Talk to me about Guatemala
Oct 24th, 2006, 12:24 PM
#1
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Talk to me about Guatemala
After on-again/off-again planning mainly due to job situation (or lack thereof) it looks like we'll really be going away for xmas.
Guatemala might fit the bill with cost, weather, ease to get to from Atlanta etc.
We'd be flying into Guatemala city but I'll gather that shouldn't be out final destination for 10 days. Any input appreciated (and I'll continue to comb through old posts).
Guatemala might fit the bill with cost, weather, ease to get to from Atlanta etc.
We'd be flying into Guatemala city but I'll gather that shouldn't be out final destination for 10 days. Any input appreciated (and I'll continue to comb through old posts).
Oct 24th, 2006, 01:36 PM
#2
Definitely pass on Guat city -- If u feel u must see it, a day is plenty there. Without knowing your interests, here are a few suggestions that many visit upon their ifirst visit to Guat. Antigua is a charming village about a 45 minute drive from Guat City. Many folks go directly from the airport to Antigua. Lake Aitilan and the small islands in it are nice for a few days. The market at Chichicastenango is fun. A day trip or overnight to the ruins at Tikal shouldn't be missed. Enjoy Guatemala -- its a wonderful country with friendly, delightful people.
Oct 24th, 2006, 01:42 PM
#3
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Speaking for myself, I couldn't get out of Guatemala city fast enough. The diesel fumes alone were horrible. We used a company called Turansa for our transportation. They were always on time and were good drivers. They also gave us the cheapest quote for the trips. English wasn't spoken by all of the drivers. Fortunately my husband speaks fluent spanish.
Antiqua is a lovely city with so many beautiful places to stay. At first glance we didn't realize it was as nice as it was. Once we started looking behind the walls we understood what everyone was talking about.
Casa Palopo on lake Atitlan is a place we will go back to. It was just beautiful. Panajachel is the nearest town of any size and it was a fun place. We felt safe walking around. We didn't stay there because of the "touristy" sound of it but once we were in the area it didn't seem so bad. It is touristy but fun.
Tikal, an amazing place. We stayed at La Lancha, Jungle Lodge (in Tikal), Hotel Villa Maya (near Tikal and the airport-not the one in Santa Elena).
We went through Atlanta and had a great flight that got us there mid day so we had plenty of time to get on the road.
Antiqua is a lovely city with so many beautiful places to stay. At first glance we didn't realize it was as nice as it was. Once we started looking behind the walls we understood what everyone was talking about.
Casa Palopo on lake Atitlan is a place we will go back to. It was just beautiful. Panajachel is the nearest town of any size and it was a fun place. We felt safe walking around. We didn't stay there because of the "touristy" sound of it but once we were in the area it didn't seem so bad. It is touristy but fun.
Tikal, an amazing place. We stayed at La Lancha, Jungle Lodge (in Tikal), Hotel Villa Maya (near Tikal and the airport-not the one in Santa Elena).
We went through Atlanta and had a great flight that got us there mid day so we had plenty of time to get on the road.
Oct 24th, 2006, 01:50 PM
#4
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Thanks for the speedy reply! The Guatemala threads don't seem overly active so I was afraid I'd not get much response.
I wouldn't mind passing on Guat City at all. I actually emailed La Lancha to see if they had any room. I won't expect it at this late date (I've only been reminding the BF that we should be planning this last summer and cancelling if needed but...).
Any other hotel rec greatly appreciated. I have a good feeling about Guatemala in general so thanks!
I wouldn't mind passing on Guat City at all. I actually emailed La Lancha to see if they had any room. I won't expect it at this late date (I've only been reminding the BF that we should be planning this last summer and cancelling if needed but...).
Any other hotel rec greatly appreciated. I have a good feeling about Guatemala in general so thanks!
Oct 24th, 2006, 02:28 PM
#5
In Antigua one visit we stayed a week at Casa de los Cantaros, a very small B&B a few blocks off the square. The owner Anna was a wealth of infomratoin and even took us around to a variety of shops and villages. It was very reasonable and a lovely place to stay. Antigua has many, many hotels & B&Bs to fit every price range. Other places we stayed were not as memorable.
Oct 24th, 2006, 04:00 PM
#6
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In Antigua we love to stay at the Casa Santo Domingo, a restored 16th century church and convent. Antigua is a great walking city and the market is awash with colors of fruits, vegetables, and fabrics.
If you go to Chichicastenago, aka Chichi, be sure to go for a market day. It is best to stay in Chichi the night before, the market gets extremely crowded and you will have your best time getting around earlier in the morning.
We also took the boat from Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan, across Lake Atitlan. The lake ride alone is worth the trip, the beautiful blue lake is surrounded with volcanic mountains, often puffing.
If you want to read a narrative about the Mayan culture, a good book is "Long Life, Honey in the Heart" by Martin Prechtel.
