Guatemala - what an unexpected surprise. Lush jungles, active volcanos, lakes to linger by, Mayan Ruins and quaint yet contemporary towns. At every turn you'll find new adventures tucked within wondrous landscapes. 

It feels a long way from the crystal turquoise seas of Belize and the well trodden paths of Mexico. You can’t help but feel that you are now the star of your very own jungle adventure series.  

It’s ripe for exploring. Having not yet been overrun with tourists, the pace is slow and the Guatemalan people will welcome you with open arms. 

What I'll remember most about Guatemala is how green it is. Jungle, rainforests, cloud forests and overgrown mountains dominate. Green coffee plantations, avocado trees and corn fields make for welcomed fresh, local produce. It's green, upon green, upon green with every shade and tone imaginable. 

There's a well defined gringo trail which makes getting to and from places relatively simple. If you bring an adventurous spirit, you'll get a whole lot more out of this jungle country. You Guata-go. 

Here's our Guatemalan trail: 

• Flores
• Tikal
• Semuc Chempay
• Rio Dulce
• Antigua
• Lake Atitlan

Special mentions:

• Summiting Acatenango Volcano
• Magical Tikal
• Down the Hobbit hole (coming soon)

Tips:

• It was a little more expensive than we expected (said every backpacker)
• Be prepared for extensive and uncomfortable mini bus travel, very few coaches here
• Factor in a 10% service tip or prepare for your waiters to enthusiastically remind you
• Volcanos are big and it can get really cold at the top

For the foodies, the menu-musts:

• Horchata, a rice and cinnamon milk drink 
• Tamales 
• Mayan chocolate, it’s laced with cardamom (yum!)

Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal - AUD$100 = GTQ$557,350

Tally:

• Hours on buses - 40
• Beds - 9
• Bites from bedbugs - 88
• Volcanoes climbed - 2
• Sense of humour failures - 2
• Rope swings swung - 3
• Psycho drivers - 1
• Canoes paddled - 2

Instagram: @thelisaphillips #somedaysherpa