Posted bythirdeyemom
— 232 Comments

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. – Rabindranath Tagore

There is no place on earth that has as vibrant of colors as Guatemala. From the brightly painted buildings in hues of a brilliant rainbow to the intense, magical colors of the Mayan clothing and textiles, I’ve found no place quite like Guatemala.

Here are some of my favorite photos from my trip that burst off the page with color and imagination. Since I’ve already written quite a lot about Guatemala, there will be no descriptions of these photos and it will only be a journey of colors.  Hope you enjoy!


This post is in response to this man’s journey/ the Island Traveler’s Weekly Image of Life: Color. I also did a similar post on color on my other blog the thirdeyeworld called “The World in Technicolor”. To read that post, click here. It is for a photo competition that anyone can join in.

To read more entries, click here.

232 comments

    1. Hello Kathy! where are you from?
      I´m from Cancun Mexico, I want to visit Guatemala soon is like Chiapas Mexico, MAGIC!!!

      Reply

    1. I absolutely love Guatemala. I think even more so than Costa Rica. It is such a beautiful, vibrant place. So incredibly colorful in every way. 🙂

      Reply

    1. Hi Lucy! I bet you do miss it! You are at the homesickness stage, right? I hope you are having a lovely time in England and enjoying yourself. I’m sure once you are back in Thailand and get settled, you’ll feel very happy and peaceful. No worries on reading or commenting on my posts! 🙂 I write a ton and know that you are there! 🙂

      Reply

      1. Nicole, the sun has finally come out after all this time and we’re on the third consecutive hot, sunny, cloudless blue sky day! A welcome relief after constant cloud cover and rain I can tell you and makes my stay here much more enjoyable. It sounds like you’re as busy as ever! You’re so inspiring I hope you realize that and I wish I could keep up with all your blog posts! 🙂

  8. The colors of Guatemala exudes life and vibrant hues so beautiful it reminds me of what it feels whenever I see a rainbow after the rain. Your captured the rich culture and the warmth of the people of this village. Generous smiles, amazing architectural details, festive street market. Just exciting and fun adventure everywhere. Thank you for sharing your world with us. A world breathing with colors of inspiration. Thank you.

    Reply

      2. Thanks and yes I agree the color can brighten anyones day. Even things you wouldn’t perhaps find particularly beautiful or fascinating can pop out at you due to a beautiful color. 🙂

    1. Thank you so much! I’m honored!If you want further inspiration, please share with them some of my stories about Nepal as well as my advocacy work. We need to spread the word about poverty and how most of the world lives, including most Guatemalans who live with very little yet have a lot of joy.

      Reply

    1. It is a definite must see. I want to go back desperately yet so many other places to go. The more you travel, the more you want to see! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Kathy! In meetings all day being completely inspired about how we can end global poverty and saw the mass of emails. It is a great opportunity to promote my global advocacy work and get the message out. 🙂 You would have loved today’s speaker. World-famous Jeffrey Sachs spoke on his work with Paul Farmer and ending so much suffering among the world. I will definitely write a post when I get home! I’m so inspired and so full of hope! 🙂

      Reply

  17. as everyone else has said, beautiful pics! It truly captures Guatemala and for those who have been it make you miss being there. Awesome!

    Reply

    1. Thank you for the kind words. Even I miss it again seeing my pictures. Such a lovely place with so much beauty. I hope to make it back soon. Yet there are many places I’ve fallen in love with and so much of this world to see. I secretly know I’ll be back to Guatemala though. Too magical to not revisit!

      Reply

  20. Not sure how I missed this Nicole… but I remember being totally enraptured by these photos from your series on Antigua! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed, it’s well deserved!!

    Reply

    1. Thanks James! I did it a week ago (I think). I just loved Guatemala so much. There is so much of the world to see, it makes me crazy. Thanks for your comments and support! I truly feel like we are a global community!

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much, especially from a fellow MN! Wish it would have been something from MN, right. You and I need to work on that so we can get others to know about how wonderful and colorful our state is! 🙂

      Reply

  22. Great photos… but I do have to say! Latin America as a whole is a colorful place. Bolivia has some amazing colors too! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Yes indeed! I’ve been to more countries in LA ranging from Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, and down north to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. But not yet Bolivia which I’ve heard is amazing and I so want to go. Yes, there is indeed a wonderful, magical charm of Latin America that makes it stand out. Can’t wait to see more! 🙂

      Reply

    2. I would truly love to go to Bolivia someday especially the Andes. I’ve been to Peru and loved it. I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about Bolivia too! 🙂

      Reply

  23. These photos are so incredibly beautiful! They bring back so many memories, as I have taken some very similar pictures in Antigua. Honestly, it almost brought me to tears. Thank you so much for bringing back the memories of Guatemala!!!