I would never stay in Guatemala City again, too much smog.
If you go to Chichicastenago, aka Chichi, be sure to go for a market day. It is best to stay in Chichi the night before, the market gets extremely crowded and you will have your best time getting around earlier in the morning.
We also took the boat from Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan, across Lake Atitlan. The lake ride alone is worth the trip, the beautiful blue lake is surrounded with volcanic mountains, often puffing.
If you want to read a narrative about the Mayan culture, a good book is "Long Life, Honey in the Heart" by Martin Prechtel.
I would never stay in Guatemala City again, too much smog.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:04 PM
#7
Just remembered another nice place-- in Chichi we stayed at a lovely colonial inn, Mayan Inn. And yes, it's defintiely worth staying the night in Chichi b4 market day to get an early tart at the market. It was also interesting to go out the evening b4 and watch them prepare for the market the next day.
Oct 25th, 2006, 07:32 AM
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I have been twice to Guatemala -- there's a lot to see.
On my first trip, we visited Antigua (and stayed in the top floor suite at Posada San Angel, which is where Clinton stayed during the Summit of the Americas -- likely the world's most affordable presidential suite), the market at Ch... (I won't even try to spell it), and then flew up to Flores and visited Tikal.
Then, last year, while I was in Copan, Honduras, I traveled by public bus to Quirigua (sp?), the third UNESCO World Heritage Site (in addition to the two I had previously visited, Antigua and Tikal).
The Lonely Planet to Guatemala is an excellent travel guide.
Michael
On my first trip, we visited Antigua (and stayed in the top floor suite at Posada San Angel, which is where Clinton stayed during the Summit of the Americas -- likely the world's most affordable presidential suite), the market at Ch... (I won't even try to spell it), and then flew up to Flores and visited Tikal.
Then, last year, while I was in Copan, Honduras, I traveled by public bus to Quirigua (sp?), the third UNESCO World Heritage Site (in addition to the two I had previously visited, Antigua and Tikal).
The Lonely Planet to Guatemala is an excellent travel guide.
Michael
Oct 25th, 2006, 09:41 AM
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I found Guatemala a little primitive. I got there from Tikal which is a great historic site in the jungle and stayed at nearby Flores which is a scenic little town by a lake.
It was only $60 by plane but I decided to go by bus. It should have only been about 4 hours but the roads were so awful it took 12 hours.
It was only $60 by plane but I decided to go by bus. It should have only been about 4 hours but the roads were so awful it took 12 hours.
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:15 PM
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We went to the market in Solola not far from Chichicastenango (not as hard to say as it looks if you go slow LOL). We wanted to go there because it is not THE tourist market and it sure wasn't. We were the ONLY people that weren't mayan. We were traveling with another couple. It was pretty fascinating at first. We could really see the different villages reflected in the clothing. We got some great deals on fabrics. Bargain away everywhere. The market is quite large. We did get uncomfortable after awhile because there were about 6-7 women who just hounded us no matter where we walked or what we said. As most of the people were only slightly taller than waist high we stood out. The market in Chichi is the day before I believe so you could see both.
Panajachel has tons of shops and you can bargain there as well but you won't get quite as low as some places. We rented a boat for the day and stopped at several of the different villages. They all have their own languages and most don't even speak spanish.
Santiago de Atitlan is a fun place. There are guides you can hire who will take you around by foot. A big help if seeing Maximon is on your list. The Wikipedia info on him is excellent. My friends got some great deals on things. They had bought so much that they had to buy a suitcase and was able to get a nice hand woven and leather bag for $50.
We stayed at Meson Panza Verde in Antigua and it was beautiful we were able to get there in time to enjoy Sunday Brunch and were not disappointed. We ate dinner one night at El Sereno. If you can afford to eat there the food was wonderful. Ask to eat on the upper garden terrace where you can see the city lights.
We enjoyed our trip so much we want to redo the whole thing with just a few small modifications.
Panajachel has tons of shops and you can bargain there as well but you won't get quite as low as some places. We rented a boat for the day and stopped at several of the different villages. They all have their own languages and most don't even speak spanish.
Santiago de Atitlan is a fun place. There are guides you can hire who will take you around by foot. A big help if seeing Maximon is on your list. The Wikipedia info on him is excellent. My friends got some great deals on things. They had bought so much that they had to buy a suitcase and was able to get a nice hand woven and leather bag for $50.
We stayed at Meson Panza Verde in Antigua and it was beautiful we were able to get there in time to enjoy Sunday Brunch and were not disappointed. We ate dinner one night at El Sereno. If you can afford to eat there the food was wonderful. Ask to eat on the upper garden terrace where you can see the city lights.
We enjoyed our trip so much we want to redo the whole thing with just a few small modifications.
Oct 25th, 2006, 02:23 PM
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You guys are great! La Lancha doesn't have rooms xmas week so we are still searching for places to stay for a stretch of relaxation. One of the places recommended by y'all won't let me search on dates so I need to send an email.
