Top 10 things to do in Guatemala

1. Admire the colourful architecture in Antigua, a pretty town with spectacular views of Agua Volcano

2. Gaze over the serene beauty of Lake Atitlan, where you can sail, paraglide and swim on your quest to soak up the spectacular views

3. Explore the towering temples of Tikal in the north of the country, where the intricate ruins emerge from the lush jungle  

4. Taste the delicious street-food of Guatemala – think spicy chillies, corn tortillas, slow-cooked beef, fresh avocados and endless tamales

5. Learn about Guatemala’s favourite crop – the cacao bean – before indulging in a tasty chocolate workshop

6. Discover Monterrico, a laid back beach town on the Pacific coast, with jet-black sands and crashing surf

7. Hike the Pacaya Volcano, one of the best places on the planet to see active lava flows and ash plumes

8. Wander through the museums in Guatemala City, soaking up the clash of Spanish and Mayan culture that makes up modern Guatemala

9. Swim in the perfect turquoise pools at Semuc Champey Natural Monoument

10. Sip different types of local Guatemalan coffee at a hillside plantation