GUATEMALA: The Land of Eternal Spring
Guatemala, at it’s core, is vast in beauty. Green mountain ranges sitting peacefully amongst the clouds, vibrant green pastures and on top of the duality in size, the weather is always perfect deeming this little piece of heaven, The Land of Eternal Spring.
When I imagined a country that is under-developed, one who’s economy is deemed as ‘struggling’, the last thing I expected was to find paved highways and rich farmland. But in actuality, that is exactly what I found.
For those that are familiar with Central America, Guatemala isn’t one of the countries that people tend to frequent. Places like Costa Rica and Panama garner the most touristic attention but being that Central America is so mineral rich and full of great cultural heritage, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua are beautiful regions of the world to relax and explore if you have the time.
Driving down the highways through rural towns, I felt like I was driving through the Pacific Northwest - beautiful landscapes, luscious mountains ranges and green pastures as far as the eyes can see. Then you start to head up the mountains and you pass through the clouds from being so far up. I realized that clouds feel like most and taste like ass (yes I had my head out the window lol).
The only part of driving through Guatemala that would make you grip the steering wheel tighter than a first time driver, is driving down the mountains surrounding Lake Atitlan. But what I loved most was the ability to purchase goods and produce on the side of the road. About every half mile you would find a different stand selling something that you didn’t really need but could always justify, like a 100% bull leather cowboy hat, who doesn’t need one of those, right?
Tip 3:
Don’t Blow Your Load Too Quickly
If you are not familiar with currency or currency conversions, this will not be a Currency 101 Course. Coming from America and the land of the “almighty US Dollar”, our currency translates higher in countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Understanding that, you will pass a lot of merchants in your travels - a bag of plantain chips here, a bottle of water there. Planning your daily trips out ahead of time will save you a lot of money on the road. Hold your money as long as you can, you will see something you want more, further along.
