Guatemala ranks as one of my favorite places in the world. I planned on traveling Guate for three weeks and instead I stayed for three months. There was just something so calm and charming about the country. The culture is rich and accessible and the landscape is just gorgeous — perhaps that’s why I fangirl over it so hard. This is one of the best spots in Central America; the only other I would consider a contender is Nicaragua.
If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Central America, you’ll surely hear about the dangers. As a region, they are both founded and unfounded. There are legitimate issues around transportation, and Central America in general is a place where you just don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But in Guatemala, the violence is not pervasive. Although I heard some stories, I never encountered violence in the two and half months I traveled the country.
What I found in Guatemala, was an incredibly warm people who are open and happy for the tourism coming to their country. The indigenous Mayan culture is alive and full, and Guatemala is home to the most beautiful natural and Mayan sites in the world. It’s worth planning several weeks in here if you’re backpacking the region, or know that you could easily fill a two-week vacation if you’re traveling just to Guate. This guide includes city recommendations for my favorite experiences in the country, as well as asocially responsible section with volunteer recommendations.
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