30 Days in Guatemala
Dec 9th, 2010, 09:54 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
30 Days in Guatemala
Hi all, I have just booked my ticket for a 30 day stay in Guatemala (end of February thru end of March) and am looking for some advise. On the recommendation of this forum I am studying Spanish at Cooperativa School in San Pedro La Laguna and at Academia Antigüeña. Here is the basic outline:
I arrive in Guatemala City at noon on Friday and plan to catch a shuttle immediately for Antigua. Since I don't start school until Monday, where do you recommend I stay and what do you recommend that I do during this free time?
I will complete my schooling there on Friday and will not need to report to San Pedro La Laguna until Monday morning. What should my plan be for these days?
I will be at the Cooperativa School for 3 weeks, and will do the activities that the school offers on the weekends, or will try to do something with fellow students (I hope there will be fellow students
). Again, I will finish school on a Friday, and will not need to be back in Guatemala City until Monday for a noon flight, so am looking for options.
I really like to visit local markets so a trip to Chichicastenango is a must, but where should I pencil it in and how should I get there? Any other suggestions of what to do, where to go? I have the Moon Handbook and can reference any and all recommendations.
Housekeeping items: I am a 50 year old woman, traveling alone (which I have never done before). I am fit, healthy and brave. Also, I am a runner and would be interested in any opinions of where to run and whether or not this would be a good idea as I am alone. Any other ideas of how to get some exercise would be appreciated.
Gracias,
Lynnie
I arrive in Guatemala City at noon on Friday and plan to catch a shuttle immediately for Antigua. Since I don't start school until Monday, where do you recommend I stay and what do you recommend that I do during this free time?
I will complete my schooling there on Friday and will not need to report to San Pedro La Laguna until Monday morning. What should my plan be for these days?
I will be at the Cooperativa School for 3 weeks, and will do the activities that the school offers on the weekends, or will try to do something with fellow students (I hope there will be fellow students
). Again, I will finish school on a Friday, and will not need to be back in Guatemala City until Monday for a noon flight, so am looking for options. I really like to visit local markets so a trip to Chichicastenango is a must, but where should I pencil it in and how should I get there? Any other suggestions of what to do, where to go? I have the Moon Handbook and can reference any and all recommendations.
Housekeeping items: I am a 50 year old woman, traveling alone (which I have never done before). I am fit, healthy and brave. Also, I am a runner and would be interested in any opinions of where to run and whether or not this would be a good idea as I am alone. Any other ideas of how to get some exercise would be appreciated.
Gracias,
Lynnie
Dec 9th, 2010, 10:57 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am so excited for you!! Sounds like you've read a few of my posts ;-) and maybe checked out my photos, blogs, and travelogues; if not, here they are:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
The blog linked on the main page of the Guatemala 2009 collection will be the most helpful in terms of Antigua activities; you can scroll down on the right for a list of posts, earliest ones at the bottom.
It's easy to catch $10 shuttles to Antigua at the airport but you can also book in advance. The school can set that up for you (sometimes they knock off the registration fee if you do that) or you can go through an agency or your hotel; I've paid $35 in recent years for that service - I usually arrive after dark so prefer a driver with my name on a sign, though for day time arrivals that's no problem. Below are links to 2 agencies I've had good luck with and the hotel where I always stay in Antigua when I'm not with a host family.
www.adrenalinatours.com
www.rainbowtravelcenter.com
www.casa-cristina.com
You can read my review of the latter on www.tripadvisor.com as well.
Check out the same blog for what I did with the group I had in tow in 2009 between studying in Antigua and San Pedro - an overnight trip to Chichicastenango. I don't visit Chichi as a day trip anymore (I'm overwhelmed and embarrassed by the hoards of tourists with huge cameras) but love the evening and early morning set up times, especially the church steps starting before 7am - flower sellers sharing atole for breakfast amid swirls of incense. If you go, don't miss the beautiful produce market in the commercial building, the very best part imo.
For what it's worth, I'd arrive in San Pedro on Sunday, not Monday. It would give you a bit of time to settle in with your family and get oriented before classes start Monday. The staff will be handy Sunday afternoon and will have members of your host family come to the school to walk you home.
