Guatemala’s First Rains: A Welcome Change for Farmers and a Magical Experience for Visitors

This week marked the arrival of our first rains, with late-night showers graced by dazzling lightning displays over Guatemala’s landscapes. For travelers planning their trips in the upcoming months, there’s often concern that the rain might dampen their experience. However, those worries are largely unfounded—the rain here has a rhythm and charm that only adds to the beauty of Guatemala.

While weather forecasts may seem daunting, often predicting extended rainfall, the reality is different. In Guatemala, rain often arrives in bursts, refreshing the land and revealing stunning shades of green across the mountains, especially around Lake Atitlán. During the dry season, the mountains and hillsides are tinged with golden tones, and occasional forest fires dot the landscape. The rains breathe life back into the land, transforming it into lush, vibrant vistas.

For farmers and growers here, especially those cultivating coffee and fresh produce in the highlands above local villages, the rains are essential. These showers sustain the diverse fields that are integral to Guatemala’s agricultural heritage. Travelers rarely get a glimpse of these verdant farms, but for those who are interested, a local guide can offer a hike up to these incredible landscapes. One such journey is to the fields above Santa Catarina Palopó, where visitors climb 700 steps, followed by a short trek, to reach gardens fed by a natural spring. This small farming community is fortunate to have such resources, as everything is cultivated without chemicals, with all planting, tending, and harvesting done by hand.

Our members here in Guatemala are deeply connected to the land, and many of our American friends have shown interest in the country’s produce, recognizing its rich flavors and purity. For eight years, we’ve successfully shipped Guatemalan coffee and cacao to the United States. Recently, we’re exploring the potential for exporting fresh vegetables as well. Many shoppers may not know that fruits and vegetables in the U.S. often have a preservative coating, which isn’t used here. This freshness and natural quality are noticeable—from the first bite of a banana to the sharp, earthy flavor of an onion, Guatemalan produce is distinct.

For anyone visiting Guatemala, the rainy season is a time of vibrant transformation and a chance to experience the country’s natural abundance and flavors at their best. Far from disrupting a vacation, the rain reveals Guatemala’s green heart in a way that dry weather simply can’t. So, pack your hiking shoes, savor the sights, and don’t miss the taste of fresh, local produce during your stay.