    Reply

    1. Wow, what a touching comment! I feel honored to bring those memories back to you. I’m sure you had a very special time there. It is indeed such a magical place. I too would love to go back. 🙂

      Reply

    2. Wow, I’m flattered and honored that the post touched you so much! Yes it sure is a beautiful place that affords lots of wonderful memories. Thanks so much for your comment!

      Reply

  25. Hey these are nice pictures. I recognized a couple of churches in Antigua and that archway 🙂 I’ve been to both Xela and Antigua and I agree with you that the Motherland is awesome. It has so much culture and vibrant colors. Good pics.

    Reply

  26. I could not agree more! I have been there twice and each time, I always buy some hand-woven items that have the most vibrant and brilliant colors. Brazil is also like this in many of the small, northern communities. Great photos by the way 😉

    Reply

  27. Such beautiful photos and vibrant colors. These photos reminded me of Mexico – I lived there quite a few years ago, and what stays with me the most from my time there is how colorful everything was. These countries have such an amazing culture and everything explodes in vivid colors – these photos truly capture that! Thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for the wonderful comments! I struggled when I wrote that Guatemala is unique in its colors as there are so many other wonderful Latin countries that share a love of colors. I agree that Mexico is gorgeous as well as Peru. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much! These were my favorites out of 800 pictures taken in one week! 🙂 Shows how much there is to capture in lovely Guatemala! 🙂

      Reply

  30. Hey! Great photos! They are so colorful and vibrant. And they look so happy. 🙂 Must have been so much fun to go there! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for the comment! Yes, the colors are so bright it can bring sunshine to any day. It was wonderful being somewhere so beautiful. 🙂

      Reply

  31. Oh how I LOVE Central America! I haven’t spent too much time in Guatemala (a quick trip to Esquipulas (en route from El Salvador to Honduras), but I loved. If you ever get the chance to go to El Palma, El Salvador, I would highly recommend it. The colours will blow your mind!

    Reply

  33. Beautiful photography bursting with life! You brought back memories of a TV documentary I did there years ago with Ricardo Montalban. We both bought a colorful handmade rug in Chichicastenango. It still splashes color on my wall! Daniel Reveles

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your comment! How cool to have done a documentary with Ricardo Montalban….”Welcome to Fantasy Island..:, I’ll never forget!

      Reply

      1. Easy schmeasy! Not everyone can take such amazing pictures. Give yourself credit. You done good.

  41. Amazing photos. You did a great job capturing the the essence of the people and the spirit of the country. Congrats on being freshly pressed!! Just found your blog and i’m super addicted

    Reply

    1. Wow, what a wonderful compliment! I am honored and so glad you liked the post as well as my blog. I took over 800 pictures in 9 days time in Guatemala. I can only imagine how many more I would have had if I was there longer. Everything fascinated me. It is truly magical. 🙂

      Reply

      1. I can relate to the feeling of being so fascinated with your surroundings that you attempt to capture every moment. The same happened to me when I travelled to Guilin, in Southern China. Being surrounded by the mountains while sailing on the Li River, I couldn’t negotiate between capturing photos with my 3 cameras (Polaroid, digital, and 360 spinner) and taking mental photos. If only all my troubles were of this nature…

      2. Wow, I would LOVE to go to that part of China! I only went to Beijing and Shanghai in November but have heard that the countryside is truly were it is at. Do you have photos on your blog that you can point me to so I can take a look? I would love to! 🙂 nicole

    1. So glad you liked it Callie! I loved my time in Guatemala and enjoyed taking picture non-stop of everything that caught my attention. A wonderful place with tons of “Kodak moments!”

      Reply

    1. Thank you! I would love to go to El Salvador someday too as well as more countries in Central America (I’ve only been to Guat and Costa Rica). Such a wonderful place to visit. It there is color, then I’m there! At least someday! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much! You would love Guatemala if you liked my photos as it is even better and brighter in person! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thanks! It is great, isn’t it? I have a few other great pictures of the kids I volunteered with in Guatemala that I didn’t include on this post. It is beautiful as their smiles warm my heart.

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    1. Thank you! Yes it is/can be dangerous especially if you aren’t careful. But I honestly felt extremely safe in Xela especially during the day. You just need to use basic street and travel smarts like you do in other places yet perhaps put a little extra caution into it. I went alone as a woman and as long as I had minor travel situations set up with trusted people and paid attention I was safe. yet like most third world countries bad things can and do happen. Yet they also happen in parts of Minneapolis too!

      Reply

      1. Honestly I’ve never been there but my wife grew up in Guatemala City (she still has lots of family living there) and she has told me horror stories. I want to go there so bad, but I’m scarrrrred haha.