The Chichi trip would work on a week-end during or after your weeks at the Coop, too. You could consider a trip to Tikal but it would have to be a quick one. If you have class in the morning you could head to Antigua in the afternoon, fly to Flores/Tikal Saturday morning, and fly home Sunday either at the beginning or the end (probably better) of your trip. I'd be happy to help with the planning or you could check with the agencies I recommended above. My favorite hotel in the park is the Tikal Inn; archaeologist/naturalist Roxy Ortiz guides from there when she's not away on a dig and her early morning tours are amazing - highly recommended.
www.tikalinn.com
There are interesting markets at many of the lake towns, various days of the week; I know Sololá is Tuesday/Friday and Santiago (worth a visit for the gorgeous huipiles and the chance to see Maximon) is Thursday (I think)/Sunday. Santa Clara, a small town not far from San Pedro, has a market I'm going to check out this summer on Saturday - not sure if another day, too. In general you'll find the best shopping in Panajachel, though for wooden masks, Chichi rises above imo.
I've got you beat by a few years. I love to travel in all sorts of combinations - by myself (best for Spanish immersion!), with my wonderful husband, with friends, extended family, our kids, and usually with a group in tow every summer. This summer my husband and I are splitting a month between San Pedro and Roatán - no group trip for the 1st time in years. We've just completed a 1st very successful year of a small nonprofit we started with the help of Coop teachers. I visited all the families and put on a dinner last July and can't wait to head back to renew those friendships and meet the new crop of students we've just added to the fold. www.becaproject.org
I would ask at the schools about the safety of running and where they'd suggest. Please tell the folks at both schools Stacey says hi and misses them - you've made some terrific choices. Let me know if there's more I can do to help!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
The blog linked on the main page of the Guatemala 2009 collection will be the most helpful in terms of Antigua activities; you can scroll down on the right for a list of posts, earliest ones at the bottom.
It's easy to catch $10 shuttles to Antigua at the airport but you can also book in advance. The school can set that up for you (sometimes they knock off the registration fee if you do that) or you can go through an agency or your hotel; I've paid $35 in recent years for that service - I usually arrive after dark so prefer a driver with my name on a sign, though for day time arrivals that's no problem. Below are links to 2 agencies I've had good luck with and the hotel where I always stay in Antigua when I'm not with a host family.
www.adrenalinatours.com
www.rainbowtravelcenter.com
www.casa-cristina.com
You can read my review of the latter on www.tripadvisor.com as well.
Check out the same blog for what I did with the group I had in tow in 2009 between studying in Antigua and San Pedro - an overnight trip to Chichicastenango. I don't visit Chichi as a day trip anymore (I'm overwhelmed and embarrassed by the hoards of tourists with huge cameras) but love the evening and early morning set up times, especially the church steps starting before 7am - flower sellers sharing atole for breakfast amid swirls of incense. If you go, don't miss the beautiful produce market in the commercial building, the very best part imo.
For what it's worth, I'd arrive in San Pedro on Sunday, not Monday. It would give you a bit of time to settle in with your family and get oriented before classes start Monday. The staff will be handy Sunday afternoon and will have members of your host family come to the school to walk you home.
The Chichi trip would work on a week-end during or after your weeks at the Coop, too. You could consider a trip to Tikal but it would have to be a quick one. If you have class in the morning you could head to Antigua in the afternoon, fly to Flores/Tikal Saturday morning, and fly home Sunday either at the beginning or the end (probably better) of your trip. I'd be happy to help with the planning or you could check with the agencies I recommended above. My favorite hotel in the park is the Tikal Inn; archaeologist/naturalist Roxy Ortiz guides from there when she's not away on a dig and her early morning tours are amazing - highly recommended.
www.tikalinn.com
There are interesting markets at many of the lake towns, various days of the week; I know Sololá is Tuesday/Friday and Santiago (worth a visit for the gorgeous huipiles and the chance to see Maximon) is Thursday (I think)/Sunday. Santa Clara, a small town not far from San Pedro, has a market I'm going to check out this summer on Saturday - not sure if another day, too. In general you'll find the best shopping in Panajachel, though for wooden masks, Chichi rises above imo.
