Guatemala is a lesson in surprises, a land of contrasts and sudden shifts. From Antigua, a town tucked in between a trio of volcanoes, to sparkling stretches of beaches that are tropical paradise personified, the country is a lesson that big things can come in small packages. And while travel here in decades past may have been dangerous, it's never been a better time to explore the country's more languid and awe-inspiring sights, which are now easier to get to thanks to the influx of visitors making their way here each year. Whether it's the lure of the Mayans, the chance to relax on a beach or the opportunity to explore lush greenery in a mountain range, there's something here for adventurous and curious travelers who want an in-depth look at Central America.