2. With perfect beaches, equatorial heat, and a melting pot of culture, it may be
hard to imagine that
the island of Guam could have a bloody history. Caught between the Allied and
Axis powers, Guam
played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater of World War II.
3. One moment in
history stands
out:
Liberation Day,
July 21, 1944.
On this day, the
United States
liberated the
people of Guam
from atrocities at
the hands of the
Japanese.
4. Today, Guam’s culture, history, and people continue to thrive in the modern world. It is an
island with a fusion of past and present, East and West, and a mixture of different cultures
that make it unique but not well known to many.
Let’s explore Guam…
10. Away from the luxury and modernity of
northern Guam, explore the scenic south,
home to rolling mountains, hiking trails, and
clear waters. Within the vibrant jungles lies
history dating back from World War II and
Spanish colonization.
11. Tranquil overgrowth of southern Guam
features relics, battlefields, bunkers,
pillboxes, guns and encasements, reminders
of war fought in the heart of the Pacific. Hike
and explore through the seven sites of the
War in the Pacific National Historical Park,
which encompasses several villages and
features ocean vistas and beautiful views.
While you’re here, you can travel through
tunnels and caves of Mount Alifan, view
sunken relics in Agat, and trek through
jungles to find Japanese and American war
guns in Asan and Piti.
12. Inevitably, the war also affected the people of
Guam. There are several massacre sites located in
the south. Hike to one of the most infamous sites,
the Tinta and Faha caves, where 60 Chamorros
unknowingly marched to their deaths.
15. Visit Fort Nuestra Soledad and Fort Santo Angel in Umatac,
built to protect the harbor from pirates
16. …and enjoy the view of Umatac Bay while riding on the back of a carabao.
17. After a long, hot day of trekking through the
south of Guam, visit the famous Jeff’s Pirates
Cove in Talofofo, which includes items of
Chamorro cuisine, such as red rice and
chicken kelaguen.
18. Then take a hike to Talofofo Falls to visit Yokoi’s cave,
a hideaway where a Japanese sergeant hid for 28 years
after the recapture of Guam.
22. The village of Hagatna is not only home to Guam’s capital but is also a hub of
Ancient Chamorro past, Spanish colonial structures, and the economic and
political growth of the present.
23. In Adelup, a man-
made monument
called the Latte
of Freedom faces
the sea. It is akin
to the Statue of
Liberty for the
United States.
Grounded in 4,000
years of history, the
past is very much still
alive in modern
architecture. Take a
tour through Latte
Stone Park, where
ancient Chamorro
houses used to stand.
24. The Plaza de Espana, San Antonio Bridge,
Fort Santa Agueda, and the Dulce Nombre de
Maria Cathedral-Basilica are parts of the
Guam’s Spanish past. Such places have
stories and myths which many Chamorros
still hold onto today. Recently constructed,
the Guam Museum houses collections and
artifacts of Guam’s history.
25. Although the village of Tumon is known for its white
sand beaches, luxury storefronts, and hotels, it also
has a few historical points from the Spanish colonial
periodA tourist staple, Two Lovers Point has
spectacular views of the Philippine Sea and Tumon
Bay.
26. Legend has it two star crossed lovers
leaped to their deaths, promising to
stay together rather than being
separated. Two figures of Guam’s past
which illustrate the bloody past with
Spain, San Vitores and Chief
Matapang, are memorialized into a
shrine near the Guam reef hotel.
27.
28.
29.
30. At night, a point of Hagatna comes alive. Chamorro Village, open
every Wednesday, is filled with both tourists and locals. Here,
different cultures intermingle and it’s like one big fiesta. You can
find Chamorro food being served, along with other kinds of
cuisine, while the smell of barbecue is ever-present in the air.
Wares and souvenirs are also sold during the night market, while
Chamorro music plays in the air.
31. Day Three: Liberation Day
To cap off this Liberation Tour is none other than the holiday
itself. Liberation Day is a time of celebration and commemoration
for the island of Guam, honoring those who died and fought
during in the war.
33. To celebrate the day, locals place tents and canopies around Marine
Corps Drive in Hagatna days before the actual holiday. The day will
start with the 72nd Anniversary Guam Liberation Day Ceremonies.
34. While you eat, you
can watch as groups
and floats parade
down the drive for
the Liberation Day
Parade.
You can mingle with
the locals and eat
barbecue and other
Chamorro cuisine.
35.
36.
37. THURSDAY
Liberation Day
8 am- 2 p.m: Liberation Day
Parade
-Attend a fiesta during the
parade
-Set up a tent for visitors
(ask GVB)
3:00-5:00 p.m.: Return to
hotel to relax
6:00 p.m- 8:00 p.m.: Dinner
show with Taotao
Tasi + Beach Bar
TUESDAY
World War II Day: Touring and Hiking Through WWII
Sites
7 a.m. - 7: 50 am Breakfast
Bus Departs 8 am
Give each member a card that features a
veteran/survivor/site etc
Central/South
8:30 a.m. Asan
-War In the Pacific National Park:
All the following items are within the War in the Pacific
National Park
*need tour guide* (671) 475-6295/4
Start @ Asan Bay Overlook
Asan Beach Unit
Fonte Plateau
Mt. Alifan (access is difficult because
undeveloped)
Mt. Chachao/Mt. Tenjo*
Piti Guns*
T. Stell Newman Visitor Center for exhibits and artifacts
Estimated time: 4 hours-more to complete or tour
*May require hiking
-Agat
Ga’an Point
Bangi Point
Apaca Point
Bangi Island
-Umatac
Fort Nuestra Soledad
Fouha Rock
-Merizo
-Merizo Pier
-Merizo Bell Tower
-Massacre Sites: Tinta and Faha caves
-Inarajan
St. Joseph Catholic Church
12:30 p.m.- Jeff’s Pirates Cove, Talafofo
Yokoi’s Cave (hiking required) + Talofofo
Falls
4:00 p.m.: Return to hotel to rest
6:00 p.m.: Dinner
8:00 p.m.: Free time
WEDNESDAY
Guam’s History: Touring
historical/cultural sites
7:00 a.m. - 8: 00 Breakfast
8:30 a.m to 3 p.m.
-Hagatna
-Guam Museum
-Plaza De Espana
-Adelup
Latte of Freedom
-Lina’la’ Park (only private
tours, must schedule)
-Dulce Nombre de Maria
Cathedral-Basilica
-Latte Stone Park
-San Antonio Bridge
-Fort Santa Agueda
12:30 p.m.: Lunch at Proa’s or Meskla
-Tumon
-Two Lover’s Point
-Statue of Padre San Vitores/
Chief Quiphua
4-5 p.m.: Relax/get ready at hotel
6:00 p.m. Chamorro Village
8:30 p.m. Free time
ITINERARY
