kathleen

We’ll be staying in Guatemala City for 5 nights in early April and plan on spending at least one full day in Antigua. Is there a direct shuttle or other public transportation between these two cities?

Besides the day trip to Antigua, we’ve booked a one day trip to Tikal. (I know, it would be better to spend the night there, but can’t be done this trip. Still, I don’t want to miss Tikal, so a day trip there is better than none at all)

For the other 3 days we’ll be staying in Guatemala City, seeing the sites, visiting museums and historic buildings, etc. Does anyone have any favorite restaurants to recommend in the historical center or in and around the zone 10 district?

hopefulist

I'm assuming you already have the lodging booked but, in case you don't, consider staying in Antigua and day tripping to Guatemala City if you want instead of the reverse. Honestly, most of us spend as little time in Guatemala City as possible. Since this sounds like a day-trip visit for you, consider a loop that includes Lake Atitlan; in a full day you could take a boat to several of the more traditional villages around the lake. The shopping in Panajachel (on the lake) is terrific. Also, the beautiful market at Chichicastenango is sometimes combined in a day trip to the lake (probably no time for boats, then, though). The market days are Thursday and Sunday. Lots of photos linked below if you're interested. Happy trails!
http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

kathleen

Hopefulist, Yes we already have the lodging. We'll be at a conference, so we really need to stay in Guatemala City. We are arriving two days early, so those are the two extra days that we have--one for Tikal and one for Antiqua. I'm just happy that we have those two extra days.

I've found two shuttle/ transportation companies on the web. Do you have any knowedge of either of them? Turansa costs $10 each way (Gua-Antigua) and Transportguatemala costs $15. each way.

Anyone have any recommendations for restaurants?

Thanks for your help.

hopefulist

This one will give you a taste of Guatemala so you can start planning a longer trip.

I can't help with restaurants in GC as I haven't stayed there since the 80's. I'm really fond of the Rainbow Travel Agency but the others you name are big players in Guatemala tourism and should be fine. Study up ahead so you can make great use of your day in Antigua - there are free trips to neighboring artisan villages and escorted hikes to the view point above town if you're interested. The Inguat office in Antigua (bilingual) is extremely helpful and will give you good advice and nice maps. Happy trails!

kathleen

Yes I realize that we're just skimming the highlights, and a longer, more thorough trip would be better. Next time!

I looked through your photos. They're great. Antiqua looks charming and from what I've read and been told, it is the city to spend time in. We'll be there during Easter week (partly), so it should be even more spectacular.

I'll keep searching for additional shuttle companies, but am glad to know that those two are reputable.

Where do you recommend eating in Antigua? Something mid-day to late afternoon?
Thanks again.

hopefulist

You can't miss with La Fonda de la Calle Real. There are several but the one I love is the one just past the arch on the right as you head away from the parque central. The 5th and 6th photos in my Antigua set show it, including the delicious pepián, a traditional local soup.

http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholem...7602142086689/

I also love the mango sorbet the tiny ice cream shops sell - a favorite lunch of mine.

ttraveler

I just got back from Guatemala on Saturday. Antigua is a beautiful city and the food is wonderful. We joked that we should go back and do an eating tour. I also loved the place that Hopeful recommends. They have a beautiful courtyard and great food. We ate there a couple of times. My favorite was the traditional turkey soup. I am still thinking about it.

hopefulist

Ttraveler - can't wait to hear all about it! One mark of a good trip is when the smells and tastes linger for months, not just the visual images that photos can bring back.

ttraveler

Hopeful.. You are so right. Guatemala was truly one of my favorite places that I have visited. I am already trying to plan another trip back. Antigua was just perfect in so many ways. I am planning on writing a little report. Thanks again for your help and tips for our trip.

kathleen

Well, I'm getting hungry just reading about all the good food I get to enjoy while there! Can't wait. We will definitely try the places recommended.

ttraveler, I look forward to reading your trip report when you post it.

hopefulist, Is the Inguat office in Antiqua hard to locate?

hopefulist

When I was there in 2007 it had recently moved so simply asking in the parque central didn't work. It's just a block or so off the parque so I don't think you'll have any trouble finding it. The tourist police you'll see walking around would be sure to know. Well worth a stop - they're a gold mine of information. Happy trails!

kathleen

Thanks. It does seem easy to find. But may not even need it, if I go first to the tourist office in Guatemala City, and if they also have lots of information for both cities.

I'll post a trip report when we return, with restaurants where we ate in Guatemala City. (In case others who may day trip to GUA from Antiqua would like a firsthand report on some places there).

Anyone have restaurant info for Guatemala City?

hopefulist

In my opinion the Antigua Inguat office is still worth a stop. I'll look forward to your trip report - happy trails!