Its 4:15 right now and I can’t explain it, but I keep waking up way too early. On the other hand, the extra hours let me get a lot done.

Its a few more days before saying adios to Guatemala. So far, we’ve experienced some truly world class spots. By tonight, I’ll know what the Pacific coast has to offer visitors looking for beach life and perhaps a few breaks for surfing.

The laid back atmosphere is almost tangible and definitely comparable to that of South East Asia. In fact, even really popular sights offered a surprisingly genuine vibe – which I think makes absorbing what you experience a lot easier.

Considering how popular the country is among Americans and Europeans, I was expecting the tourist sights to be much more exploited and commercialized. Thankfully, this not at all so. On the contrary, the vibe here is real and far from the “Disneyland Experience” so common at other similarly interesting tourist destinations.

Folks here are naturally friendly and respectful, the food is terrific, the coffee amazing and even if I was expecting it to be a lot warmer, we’ve still had a decent amount of warming sun and blue skies. Hopefully, the nice weather will continue during my beach excursion today and our visit at the Mayan pyramids to the north tomorrow.

More images from magical Lake Atitlan and the Mayan villages along its coastline.