Home > Central America > 22 (unforgettable) photos from Guatemala
The buses, known as chicken buses, are one of the symbols of Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão

22 (unforgettable) photos from Guatemala

Photography Inspiration Travelling Central America Guatemala Antigua Atitlán Flowers
Jorge Duarte Estevão

Guatemala is a fascinating country and remains at the top of my list of favourites. From the people to the landscapes, from the cultural diversity to the incredible natural scenery, from the Mayan ruins of Tikal to the colonial architecture of Antigua. The vibrant colours of traditional costumes and religious ceremonies complete a list of photographs of Guatemala that capture the essence of the Central American country.

Chicken bus Antigua Guatemala
The buses, known as chicken buses, are one of the symbols of Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Chicken bus Antigua Guatemala
The buses, known as chicken buses, are one of the symbols of Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão

Volcanoes

There are countless volcanoes in Guatemala and many of them are still active, but you can climb them and even sleep in their vicinity. It's an adventure like few others, but one that makes these forces of nature unforgettable in Guatemala. Antigua is one of the places of choice where you can capture incredible photographs of Guatemala and daily life.

Climb the Pacaya volcano - active and constantly erupting


pacaya volcano
The Pacaya volcano, a few kilometres from Antigua, is one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
volcano of fire antigua guatemala
Volcano of Fire, seen from Antigua Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
pacaya volcano
Many tourists hike to the crater of the Pacaya volcano in the Antigua Guatemala region.

Antigua

Antigua is the destination of choice in Guatemala. Locals and tourists flock to the city - once the capital of this Latin American country - especially during the Easter festivities when the Old Town is filled to overflowing and becomes a place of faith and colour. Outside of these times, Antigua remains a must-see.

Antigua Guatemala - where the stones come to life


easter in antigua guatemala
Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala is one of the main celebrations in the old Guatemalan capital. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Carpets in Antigua Guatemala
Volunteers decorate a sand carpet for the Easter procession in Antigua Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Antigua Guatemala
A useful prop to protect against the immense heat of Antigua Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Antigua Guatemala
Colonial architecture in Antigua delights thousands of visitors to the former Guatemalan capital. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes, invariably features on Guatemalan itineraries. It is the most popular natural destination in the country, but the Lake Atitlán region goes far beyond nature. In this area you can take photographs of Guatemala that capture the essence of the country, as it is home to a rich cultural diversity. This is particularly evident during the Holy Week celebrations. Villages like Santiago Atilán or San Juan La Laguna fascinate any visitor.

Lake Atitlán in Guatemala - where I met Maximón


weaver in San juan la laguna Lake Atitlán
One of the weavers who make up the textile co-operative in San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
San Juan la Laguna Lake Atitlán
Skeins at the headquarters of the weavers' association in San Juan La Laguna, in the Lake Atilán region of Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
The hard life of some of the inhabitants of Santiago Atitlán, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Procession in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
People in Santiago Atitlán, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala take to the streets during Holy Week to worship Maximón, a folk saint. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Procession in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
Three men dressed in traditional clothes await the annual worship of Maximón, a folk saint, during Easter in Santiago Atitlán, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
The colourful streets of Santiago Atitlán, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Guatemalan coffee, Lake Atitlán
Coffee beans in the hands of a local producer in San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Traditional markets continue to be one of Guatemala's great attractions. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão

Mayan Ruins and Lake Petén

In Mexico and Guatemala, the presence of the Mayan civilisations is still very much present in certain customs and traditions, but above all through the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Some examples of this are Quiriguá and, above all, Tikal - close to the border with Belize.

Tikal is a mysterious, fascinating and unforgettable place. Having visited several of these ruins in Mexico and Guatemala, I still say that it is, without a doubt, the most beautiful Mayan ruin in the world. Equally attractive is Lake Petén Itzá, just a few kilometres from Tikal.

Lake Atitlán in Guatemala - where I met Maximón


Ruins of Quiriguá, Guatemala
Quiriguá is a Mayan archaeological site in the department of Izabal, in southeastern Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Ruins of Quiriguá, Guatemala
Guided tours are essential for understanding the history and importance of the Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá in Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Petén Guatemala
Tourists wait for the sunrise at the top of the Mayan temple in Tikal, Guatemala. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Temple II, one of the main Mayan structures in Tikal National Park in Guatemala, near the border with Belize. Photo: Jorge Duarte Estevão
Birds on the pier at Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala
The magnificent colours at Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala, not far from the border with Belize and the famous ruins of Tikal.

Travelling from north to south, you'll discover the essence of Guatemala.

Guatemala itinerary - what to see in the country of eternal spring

Want to improve your photos?

photography workshops with jorge duarte estevao - portugal
Learn to photograph with me

Saving in Guatemala

Whenever you want to book a flight, a hotel or buy travel insurance, use the platforms I recommend and trust. All you have to do is click on the links below before researching your trips.

You don't pay extra for using these links.

Note: This text may contain affiliate links, but you don't pay more for using any link (and you can even save money). Guaranteed!

I organise and lead group trips to destinations I know well. And I only travel with small groups (maximum 12 people).

I've been to 60 countries, so if you have a trip in mind with a group of friends, family or work colleagues, contact me and I'll be happy to plan, organise and lead the trip you want. The itinerary can be customised, as can the budget and activities.

See the travel calendar and sign up or tell me where you want to travel as a group and I'll take care of everything.

Leave a comment