Je planifie un voyage de 1 mois au Mexique en mars. Or j'ai entendu dire que le Guatemala était le plus beau pays d'amérique centrale et moins cher en plus.
Me recommandez vous davantage le Gutemala que le Mexique? Il y a t il autant de choses a voir au Guate que qu Mexique ? (Dans le fond, d'autant que je vois des pyramides je vais être satisfaite...)
a moins qu'on passe 3 semaines au Mexique et 1 au Guate?
Oui, il y a beaucoup de choses à voir au guatemala
Non, je te recommande plutôt le contraire : 3 semaines de visite au guatemala / 1 semaine sur la côte mexicaine pour profiter de la plage, plonger et visiter les sites du yucatan.
je te recommande de fouiller sur le forum, faire une recherche, et voir les post sur le guatemala (il y en a des centaines) tu trouveras les infos que tu cherches.
Si tu me demandes mon avis entre deux pays, je te le donne,
Si tu veux un descriptif détaillé du guatemala et un itinéraire, désolée, il va falloir que tu cherches un peu je ne suis pas prête à réécrire ce qui a déjà été écrit plusieurs fois sur le forum...
moi et mon copain on a en tête le Mexique depuis logtemps, et on s'en allait acheter nos billets dans pas long (le depart est prévu dans 1 mois) en plus on en a vu des vraiment pas cher 485$ hier...
Je me dis que, on va quand même aller au Mexique (ca doit quand même etre bien le Mexique c'est pas pour rien que cest si touristique non?) et pour le guatemala on ira si ca adonne, peut etre 1 semaine. Ou lors d'un prochain voyage.
Mais juste comme ca, pourrait juste me dire ton top 5 des attractions/ trucs a faire au Guatamala?
J'ai beaucoup apprécié les 2 pays: le Mexique pour l'ensemble de ses sites archéo, en particulier. Si tu aimes, alors je te conseille le Mexique. le Guatemala pour ses paysages et la sympathie de la population. Au Guatemala, tu trouveras plus d'authenticité.
Faire les 2 me paraît bcp en un mois.
Maintenant si tu nous en dis plus sur tes goûts, cela sera peut-être plus facile de te donner des avis.
En fait, je ne trippe pas vraiment archéologie. Je veux voir disons deux ou trois sites avec des pyramides parce que je les ai tant vu dans les films et dans les émission tv de mon enfance (les cités d'or!) mais je trippe plus merveilles naturelles. J'aime les paysages contrastants, les montagnes, les belles plages les palmiers les animaux exotiques, les poissons colorés. Et les belles villes typiques.
Je planifiais le Mexique depuis longtemps, a cause des pyramides et des belles plages/plongée. Or je ne veut pas passer tout mon sejour dans des site archéologique, ca m'ennuierait! J'ai besoin de contrastes, de nature époustouflante, d'activités sportives qui se deroulent dans un cadre magique (plongée, randonné en montagne, rafting, nimporte quoi qui nous fait bouger moi et mon copain on trippe!).
Au Mexique a part des pyramides et des belles plages/ plongée, je voulais voir la colonie de flamands rose et un champs de cactus à 3 bras (tsé, les typiques du Mexique)
Puisque vous arrivez à Mexico et en repartez, voilà une idée de circuit possible - pour les détails des sites à voir et activités à faire aux étapes, je vous conseille de farfouiller dans les forums Mexique et Guatémala:
Mexico: 1 jour pour visiter le Musée anthropo et une partie de la ville
Oaxaca: visites dans le secteur
Tuxtla Guiterez / San Cristobal
Entrée au Guatemala par La Mesilla et Huehuetenango
Quetzaltenango
Lac Atitlan
Antigua
Coban
El Remate (Tikal)
Retour au Mexique par Chetumal
Séjour dans la région de Playa del Carmen et visite de Tulum et autres possibilités, plongée à Cozumel....
