Guatemala

Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) is a huge lake surrounded by small villages, each with their own culture and identity. Two large volcanoes paint the lakes backdrop, one being Volcan San Pedro. This is a great hike, not only to see a fantastic view of the lake below, but also to experience hillside farming, which is very popular in Central America. Book a guide with Tiger Tours located at the docks in San Pedro, who will arrange transportation to the volcano via a tuk tuk ride! It is quite a steep hike, so I would recommend doing it in the morning when its cooler.

A grid-like city system with colourful buildings and old architecture lining its cobbled stone streets, Antigua is a beautiful, old colonial town. Motorbikes and tuk tuks zoom about the city weaving around pedestrians, but overall its fairly quiet and small with a volcano looming over the town in its backdrop.

Get lost as you wander Antigua's market where you can find anything from textiles to fresh flowers. Stay at Hostel Villa Esthela for the roof top views, swaying in a hammock, watching the sun set. Ask the front desk for recommendations to a nearby bakery for delicious breads!

Chicken buses are a Central American experience in itself! Old American school buses are pimped out with flashing lights, circus horns and colourful murals painted along the bus sides. This is the cheapest mode of transportation and an experience to really immerse oneself in the Guatemalan culture and live like a local. It is quite a whirlwind trip right from the get-go, as "conductors" hang out the bus doors, yelling the buses destination in an auction-like manner trying to convince anyone and everyone that they should be on their route. Parcels filled with potatoes and wicker baskets stuffed with live chickens are tossed up on the roof of the bus for transport.

Squeeze in tight and get cosy with a local, as children sit on laps to get an entire family on one seat! Practice saying "no gracias", as sweaty vendors squeeze their way down the bus aisle trying to sell

you soft drink stored in a plastic bag with a straw, a hot empanada or some magical pain cream.

Once the bus is chocked full, hold on tight, as these bus drivers show no mercy travelling through the Guatemalan countryside. You may even find yourself sitting (or standing!) next to an elderly lady carrying a live chicken in her arms. True story!

The lakes shopping mecca, Panajachel is where you will find plenty of open air carts and stalls selling a variety of goods and souvenirs to tourists. Don't be afraid to have a good barter with the seller! Stay at Hotel El Viajero - where you will be greeted by a friendly parrot!

San Marcos. This small hippie village is a maze of stone and dirt pathways that link restaurants and hostels together. Bright coloured murals line these walkways, which are also plastered with numerous flyers to enhance one's spiritual wellbeing - yoga, reiki, massage, meditation - you name it, you can find it here. Explore the Mayan nature reserve for a simple bush walk to connect with nature. Stay at Hostel San Marcos.

A bustling backpacker's village, San Pedro caters to all types of cuisine and social life. Stay at Casa Blanca - a quiet waterfront hostel with a covered deck area decorated with floor pillows that doubles as a space to lounge during the day and floor seating restaurant at night.