Along with my friends Bobby and Jared, I flew to Guatemala City in November 2024. From there, we caught a ride to Antigua, where we spent the evening and the following day exploring the city's stunning colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

The next morning, we were up by 6 a.m. and headed to OX Adventures to begin our volcano trek. After a quick breakfast, we embarked on a long van ride through rolling hills that grew increasingly steep. By 9 a.m., we reached the trailhead beside a remote farm and set off on our ascent.
The hike was every bit as challenging as promised, with relentless inclines cutting through farmland and three distinct forest zones. A few energetic stray dogs joined our group, keeping pace as we climbed. By 3:15 p.m., we finally reached base camp, but the volcano itself remained elusive, cloaked in thick clouds of ash.
Around 4:30, we began our ascent to the closest ridge of the eruption Fuego volcano. The trail dipped before rising steeply again, and with our loyal canine companions by our side, we arrived around 6:30.

What followed was an absolutely mind-blowing natural wonder — checked off the bucket list!

Exhausted and hungry, we stumbled back to base camp around 9:30, still able to watch the eruptions—now from a safer distance. Over a shared meal and drinks (which seemed to be a mandatory ritual around the fire with our local guides), we unwound before catching a few short hours of sleep. At 3 a.m., we were up again. The stars at that hour were mesmerizing, but our real goal was reaching the summit of Acatenango in time for sunrise. Despite our fatigue, the sight of clouds rolling over and around the volcanoes during golden hour made every step worth it.

After a grueling descent, a long van ride, and another transfer to Panajachel, we finally arrived at our beautiful Airbnb along Lake Atitlán — a perfect place to rest and recharge. Over the next couple of days, we took it easy, indulging in local food and exploring Panajachel. Outside the town, we kayaked around on the lake, soared through the jungle on ziplines, and wandered through a butterfly garden.

From there, we took a boat across the lake to San Pedro, where we spent more time unwinding and immersing ourselves in the local culture—most notably by sampling every street food.

Whether it was from street food or from the water we all got fairly sick - which only gave us more reason to slow down and take it easy. With Jared leaving to start a new job, Bobby and I took a boat to explore the nearby artisan town of San Juan.

Later, I continued on to San Marcos while Bobby, still feeling unwell, headed back to rest. Each town had its own distinct character, and San Marcos was no exception—known for its laid-back, yoga-focused vibe. I hiked up the nearby nature reserve and, to my surprise, had the peak all to myself. It wasn't hard to see why—most people were gathered down by the water, drawn to a 40-foot cliff diving platform. I jumped in, and then spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and enjoying the sunshine.

On my final day, I spent most of it relaxing, enjoying the calm of the lake. As the day came to a close, I watched as dusk rolled in and the lights from the towns across the water began to flicker on. Below are a few more honorable mention photos—capturing the stunning plants, wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable memories from the trip.