I've got you beat by a few years. I love to travel in all sorts of combinations - by myself (best for Spanish immersion!), with my wonderful husband, with friends, extended family, our kids, and usually with a group in tow every summer. This summer my husband and I are splitting a month between San Pedro and Roatán - no group trip for the 1st time in years. We've just completed a 1st very successful year of a small nonprofit we started with the help of Coop teachers. I visited all the families and put on a dinner last July and can't wait to head back to renew those friendships and meet the new crop of students we've just added to the fold. www.becaproject.org
I would ask at the schools about the safety of running and where they'd suggest. Please tell the folks at both schools Stacey says hi and misses them - you've made some terrific choices. Let me know if there's more I can do to help!!
Dec 9th, 2010, 08:27 PM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe. The way the flights work (unless they've changed recently) you'd arrive at Tikal after dark and then need to leave by mid afternoon Sunday to head back to the airport in Flores - not much time at the ruins but certainly better than a day trip. If you can score a really great guide for a long morning tour that would make it work. It would be a dynamic way to start your trip!! Keep us posted!
Dec 11th, 2010, 04:02 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We went to Tikal on a one day trip from Belize,and even though that only provided us a few hours at the ruins, it was worth it. So I think flying there on Friday afternoon and coming home Sunday is worthwhile. That will give you a whole day to explore. Do get a guide to show you around, as they are great at spotting wildlife and telling you stories about the Mayans and the ruins.
Otherwise make sure you check out Lake Atitlan, you could do it on the same day as going to the Market in Solola if that works for you. I think it's better as an overnight weekend trip, then you can spend time taking a boat across the lake to some of the other villages that sell neat artwork, weaving, pottery and other crafts.
If you like coffee, doing the coffee plantation tour in Antigua was really informative and fun. Guatemalan coffee is still me and my husband's favorite. We also visited the macadamia nut farm there and had the absolute best pancakes of my life!
Lastly, another long day trip would be to visit volcan pacaya. Since the eruption last year they have taken visitors a different route. We hiked it at night with flashlights and got within 15 feet from a river of lava. A bit difficult in the dark, but very unique. I would only do this with a group of people and a guide though, it's not safe by yourself. Our guide had several locals accompany us as security.
Otherwise make sure you check out Lake Atitlan, you could do it on the same day as going to the Market in Solola if that works for you. I think it's better as an overnight weekend trip, then you can spend time taking a boat across the lake to some of the other villages that sell neat artwork, weaving, pottery and other crafts.
If you like coffee, doing the coffee plantation tour in Antigua was really informative and fun. Guatemalan coffee is still me and my husband's favorite. We also visited the macadamia nut farm there and had the absolute best pancakes of my life!
Lastly, another long day trip would be to visit volcan pacaya. Since the eruption last year they have taken visitors a different route. We hiked it at night with flashlights and got within 15 feet from a river of lava. A bit difficult in the dark, but very unique. I would only do this with a group of people and a guide though, it's not safe by yourself. Our guide had several locals accompany us as security.
Dec 11th, 2010, 05:39 PM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,097
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LynnieD~I am jealous. I would love to go back and spend three weeks at the Cooperativa School.
I think you will find other students in Guatemala to do things with. I was in the group with hopefulist in 2009 so I was with people, but I did meet other students who were at the schools both in Antigua and San Pedro La Laguna who I socialized and did things with.
I think you will find other students in Guatemala to do things with. I was in the group with hopefulist in 2009 so I was with people, but I did meet other students who were at the schools both in Antigua and San Pedro La Laguna who I socialized and did things with.
Dec 12th, 2010, 06:24 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So the only airlines that fly to Flores are TACA and TAG?
The Taca flight leaves GUA at 6:20 pm and arrives in Flores at 7:25 pm (would I have to spend a night in Flores, or could I get to the Tikal Inn at this time?)
This means I would have travelled all day to Guatamala and than have to hang around the airport from 12:45 to 6:20? Also, the flight back to Gua on Sunday arrives at 9 pm from Flores. I would then utilize the Antigua School's shuttle service for a late arrival in Antigua?
