The Misty Highlands of Guatemala (Your Places To See In This Lifetime)

Guatemala is a country embedded in the Sierra Madre mountains. Guatemala can be described as a piece of an exotic puzzle, since everything heard and seen here intermingles Mayan heritage with the spirit of the colonial epoch and astonishing geographic terrains. This jewel in Central America also begins to bud during the beginning of April, as it marks the beginning of the dry season with slightly cooler temperatures and occasional showers (visit Guatemala during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures range from 23 °C to 32 °C, making it warm and pleasant). The Highlands are famous for their sunny, warm days and chilly nights.

Your starting point is Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkable Spanish-styled Baroque architecture. Walk around ancient squares and cathedrals, their colors are more native, reds and browns against the background of huge cones.

It is also one of a kind to travel into the hilly regions full of environmentally cool and preserved Mayan villages. See the colorful markets of Chichicastenango, where the people sell delicate fabrics, pots, and carved wood with appealing traditions.

If you have more time, go for a trek on the Camino Maya, which consists of several days of exploring remote villages and cloud forests. See the potbellies of Mayan citadel’s such as Iximche, where you have the opportunity to partake in the Mayan ceremonies and relish a true Mayan meal at the archeological sites of Quiriguá.

I must include the magnificent Atitlan Lake, referred to as perhaps the most beautiful lake in the world. The lake is a deep-water caldera that forms a critical source of water for numerous Mayan villages and is overlooked by three impressive volcanoes. They also take a boat trip to see a number of lakeshore villages, each of which has its own unique character and a special form of handcrafted product. Go mountain climbing around the hills to see spectacular views, or visit weaving factories in one of the co-op joints. Geographically, the lake has a magical quality and a varied lighting scheme, which is a gold mine for a photogenic creative soul and the best place to chill and ponder.

For those who are really into adventurous activities, visit the lost city of El Mirador, which is similar to Tikal in size, but few tourists still explore. This Lost City is a look at what could have been one of the most magnificent civilizations of mankind.

Pro tip: Engage the local communities with humility and cultural appreciation of their cultures. Wear layers as the climate up at the high altitude might change, and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky grounds of Guatemala. It would be prudent to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket occasionally due to rain, but that is no reason to hurry through one of the most interesting cultures in the world.