Natural Wonders of Guatemala

If you love the outdoors and being in nature, appreciating the variety and beauty of God's creations, then you'll enjoy a trip to the Guatemalan highland country. The views are stunning, especially from up high in this mountainous region.

Picturesque Lake Atitlan is a natural resource that's a part of life in this region, just as the volcanoes are surrounding it and elsewhere. There are over one hundred volcanoes in Guatemala, a country the size of Ohio.

Besides the large views of mountains and water and trees, there are the small parts of nature: birds singing and calling to one another every morning at dawn; hummingbirds of so many sizes and colors; butterflies, especially at the Nature Preserve in Panajachel where you can visit an enclosed butterfly sanctuary that feels to me like one of the most peaceful outdoor areas I've ever been to.

As far as nature one would rather avoid, there's scorpions and spiders (not seen any snakes, I don't think they hang out where there's people), and the ever-present termite.

It's wonderfully refreshing to enjoy the beauties of nature, whether in its wild state or tamed and cultured in one's own backyard.