[Adria0]

Any one know where survivor 11 will be held?

[DivaSupreme]

Its an independent republic lying in the Indian Ocean off the sourhern coast of Africa. If this is where they plan to go, its just more of the same. Seems to be a fairly well populated Island for Survivor taste.

[Adria0]

I think that the Tsunami in parts of Africa and Asia will affect the Survivor producers island choice! Many countries/islands are still dealing with reconstruction/famon.

[DivaSupreme]

Survivor 11 will take place in Yaxha National Park (see below).



Guatemala is a small country, but it has much to offer visitors. It is a natural paradise offering some truly breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, volcanoes and flora and fauna. It has a number of very beautiful tropical volcanic beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and some large coral reefs on the Caribbean side. Guatemala ranks very high in biological diversity, and has numerous tropical low rainforests and mountain cloud forests. Guatemala also has some of the largest and most fascinating Mayan ruins found anywhere in Latin America, together with a friendly, Mayan population with their culture and traditions.

Guatemala has the largest Maya population of any country, and in terms of numbers, they are the dominant ethnic group. There are at least 15 distinct Mayan groups in the country, mostly living in the highlands. After years of brutal war, tribal elders have recently signed a pact with the Guatemalan government guaranteeing land and political rights, and freedom to practice their traditional religion. Guatamalen Mayas produce beautiful textiles, pottery and baskets. One town especially, Chichicastenango, has a renowned market dating back to pre-Columbian times.



Mayan Ruins in Guatemala are a living testimony to a culture that once flourished between 700 BC to 900 AD. The most prominent Mayan Ruins can be found in the Tikal area and across the Honduran border in Copan. Smaller remains of Mayan buildings can be seen all over Guatemala.

Mayan Ruins are the truly astounding evidence of a long lasting, dynamic cultural tradition. The monuments paid tribute to the rulers of the past, and inscriptions inside are concerned with dynasties and conquests, alliance and raids. Some 10 square miles of central Tikal have been mapped revealing over 3000 separate constructions: Huge stones brought down by the rivers of the south coast served as the raw material for the carving of gigantic sculptures that have been found in this region.



[b]Tikal
Tikal, at one time the largest Mayan city in the world, is now a world famous site of Mayan ruins. The ancient Maya began constructing Tikal around 550 B.C., and for many centuries thereafter the city was an important religious, and political center. Today, the largest number of Mayan ruins in the world are to be found in Tikal. The ruins, extending over six square miles, include temples, pyramids, terraces, palaces, ceremonial platforms, plazas, steam baths, and other stone structures. It is estimated that only about 30% of the ruins have been excavated - the remaining 70% lie buried underground.



[b]Yaxha National Park
Yaxha, which means “Green Water” in the Maya language, is one of the largest Maya cities discovered so far in the lowland jungles of the Petén. Yaxha lagoon is one of the areas bestowed with some of the richest biodiversity around Guatemala.

[CeCiMom]

Wow after reading that I also question why or how it's going to be allowed for a TV show to come in and use these historical places. It kinda upsets me that it's happening. I know someone said something about this in another thread but, the article above kinda hit it home for me.

Thank you Diva for posting this article.

[DivaSupreme]

It concerns me too. I know that the ruins are protected. Climbing the steps of the pyramids is prohibited and direct contact with the structures is usually done under the watchful eye of a tour guide.

[DivaSupreme]

Suds, I'm not sure. However, I think its one of the more recent finds. What I'm wondering is if the BIG bucks paid for the Survivors to be there, plus the free publicity will go a long way toward efforts of further excavations. One other thing of interest in terms of the show being done there, is the countries history of civil unrest and crimes toward travelers there. The following link gives some very intersting info on just how recent all of this is.
Particularly the most recent President, sworn in in 2000.

http://www.lonelypla...ala/history.htm

Thanks Ranster, but Jem did her usual "fine" job in helping me get them there. There wouldn't be photos without her assistance.

[Jem]

Survivor: Guatemala will premier is September 2005.

[ScottishTXn]

:shock: Long as they don't ruin the ruins!