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What To Do With 36 Hours In Panajachel, Guatemala…

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Panajachel, Guatemala

It’s already been said that Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Three stately volcanoes stand as sentinels on her shores. Opposite these majestic watchman, nestled in the valley of two towering peaks, is the vibrant, urban area of Panajachel.

Panajachel has been my home for the past year, a destination my husband and I planned to visit only shortly along our Alaska to Argentina road trip, but she seduced us with her charms, and we’re still here 12 months later.

But Pana (as it’s called by the foreigners) isn’t for everyone…

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World Class Lake; Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala

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Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala

Do you know Alodous Huxley?

The guy who wrote Brave New World?

Anyways… Huxley worked with words, but he also traveled extensively (and published several fine travel books, including Along The Road: Notes and Essays of a Tourist) and… he said that Lago de Atitlán was… without a doubt… the “most beautiful lake in the world.”

A bold statement, indeed. But once you set eyes on this, it’s hard to deny Lago de Atitlán’s appeal… Continue

Volcano Hiking; Volcán de Pacaya, Guatemala

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Volcan Pacaya

Located 28 miles (45km) southwest of Guatemala City, Volcán de Pacaya is a highly active volcano. Standing at an impressive height of 8,372  feet (2252 m), Volcán de Pacaya frequently spews molten lava, rock and ash into the sky. It’s without a doubt one of the most active (and therefore exhilarating) volcanoes in all of Central America. The best time to view the volcano is at night, when bright orange lava lights up against the night sky.

Volcán de Pacaya first erupted over 23,000 years ago, and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish colonized Guatemala. It remained dormant for over a century, then erupted unexpectedly in 1965. It continues to this day. Continue

Boat Routes, Rock and Reggae; Livingston, Guatemala

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Livingston, Guatemala 2

Livingston is unique. It blends an interesting mix of traditional Guatemalan and Caribbean cultures – from food to music, language to skin color – in such a way as to draw an equally varied collection of visitors to this small but boisterous village.

Backpackers flock here for cheap living, reggae and generally laid back atmosphere. More adventurous types use Livingston as a jumping off point for exploring the Rio Dulce, an 18 mile (30 km) river journey through 300 foot (100 meter) rock pillars overgrown with local vines and vegetation. Regardless of your intentions, both Livingston and the Rio Dulce are worth it.

Let’s look at both, shall we?

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Natural Pool Staircase; Semuc Champey, Guatemala

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Semuc Champey, Guatemala

It’s hard to debate a travel destination when a close friend states it’s “THE most beautiful place I’ve been.”  And that’s exactly what people are saying about Semuc Champey.  Only recently were these stunning turquoise pools of Semuc Champey discovered in an isolated jungle in Guatemala.  They are the epitome of what every off-the-beaten-path traveler dreams about.  The pools of Semuc Champey are a must see for anyone traveling to Guatemala.Continue

Market Days in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

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Chichicastenango, Guatemala

There are few – if any – markets in Central America which rival the twice-weekly affair in Chichicastenango. Every Sunday and Thursday, this small village – lined with adobe houses on cobblestone streets – becomes flooded with tourists, locals and neighboring villagers, all intent on purchasing… well… something.

It’s truly a sight to see.Continue

Eat Globally, Speak Locally; Antigua, Guatemala

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Antigua

Located inside a picturesque valley beset by three volcanoes, Antigua was once a colonial Spanish hub which rivaled Mexico City and Lima. While it may have lost some of its significance, one thing remains…

Its beauty.

Without a doubt, Antigua is one of – if not the - most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America. In addition to its picturesque surroundings, Antigua has since become an international hub of different sorts: a thriving ex-pat community where you can enjoy traditional Guatemalan comedor food – mostly consisting of beans, rice and eggs – for lunch, then head to its cosmopolitan downtown for a delicious array of Italian, French, Spanish and even Chinese cuisine.

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Hot Spring Waterfall; Finca el Paraíso, Guatemala

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Hot Spring Waterfall; Finca el Paraíso, Guatemala

It hits you like a slap to the face.  As you pass the Castillo de San Felipe - a small, Spanish medieval castle built to keep British pirates at bay -  you’re greeted with sweeping views of Lago de Izabal.

But it gets better.

Located 15 miles (25 km) from Rio Dulce, a hot spring waterfall awaits you. The hot springs blend with fresh, cool river water and makes for an enjoyable afternoon soak.  Just above the waterfall is a collection of unique caves which you can explore by swimming through (be sure to pack a flashlight in an airtight bag, it’s dark in the caves).Continue

Coffee Tasting in Cobán, Guatemala

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Cobán, Guatemala

Located in the rain-soaked hills of Alta Verapaz, Cobán is the place to be for coffee.

Admittedly, it’s not Guatemala’s most charming town – the market’s nothing special and heavy traffic churns through the main plaza – but Cobán offers plenty of natural wonders in its surrounding countryside, most notably Biotopo del Quetzal, Rey Marcos, Semuc Champey, and the Grutas de Lanquín.

But don’t forget the coffee.

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The Ultimate Guide to Tikal National Park

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Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal. The mere name conjures up images of adventure and intrigue. Easily the most important – and impressive – Maya site in all of Central America, Tikal consists of five gigantic limestone temples which rise up to 180 feet (60 m) from the ground below.

That’s not all. There’s also thousands of smaller structures, some fully visible, others covered by gnarled roots and mounds of dirt. And while Tikal’s temples are the main draw, it’s natural wonders should not be missed.

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Shop at San Francisco el Alto Market; Guatemala

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Shop at San Francisco el Alto Market; Guatemala

Set atop a gorgeous hill overlooking the Quetzaltenango Valley, San Francisco el Alto must be seen to believed. From town, you can see the entire valley below on a clear day; when the fog rolls in (and it does most mornings) the only thing you can see is the tip of the Santa Maria volcano.

Beautiful.Continue

Hike Highlands; Todos Santos, Guatemala

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Todos Santos, Guatemala

Discover the captivating hiking trails that zig-zag the granite mountains and lush green forest that surround the native speaking Mam village of Todos Santos Cuchumatán.

It’s simply breathtaking.

The day hike from Todos Santos to San Juan Atitán is arguably the most impressive scenery in all of Guatemala. From volcano views and green valleys, to native huts and lush forest, this hike has it all.Continue