  47. These are just great pictures…and I also love bright, bold colors, thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  48. Beautiful. I live in New England, where white house with dark green shutters are the rule and most house colors tend toward subtle greens and browns. There’s also the occasional splash of red or purple, too, but still an entirely different vibe. People are using a lot more colors on the walls indoors, though, a welcome relief. Thanks for the great photos!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your comment! I agree that there is something about color especially in buildings that truly brighten your day. I remember thinking in Antigua that it would be hard to feel down when you are surrounded by so much beautiful, vibrant color! I live in Minneapolis, in the city, so there is some diversity in house colors but of course nothing like Guatemala! And once winter comes and everything is white, I am on color deprivation! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

  52. I have no idea if you’ve been to Peru, but if you say Guatemala (where I am the moment) is the most colorful country, you should visit Peru (again?). And what I’ve heard Bolivia, too. Great, great places :)!

    Reply

    1. I have been to Peru but it was 10 years ago! I do of course remember it and yes it is indeed colorful. I would love ot go to Bolivia! It is on my wish list, especially the Andes as I love to hike. I knew I better be careful with that comment about Guatemala :)…..as there are so many colorful competitors! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and I’m jealous! Enjoy your time in C.America.

      Reply

      1. Ah on mine too! As in Bolivia is on my wish list, too – I almost stopped by last year, but there was no time in the travel schedule so we ended up just regretting not stopping by, haha! I’m sure Guate can be considered most colorful, but if you enjoyed it so much, I’m sure you’d enjoy all these other countries even more! Safe travels for the future 🙂

  53. My husband is from Guatemala, and your photos brought back nice memories. I’m missing my dear little Guatemalan mother-in-law.

    Reply

    1. Oh how wonderful! So these photos probably really meant a lot to you! I bet you are missing it dearly! hope you make it back soon. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

    1. Thanks! I’ve actually been to Peru (but it was over 10 years ago) yet it still remains in my heart. Yes it does have tremendous colors as well. So many wonderful colorful places in Latin America! :)Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

  57. I love the weathered color of old buildings and the vibrant colors of street fairs. What an awesome place to visit. I’m going to check out your other posts about this beautiful part of the world. Thanks for sharing. You Matter! Smiles, Nancy

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Nancy! I’ve written a ton on my trip there, much more detailed posts. If you go to the bottom of my blog and click on TRAVEL BY COUNTRY: Guatemala you should be able to find them all. I have lots of wonderful ones on the buildings. In fact, an entire post on the old building filled with so much history. Thanks again for your wonderful comment! I truly appreciate it! 🙂 Nicole

      Reply

    1. Yes indeed! Especially the Mayan culture who has had so much influence on Guatemalan history and culture. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog!

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      1. I would love to visit this place and see for myself in the future! I have a gut feeling that it would be an awesome experience! 😀

    1. Uh oh! Better get out the itch creme! 🙂 So glad you liked the pictures and that they make you want to visit Guatemala! You won’t be disappointed if you do! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Reply

  68. What wonderful photos ! My favorite photo is I think the second one… it’s so intimist, timeless. But the choice is very hard between all these colorful photos !

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    1. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I am so happy you liked the photos and even picked out a favorite! I could hang these photos all over my house, I love the colors so much. 🙂

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  69. I was in Guatemala a couple years ago and you are right, the colours are incredible! The Mayan quilts they have on sale are breathtaking. It looks like quite a few of the shots were from Antigua. We had an incredible time there. I’m glad you did too.

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    1. Thank for your comment! Yes I was in Antigua where most of the shots on this post are from for a wonderful weekend of photography with fellow blogger Lucy of Loca4Motion. I actually met her through blogging on WordPress! I stayed in Xela for a week volunteering and learning Spanish then hopped a shuttle to Antigua for a lovely two days. I didn’t want to live, it was so beautiful. Hope to make it there again someday!

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  70. Beautiful colors. Your ‘third eye’ has definitely captured the spirit of the place!

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  71. Evocative pictures – all of them! Really enjoyed going through them.
    But more – I really appreciate the Tagore words you chose to describe your experience of color. I am Indian, and Tagore, my inspiration, my god…. thanks for such a great post!

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    1. Thanks and so glad you enjoyed the photos! India is another place of incredible colors! I had the chance to spend a few days there while traveling to Nepal and was absolutely fascinated by India. I need more time there and to go back. Would love to experience more of India’s color especially in the vibrant saris and food.

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  72. You have captured a people and a place beautifully. Guatamala is a country I have always wanted to visit – this is inspiring me to get serious!

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    1. Why thank you! I am so glad that you are ready to get serious!!!! Time for you to go! That is why I share these posts. To inspire people about the beautiful places and cultures we have on this planet. When you go, make sure you have a lot of memory on your film card!

