When people think about Guatemala, they often picture volcanoes, colorful markets, and the turquoise waters of Lake Atitlán. All of that exists, but what impressed me most was something far deeper: the continued presence of Maya culture in everyday life.
For nearly three weeks, I traveled across the country, photographing colonial cities, indigenous villages, wildlife reserves, cloud forests, and volcanoes. Guatemala offered an extraordinary range of photographic opportunities, from street and documentary photography to landscapes and bird photography. Yet the images I treasure most came from a small town that rarely appears on tourist itineraries: Santa María de Jesús.
The Maya heritage of Guatemala is visible everywhere. Traditional clothing remains widely worn, particularly in indigenous communities. Distinctive textiles, woven patterns, and regional dress are still part of daily life rather than performances for visitors. Maya languages continue to be spoken throughout the country alongside Spanish, a reminder that Maya civilization is not simply part of Guatemala’s history but remains a living culture.
Our journey began around Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful places in Central America. Villages surrounded the lake beneath towering volcanoes, creating endless photographic opportunities. Sunrise from Indian Nose revealed layers of light slowly illuminating the water and mountains, while towns such as San Juan La Laguna offered a glimpse into local life and artistic traditions.
In Alta Verapaz, we visited Tuqtuquilal, a regenerative cacao farm near Lanquín. Learning about cacao production offered insight into one of the crops most closely associated with the Maya world. Walking through the plantation and following the process from cacao pod to chocolate connected agriculture, culture, and history in a very tangible way.
Antigua provided a different atmosphere altogether. We celebrated New Year’s Eve in the city’s central plaza among hundreds of Guatemalans enjoying music, fireworks, and festivities. The colonial architecture provided a spectacular backdrop for the celebration and made for a memorable start to the new year.
The following day, however, brought what would become the highlight of our entire trip.
We traveled to Santa María de Jesús for the annual patron saint festival honoring the Dulce Nombre de Jesús, celebrated on January 1 and 2. Unlike many destinations popular with international visitors, this was a community celebration that felt authentically local. There were virtually no tourists. Instead, the streets were filled with residents participating in religious processions, visiting family, attending festivities, and going about their daily lives.
For a photographer interested in portraits, street photography, and documentary storytelling, it was an extraordinary experience. Traditional clothing was everywhere. People spoke both Spanish and Maya languages. Every street seemed to offer another compelling scene, from moments of devotion during religious events to spontaneous interactions between neighbors and families.
What made the experience even more memorable was the kindness we encountered.
Because accommodation in Santa María de Jesús is extremely limited, the only Airbnb we could find was about two kilometers outside town. After photographing the festival all day on January 1, we discovered there were no buses or taxis available to take us back. Rather than leaving us stranded, local residents became concerned and helped organize a solution. Eventually, the police escorted us safely back to our lodging.
It was an act of generosity that perfectly captured the warmth we experienced throughout Guatemala.
After Santa María de Jesús, we continued to Chichicastenango, where the famous market revealed another dimension of Maya culture. The colorful stalls alone are worth the visit, but what fascinated me most was the coexistence of Maya and Catholic traditions. Inside Santo Tomás Church, Maya ceremonies take place alongside Catholic worship, creating a remarkable example of how different belief systems have evolved together over centuries. Nearby at Pascual Abaj, Maya spiritual practices continue at an ancient sacred site still used today.
Guatemala’s natural diversity proved just as impressive as its cultural heritage. At Biotopo del Quetzal, cloud forest trails wound through mist-covered mountains where moss draped from trees and every turn revealed a new shade of green. The reserve protects habitat for the resplendent quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, and offered a magical contrast to the bustling markets and villages we had visited earlier.
Bird photography reached its peak at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve. Guided by an exceptionally knowledgeable local expert, we spent time observing and photographing some of the country’s remarkable birdlife. For anyone interested in wildlife photography, Los Tarrales is a destination that should not be missed.
The journey concluded with the challenging ascent of Acatenango. The hike demanded determination, but the reward was unforgettable. From our campsite, we watched neighboring Volcán de Fuego erupt repeatedly throughout the night, sending glowing lava and ash into the darkness. It was one of the most spectacular natural displays I have ever witnessed.
Looking back, what made Guatemala special was not any single landscape or photograph. It was the remarkable diversity packed into one country: Maya villages around Lake Atitlán, cacao traditions in Alta Verapaz, cloud forests at Biotopo del Quetzal, birdlife at Los Tarrales, active volcanoes near Acatenango, and the vibrant cultural traditions of Chichicastenango.
Yet when I think of Guatemala, my mind returns to Santa María de Jesús. The photographs from the festival capture a community deeply connected to its traditions, language, and faith. More importantly, they remind me of the generosity of the people who welcomed us into their celebration. In a country filled with extraordinary destinations, it was this small town, and the kindness of its residents, that left the most lasting impression.