After a mini heatwave, the summer is fast disappearing and thoughts of long-lost holidays are giving us itchy feet to go and explore the world again. But as this isn't possible for the foreseeable, we are continuing to relive some of our favourite adventures overseas to provide some much-needed cheer and inspiration for the future. So join us on a whistle-stop visit to Guatemala.

Known for its lush rainforests and rich coffee, this jewel in the Central American crown is a natural wonder famed for its plethora of volcanoes and postcard-worthy beaches. Combine this with regular village fiestas and the fact that Guatemala encompasses the birthplace of the ancient Mayan civilisation, a rich cultural history starts to take shape. A landscape littered with Mayan temples and diverse rainforests makes this a must for your bucket list.

Visiting during a cruise, I took a guided tour through the Las Escobas Rainforest Trail, a biodiversity hotspot in an environment that is threatened by encroaching human occupation. This rich habitat provides a safe home to a menagerie of birds and mammals (including bats and the elusive jaguar), alongside many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Winding through the forest trail, I jumped at the opportunity to try a cocoa bean straight from the pod – blimey, that was bitter! Wandering on with my neck craning to see the tops of the trees, a chorus of birds called out, drawing my eyes in all directions. Even a termite mound was fascinating (look away now if you don't like creepy crawlies), as well as a conservation centre for orchids, snakes and spiders! Tourism and conservation at its best.

Taking a much-needed break from the humidity inside a straw hut, the guide informed me of a Guatemalan tradition – worry dolls. A long-held belief of the Mayan culture involves placing a worry doll under your pillow at night, leaving you worry free by the morning as these little wooden characters take them away while you have sweet dreams. I’m sure we could all use that stress relief right now!

Yet the day had one further surprise in store – a tropical storm of unimaginable ferocity (for a Birmingham girl, anyway), with thunder roaring and lightning darting across the sky – it was magical and awe-inspiring. Like a mad fool I took a tentative step out to experience it fully before darting back to shelter – it was unforgettable.

The destructive power of nature was further highlighted as the sea turned brown with the sheer volume of soil being washed off the land by the storm – a really striking example of eroding coastlines. With the sky turning ever darker by mid-afternoon (atmospheric or what?!), I bid farewell to Guatemala, hoping to return one day to experience more of its treasures.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this introduction to Guatemala and that you feel suitably inspired to have an adventure yourself in the future!

Bon voyage!

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Written by Charlotte Bird

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