A sunrise over Lake Atitlán, the fumes of the Fuego volcano rising into the sky, an artisan weaving in the highlands of the country of eternal spring: True Guatemala opens with these images, setting the tone of the documentary series produced by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat). Its aim is clear: to show a country far broader than the one found on postcards, without imposed narration or guidebook-style structure. Six episodes where landscapes, communities, and contrasts tell the story of Guatemala’s identity today.
A national portrait that transcends borders
Each episode takes on a different angle, blending natural wonders, Maya heritage, and everyday scenes. Together, they form a portrait that links past and present, built on local stories and rarely seen landscapes.
The series is now available on Prime Video in several regions — Canada, the United States, Europe — and short versions can be viewed on the official project website, designed to make distribution easier and offer a preview of the content.
An authentic approach
With a budget of around USD 700,000 and a team of about fifteen Guatemalan professionals, True Guatemala stands out for its local perspective. A crucial element: the team’s familiarity with the terrain and the communities filmed brings a level of authenticity rarely achieved in international productions.
A tool for international tourism promotion
According to Harris Whitbeck, director of Inguat, the series is part of a strategy to position Guatemala as an integrated destination, appealing to travelers seeking depth rather than simple panoramas. Broadcast on platforms with broad international reach, the docuseries could reach millions and strengthen the country’s visibility as a high-potential destination.
It also provides high-quality visual material, useful for inspiring campaigns or supporting the marketing of specialized tours. From Petén and Tikal to Antigua, from the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes to the Pacific coast, the series offers a narrative aligned with today’s traveler expectations: authentic cultural experiences without embellishment.
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True Guatemala marks a turning point in how the country chooses to tell its story: in its own voice, without intermediaries, with a sensitivity that goes beyond standard tourism messaging. This perspective, built from within, invites audiences to discover a nation that presents itself not only as a destination, but as a narrative.
Photos: True Guatemala
