#1 Hike Volcano Acatenango with Ox Adventures

Without a doubt, this is one of those incredibly breathtaking experiences you will cherish for the rest of your life. I highly recommend paying the extra cash to go with Ox Adventures. Although twice as expensive as the cheapest way up, they were one of the earliest groups to depart in the morning meaning we were safely set up on Acatenango well before the rain hit. A priceless advantage. They keep the group sizes small and supplied walking sticks, tents, cooking utensils, and good food packs. We were also happily surprised with red wine and marshmallows. We could borrow all of our warm clothes from them, and for a tiny fee rent backpacks. Don’t be put off by horror stories of the difficulty of the climb. It’s an achievable challenge and worth every bit of pain. Don’t be afraid of also hiring a porter if you think it will help.

#2 Eat at Samsara, Sabe Rico & the Choco Museum

After the climb all you want to do is rub a broccoli on your face. Samsara is the place to do this. It’s beautifully arranged vegetarian salads, quinoa, shakes and juices are just what the body needs after that gruelling hike!

Stumbling upon Sabe Rico was like walking into another world. From the front, this ordinarily looking cafe sends an inviting smell to the senses but upon venturing further down it’s hallways prepare to be amazed. There are birds in cages, elegantly growing flora against brightly coloured tables and chairs. Adoring the walls are hanging crystals and masks and murals and flags and dream catchers and sunny waiters to serve you scrumptious afternoon delights. A perfect space to rest and unwind.

We LOVED the Choco Museum on the Main Street just before the Arch. Apart from the abundance of free samples which were happily distrubuted over again, we enjoyed a mouth wateringly rich hot choc in a beautifully decored area. It’s a great place to break up the day if you are exploring the town and overdose on choc.

#3 Stay at the Doozy Koala

If you are after some fun this is the place to position yourself. You will hear slow talking Aussie accents and read a menu in English, but it is these comforts which make it enjoyable as well. Especially if you have been starved of a good conversation due to your lack of Spanish.

#4 Feel the Lake Atitlan magic at Free Cerveza

This tantalising part of the world will send your heart soaring high into the sky with pure joy. Explore as many of the villages as you can but try and stay at Free Cerveza in a teepee for a couple of nights. This sensational setting is topped off with a 2 hour all you can drink frenzy followed by a three course meal. Everyone flocks to a seat for the 5pm beer pour and stays talking life stories until lights out at 11pm. It will not disappoint.

#5 Market shopping at Panjachel

The colours and fabrics of Central America are overwhelming. They are thrown at you from everywhere and it’s hard to make decisions at the best of times. Having travelled now for a few months around these parts, Guatemala is definitely the place to buy up and try and struggle with it for the rest of your trip, or send it back home. They offer amazing textiles for reasonable prices and seem to be the most vibrant. Panjachel markets are lined with everything you so desire and one of the more easier markets to sort through. Offering clothes, pottery, jewellery, textiles and other weirder and wonderful assortments, hours will quickly pass by as you delve deeper into the streets along here.

#6 Yoga schools

Guatemala boasts many yoga schools and language schools. San Marcos is the hippie village brimming with different health retreats and wild schools of remedies. I would recommend NOT to book a yoga school online as the offerings are few and only the expensive ones have a functional website and online booking system. Instead arrive here, wander the streets and choose the one which seems most appealing when you are here.

#7 Be in Antigua for the Saturday night Pool Party

Unfortunately we missed this massive rave opportunity and having been kicking ourselves ever since. It is one of the nights the Doozy Koala runs and everyone on the gringo trail talks about. If you can, change your dates to fall over a Saturday. And clear your calendar for the following day.

#8 Sleep in a tree house on an avocado farm.

Earth Lodge was the stuff of dreams and cannot be described any other way. Arriving here was a bit of a nightmare with a slow descent to the bottom from the top of the road but as soon as you get here, you never want to leave. This is the place to switch off, unwind and connect with your fellow travel buddies. We paid for one of the more basic tree houses and couldn’t believe how beautiful is was. We were perched so high up in the trees it felt as if we were the only ones around for miles.

#9 Don’t be afraid of Guatemala. See and feel as much as you can!

We wished we had been more open to the idea of exploring this magnificent country before we had arrived. Having been reserved and cautious we booked flights in and out of Guatemala and shaved off seeing the north. Everyone here with time on their hands makes their way to the incredible Tikal ruins and Semuc Champey. We have vowed to come to give this beautiful land more of our time!