Photos that convince you to visit Guatemala immediately!

Today I am presenting a series of photos showcasing the beauty of Guatemala. After living five months in this authentic country, I have seen many beautiful things and met wonderful people.

This post highlights some of the best photos I took. I am sure they will inspire your wanderlust for visiting Guatemala. Would you agree after a few scrolls? I’m almost sure you will!

Here’s the list of photos, so you can start daydreaming about Guatemala!

Starting with some photos of the (indigenous) people in Guatemala

I got the opportunity to photograph some of the (indigenous) people in Guatemala. Sometime at a local market, at their homes, on the street, or in a cafe. To all people, I asked if I could take their picture. I asked about their day and if they could show me some of their work. Some smiling, some serious, some displaying their craft but each and every one of them proud. Proud of their work, proud to share their culture, proud to be Maya.

One day I helped Maya Traditions Foundation with a bed project in Quiejel. The kind lady below welcomed me to her home and gave me a little tour. She showed me her chickens and rabbits. If they grow big enough, she sells them at the local market. We also fed the pigeons together and she introduced me to her dogs! And just like all indigenous people in Guatemala, most animals also eat tortillas!

Photos of exploring unspoiled villages in Guatemala

San Antonio Palopó is a remote hillside village on the shores of lake Atitlán in Guatemala that has remained fairly unspoiled.

When you walk all the way to the end of the dock in San Antonio Palopo, you can sit in peace on the rocks, and enjoy the view. The village is also great to learn about the hand-painted pottery tradition of Guatemala’s Kaqchikel people.

Love shopping? Explore these photos of the Chichicastenango Market and some local mercados

One of the largest and most well-known markets in all Central America can be found in the small indigenous Mayan town of Chichicastenango, located in the western highlands of Guatemala. The Chichicastenange market that is hundreds of years old with amazing handicrafts, filled with thousands of local Mayan people purchasing and selling goods of all types.

At the town’s main plaza and in the center of the market, you can find the Church of Santo Tomas, a beautiful Roman Catholic church. The steps of the church were filled with locals selling mainly flowers and candles. At the top of the steps, smoke filled the air as the locals were burning incense. I sat down on the steps and observed the surrounding for some minutes. It was fascinating to witness these traditional rituals being practiced at the church.

In Guatemala you can find many products made by local artisians. I bought this purse below from Maya Traditions Foundation, a nonprofit social enterprise that aims to empower women artisans, their families, and their communities through Fair Trade and Social Programs that help to rescue, preserve, and promote their ancestral culture with a focus on backstrap weaving, thereby taking part in a larger positive social change for indigenous communities.

Photos of celebrating Día de los Muertos in Guatemala

While in most countries the culture is to shy away from discussions of death, Guatemalans (and other Latin Americans) embrace death. They use The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) as an opportunity to celebrate the death and the life of loved ones and friends they knew in this world. If you happen to be around Guatemala during the 1^st and 2^nd of November you should experience this unique event. It’s worth it! 😉

Some food photos of Guatemala!

Enjoying breakfast at several place around lake Atitlán:

A photo of my day trip toTecpán where I explored the Iximche Mayan Ruins in Guatemala

About two hours away from Guatemala City, you can find Iximche, a small Mayan archaeological site in the western highlands of Guatemala (Tecpán). The well-preserved ruins are the closest Mayan ruins to lake Atitlán and really worth a visit for a day trip from Guatemala City or Panajachel. I think it’s beautiful!

Photos of the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It is one of the first colonial cities in Central America and you can see the Spanish elements everywhere. The city is not large and very well-organized, perfect for two or three days.

Start daydreaming about Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Some photos showcasing cultural festivities in Guatemala

Ever since I arrived in Panajachel, Guatemala, I’ve been hearing about the famous town feria in Panajachel. Wondering how this feria would be and what people actually commemorate during this special event, I decided to visit Panajachel’s feria. You can see two photos of the feria below.

I also got to experience Guatemala’s Independence Day. During the week before Independence Day, several parades and activities are going on, but the main tradition and activity of Guatemala’s Independence Day is the night before the historic day itself (14 September). This tradition is called the “Antorcha de la Independencia” and is a marathon where torch bearers run through the streets, from town to town, passing on the torch to several ecstatic torch bearers along the way. 

And some more photos of the beautiful nature in Guatemala!

And how badly would you like to visit Guatemala now?

Auhtor: Daphne

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