Escape To Guatemala

Escape to a land rich in color, simplicity and life – Guatemala.

This post comes to us from our very own Courtney Carpinello.

As summer began winding down, I was craving one last adventure – to Guatemala. Life there is simple, yet rewarding. I can always count on a cheap flight and an abundance of my favorite food – rice, beans and plantains.

Two years ago I was presented with an internship opportunity in Antigua. My four-month internship turned into an everlasting love affair with the place. Located in the Central Highlands of Guatemala, Antigua is a small city, made up of vibrant walls bursting with flowers. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and central fountains pull you into another time and place. Three towering volcanoes surround the city, to boot, which just adds to its thrill and beauty.

If you love to dig through endless (and beautiful) vintage textiles and jewelry, the artisan markets must not be missed! Expect to haggle for the best price. If you are in town for an extended stay, look into taking some Spanish lessons, as Antigua is full of little schools where you can take lessons with a local.

A two-hour shuttle ride from Antigua will lead you to the striking beauty that is Lake Atitlan. At 1,120 feet, Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. The word “Atitlan” is Mayan, meaning “the place where the rainbow gets its color.” The landing spot here is Panajachel, a boho hippy town full of expats, local Guatemalan vendors and a street market on Calle Santander, where you can literally roam market stands for an entire day. From Panajachel, we headed to my favorite village, Santa Cruz, where all of the villages are accessed by boat. The best way to get there is via “lanchas” – small motorboats used by locals and tourists as transportation.

Isla Verde, a lush tropical eco-hotel, is my favorite place to stay in Santa Cruz. Made up of single-standing cabinas, the hotel’s outdoor bathrooms sit atop the crystal blue lake, giving you a breathtaking view while brushing your teeth. Let’s not forget to mention the morning yoga, and delicious food served from a dock hanging above Atitlan. Basically, we’re talking about a little piece of paradise.

Being in any lush green sunny location makes me feel free, full of light and love. Nature pushes us to be open, to experience and thrive in new circumstances. This trip reminded me that what makes adventure so sweet is its uniqueness, its randomness, its absolute unpredictability. Adventure is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering into the unknown. The opportunity of a wide-open road. Adventure means stepping out of your comfort zone. It means taking a risk and challenging yourself. Exploration is a part of the adventure. Through exploration your mind opens to the world around you and, at the same time, you are able to learn more about yourself and the person you truly want to be.