My top tips for Guatemala

Your next vacation is tropical, lush, and full of hidden gems. [View this email in your browser]( A bite of adventure. We’re exploring the globe, one bite at a time. Last week, our taste buds were in Japan; this week, we’re [on the quest]( for Latin American flavors. Transport yourself through our curated recipes, or travel IRL with a hand-picked guide to Guatemala. Still not finding your flavor? Take our quiz to discover your travel style and plan your perfect getaway. [Take the Quiz]( And speaking of traveling for food, can you figure out this week’s brain game? 🧠[Four bowls of different kinds of food like pasta, tomato soup, salad, and rice and veggies.] FOOD What to Eat A trip to Latin America. Can’t book a flight? No worries: Dig into the comforting, vibrant flavors of Latin America right at home. Salvadoran Yucca Fritters By Karla T. Vasquez Made with the South American yucca root, these cheesy fritters are topped with a sweet panela syrup for a perfect snack. [Make ‘Em]( Arroz con Pollo By Alex Hill Found across Latin America and especially in Puerto Rico, this hearty chicken and rice dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. [Make It]( Ceviche and Patacones by the Tastemade Culinary Team Use the crispy plantains to scoop up a bite of cold ceviche — made with the best quality fish you can find! — and enjoy all summer long. [Make It]( Pupusas by the Tastemade Culinary TeamFound across Central America (and the national dish of El Salvador!), these easy masa flatbreads are stuffed with refried beans and cheese. [Make ‘Em]( If you guessed all of them, you're right! Snack smarter and build healthy habits with Noom, a weight loss plan personalized for you. Take a custom quiz now and receive 15% off your Noom subscription with code TASTEMADE24. [Find Your Snack Plan]( ENTERTAINMENT Delicious Headlines Chow down on the latest food news. [a rainbow over a Costco store with a parking lot]( Costco-oh no! As if you needed more reason to enjoy Costco’s free samples, the retail giant [announced]( a membership price increase for the first time in seven years. Starting September 1st, the annual cost for a regular plan will go from $60 to — drumroll — $65. Executive Membership plans will increase a whopping $10. Hey, as long as the hot dogs stick around… Sauce is boss Whether you’re a fan of the hit anime series Jujutsu Kaisen or you’re simply looking for something more exciting than ketchup, hit up your local McDonald’s for a chance to savor the limited-time [“Special Grade Garlic Sauce.”]( This promotional sauce is inspired by a beloved Japanese McDonald’s sauce and comes in a range of Jujutsu Kaisen-branded packaging. Vegans, rejoice! We’ve got good news, and bad news. The good news: an entirely vegan version of Nutella is [hitting the market soon](. This beloved hazelnut & chocolate spread isn’t currently vegan, as milk is one of the primary ingredients. Ready for the not-so-good news? It’s rolling out this fall…in Europe. Fingers crossed that this plant-based spread makes its way stateside very soon! TIPS What to Do Explore the hidden magic of Guatemala. The Central American country of Guatemala is home to everything from active volcanoes and lush rainforests to ancient Mayan ruins and abundant coffee farms. Enriched by its vast indigenous population, history, culture, and nature converge in every corner, making Guatemala a stunning place to experience. Eat, drink, and explore in Antigua Over the past few decades, Antigua has become an expat favorite, playing host to long and short term travelers from around the world. Referred to as the “Land of Eternal Spring” due to its balmy temps, there’s no shortage of boutique hotels or affordable hostels. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you’ll take in views of volcanoes, vibrant Baroque-influenced architecture, artisan shops, and eclectic restaurants. Because so many travelers frequent Antigua, there’s an interesting blend of cultures and cuisines around the city. From foodie restaurants to an active nightlife scene, there’s plenty to do, eat, and see. Tip: Get a taste of the culture and history of Antigua by visiting the Dominican Monastery ruins at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Hike to the top of an active volcano About an hour’s drive from Antigua, the Pacaya Volcano (Volcán Pacaya) makes a great day trip activity. As you climb your way up, the tropical foliage becomes mangled and sparse, giving way to black, volcanic rock that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. The hike itself is not too difficult and the trails are easy to follow. Once at the top, you’ll feel the volcano’s warmth and you may even be able to spot some glowing red lava. Bonus points: locals sit at the top selling snacks like marshmallows, which you can roast over the volcano’s pockets of heat. Tip: You’ll need to [book a tour]( with a local guide, as tourists aren’t allowed to hike the volcano alone for safety reasons. The weather can also be unpredictable so it’s recommended that you bring a rain jacket! Find your peace on Lake Atitlán Surrounded by verdant hills and yes, more volcanoes, this crater lake in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands is known for its Mayan villages, local craftsmanship, and outdoor adventures. There are 11 towns around the lake that each carry a unique vibe. Start at Panajachel, the bustling gateway town to the lake where you can grab souvenirs and hop in a boat to explore the water. San Pedro is a backpacker’s paradise while San Marcos is known for its spiritual leanings and yoga retreats. Santa Cruz and San Juan offer a more authentic local lifestyle and breathtaking views. Whether you’re into kayaking or exploring organic farming, there’s something for everyone on Lake Atitlán. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of [Tikal]( While much of Guatemala feels a bit like a time capsule, Tikal National Park is on another level. This ancient citadel sits in the heart of the country’s northern jungle and is considered one of the most important Mayan archaeological complexes. Its iconic pre-Colombian ruins and temples date back to as early as the 1st century A.D. and the central part of the city alone contains nearly 3,000 buildings. But that’s not all. Tikal is also a biosphere reserve that’s home to thousands of creatures, from parrots and toucans to howler monkeys and jaguars. If some structures look familiar, it might be because Tikal was used as a filming location for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. 👀 SHOP THE SHOW Host with the Most Throw the best backyard barbecue this summer thanks to our collection of party patio essentials. [A pink flamingo pitcher.]( [A side table and cooler]( [Summer fruit placemats]( [Shop Party on the Patio]( SOCIAL On Our Feed Step back in time and explore the grounds of Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua, Guatemala. A hotel, spa, and museum, this piece of history is set on the grounds of a monastery that’s been around since the 16th century. [Take a Tour]( Tell us how you feel. 💭 How likely are you to recommend this newsletter to a friend? lowest [1]( [2]( [3]( [4]( [5]( [6]( [7]( [8]( [9]( [10]( highest [Instagram icon]( [Pinterest icon]( [TikTok icon]( Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign up!]( Copyright (C) 2024 Tastemade. All rights reserved. You're receiving this because you opted into our email list. Our mailing address is: Tastemade 3019 Olympic Blvd Stage C Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA [Update Email Preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( from this list.