by Jeff Hood, Luxury Travel Advisor

One small country, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, is ideally situated: Guatemala. With its ancient Mayan temples, Spanish colonial cities, cloud-shrouded highland villages, and thirty-three volcanoes (three of which are highly active), it’s a destination that will boggle all of your senses!

Still fairly “off the radar”, it’s a country that is just beginning to gain a reputation for unique, authentic experiences full of culture, history, and adventure!

I found this relatively undiscovered country to be incredible. First of all, it’s completely safe, offers an excellent value and is quite easy to get to. Moonlit strolls in Antigua with stunning volcano views, shopping in the local markets for traditional crafts, dining at fantastic restaurants, being blessed by a local Shaman, waking up in the morning to the stunning mirrored lake views Atitlan, are just the beginning of what this amazing country has to offer!

Below, my TOP 5 picks of why this destination should be on your bucket list now:

• The People: Strongest indigenous culture (Maya and Garifuna) in the Americas with 23 different spoken languages. The locals really embrace you and make you feel welcome, the warmest smiles in Central America!

• Antigua: Situated between three volcanoes, Antigua is true colonial bliss and a photographer’s dream! A city full of charm, romantic cobblestone streets, luxury boutique accommodations, local markets (best way to really embrace a new city and its culture), and… if you’re a foodie, the culinary scene is remarkable.

• The Land of Tikal: These Mayan Ruins are a must see on any visit. Set among lush, tropical rainforest, the views surrounding Tikal are just as impressive as the ruins themselves. Don’t miss climbing the ridiculously steep steps of these temples. Do an overnight at the nearby Jaguar Inn to explore the ruins just after dawn, a time when the howler monkeys outnumber the tourists many times over.

• Lake Atitlan: Surrounded by three volcanoes– San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan, heavenly views await you - and, quite possibly, the most beautiful lake in the world. Take a boat to a dozen small villages - each with its own personality and distinct charm. A hike up nearby Volcano San Pedro can provide a challenging day’s walk with amazing scenery.

• Eco-Adventure: This is the place for you! With nature reserves, jungles, mountains, rivers, and lakes, Guatemala makes it ideal for any nature lover seeking biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, jungle trekking, and caving.

Whether you seek a romantic trip for a couple’s getaway embracing the colonial charm of Antigua, combined with a few nights on Lake Atitlan with a VIP Helicopter arrival, or a family adventure trip seeking thrill and excitement at every turn, Guatemala will indeed check all your boxes and much more.