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Hello! I'll be in Guatemala for the first time at the end of the month, and am wondering about logistics for getting to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City. Do any of you have recommendations? Also, if I only have two days, is that worth a trip over?
And finally, I know there are some safety concerns in Guatemala. Would this excursion be safe for a non-Spanish speaking young female to make on her own?
Thanks for the insight!
Molly
Traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
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I'm not clear if you have 1 or 2 nights that you would be in Lake Atitlan. We went from Antigua and spent 4 nights there - absolutely loved it. But if you only have 1 night, you'd spend a few hours getting there and have to turn around and go back the next day. How long will you be in Guatemala City?
I would be there for two nites, getting there sometime mid-to-late day Saturday, and leaving probably Monday morning. It would probably be something close to 48 hours total.
I'm not sure of my exact Guatemala plan yet, but I know there will be time spent in Guatemala City, Antigua, Peten, and Verapaces (over 8 days).
In my opinion 3 stops is a lot for 8 days and you're naming 5. I'd stay in Antigua, day trip to the lake, and visit Tikal - in my book that's a lot of running around for 8 days.
Here are 2 travel agencies in Guatemala that I've had great luck with and the link to my photos and travelogues; you can contact them to get an estimate for a shuttle cost. Most of us head straight to Antigua and shuttle from there. Happy trails!
www.rainbowtravelcenter.com
www.adrenalinatours.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
www.aroundantigua.com head there from the airport
www.quintadelasflores.com
www.blackcathostels.com
no time for Atitlan in 2 days
Relax,enjoy do not cram...
sorry you post reads like you have 2 days if 8
use Antigua as your base up to www.jaguartikal.com
for a couple of days and www.lacasadelmundo.com
Atitlan for a couple of days...
Adrenalina tourist shuttles best usually
www.travel.state.gov Guat safety issues
www.insuremytrip.com safe if careful...
Yes, I agree. It's a busy itinerary, but it's a set tour and I have no say for the first 8 days. But then I'm wondering, since I'm already down there, if it would be worth it to use 48 additional hours to head to Atitlan on my own. I've heard it's beautiful and I really want to see it, but wondering if I have the time, and if it's safe for a non-Spanish speaking female to travel there alone.
Time for a peak, yes. Shuttle up, stay 2 nights, fill the full day with a tour of lakeside villages and some shopping and head back. In my opinion the shopping is better in Panajachel than anywhere else I've been in Guatemala.
You'd be safe in town, it's not called "gringotenango" for nothing. Go with another tour group rather than a chicken bus and you'll be fine.
I am going to Guat on Aug 17 for the 2nd time this year. I will go directly to the Lake via a shuttle. The lake is definitely worth the trip. San Pedro is a good town to stay in, and I recommend Hotel Mansion del Lago right up from the dock which goes all around the lake. When do you travel to Guat?
Dee