Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Guatemala…. the time to go is now……

Real travelers love Central Americas – south or central. With turquoise seas & lush forests, magnificent Mayan ruins, bustling markets & flourishing farms, Central America is packed with opportunities to chill out – or thrill out. . With more than 20 Maya languages spoken, Guatemala is the region's indigenous heartland. The word is out: as far as off-the-beaten-path destinations go, Guatemala is an absolute experience. You just come prepared to be charmed & we will help you discover……

Tiny on a map, Central America packs in more diversity than any similar-sized area on the planet. It may be the size of Texas, but its rich mix of people & cultures has created a diverse & dynamic society. With more than 20 Maya languages spoken, Guatemala is the region's indigenous heartland. The Spanish left their mark throughout the region, with majestic colonial plazas, fervent beauty contests & silent hours of siesta. African culture permeates the Caribbean coast, from Congo rebel traditions to Garifuna drumbeats. And the last century brought the rest of the world - Asians, Europeans, North Americans - along with a coat of modernity that dressed up Panama City into a contemporary capital.

With chilled-out Caribbean vibes on one side & monster Pacific swells on the other, Central America sits poised to deliver the best of all beach worlds. From deserted playas to full-moon parties, this tiny region can deliver just about any sun-soaked experience that your inner beach bum desires. Plus, there is that magnificent, mysterious world that begins at the water's edge. Seize it by scuba diving with whale sharks in Honduras, snorkeling the world's second-largest coral reef in Belize, getting stoked on Costa Rica's world-class surf breaks, or setting sail among Panama's virgin isles. Hello, paradise….here we come.

Eight countries with 300-plus volcanoes & two long tropical coasts make for a pretty big playground. Paddle deep into indigenous territories in a dugout canoe, or explore the remains of Spanish forts on the coast. Zip through rainforest canopies, swim alongside sea turtles or trek to sublime cloud-forest vistas. Everywhere you go, you will be accompanied by a wild cast of characters: a resplendent quetzal on the highland trail; an unruly troupe of howler monkeys screeching through the canopy; or a breaching whale that turns your ferry ride into an adrenaline-rush event. Your adventures are limited only by your will.

The Mayan territory sprawled from Mexico to Honduras, with ruins in five present-day Central American countries. Visit them to step into a mysterious, spine-tingling universe. Explore the lost temples of Tikal, soaring above the Guatemalan jungle canopy. Investigate otherworldly Palenque & Tulum, perched above the crashing surf. See jaguars carved to life at Copan, and find out why Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Discover a culture that harks back 4000 years - the greatest pre-Columbian civilization - and still persists today.

No matter when you visit, or how long you are there, daily adventures come in all styles - fun, easy, bumpy, challenging, surprising, fulfilling - the sort you will be talking about for decades.

Caribbean white-sand beaches & offshore reefs border lazy backpacker towns while, not far away, coffee-scented mountains reach, Dr Seuss - like, through smoke-ring clouds. Spanish haciendas line the cobblestone streets of 16^th century colonial towns under the ominous gaze of lava-gurgling volcanoes. Wander through dense jungle to find Mayan pyramids that date back a millennium as bulldog-sized rodents scurry past and howler monkeys commute in the treetops above you.

Best are the people you will meet. Skip from country to country on open-boats over chocolaty waters, witness colorful modern Mayan life, not much changed over the centuries, or kick back in a Garífuna village, the home to African-Carib culture. Excellent Spanish schools abound so try a border-crossing study hop or stay with a local family to discover more about daily life.

In this mix lies Guatemala, bordering with Mexico in the north/northwest, to Belize in the northeast, to Honduras in the southeast, to El Salvador in the south. It has a Pacific coastline to the southwest, and a tiny piece of Caribbean coastline to the east.

Guatemala is a magical place. If you are into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you are bound to be captivated. People come & they stay. Or they leave & return. There is almost too much going on here, and even the shortest trip takes you to completely different places, with new challenges & surprises.

Guatemala has a rich & distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain & the native Maya people and this diverse history & natural beauty of the land, has created a destination rich in interesting & scenic sites.

Guatemala's Maya heritage is everywhere. El Peten's remote archaeological sites are unmissable; the fascinating town of Chichicastenango adheres to pre-Hispanic beliefs & rituals even now. Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the mysterious Pipil culture, with some interesting carved stone heads & relief scenes to be found in fields and fincas (plantations) around town.

Sure, Guatemala’s got its problems (most visible in its sprawling capital, Guatemala City), but it isn’t the scary place your mother fears it is. Travel here is now characterized by ease - you can do pretty much whatever you want, and will only be limited by your imagination.

So, no matter if you can’t decide exactly where to go - just go!

You will love how this little isthmus - just 50 km wide at its narrowest point – contains a whole continent's worth of adventure, history & habitats. Whether you take a week or take a year, you will only scratch the surface. A unique experience is just the beginning……. Take the plunge now and Yep….  Guatemala’ is waiting…….and The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come……be inspired & discover the World with us

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Guatemala. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore options & we will be happy to offer suggestions based on your personal preferences………