Guatemala

Spring was very good to me this year.  Not only did I return from Rwanda just in time for artichoke season, but I also got to spend some of that hard-earned Peace Corps readjustment allowance on a month in Central America.

First stop: Guatemala

Beautiful Antigua

I spent my first few days in Guatemala in Antigua and the Lago Atitlán-adjacent town of Santa Cruz.  In Antigua, I spent my days strolling, shopping, eating and reading in a hammock.  I did take one break from vegging out to hike Volcan Pacaya, an active volcano yielding incredible views and pant-ripping lava rocks.

Volcan Pacaya Views

Lago Atitlán is a hot spot for spiritual tourism, and although I didn't have a chance to hit up any of the area's yoga camps, it’s not hard to see why.

At peace.

Sunrise Volcan San Pedro

After a sunrise departure from Santa Cruz, I was on to Huehuetenango, a highland region of the country home to one of my dearest friend’s Peace Corps site and lots of coffee.  I spent an incredible and peaceful few days here indulging in home made tortillas, getting on a first name basis with rogue neighborhood pigs and experiencing a bit of the Peace Corps Guatemala lifestyle.

Journeying through Huehuetenango

San Martin

Todos Santos

Todos Santos

Todos Santos

After Huehuetenango it was off to Tikal, aka the reason Guatemala has been on my "must visit" list for many years.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I love ruins.  The older, more elaborate and telling of ancient societies, the better.  That said, Tikal was a definite highlight for me.

Ruins as far as the eye can see

Don't look down

Feeling small