THis sounds exhausting to me. Is it? My only other option would be at the end of the trip, leave San Pedro Friday afternoon for Guatamala City and leave on the 6:30 am flight to Flores, returning Sunday pm, or even Monday morning. There is a flight from Flores to GUa that arrives in GUA at 9:05 and my flight departs for the U.S.A. at noon. Is this too risky? Do the flights leave on time?
There is also an option thru Rainbow Travel which departs early Satuday am, and includes a tour of both Uaxactún and Tikal. Returns to Gua on Sunday night. I could stay in Guatamala City that night, or go back to Antigua for 1 night.
Thoughts?
The Taca flight leaves GUA at 6:20 pm and arrives in Flores at 7:25 pm (would I have to spend a night in Flores, or could I get to the Tikal Inn at this time?)
This means I would have travelled all day to Guatamala and than have to hang around the airport from 12:45 to 6:20? Also, the flight back to Gua on Sunday arrives at 9 pm from Flores. I would then utilize the Antigua School's shuttle service for a late arrival in Antigua?
THis sounds exhausting to me. Is it? My only other option would be at the end of the trip, leave San Pedro Friday afternoon for Guatamala City and leave on the 6:30 am flight to Flores, returning Sunday pm, or even Monday morning. There is a flight from Flores to GUa that arrives in GUA at 9:05 and my flight departs for the U.S.A. at noon. Is this too risky? Do the flights leave on time?
There is also an option thru Rainbow Travel which departs early Satuday am, and includes a tour of both Uaxactún and Tikal. Returns to Gua on Sunday night. I could stay in Guatamala City that night, or go back to Antigua for 1 night.
Thoughts?
Dec 12th, 2010, 08:18 AM
#10
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, those are the only 2 airlines I've heard of doing the GUA>FRS flights. And yes, that sounds exhausting. There are some nice museums near the airport (I haven't been since the 80s) if you decide to go that route. I'd email the travel agencies and the Tikal Inn (if you're planning to stay there) and ask what they think of an evening shuttle on that route. I'd arrange that in advance as opposed to hiring a taxi once there.
Twice we've done the am flight from Flores to international flight home scenario. There is some risk involved so I'm careful to confirm and reconfirm and arrive early at the airport (2+ hours even for a domestic flight). We haven't had any problems so that's what I'd suggest but you'll (obviously) have to make the final decision based on your own risk tolerance and any personal consequences of a missed international flight. If you did that you could head Friday from San Pedro to GUA and fly to Flores Saturday morning; there are 2 morning flights and the later one would work for you - nice to not have to be at the airport at 4am. Shuttle or taxi from Flores to Tikal. You can either go in to the ruins when you arrive or wait till after 3:30 in which case your ticket (approx. $20) will be good for the next day also (request this). If you wait, you can explore the visitor center and museum and take a swim and a nap. Arrange an early morning tour with Roxy Ortiz if you can; here's her email address: To: [email protected]
In the afternoon you could shuttle/taxi back to Flores and spend the night there in anticipation of your flight out in the morning. I've enjoyed Casa de las Isla in Flores (~$45/night? www.corpetur.com ) and Mesa de los Mayas is a good value budget place.
Keep us posted!
Twice we've done the am flight from Flores to international flight home scenario. There is some risk involved so I'm careful to confirm and reconfirm and arrive early at the airport (2+ hours even for a domestic flight). We haven't had any problems so that's what I'd suggest but you'll (obviously) have to make the final decision based on your own risk tolerance and any personal consequences of a missed international flight. If you did that you could head Friday from San Pedro to GUA and fly to Flores Saturday morning; there are 2 morning flights and the later one would work for you - nice to not have to be at the airport at 4am. Shuttle or taxi from Flores to Tikal. You can either go in to the ruins when you arrive or wait till after 3:30 in which case your ticket (approx. $20) will be good for the next day also (request this). If you wait, you can explore the visitor center and museum and take a swim and a nap. Arrange an early morning tour with Roxy Ortiz if you can; here's her email address: To: [email protected]
In the afternoon you could shuttle/taxi back to Flores and spend the night there in anticipation of your flight out in the morning. I've enjoyed Casa de las Isla in Flores (~$45/night? www.corpetur.com ) and Mesa de los Mayas is a good value budget place.
