Visit to Xela, Antigua, Atitlan

Old Dec 30th, 2015, 06:40 PM
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Visit to Xela, Antigua, Atitlan

Will be visiting my daughter in Xela in March. I recruited a college friend to go on a Thelma and Louise trip with me. We want to arrive in GUA, go to Antigua (maybe 2 days), then Xela and surroundings for 3 days, hopefully get to Atitlan, then back to GUA.

Does anyone have any best practices for this trip? Suggestions for tour companies for the side trips, shuttle companies for the transport?

Any info will help. I am adventurous, but cautious, nonetheless.

Thanks.
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Old Dec 30th, 2015, 10:09 PM
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I'm a little creeped out about the Thelma and Louise reference - hopefully your trip will end differently than the movie!

I like to research and book my own lodging but arrange for transportation. Here are 2 transportation providers I’ve been pleased with in Guatemala for share shuttles, private transfers, and flight arrangements:
Adrenalina Tours: http://www.adrenalinatours.com
Rainbow Travel: http://www.rainbowtravelcenter.com

Our favorite private driver, Alfredo Garcia, is bilingual, personable, prompt, and safe, and has nice vehicles: [email protected]

My photos with blog, travelogue, and review links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there.
Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
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Old Dec 31st, 2015, 02:37 AM
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Thanks so much for your response, the Thelma and Louise is just a metaphor for 2 adult women travelling, not necessarily the content. I was exploring your posts last night, you certainly have an extensive knowledge about the area. Will definitely use your info.
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Old Jan 29th, 2016, 03:02 PM
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I have another question, if you don't mind. Since Xela is a relatively short trip to Pana, would that be a good place to visit to see Lago Atitlan? Do you recommend an organized tour? Or just take a shuttle to the town, and a shuttle back?
Thank you.
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Old Jan 29th, 2016, 09:42 PM
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The way to experience Lake Atitlán imo is by boat. Panajachel is a good starting point; you can either arrange a tour or just head to the public boat and visit places on your own. If you only have an hour or so in a village, try to get away from the dock area and the main road leading up away from the dock - those areas cater to tourists and you'll miss most of the traditional, cultural bits and market areas unless you explore a bit.

Our place is in San Pedro which we love and it's a great base for hiking, kayaking, and visiting other villages. If you just choose 2, San Juan and Santiago are really different from each other - you can read about what they offer in a guidebook. Panajachel has great shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Happy trails!
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Old Feb 7th, 2016, 04:11 AM
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My husband and I are currently in Guatemala spending the winter on Lake Atitlan. I would not recommend Pana. For me, it's madness.

We are staying in San Marcos, which I love. It's very small and pretty quiet (maybe too quiet for you? I don't know).

San Pedro is just minutes away by boat. It's quite a bit larger, has an interesting market, etc. and could be an option.

It's easy for a shuttle to drop you at the dock and get you on the right boat in Pana.

Unless your flight is very early, I would spend the last night on the lake, or maybe Antigua if you want to feel more comfortable you won't have a transportation issue.
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Old Feb 7th, 2016, 03:06 PM
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"Unless your flight is very early, I would spend the last night on the lake, or maybe Antigua if you want to feel more comfortable you won't have a transportation issue."

Or maybe Guatemala City if you have a very early flight - there are some great, safe hotel options 2-3 minutes from the airport.
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Old Feb 8th, 2016, 03:15 PM
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Sorry. I assumed that was implied. Of course if your flight is very early (I never take very early flights!), you can stay in Guatemala City.

The only real point I was trying to make, transportation is relatively inexpensive and easy to arrange. I wouldn't fear getting to the airport (or to most places for that matter).
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Old Jan 3rd, 2017, 06:17 PM
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Have any of you spent much time in Xela? How would it be in the summer. Looking for a city that is not sweltering for some Spanish immersion. Thanks!
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Old Jan 3rd, 2017, 09:29 PM
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Xela is about 7600' in elevation - evenings and mornings can be nippy, even in summer. Frankly, I'm not overfond of Xela, although it has its fans. I'm not much of a city person and it's not an especially atmospheric city imho.

Antigua and the towns around Lake Atitlán are about 5000' in elevation - daytime temps are in the 70s year round - pretty much perfect for me. I spend most of my Guatemala time on Lake Atitlán including 10+ years of visits for Spanish immersion.
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