Guatemala Destination Travel Agent Specialist

Photo I took in Antigua: Arco de Santa Catalina.

Guatemala:

Guatemala remains a hidden gem. Not due to a lack of wonder, but because it feels like a beautifully kept secret. It is a country of pure vibrance where every corner is bright with color. While the breathtaking landscapes may first catch your attention, you will soon realize that the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage exist in perfect harmony. From active volcanoes defining the horizon to deep lakes of bright blue water and ancient Mayan ruins hidden within the rainforest, the list of wonders is truly endless. I spent a month here in an artist residency program learning to weave and naturally dye wool with a local family and it changed the way I saw Central America as a whole.

The streets of Guatemala are filled with music, roads paved with cobblestone lined by buildings of every color. Locals dressed in traditional clothing sell handmade goods and produce at markets in every city and town. During my time in Guatemala I felt transported to a place of constant joy, reflecting my surroundings with the vibrance of life there. If you are considering travelling to Guatemala I urge you to take the leap and welcome the color into your life. I’ll create the perfect itinerary using what I learned while travelling there myself.

Antigua:

After flying into Guatemala City, the first stop for the majority of travellers in Guatemala is Antigua. Antigua is a UNESCO heritage site that is best known for its preserved Spanish architecture and is surrounded by distant volcanoes. Slow mornings here include a stroll down the street to the Central Park, where local coffee shops are buzzing. There are many different clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, local markets, and even rooftop bars where you can see the volcanoes around you.

My favorite part of Antigua is the history and stories the streets and walls tell. Guatemala sits over a convergence of three tectonic plates, causing many small earthquakes per year. While it is not common for these earthquakes to be highly destructive (only once every few decades) the walls tell the stories of the earthquakes in the past with cracking and visible mending with dates of the event marking them. There are walkable ruins, colonial buildings, and famous cathedrals that date all the way back to the 16th century. You can wander Antigua without a location in mind, allowing the city to guide you. 

Lake Atitlán:

If Antigua is the heart of Guatemala, then Lake Atitlán is the soul. Many people describe the lake as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and they are not exaggerating. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, the lake is surrounded by three towering volcanoes and a dozen indigenous Mayan villages, each with its own distinct personality. It’s the deepest lake in Central America and on a clear morning you can hike or paddle board to see active volcanoes erupting in the distance. Seriously!

In villages like San Juan La Laguna, you can witness the incredible tradition of textile arts. I watched women use backstrap looms to weave intricate patterns that have been passed down through generations, using natural dyes made from bark, insects, and plants. It isn't just "craft"—it’s living history. Other villages like San Marcos are known for their spiritual vibe with yoga and meditation retreats.

Petén and Tikal:

Petén is the wild, jungle region that hides the crown jewels of the Maya civilization. While much of the country is defined by volcanic peaks, Petén is all about the tree canopy. Flores is the main city here and acts as the base for those who are looking to visit Tikal. Tikal is a Mayan archaeological site, it is a collection of giant limestone pyramids piercing through the jungle reaching towards the sun. Unlike other ancient sites where you simply walk among the ruins, in Tikal, you climb them. The experience is incredible, climbing temples of the earliest human constructions while you hear howler monkeys singing in the distance.

Chichicastenango:

Chichicastenango is the largest and most famous traditional local market in Central America. It is open every Thursday and Sunday, I recommend planning your trip so you can experience it firsthand. It is more than just a place to shop, it is an overflow of culture. Every inch of the town’s narrow streets is packed with stalls with hand-woven huipiles (traditional blouses), intricate masks, and vibrant goods. At the heart of the market is a 400-year-old church where you’ll see Mayan shamans performing rituals on the stone steps.

My “Why Guatemala”:

Guatemala is a country of profound beauty and deep complexity that is authentic. My eyes were opened up to looking at the world in a more creative way while here. Culture is more than just a way of life that is practiced, it’s woven into the history and deserves to be appreciated. While there I felt welcomed into the pace of life and admired the small moments, even once I returned home. Guatemala is waiting, and I promise, a piece of your heart will stay there forever.