Oct 27th, 2006, 08:17 AM
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We really liked the Villa Maya. The service was very good, the food excellent. There are two pools, a lagoon and it is on many many acres of private property. Don't know this tour company but they had a pretty good description of the hotel. http://www.covacations.com/property....mp;dest=FLORES
Camino Real was right near La Lancha in El Remate and looked very nice. They have their own shuttles that go to Tikal.
Camino Real was right near La Lancha in El Remate and looked very nice. They have their own shuttles that go to Tikal.
Oct 28th, 2006, 10:59 AM
#14
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Yahoooo! Thanks to your input I got the BF excited about going to Guatemala for xmas. We still need to solidify an itinerary and accomodations but this was a giant step, i.e. getting a nonplanner to THINK about vacation.
And this also saves me from going to Ireland in the dead of winter and pushing it off until you can enjoy sightseeing in the country side. Whew!
Again, thanks and I might be back with more questions.
And this also saves me from going to Ireland in the dead of winter and pushing it off until you can enjoy sightseeing in the country side. Whew!
Again, thanks and I might be back with more questions.
Oct 28th, 2006, 01:56 PM
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Wow, Suzie2! Love the look of Meson Panza Verde. That would be a great way to start a trip.
I'm still looking at all the other options folks have offered.
Is the most logical way to start vacation to start with Antigua?
I'm still looking at all the other options folks have offered.
Is the most logical way to start vacation to start with Antigua?
Oct 29th, 2006, 09:10 AM
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It (Antigua) is not far from the airport. I think about an hour so makes a logical place to start rather than Guat City that looked horrible (sorry). We arrived around 12:30pm and had time to get to Panajachel where we stayed at Casa Palopo. We did it this way because we were leaving on a fairly early flight to get up to Tikal so figured the shorter trip to the airport would be the best idea.
We used a private shuttle for our ground transports. From airport to Panajachel, to Solola and Panajachel for the day, to Antigua, to airport again was around $250. Once in Tikal we rented a car. This was just last Feb. We used Turansa for the ground transportation.
Glad to hear your BF is getting excited! That's half the battle. I just hope you can find a place. Sounds like Christmas is pretty busy there.
SSSHHH-we thought the food at La Lancha was pretty uninspiring and even though we were there for several days and they knew we drank the local beer they ran out-we went down the road and bought our own because they wouldn't.
Good luck finding a place and I know you will have a fun trip.
We used a private shuttle for our ground transports. From airport to Panajachel, to Solola and Panajachel for the day, to Antigua, to airport again was around $250. Once in Tikal we rented a car. This was just last Feb. We used Turansa for the ground transportation.
Glad to hear your BF is getting excited! That's half the battle. I just hope you can find a place. Sounds like Christmas is pretty busy there.
SSSHHH-we thought the food at La Lancha was pretty uninspiring and even though we were there for several days and they knew we drank the local beer they ran out-we went down the road and bought our own because they wouldn't.
Good luck finding a place and I know you will have a fun trip.
Nov 5th, 2006, 05:03 PM
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Suzie2...I have reservations at the Casa Palopo, for three days during Thanksgiving week. What did you think of your stay at Palopo? How far is it from Panajackel? What is the travel time by boat to Solola, and Santiago? What would you recommend as excursions from Palopo, based on your experience? I noticed that there are helicopter pads at Casa Palopo...do you know if they go to Tikal? Any information you can offer would be welcomed. By the way I am traveling alone...
Thanks!
Thanks!
Nov 22nd, 2006, 01:01 PM
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OK, now talk to me about the weather!
It's looking like it's quite cool at night and moderate (barely touching warm in my book!).
We are doing Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal and a day in Chichicastenango.
Anyone around during turkey week?
It's looking like it's quite cool at night and moderate (barely touching warm in my book!).
We are doing Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal and a day in Chichicastenango.
Anyone around during turkey week?
Nov 23rd, 2006, 08:24 AM
#19
Guatemala is nicknamed Land of Eternal Spring -- an apt name, from my experience there. We've been there in the winter and in March and its always been prefect weather -- 70's in the days and cooler at night. Sometimes used a light sweater/jacket in the evening. Where did you end up booking rooms?
Nov 24th, 2006, 08:53 AM
#20
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It's looking like it's cooler than 70 in some parts right now. Packing will be interesting because I hate being cold but I refuse to take too much.
Still working out some final details on lodging. Nixed the place at Tikal since bed bugs and poor service were reported on another site. As soon as we have everything ironed out I'll let you know. Or maybe better yet, after we get back so I can report on each place.
Still working out some final details on lodging. Nixed the place at Tikal since bed bugs and poor service were reported on another site. As soon as we have everything ironed out I'll let you know. Or maybe better yet, after we get back so I can report on each place.
