Guatemala is a gorgeous country. It has the highest peaks of Central America, some of the most beautiful lakes, an abundance of colourful clothing and incredibly varied landscapes.

Though not easy, I have tried to capture my experience of the country with the following 21 photos:

After a quick stop in Guatemala City, our first destination in Guatemala was Antigua. Here one of the main streets is seen with a towering volcano in the background - strangely only showing itself for a few minutes a day (due to clouds).

After a quick stop in Guatemala City, our first destination in Guatemala was Antigua. Here one of the main streets is seen with a towering volcano in the background – strangely only showing itself for a few minutes a day (due to clouds).

Whenever it popped out, I popped out my camera!

Whenever it revealed itself, I popped out my camera!

One of the many sights of the city.

One of the many sights of the city.

The cobbled streets and colonial houses surely added to the city's undeniable charm.

The cobbled streets and colonial houses surely added to the city’s undeniable charm.

Counting that dough.

Counting that dough.

From Antigua we climbed the volcano Pacaya with great views all around it.

From Antigua we climbed the volcano Pacaya with great views all around.

And here she is. Still active - last eruption in 2014 counting at least 23 since the Spanish invasion.

And here she is, Pacaya. Still active – last eruption in 2014 – counting at least 23 since the Spanish invasion.

Here two girls are walking away from Guatemala in Santiago by Lake Atitlán.

Two girls walking away from Guatemala in Santiago by Lake Atitlán.

Lake Atitlan.

Lake Atitlán.

IMG_2472r

IMG_8326r

After Atitlan we visited the coffee farm San Jose La Laguna Estate. Here the owner, Roberto, looks down memory lane.

After Atitlán we visited the wonderful coffee farm San Jose La Laguna Estate. Here the owner, Roberto, looks down memory lane.

The road to Semuc Champey from Antigua was rough and bumpy but not entirely without rewards.

The road to Semuc Champey from Antigua was rough and bumpy, but not entirely without its rewards.

IMG_8484r

The million dollar view.

The million dollar view!

IMG_8520r

We stayed at Greengo's which was quite an experience by itself.

We stayed at Greengo’s, which was quite an experience by itself.

Next up was Tikal!

Next up was Tikal with its towering temples. This one is called Temple I.

IMG_8607r

And the small island of Flores. An unexpected pearl.

While visiting Tikal we stayed at the small island of Flores. An unexpected pearl.

Our Guatemalan travels rightfully ended with a fantastic sunset. Next up: Belize!

Our Guatemalan travels rightfully ended with a fantastic sunset. Next up: Belize!