Guatemala vs Mexico

One of the beautiful things about moving through different countries so quickly is how clearly you can feel the shift in energy from place to place.

One of the beautiful things about moving through different countries so quickly is how clearly you can feel the shift in energy from place to place. When friends and family asked me how Guatemala was, the first word that came to mind was playful.

Where the mountains of Peru carry a deep, grounded stillness — a kind of ancient calm — Guatemala felt lighter. Almost funky, even. It’s alive with lush greenery, vibrant houses, and bold fabrics matching the adventure you find in jungles. I loved how compact the country is. It gives you the opportunity to actually experience all it’s different landscapes — volcanoes, lakes, jungles, temples — without spending 20+ hours on a bus. Everything feels close, and that makes it feel personal.

And then I arrived in Mexico. Again, the energy shifted. It’s warmer here — not just in temperature, but in spirit. I love how open and energetic the Mexican culture is. Mexicans speak Spanish at what feels like lightning speed (RIP me), and there’s an openness in the way they greet you, smile at you, stop to chat on their way to the supermarket. It feels like a country that blends ancient history with modern rhythm — more developed in some ways, but still deeply connected to its roots.

I’m excited to dive into the flavors of this place — the food, the language, the people — and see what it all brings.