Guatemala

This proud Central American nation is a polychromatic dream punctuated by chartreuse, indigo and flame-red textiles, vibrant animal and bird life that swirls to life through the dreadlocked heart of the rainforest, and culinary traditions that delight your senses and travel your tastebuds. At the heart of it are the Maya people, who still speak 20-plus distinct languages today and maintain customs and rituals dating back to the days of the great Maya kingdoms. These traditions are kept alive in the remote indigenous villages of enchanting Lake Atitlán, a glistening jewel that offers spectacular bird watching, and just a little witchy magic.

Market days are an especially interesting spectacle of sights, colors and smells. While you can craft shop in the well-preserved colonial masterpiece of Antigua, a sunrise walk through the bustling market of Chichicastenango is about as visceral, authentic and fulfilling a market crafts adventure you could ever have. Aside from the people, you have the volcanoes, the mountains, the quetzals, jaguars and tapirs, all of which create a close connection to the earth.