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11 Reasons to Visit GuatemalaWhen Hurricane Mitch cut a devastating swath across Central America, thousands of people were left homeless and scores of roads and bridges were damaged. Despite not being hit as hard as Nicaragua and Honduras, Guatemala experienced a sharp drop in tourism. It seems that most North Americans have a hard time distinguishing between different countries in Central America and assumed the entire region was devastated by "El Mitch." Here are 11 reasons to visit Guatemala, a gem in the heart of Central America: 1. The Locals For true travelers, the real joy of visiting a country is the chance to interact with and get to know the native people. The majority of Guatemalans are indigenous, descendants of the Maya, and have clung tightly to rituals that date back to the first millennium. Yet they've also incorporated many Christian practices into their spiritual observance, resulting in a uniquely Guatemalan hybrid. Most of these people still speak tribal tongues and dress in colorful styles. The vibrant hues and shapes of the land are reflected in huipiles (blouses) and other weavings. Some of the most complex tapestries feature volcanoes and the quetzal, Guatemala's national bird, known for its brilliant red breast and long green tail feathers. 2. Lake Atitlan About two hours by car (or 3-4 by "chicken bus") from Guatemala City lies Lake Atitlan, which author Aldous Huxley called the "world's most beautiful lake." Flanked by three volcanoes, the lake's shores are dotted with a dozen indigenous villages, the largest of which, Panajachel, became one of the great hippie hangouts in years past. Today it still offers ultra-cheap lodgings ($5-10 a night) and veggie food. The town is a hub of commerce, where locals come to sell tipica (indigenous crafts), such as shirts, weavings and overalls for infants. On Panajachel's west end is the Reserva Natural Nima'ya de Atitlan. The 300-acre reserve, also known as the Butterfly Farm, is home to 70 species of butterflies and about 300 species of moths. Also frolicking in this tropical oasis are a couple of spider monkeys who aren't shy and often come out to greet visitors. A trip to Atitlan would not be complete without a boat ride to one of the small towns across the lake. A favorite is Santiago Atitlan, nestled beneath the slopes of Toliman Volcano. Santiago is home to a Judas-like worship figure called Maximon. Locals offer the shadowy wood-and-cloth figure liquor and cigarettes, which he consumes with great abandon. It's bad luck to visit Maximon without offering something, and stories of horrors befalling those who don't donate are enough to inspire even non-believers into tossing ol' Max some small bills. 3. Colonial Antigua More than a mile above sea level, Antigua is a picturesque colonial town with cobblestone streets and the Agua Volcano looming above. Today Antigua is known among budget travelers as an ideal place to study Spanish (see reason #4). Some travelers, though, simply enjoy the quiet-yet cultured-ambiance, while Guatemalans from the capital often come up for the day to linger in outdoor cafes and restaurants. A good first stop for travelers is Dona Luisa's, a restaurant with an extensive message board frequented by travelers. While in Antigua, a visit to a local coffee plantation makes a nice day trip. Antigua's coffee is famed throughout the world for its rich, yet not too bitter, flavor, and at local plantations such as Finca Bella Vista (named for its view of Agua Volcano) you can see the beans drying in the sun and watch the coffee being processed. Accompanied by the tourist police, we drove up to a large cross overlooking town. A few years ago the odds were good that anyone venturing up there, especially after sundown, would be robbed. The Tourist Police is a new institution, available only in Antigua but soon to expand to other cities. 
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