October’s arrival should give us more confidence to venture out without umbrellas as the rainy season yields to more sunshine and more reasons to enjoy Guatemala’s treasures. Looking for getaways? With a mirror-like cenote surrounded by a rainforest, Laguna Lachuá in Alta Verapaz is a stunning destination (p16). Meanwhile, San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta in San Marcos offers a quetzal refuge, waterfalls and more (p86). It will be especially thriving this month with its annual feria.Everyone has a unique story of what makes La Antigua Guatemala special. Did you know that American author and playwright Gore Vidal bought a place in Antigua 65 years ago? Joy Houston explains on page 64.