Vidgen Lucas - Lonely Planet Guatemala

Say what you like about the Spanish in Latin America, you have to agree that they left behind some stunning architecture. From Antiguas crumbling ruins to the stately cathedral in Guatemala Citys central plaza, there are plenty of opportunities to get snap-happy. In even the smallest towns you can find picturesque buildings the small coastal town of Retalhuleu has a charming central plaza, while larger coffee-boom towns like Cobn and Quetzaltenango maintain vestiges of their glory days in their cathedrals, town halls and other public buildings.

While many ask whatever happened to the Maya, the simple answer is nothing theyre still here, and some traditions continue to thrive. If youre interested in archaeology, the must-see sites are Tikal, Copn (in Honduras), and Guatemala Citys superb selection of museums.

Living Maya culture can be witnessed in its pure form in towns like Rabinal and sacred sites such as Laguna Chicabal. And the Maya themselves? Well, theyre everywhere. But the most traditional villages are in the highlands the Ixil Triangle is a good place to start.

Active souls tend to find their agenda very full once they get to Guatemala. Stunning trekking routes through the jungles and up volcanoes, world class white-water rafting, more miles of caves than you could possibly explore in one vacation, and what seems like a zipline strung between every two trees in the country are just the beginning. Like to take things up a notch? How about paragliding into a volcanic crater at Lago de Atitln? Or scuba diving in the same place? You might even luck onto some good swell on the Pacific coast. Or you could just find a hammock and think about doing all that. Your call.

With not even 2% of its landmass urbanized, its not surprising that Guatemala offers some superb natural scenery. National parks are few but impressive, particularly in the Petn region and the lush canyons of the Ro Dulce make for an unforgettable boat ride. The natural beauty of the volcano-ringed Lago de Atitln has been captivating travelers for centuries, while the swimming hole that launched a thousand postcards, Semuc Champey, has to be seen to be believed.

Mam Maya locals, highlands ()
TINA MANLEY/ALAMY

Why I Love Guatemala

By Lucas Vidgen, Author

Having lived here for nearly 10 years, Ive found my love for the country change and develop over time. The first, obvious infatuation was visual the dramatic landscapes of jungles and volcanoes, the little cultural jolts of traditionally dressed Maya women toting the latest model cell phones. But over time what I really came to admire was the Guatemalan spirit, the idea that tragedies happen wars, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes but the simple things abide. A meal with the family, a joke with some friends as crazy as everything else gets, these are the things to treasure.

See for much more.

Guatemalas Top 15

RICHARD CUMMINS/GETTY IMAGES