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I have hundreds and hundreds of photos from my recent trip to Guatemala. Going through them made me smile more times than I can count.

When thinking about where I wanted to start in sharing my Guatemalan story with you, it was the faces of the people I met along the way that made me the happiest. So, of course, this seemed like that perfect intro.

I fell in love with all the colors of Guatemala, much of it displayed beautifully on the clothes worn by the Mayan people. Being able to connect with them personally, even if just for a few minutes to ask for a photo, helped to bring out a light in their faces that I was honored to have captured. Speaking Spanish was definitely helpful, but I think that the images show the true warmth and beauty of the people of Guatemala.

All the close up images were taken with direct consent from the subject, and in many cases a monetary tip was offered.

Little boy selling trinkets at a roadside market.

It was morning and they were on their way to school.  

“Is she your sister?” “Well, she might as well be!” 

Her reaction to my saying, “My goodness are you beautiful!” 

Avocado vendor.

Public display of affection for Mayans is a no-no.

Artisan market in Antigua.

“I think happy thoughts and so my tortillas make people happy too.”

“May I take your photo?” “As long as I don’t have to look into the camera. It makes me shy.”

Flower vendor in Chichicastenango at the steps of Santo Tomas church. Special note: When visiting the market (Thursday and Sundays), please note that this coincides with religious and ceremonial observations. It is offensive to go up the front steps of the church during this time. If you would like to enter the church during the market, there is a side entrance for visitors. Please spread the word as I saw many tourists posing on the steps and next to vendors at the horror of the Maya people around them.

Laundry day.

“Aren’t you afraid I might ruin the meal?” “Don’t worry. I’ll know how to fix it.”

Grand-daughter of my wonderful host and cooking teacher pictured above this image.

Market day.

Afternoon commute.

Like my photography? Follow me on Instagram. For more images of my time in Guatemala, check out my Instagram hashtag #GGTinGuatemala.

All images are property of Girl Gone Travel and may not be used without direct consent of the publisher.

Thank you to Inguat, Guatemala’s official tourism board.

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Carol Cain

Carol is her happiest when on an adventure, either close to home or farther away. She's the mom to three fun boys and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives in New Jersey with her happy crew, but will always be a girl from Brooklyn. You can read her full profile here.

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