from an Alpine ski resort, this cozy logwood cabin looks inviting, especially on a dark ......
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La Cocina Tipica – Helados Marco Polo
Sep 13, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This small café opposite the supermarket serves ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes and other savory snacks. It is right next to ......
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Cantina Tres Estrellas
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This bar is a rough and ready drinking hole down the hill past the church. No snacks are served, and ......
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Panaderia El Corazon de Jesús
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This clean eat-in or take-out bakery, below El Meson de Don Miguel, sells great cakes and juices. It’s just one ......
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El Meson de Don Miguel
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Right opposite the tourist information office and just one block east of the square, Don Miguel dishes up no-nonsense local ......
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Restaurante Tipico – La Villa de Don Tomás
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Don Tomás is similar to Las Brasas but with more fish and seafood on offer ($6/Q50). The spaghetti comes with ......
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Casa San Juan
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Right on the main plaza with an upper floor overlooking the square, Casa San Juan is a great place to ......
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Restaurante Las Brasas
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This large family-run steak house one block north from the plaza serves up a variety of good meat and fish ......
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Tziguan Tinamet
Sep 12, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
TT’s specialty is pizza and you can make your own from the extensive list of meats, veggies and cheeses, from ......
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Bar Restaurante El Paso
Aug 29, 2009 - Ayampe, Ecuador
This bright and breezey beach-shack style restaurant might not look much but the seafood served up is as fresh as ......
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Hot Dog Alley
Aug 28, 2009 - Guatemala City, Guatemala
Just down the road from the Centro Cultural de España and the Guatemalan stock exchange is Hot Dog Alley, a ......
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La Antigua Vineria
Aug 26, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
During the 1700’s taverns were used as resting places where travelers could get a hearty meal and drinks to quench ......
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The Bagel Barn
Aug 16, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
Just off the south west corner of the Parque Central, this place is good if you need an early breakfast ......
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Meson Panza Verde
Aug 16, 2009 - Antigua, Guatemala
Whether you have a date to impress, spare cash burning a hole in your pocket or simply enjoy the good ......
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The Cross Keys Pub
Jul 30, 2009 - Cusco, Peru
A Cusco nightlife institution, the Cross Keys recently moved from its old location in the Plaza de Armas to Calle ......
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Babieca Tratoria
Jul 30, 2009 - Cusco, Peru
One of the most popular pizzerias in town, the Babieca boasts the table-sized pizza kilometrica, which can feed up to ......
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See all Restaurants (33)

Activities

Pascual Abaj
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
A short walk south of the town center is the Maya ceremonial site of Pascual Abaj, a shrine which is ......
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Iglesia Santo Tomás
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Dating from the mid-16th century and then rebuilt in the 18thcentury, this atmospheric church is a great introduction to the ......
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Museo Rossbach
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This archaeological and anthropological museum has three rooms exhibiting historical pieces from Chichi and the surrounding region from the pre-Hispanic ......
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Schools

Studying Quechua and Aymara
Jun 19, 2009 - Bolivia
Quechua, or Kichwa, the official language of the Inca Empire, is the most widely spoken indigenous language in the Americas. ......
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Services

Services in Chichi
Nov 14, 2009 - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
There is a BAM branch with an ATM and a Western Union (open Monday-Friday 9a.m. – 6p.m., Saturday 9a.m. – ......
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