I am touring Guatamala for 10 days-following the usual tourist path Tikal, Copan , Antigua, Lake Atitlan, ect. If I wanted to extend the trip by 5-7 days by seeing another area what would you recommend. The tour ends in Antigua or Guatamala City( my choice) and I would want it to be within a 3-4 hours transfer from either of these places. I am flying out of Guatamala City to return to the US.

Rio Dulce, Lago Izabal and Livingston
www.mayan-traveler.com/riodulce.htm -

What are your interests? If you want some beach time, you could finish in Tikal and head to Belize or finish in Copán and head to the Bay Islands. My photo collections are here:

http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

I'll be adding a 2008 collection of Honduras photos with a travelogue in the next week or 2. Happy trails!

Hopefulist-Your photos are just beautiful. I see you have really been around Guatamala. I have not read your travelogue on Thorntree yet, but I am about to. As far as what to do with my extra days in Guatamala, I would be more interested in seeing great scenery and architecture, rather than spending time on a beach. I would also enjoy walking or hiking, but am somewhat concerned about safety warnings concerning hiking without a group. Did you hike Volcan Pacaya on your own or did you go with a group. Did you feel there were any safety concerns when you were in Guatamala and Honduras. I am looking forward to seeing your 2008 Honduras photos.

Thanks, Shelley. The only times I remember feeling threatened during my recent visits to Guatemala and Honduras were on dangerous cliff-defying chicken bus runs in the highlands which I don't recommend and will no longer partake in myself. In the 80's Guatemala was a scarier place but not now, at least to me.

We hiked Pacaya with a guide and enjoyed hikes in the highlands around Nebaj with a local guide, too. Hiking with a guide enriches the experiences for me, allowing me to rub elbows with locals in addition to learning more about the culture and history of the area and spotting more wildlife.

The places you name would fill 15-17 days easily. I've spent a total of nearly 5 weeks in Copán over the last few years and haven't tired of it. For me, 3 days in Antigua is sufficient, 2 for Tikal, at least 3 or 4 for Copán, which leaves 6 for the lake and the Chichi market. You could spend a few nights somewhere great and cheap like Mario's in Panajachel (a really great place to shop) and a few nights lakeside at some quiet place with good food and a nice view. Another option is to pick a spot (like San Pedro La Laguna, Atitlán) and attend a Spanish school haf days, exploring the other half. Copán is a great place to study, too, but Guatemala is cheaper.

Keep us posted!