Traveling-Guatemala

Traveling in Guatemala

Guatemala offers a journey into a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Tikal to the bustling markets of Chichicastenango, the country offers a rich range of experiences. Expect warm and friendly locals, colorful textiles, and delicious traditional dishes like tamales and pepian. The stunning landscapes range from active volcanoes and lush jungles to the serene shores of Lake Atitlán. While Guatemala is full of charm, it’s wise to prepare for some challenges, like bumpy roads and varying levels of infrastructure. With a sense of adventure, you’ll find Guatemala to be a deeply rewarding destination.

Guatemala Antigua Santa Catalina Arch

The most popular destination in Guatemala, and with good reason, is Antigua. Antigua is a charming small town colonial city, with a wide range of places to stay and fantastic restaurants to choose from. Here is Antigua’s iconic Santa Catalina Arch, with the Agua Volcano in the background. Below are traditional stilt dancers, parading through Antigua’s cobblestone streets.

Guatemala Antigua Sitlte

Guatemala Antigua Park

The iconic fountain in Central Park (Parque Central), is a hub of activity and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax. The park is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings, restaurants, and usually is the meeting place for many day trips. Central Park is one of the liveliest parts of the city, and is where I captured this guy below, carrying a towering stack of hats.

Guatemala Hatman

Guatemala Church Iglesia Merced

Perhaps the most beautiful church in Antigua is La Merced Iglesia, seen decorated with festive lights during the holiday season. The church is a popular site for travelers, especially during Holy Week, when it becomes a focal point for processions and celebrations. I’m not sure the story of the photo below, aside from it being a clear representation of the crucifixion of Jesus. The scene was behind metal bars in some courtyard, which I was able to push my camera through and capture an image. Since I was there before Christmas, I assume it was something still being set up and would open up to the public soon.

Guatemala Jesus crucifixion

Guatemala Antigua Church Ruins

Other churches in Antigua may have been as beautiful as Iglesia Merced, but after countless earthquakes over the past few hundred years many lie in ruins. These ruins are popular among travelers, offering a glimpse into the city’s history and still demonstrating the craftsmanship that defined the Spanish colonial period.

This large wooden door is the entrance to the Convent of Las Capuchinas. Built in 1736, the convent is considered one of the most well-preserved colonial-era religious sites in the city. The convent was part of the Capuchin order, known for its simplicity and austere practices. It features a unique circular dormitory with 18 small cells, which were designed for nuns living under vows of strict poverty and seclusion.

Guatemala Antigua Stone Crown

The convent also has an impressive underground cistern system that supplied water to the residents, a remarkable engineering feat for its time. Although damaged by earthquakes, it remains a significant historical landmark, showcasing Spanish colonial architecture such as this stone crown above, and this statue below, offering insight into monastic life during the 18th century.

Guatemala Antigua Capuchinas Statue

A nice surprise in the convento, was a display of paintings and other creations from local artists. Above is a painting of Jesus, while below shows the famous volcano in Guatemala, Volcan Fuego; my favorite experience in the country!

Guatemala Vulcan Agua

The hike up Fuego was without a doubt the most memorable activity during my trip to Guatemala. The hike takes about half a day, where most people end up staying in hunts in order to better see the fire and lava at night. As with every mountain and hike, you’re at the mercy of the weather, and it could be that overcast or rains prevent you from witnessing anything. These pictures were taken during the hike up, of another volcano called Volcan Agua.

Vulcan Agua Sunrise

Guatemala Vulcan Fuego Hike

Volcan de Fuego is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, and stands at 12,346 feet (3,763 meters). It’s one of many volcanoes that make up the Central American Volcanic Arc. Known for its frequent eruptions, Volcán de Fuego often produces plumes of ash, gas, and occasional lava flows, making it a prominent geological feature in the region. Its activity poses risks to surrounding communities, and one devastating eruption in June 2018 caused substantial loss of life and property. The picture above was going up the volcano itself, where the weather was so bad we had no visibility, luckily for me though, on the way out I was able to capture this photo below of a large plume of smoke right after a small eruption.

Guatemala Volcan Fuego
Guatemala Rock Climbing

After my hike up Fuego, I did other activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and even kayaking. The rock climb was along side some lake cliffs that were recently developed by locals. I’ve always been more of a mountaineer rather than rock climber, but here sent my most difficult sport climb ever! Below is a photo of me kayaking in Lake Atitlán, with the majestic volcanoes Volcán Atitlán and Volcán San Pedro in the back ground. This lake is a popular destination for kayaking, hiking, and exploring the traditional Mayan villages that dot its shores.

Guatemala Lake Antitlan Kayaking