The National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in Guatemala City is filled with original relics and art taken from the country's rich selection of Maya and other sites, as well as some special exhibits. It's a must-see for those seriously interested in these eras of history. Click to see some of the many exhibits.

The smaller but more modern Popul Vuh and Ixchel Museum Complex has similar relics, but more directly connected to the Popul Vuh, the Maya creation story. The Ixchel wing has displays relating to Guatemala's rich weaving tradition. Click to see some exhibits from this complex.

Fabrics and paintings of various regions are displayed at the Ixchel Museum and there is a well-stocked gift shop.

Getting to Copan involves an easy border crossing to Honduras and then a 17-mile trip to the small village of Copan.

The Hotel Marina Copan was delightful, with an on-site restaurant (try the Tortilla Soup), lounge and a pool, that would have been inviting in warmer weather.

But the richly carved stele of the Copan ruins were the main goal of the trip and we were able to spend a morning exploring them.

The Temple of Inscriptions, here described by Dr. Michael Grofe,  is an amazing history of Maya kings' lineage. It's decoding is one of the keys to today's understanding of Mayan glyphs. More from the site of Copan.

Much of the sculpture on the grounds are realistic copies of originals kept in the on-site Copan Sculpture Museum. The entrance, being approached by Kyle, Ed and Richard, evokes, Xibalba, the Maya under world.

Quiriguá, a lesser known, but fascinating, site in Guatemala, is home to the tallest known Maya stelae. The visit was heightened by the presence of a Maya community in traditional ceremony, which is allowed by the government.

Kacao restaurant in Guatemala City couldn't have been more perfect for our farewell dinner. Beautiful atmospheric surroundings, including waiters in traditional Maya daykeeper attire. The menu had many tempting traditional Guatemalan dishes, as well as the local Moza bock beer. (Note, only Spanish version of link seems to work, but you can get the idea.)