There are few places on the planet where you can travel only 250 miles, from one pristine coastline to another, and pass through a dozen distinct cultural regions -each with its own unique language, climate and landscape; Guatemala, is one such place. Fondly referred to as “the land of eternal spring,” Guatemala is a magical destination lush with tropical jungles, sandy beaches, temperate highlands and ancient volcanoes. It is the heartbeat of Mayan culture, and while it is a developing country with many socio-economic challenges, it is also one of the most magnificent examples of humans flourishing in the modern world.
Colorful textile art, folkloric dance, indigenous & Latin music, Mayan spirituality, fair trade commerce, sustainable agriculture, women’s rights movements, and nature connection all contribute to the vibrancy that is Guatemala!
Many travelers begin their Guatemalan adventure only a short distance from the capital, in the quaint colonial town of Antigua. With its Baroque architecture and vibrant textile scene, Antigua has been described as “one of Central America’s most beguiling destinations.” A UNESCO world heritage site, Antigua’s cobblestone streets, lined with decorative stucco archways and rustic wooden doors, lead to beautiful open-air courtyard gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, boutique hotels, and artsy cafes. From Antigua’s Spanish tile rooftops and balconies, you can view volcanoes towering in the distance and a patchwork of corn and coffee fields below. The rural outskirts are accessible by bus and private shuttles; guides regularly lead treks up the volcanoes and offer tours of nearby coffee farms. Antigua is an easily navigable town covering less than one square mile, so other must-see attractions reside only a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away.
Venturing off the beaten path, there are dozens of destinations across Guatemala’s countryside that are true gems and worthy of your visit. Lago Atitlán, known for its retreat atmosphere of thatched-roof eco-lodges nestled along the jungly lakeshore, is a perfect place to rejuvenate. Kayaking, zip-lining and hiking adventures will enliven your re-wilding instincts while walking tours, artisanal workshops and dining experiences invite you to learn more about the local cultures of lakeside pueblos. Lago Atitlán is also a great launchpad for day trips to the highland area of Guatemala which includes several wonderful destinations… Chichicastenango is home to one of the world’s largest and most colorful handicraft markets. Xela is a city where you can find opportunities for volunteerism, Spanish lessons, fine dining, live music and outdoor recreation. Fuentes Georginas are natural hot springs known for their mineral-rich water heated by the nearby Zunil Volcano.
For many, a trip to Guatemala would be incomplete without an opportunity to dive deeply into the historical roots of Mayan culture. The northern Petén region of Guatemala is home to the largest and possibly the oldest ancient Mayan city. Tikal, built in the 6th century AD, is a network of more than 3,000 stone structures including palaces, residences and temples that blend harmoniously with the jungle landscape. The northeastern corner of Guatemala is home to the country’s largest lake, Lago Izabal, and there you can visit the Quirigua Mayan ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site where archeologists uncovered the world’s highest Mayan stelae. Lago Izabal is connected to the Caribbean Ocean via the Rio Dulce River, two other stunningly beautiful places that invite you to explore your relationship to nature in the spirit of Mayan culture.
