Guatemala

Full of ancient, crumbling ruins, breathtaking mountain views, volcanic peaks and steamy rainforests, the Central American country of Guatemala is a destination oozing with magic. Its Spanish colonial heritage is evident in the romantic, well-worn buildings which line its streets, and its diverse indigenous culture stretches back to the ancient Mayan civilisation.

High-altitude capital Guatemala City is known for its Metropolitan Cathedral, packed full of colonial art, and the grandiose, balconied National Palace of Culture overlooking central Plaza Mayor. Trails lead from its streets up the slopes of nearby Pacaya Volcano. The old colonial capital of Antigua, encircled by dramatic volcanoes, is famous for its well-preserved Spanish buildings and is a Unesco World Heritage site. Come the weekend, Antigua draws partygoers from the nearby capital to its small but well-formed nightlife scene. Head to Lake Atitlán, formed from a gigantic volcanic crater, for sparkling blue serenity and the laid-back villages which ring its banks. Nearby, the colourful markets of Chichicastenango are well worth a visit for their beautiful traditional textiles alone. Head to Tikal for imposing, breathtakingly huge Mayan ruins set in green jungle. These ruins are one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites on the continent.