A Central American country southeast of Mexico, Guatemala is known for its natural beauty, Mayan heritage and volcanic landscapes, with a whopping 30 volcanoes, three of which are active and many others that serve as a backdrop to bustling towns.

Guatemalan fare is modest but delicious. Recipes are based on Maya cuisine with Spanish influences and often highlight corn, chilies and beans. 

West of the capital, Guatemala City, Antigua is home to preserved Spanish colonial buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre that was the cultural, economic and political center of the region.

Nearby, the gorgeous Lake Atitlán is a volcanic lake surrounded by mountains and villages filled with coffee fields and avocado orchards.

To the north, Tikal hides Mayan ruins and archaeological sites like pyramids, palaces and temples in a lush jungle.