Keep us posted!
Dec 12th, 2010, 10:58 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is there a safe area around GUA that I could kill a few hours at? I think scenario 1 is my best plan. My flight is only 7.5 hours, and the time will pass anyway. The end of the trip sounds to stressfully risky for my tolerance.
So, with that in mind, is it better to book the flight on line thru TACA or go thru one of the travel agents. I think i will stay in Flores at Casa de la Isla upon arrival, then shuttle in the am to the Tikal Inn. I should make the arrangements with Roxy beforehand, correct?
So, with that in mind, is it better to book the flight on line thru TACA or go thru one of the travel agents. I think i will stay in Flores at Casa de la Isla upon arrival, then shuttle in the am to the Tikal Inn. I should make the arrangements with Roxy beforehand, correct?
Dec 12th, 2010, 01:11 PM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't have much current knowledge of Guatemala City but I know there are museums an easy, safe distance away. Do you have a guidebook? Also, you could check with Rainbow or Adrenalina about a brief city tour and/or get recommendations from them about what to see in the time you have.
I was wondering what place Casa de la Isla was and now realize I mistyped in my post - it's CASONA de la Isla at the corpetur site - nice, relaxing choice. I don't know if it matters whether you book yourself or through an agent; I guess I'd book with an agent if there isn't a fee. Definitely contact Roxy ahead. I'm excited for you!
I was wondering what place Casa de la Isla was and now realize I mistyped in my post - it's CASONA de la Isla at the corpetur site - nice, relaxing choice. I don't know if it matters whether you book yourself or through an agent; I guess I'd book with an agent if there isn't a fee. Definitely contact Roxy ahead. I'm excited for you!
Dec 20th, 2010, 06:17 AM
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We spent several hours at a very interesting museum in GC, the name of which I can't remember, but it was highlighted in many guidebooks. I would recommend not using public transportation in GC. I highly recommend using a taxi or taking a tour.
Dec 20th, 2010, 06:03 PM
#16
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One of the guidebooks (maybe LP) to GC recommends a taxi company to use. It is equivalent to Yellow Taxi in U.S. but I don't remember the Spanish equivalent. They need to be called. Enjoy your trip!
Dec 21st, 2010, 09:18 AM
#17
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi LynnieD! I am planning on going to the same Spanish school as you are in San Pedro La Laguna. I will be going for 2 months, April-June and would like to get some feedback from you either while you're down there or when you get back. I am able to change my plans if necessary and would appreciate any info you might have. My email is: [email protected]
Thanks, and have a great trip!
Thanks, and have a great trip!
Dec 21st, 2010, 02:46 PM
#18
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Cooperativa school is a great choice, guatnut - I think you'll be very happy there. I'll be back there in July so will just miss you (my 4th visit). Links to my photo/blog/travelogue site and to the nonprofit project the Coop folks helped me establish are in my 1st post above. Please give my warmest regards to the Coop staff and let me know if I can help in any way.
Dec 21st, 2010, 03:22 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guatnut, I'll report back to you from Guatemala, Internet permitting. I'm getting so excited!
In just booked my air ticket to Flores for the first weekend I arrive. It was actually cheaper on Expedia (211.00) than either booking direct thru TACA or using the travel agency (245.00) I've decided to stay Friday night in Flores and catch the Tikal Inn shuttle at 8 am on Saturday. Tomorrow I'll send Roxy an email. Is she not the usual Tikal inn guide? They have sent me their info on tours also.
In just booked my air ticket to Flores for the first weekend I arrive. It was actually cheaper on Expedia (211.00) than either booking direct thru TACA or using the travel agency (245.00) I've decided to stay Friday night in Flores and catch the Tikal Inn shuttle at 8 am on Saturday. Tomorrow I'll send Roxy an email. Is she not the usual Tikal inn guide? They have sent me their info on tours also.
Dec 21st, 2010, 05:58 PM
#20
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Roxy's brothers manage the tikal Inn and she guides out of there when she's not away on a dig. I'm sure they work with other guides, too, so you couldn't assume you'd get Roxy if you didn't set it up in advance. Tell her hi from Stacey in Oregon!!
