BLUE mountains and giant volcanoes appear suddenly in the distance as the plane approaches the capital. Passengers on one side look out their window and see Mount Pacaya erupting, blowing great puffs of smoke that form a column that rises and melts into the sky. Passengers on the other side look down and see sailboats and rowboats serenely crossing Lake Amatitlán. This is Guatemala, land of great contrasts.

Located in Central America, Guatemala covers an area of approximately 42,000 square miles [109,000 sq km]. Its landscape varies from towering mountains​—including 33 volcanoes, 4 of which are active—​to lowland jungles, rain forests, and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The altitude ranges from sea level to 13,816 feet [4,211 m]. In the capital city, there is eternal spring, with an average temperature of 75° F. [24° C.] year round. While higher up in the mountains the temperature can drop below freezing, the coastal areas may swelter in 100°-F. [38° C.] heat. This is a country that can suit anyone’s taste, with beaches, jungles, mountains, arid zones, and fruitful valleys. And in all these areas, the Kingdom good news is being preached.

Contrasts abound in the preaching territory. The capital, Guatemala City, has many modern high-rise buildings, as well as exclusive residential areas with beautiful homes, where maids answer the door by means of an intercom. But within a stone’s throw are dirt-floor dwellings with adobe walls and thatched roofs where electricity and running water are mere dreams.

Panajachel is one of the villages around Lake Atitlán, a beautiful blue-green lake surrounded by majestic mountains and three volcanoes. Some villages are named after the apostles. About 95 percent of the people are of Mayan descent, Cakchiquel and Tzutuhil being two of the main languages. While the men also speak Spanish, most of the women do not, for they spend much of their time at home. Each village has its own colorful traditional dress, usually handwoven by the women.

On arriving in Panajachel, you will notice that it is not like other small towns in Guatemala. Alongside humble adobe or block homes, you see beautiful chalets. In even greater contrast are the modern hotels. People from all over the world come to Panajachel to admire Lake Atitlán.

Down by the Low Coastal Lands

Guatemala also has two contrasting coastlines: the Pacific coast with its spectacular black sand beaches and the Caribbean shore with its white sand.

Within a 45-minute drive from the capital toward the Pacific, the change of environment and climate is considerable. Hot and humid weather prevails along the coast, accompanied by a proliferation of insects. Palm, coconut, and ceiba trees along with an abundance of vegetation give evidence that you are in the tropics. There are large congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in many of the towns in the region.