Guatemala landscape is rich: full of volcanoes, mountains, high lakes and beaches. From charismatic Antigua you can hike Acatanango and experience Fuego’s volcano temperamental blasts. You can learn the tragic recent history of the volcano and remember the powerful force of nature at safe distance. In lake Atitlán, you can finally have the relaxed week of vacation you were so eager for while getting to know the magic Mayan pueblos that live in its margins. In Flores, you can go for early morning walks through the island beautiful, coloured streets and visit Tikal’s Archaeological site on a sunset tour during the afternoon. The Highlights are a never-ending list and this are just some of the most known and appreciated by us.

Even though its people have a past and ancestors that are in common with neighbouring countries like Mexico, their overall personality and charisma are quite different. True guatemaltecos in the bigger city centres like Antigua are super sweet but shy at first glance and may take a couple of opening lines to crack the ice. In the pueblos, the challenge is harder but doable if you speak Spanish. Just keep in mind that trust takes time to build but the conversations I had and experiences exchanged are truly awesome.

The photo above was taken in Tikal after a long conversation with this wonderful lady. She came on purpose from the centre of Mexico where she currently lived to come pray and perform a Mayan ceremony on her birth country in the temple where she had done since she was a little child. She was full of emotions at the time of this ceremony, but mainly said thank you for her, for her family and for everyone around her, including me. A never ending list of names said with emotion and true believe. It was a marvellous sight that I had the opportunity to experience and after, in the middle of the lust green forest, seeing the sunset on top of a temple over the top of the canopy, I was surprised by a delighting feeling of peace.