ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA — “Bienvenida Cuate,” our driver greeted us with a big smile. “Welcome to Guatemala, Friend.”

After arriving late in the evening, after a journey marked by layovers and flight delays, a cheerful local met us eagerly, grabbing our bags despite waiting over an hour. His joyful and welcoming demeanour left a lasting impression. It was a simple moment – yet it set the tone at the outset for the warmth and hospitality we would experience during our anticipated visit to Guatemala.

Nestled in Central America, Guatemala borders Mexico to the north, Belize to the east and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. As I soon discovered, the country’s appealing year-round tropical climate, interwoven traditions, and natural beauty offer something for every kind of traveller.

Guatemala’s inspiring slogan, ‘Land of Eternal Spring,’ captures the imagination and is quite fitting.

From a tourism standpoint, Guatemala is still a newcomer compared to its Costa Rican neighbour, and the country is eager to establish its tourism footing in attracting visitors and showcasing its many treasures to the world.

On the value spectrum, Guatemala is considered one of Central America’s top destinations for affordable travel. And for Canadians, that’s a welcome respite for travellers looking to escape the cold – without breaking the bank.

If Guatemala hasn’t been on your travel radar yet, it’s time to take a closer look. You may be pleasantly surprised and inspired by all it has to offer.

ENCHANTING ANTIGUA

The city of Antigua is a great first stop on a Guatemala itinerary and is just an hour’s shuttle ride from Aurora International Airport.

Founded in the 16th century and once the capital of Guatemala, this UNESCO World Heritage city is rich in Spanish colonial architecture, colourful low-slung buildings, and cobblestone winding streets, each with a unique story to tell.

With the majestic volcanoes surrounding Antigua, the city offers a stunning ‘aha’ effect that can never get old. Visit the park square that comes alive on weekends with local markets attended by families and their children. After dark, it’s illuminated by strings of soft lights and frequented by evening walkers.

And for foodie enthusiasts, who knew that Antigua boasts a dialed-in food scene ranging from international cuisines to local farm-to-table options? As one of the world’s top-ranked coffee producers, the cafes are abundant, making it easy to find the perfect cup of coffee. Moreover, enjoying a tasty handmade tortilla taco by a street food vendor found on every corner is par for the course.

For the curious, intrepid traveller seeking their next adventure, Antigua is a central hub for various tours, including guided volcano hikes and walking and biking activities. With three active volcanoes nearby, including Fuego, which typically erupts daily, there are plenty of options for exploration.

A popular choice is a day hike to Pacaya Volcano, which I experienced myself, and it was spectacular. The tour guide roasted marshmallows in a mound of smoking lava, which was a unique experience.

For the more adventurous, a challenging two-day hike of Acatenango offers the chance to camp overnight with the potential to witness the bright orange eruptions of Fuego from a neighbouring viewpoint if you’re lucky.

Now, wouldn’t that be an incredible Instagrammable moment?

GUATEMALA’S LAKE TREASURES

Guatemala is home to several noteworthy lakes, each with unique characteristics and attractions.

Lake Atitlan, formed 84,000 years ago from a massive volcanic eruption, stands out as Guatemala’s most famous and picturesque lake in the Guatemalan Highlands. This lake is also a paradox; it offers space to unplug and recharge and a place for relaxation and adventure.

Surrounded by mountains and three towering volcanoes and dotted by Indigenous Mayan villages, Lake Atitlan is a popular destination over two hours from Antigua – and a must-visit spot.

As you travel from one tiny village to the next, you’ll encounter gringo bohemian hangouts on the lake’s remote stretches, where local fishermen in handmade canoes ply the waters and Indigenous women in traditional dress wash their clothes.

One of my favourite activities is visiting Santa Cruz for a guided kayak and hike tour. You can also learn how to make the famous Guatemalan dish ‘pepián,’ a rich, thick meat stew. An inexpensive water taxi is your mode of transportation around the lake, with the same fare to travel to any village.

The main town of Panajachel (pronounced paa-nu-haa-chl) serves as the gateway to the lake, offering plenty of vantage points to catch the sunset spectacle, showcasing an ever-changing palette of hues each evening.

The area also boasts award-winning ecolodges, cozy hotels and various eateries, and skirting around by tuk-tuk is not only savvy but a fun way to get around town.

Here are some of the top local activities to enjoy …

• Atitlan Nature Reserve: hiking trails complete with hanging bridges and a butterfly reserve
• Sunset hike or ATV with visits to local villages
• Bird-watching excursions
• Guided boat tours of Lake Atitlan

TIKAL MAYAN RUINS

A common question that arises after visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlan is:

Is Tikal worth a visit? The answer is a resounding yes.

Located in the Peten province of northern Guatemala, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park nestled within a vast tropical forest. It’s one of the most significant archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilization.

An hour’s flight from Guatemala City will take you to Flores, a picturesque island that serves as the gateway to Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala’s third-largest lake. Most visitors head to Flores for one primary reason: to explore Tikal’s spectacular Mayan ruins. With its towering ancient pyramids, palaces, and temples emerging from the dense jungle, Tikal is a highlight of Guatemala, offering a beautiful and memorable experience that should be on your Guatemala itinerary.

Not surprisingly, Tikal is home to a diverse wildlife, including gray foxes, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, falcons, toucans, and green parrots. Occasionally, you might even spot jaguars and cougars roaming the grounds.

If time isn’t an issue, consider exploring the pastel-painted town of Flores and wrapping up your trip with other Mayan sites, such as Yaxha and Uaxactun. You won’t be disappointed.

WHEN TO GO

The ideal months to travel to Guatemala are January to April and November to December, being the driest. Guatemala enjoys a warm and tropical climate, with sunny days and daytime temperatures ranging between 21C and 32C throughout the year.

For more information on Guatemala, check out: https://visitguatemala.gt/.