Daniel_Williams

Hello

I've been toying in my mind with the idea of going to Guatemala. What's unorthodox about what I'm thinking is to spend 3 days in Guate and 2-3 days in Antigua Guatemala. Let me begin by saying that I tend to enjoy cities, soaking in their pulse, visiting museums, admiring architecture (from different periods) and learning about the history that formed the city to where it is today.

From what I can tell, Guatemala City seems to get a majority of people who recommend getting out of the city as quickly as possible, citing filth, pollution, crime. In the background of all these people though, there seems to be a minority who see the city's merits. I wonder if I might be part of the minority, because despite similar cited problems, I loved Mexico DF, for its architecture, warmth, at times grace/elegance and great food. (The only other Latin American city I've been to is Monterrey which I loved as well.) I realize comparing cities in Mexico vs. Guatemala may be like apples and oranges.

Anyhow, if I were to go for three days, I'd envision day one in the Zona Viva, the Museo Ixhchel and Popol Vuh in Zona 9; day two exploring the sights in the Zona 1; day three, either the museums/parque zoologico in Zona 13 or out to the ruins of Kaminaljuyu. I think I'd enjoy trying different restaurants in between.

Anyhow, I'd enjoy hearing some thoughts. DAN

Daniel_Williams

Topping, hoping for some thoughts.

talavera_timbre

Hello, Daniel---you sound like me---as far as one who enjoys the city's merits! If you were taken-in by Mexico City, then I would wager that you'd enjoy Guatemala City, as well. Apples and oranges, perhaps, but still fruit, nonetheless (ha). I spent the summer of 1989 in Guatemala on a missions trip, and we stayed at the Hotel Guatemala Fiesta. I know that was a hundred years ago, but I can tell you what impressed me most at that time: the friendliness of the people, the fabulous different types of food, and the impact of a third world country crying out to keep up with the rest of the major Latin American cities. Just about everything was very inexpensive, the weather was quite humid, and the traffic was comparable to that of any other major hispanic city (no "yield-to-pedestrians&quot. Just remember that when spending any amount of time there, you should take chloroquine (anti-malaria drug) before, during, and after your trip (your family doctor will tell you to begin 2 weeks prior to leaving, if my memory serves me correctly). The same rules apply, as would in Mexico: drink bottled water, avoid dairy, be aware of your surroundings, and remember to bargain, bargain, bargain at the markets! After 15+ years of travel to various parts of Mexico (my true love), I must say that Guatemala held a positive experience.....and one that I will never forget.

Daniel_Williams

Thank you for your response talavera_timbre!

I was beginning to think that no Fodor's posters had ever set foot in Guate . Your wagering that I might like the place definitely piqued my curiosity, especially about the fabulous food! I really have no idea what Guatemalan dishes taste like; I may just have to go to find out!

Thanks again. DAN

rquirk

Things have changed a lot since 1989. The country and Guatemala City are now more dangerous.

talavera_timbre

Yes----I figured as much---I just saw that no one had yet responded, so I thought I'd take a shot in the dark, and give my 2 cents (quetzales---ha.) on what my trip was like a hundred years ago.
Daniel---have you considered any other possibilities in Mexico, by chance? Puebla is a charming colonial city (Continental flies directly into PBC from Houston/IAH)----population estimated at 1.3 million, so it's not as tiny as one might think when hearing the words "charming" and "colonial"-----home of the Talavera tiles (<<azulejos.>&gt. Going there again in April----taking hubby this time. Staying at the Camino Real (ex-convent: web rate special at $79/night); beautiful place. Popocateptl is nearby in the town of Cholula, as well as the hidden "tunnel" pyramid, diguised as a hill: stunning church built on top. I can comment on other multiple experiences about various cities. Just something to think about.

Daniel_Williams

Talavera_Timbre

I certainly have interest in other places in Mexico as well: Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guadalajara, so much to explore, so little time. I can hardly wait to see more of Mexico. Another trip.

Rquirk, as far as Guatemala is concerned though, you say the country/Guate is more dangerous than 1989. Is this first-hand or anecdotal? I'm never sure how to read a comment like that; with street smarts and educating oneself about neighborhoods and precautions (like taxis in el DF), is one unlikely to fall into trouble? I imagine things are in some ways better now than the end of the Civil War? I've read some of the stories myself (Japanese tourist in Cuchumatan), but terrible things happen in just about any city. I guess I just wonder how it feels on the ground. Antigua Guatemala I've read and have second-hand from a female friend who's been recently, seems safe. Is this not true to your mind?

DAN