Southeast of Mexico, Guatemala charms with lush landscapes, ancient Maya roots and a dramatic skyline of volcanoes — about 30 in total, three still rumbling while many more frame lively towns.

Its food is comforting and flavorful: humble dishes rooted in Maya tradition with Spanish touches, where corn, chiles and beans take center stage.

West of Guatemala City, the cobblestone streets of Antigua reveal beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture; once the region’s cultural and political heart, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Not far away lies the stunning Lake Atitlán, a volcanic lake cradled by mountains and ringed with villages, coffee terraces and avocado groves.

To the north, the jungle keeps Tikal’s ancient pyramids, palaces and temples tucked among the trees, waiting to be discovered.