Known as the “Land of Eternal Spring,” this beautiful country in Central America is not to be missed. Here are 15 reasons to visit Guatemala.
Visiting Guatemala
All of my senses were heightened. I was bombarded by the bright colors of the stalls and their merchandise. The smell of smoke from a wood fire. The sound of women loudly selling their wares…
Bread! Fruits! Sandals! Chickens!
These are the precious memories that I have of going to the market with my grandmother. You see, I’ve been traveling to Guatemala since I was a baby. My family on my father’s side is Guatemalan, so as a kid I would spend my summers there. As I got older, however, I wasn’t able to go as often. I missed those trips to the market. I missed playing with my cousins. I missed spending time with my aunts and uncles.
Then a few years ago I was finally able to go back and I fell in love with Guatemala all over again. Although I did spend some time with my family, I also did some exploring, something I had never had the chance to do before. Now, as an adult, I was able to appreciate my heritage and culture so much more.
I traveled to different cities, admired amazing architecture, played a marimba (the national instrument of Guatemala), explored the Mayan ruins of Tikal, saw my first ceiba tree (a tree that is sacred to the Mayan people), relaxed on black sand beaches, crossed Lake Atitlán, and watched gorgeous sunsets. Plus, I was there on September 15th, Guatemala’s Independence Day. That meant lots of parades and festivals!
15 Reasons To Visit Guatemala
I think Guatemala is a country that is getting more and more popular, especially for people wanting to volunteer and for people wanting to get a more authentic travel experience. But just in case you still need a little extra push to travel to Guatemala, here are 15 of my favorite photos and reasons why you should visit the “Land of Eternal Spring.”
Guatemalan Independence Parade
Antigua has beautiful architecture
Many beautiful churches
More amazing colonial architecture
The Guatemalan flag
Enjoying walking through plazas and shops
Playing a marimba, the national instrument of Guatemala
Mayan ruins of Tikal
A Ceiba tree, a tree that is sacred to the Mayan people
Amazing nature and landscapes in Guatemala
Black sand beaches
Lake Atitlan and surrounding volcanoes
Crossing Lake Atitlan
On the shores of Lake Atitlan
Sunsets in Guatemala
Final Thoughts On Visiting Guatemala
I may be a little biased, but I truly think Guatemala is a beautiful country. There is so much natural beauty and you’ll find some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. We hope that this list will inspire you to one day visit Guatemala.
Click below to see the items we recommend for your visit to Guatemala |
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Have you visited Guatemala? Would you like to? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂
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I’ve visited Guatemala twice now, and loved it both times! It’s one of those countries I always wish I could spend longer in, and you photos have reminded me of some happy times cyclling through the country!
Yes, it really is an amazing country! 🙂
The scenery is lovely, but I want to see a photo of the market. Even without that photo, I’m convinced!
Aww, thank you Mindi!
Looks like a fun place to visit. 😉 i would go for the architecture alone. I keep learning so many new things with you. 😉 Thanks for sharing.
Aww thank you Mel! Glad you enjoyed it.
I didn’t know you were Guatemalan! How cool. It looks like a beautiful place. I hope to make it there one day soon.
Yup! Half Guatemalan and half Puerto Rican. I hope you’re able to visit soon too! 🙂
I haven’t visited Guatemala but seems like there’s so much to see and do! Would love to visit and see Tikal. I was fascinated with Mayan culture at Chichen Itza in Mexico so I know that it’ll be really memorable experience for me.
Hi Danielle! I personally think the ruins in Tikal are a bit more impressive than in Chichen Itza. I hope you’re able to visit one day! 🙂
I spent a month in Guatemala, and still it didn’t feel like enough! For such a small country, it really packs a punch. Can’t wait to go back, and your photos just reminded me how badly I need to 🙂
It really does! I hope you’re able to go back soon! 🙂
Hi Vicky!
Didn’t know that you are “latina” 🙂
Your photos definitely convince anyone to travel to Guatemala.
History, culture, nature.. so many reasons to visit Guatemala!
Thanks Rob!
These photos make my heart ache! I was in Guatemala for all last summer and I love and miss it so much! Whereabouts is your Guatemalan family from?
Hey Claire! Mostly the capital but also from Antigua. 🙂
I’ve heard so many great things about Guatemala, and I’m really hoping I have a chance to visit before the mass of central american tourism diverts from Costa Rica and realizes what they’re missing out on!
Omg, that’s so true!
There’s something special about visiting a destination that holds family ties. Guatemala looks like a fascinating country. I’d love to visit one day.
Hi Christina! Yes, that always makes it a little more special. I hope you’re able to visit one day. 🙂
You look like you’re eager to get into the musical action in those shots! It looks like a beautiful place to visit.
Haha! Thank you Vanessa!
Guatemala is definitely on my list. Your photos are stunning too.
Thank you Carla!
Aww this brings back so many wonderful memories of our trip to Guatemala in 2011! It sure looks like it’s time to go back again!
Oh how nice! How long were you there Sheena?
Those are great photo reasons to visit! It’s been on my horizon for a long time, as I have a friend who is married to someone from Guatemala and I hear pretty amazing things. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.
You’re very welcome Carol!
Guatemala looks very interesting. We also play the marimba in the Philippines. We do have a common heritage: Spanish.
That’s true! I didn’t realize they played it in the Philippines as well. Very cool!
I looks to me like Guatemala is a place that is laidback and down-to-earth. I would definitely be up for visiting a place that has great outdoor scenery, colonial architecture, and open plazas to wander and explore local life. Sounds like I need to book a trip to Guatemala! 🙂 Thanks for your great inspiration!