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    1. Thank you so much! I think it is so cool how many people commented that they have been to Guatemala, loved it and also share many common shots. It is indeed a beautiful place! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  75. I love the colors of Central America and the Caribbean. I have spent a lot of time over in C.A. but I have yet to make it to Guatemala. Beautiful photos!

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    1. Thanks! Lucky you to have experienced a lot of Central America! I have only been to Guatemala and Costa Rica but am aching to see more. It is such a cool place still relatively untouched by westernization especially in the more rural locations. You will indeed have to make it to Guatemala on your next trip!

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  76. I feel like Central and South America has some of the most colorful places and people in this world! Amazing photos! You’ve truly captured a Guatemalan “scene”. I’ll be heading out to El Salvador in September for a medical mission; maybe I’ll head on over to Guatemala next!

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    1. Thanks so much! I couldn’t agree with you more! What kind of medical mission are you going on? That sounds fantastic! I went to Guatemala as a volunteer and did Costs Rica a few years back. I’m really interested in volunteering in other parts of Central America next. Will you write about your trip on your blog?

      Reply

  78. Being someone who LOVES a lot of colours around me, I think I would absolutely adore this place! Awesome photos! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! I’m sure that made your day all the more colourful.

    Reply

    1. Thank you! You would love Guatemala, I am sure. It is a color overload everywhere you go! Thanks so much for the kinds words and yes I had quite a colorful day!

      Reply

    1. Oh as always a huge thanks! You always leave me with such wonderful comments!!!! Hope you are doing well! I’ve got some catching up to do on your posts!!!! 🙂

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  83. Hi Nicole,

    I scanned through the Freshly Pressed blogs and your title caught my eye.

    I am also a stay at home mom and in 2009 my hubby gave me the biggest present ever. He bought me a decent camera. I just love taking photo’s and needless to say my passion for photography only grew stronger. I told my husband after looking at these lovely photo’s that if I get the chance to go to Guatemala I will spend hours photographing all those detail in and on the buildings. The patterns and vibrant colors it’s to die for. Thank you for sharing….

    Oh yes congratulations on getting Freshly Pressed….

    Coreen

    Reply

    1. Hi Coreen! Thanks for stopping by! How wonderful you got a good camera…what a wonderful gift! If you ever go to Guatemala just be ready to take a ton of photos! I took over 500 in two days just in Antigua. It was unbelievable. Thanks so much for stopping by and I’m thrilled you liked my photos. 🙂 Nicole

      Reply

      1. Hi Nicole,

        If that’s the case I better start stocking up my CF cards. I love taking photo’s and I always try to capture as much detail. From landscapes to stones and leaves…

        Your photo’s are lovely 😀

      3. That’s fantastic. 🙂 Can’t wait to see your photo’s with your new camera. When I got my new camera I went on Youtube and watched the videos explaining the different settings. You must try it. Some of the videos are full of tips.

      4. That is a great idea! I will have to do that when things calm down….if they ever do! I really want to learn how to use it more. I brought it to my recent trip to France and the photos are much better. However, they were all taken on jpeg and I want to learn how to shoot in raw.

      5. RAW is not difficult at all. Only the processing afterwards is a bit more work. But as soon as you get the hang of it it goes fast. In the beginning I only did my photo shoots in RAW and my family and holiday photo’s in jpeg. Now I only shoot in RAW I am so used to it now. RAW is great and I got a few other old School photographers to shoot in RAW to. LOL time and again I get a text message just thanking me for helping them on the right track… Much less over and under exposed photo’s now…

      6. Awesome. I will have to try. I think I worry because my time is already so limited with the kids and just getting posts done is a lot of work. But I am committed to learning how to shoot in raw this winter and have all the great online tools there ready to help!

      7. LOL you telling me. Luckily I have my mornings to do my processing. The boys are in school so I do most of my work then and at night when everybody is fed and in bed. 😉 If you want some help just shout I’m here all day….

      8. You are so kind! I finally subscribed to your blog and look forward to checking it out! 🙂 Thanks for all your tips, support and advice. I’m sure we will stay in touch via our blogs! 🙂

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  90. Wonderful photos. I’m from Nicaragua. When I was three, I lived in Guatemala for almost a month before migrating to Mexico for another month, and then finally making it to the US.

    Obviously, I don’t have recollection of it but it looks wonderful 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  91. Beautiful colors reflecting such a vibrant and dynamic culture. They take me back to my own visit years ago and have reignited my vacation making plans and hopes of returning!

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  96. Oh a lot of good memories just came back while watching these beautiful photos.
    I had some fantastic days in Antigua Guatemala thsi June, what a lovely place, it was like a fairy tale :0) Greetings from Hungary!

    Reply
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