Retour à Mexico par Cancun (j'éviterai Cancun)
Visite finale de Mexico et surtout de Téotihuacan (à faire en dernier car un tellement grand site que les autres peuvent paraître petits)
Vous auriez des sites, de la montagne, des villes coloniales, de la plage, de la plongée... Bref un peu de tout. Maintenant je n'ai pas fait le timing... Vos déplacements se feront principalement en bus locaux.
Pour avoir des idées d'activités au Guatémala, voir ci-dessous.
Bonne préparation
Voilà le CR de notre voyage au Guatémala, en 2004:
Voyageurs encore un peu routards … avec un peu de confort (salle de bains privée).
Itinéraire (hôtels) et coups de cœur: Chétumal (hôtel Principe – correct) - Mexique
El Remate (La casa de Don David – propre et sympa). Beaucoup apprécié ce lieu car en plus de Tikal, nous y avons fait du cheval, de la marche et une ballade sur le lac. Florès nous a paru sale et oppressante.
Coban (Casa Alcazar Victoria – résa faite à l'hostal de Dona V – bruyant car à un carrefour très passant – joli patio intérieur). Ville étape avec un coup de cœur au vieux monsieur du musée des orchidées. Visite des grottes de Lanquin (bof bof) et de Semuc Champey (mignonnet - mais très petit comparé à Agua Azul au Mexique). Le paysage pour y aller nous a beaucoup plu. La route est en train d'être macadamisée.
Salama (Real Legendario – correct et propre). C'est notre grand coup de cœur du voyage. Presque pas de touristes: en 2, 5 jours nous en avons vu 2. Un vrai marché local à Rabinal. Un musée au personnel sympa à San Jeronimo… et nous avons assisté à un baptême, un mariage et un enterrement et à un samedi soir très chouette sur le Zocalo.
Quetzaltenango (annexo Modelo –sympa et propre). Nous y avons eu froid. 17° dans la chambre, la nuit. Grande ville sans attrait. Chouettes ballades dans le coin: églises coloniales… Si vous allez faire une marche méfiez-vous des classifications. Facile, c'est en référence à des marcheurs de 20 ans habitués à la montagne…
Chichicastenango (Chalet house – propre et bon pain le matin). En résumé nous l'avons baptisé Couilloneritenango… Par contre nous avons bien aimé les ruines (très ruines) de Kumarcaaj à Quiché. A éviter par tous les non branchés achats touristiques surtout si vous allez à Panajachel: vous y retrouverez les mêmes marchands.
Panajachel (Playa Linda – grande chambre et superbe vue sur le lac). Surprenant tous ces touristes. Chouette balade en bateau sur le lac, villages arrêts décevant.. encore des annexes au marché à touristes. Coup de cœur pour la vue.
Antigua (Aurora – beau, personnel très sympa). Jolie reconstruction (il n'y a plus grand-chose d'ancien) d'une ville coloniale. Si vous voulez grimper un volcan sans marcher vous pouvez louer un cheval au point de départ du Pacaya (avec un "guide" qui le tiendra au licol tout le temps…)
Moyens d'information: le Routard, LP et plein de sites. Sur place super facile d'avoir des infos pour les bus, excursions…A préciser nous baraguinons l'espagnol et parlons l'anglais. Pratiquement tous les gens rencontrés ont cherché à comprendre ce que nous disions en espagnol, nous avons beaucoup apprécié cet effort. Ce n'est pas le cas partout…
Moyens de transport: nous avons presque tout utilisé, sauf les pick-up. Aucun désagrément à signaler. Dans les taxicos, pour éviter d'être trop serré, nous cherchions à être à côté du chauffeur. Parfois, pour rester à 2 on a payé 3 places. Notre point négatif: le manque de communication de certains touristes dans les shuttles. Nous les avons utilisé 3 fois et nous avons été surpris par certains comportements: pas de réponse lorsqu'on dit bonjour ou au revoir, on s'assoie et on se visse les écouteurs sur les oreilles pour tout le voyage… Nous avons préféré les bus locaux et les taxicos.
Moyens de paiement: payer par carte bancaire, s'est avéré bénéfique. Le taux de change quetzals – euros nous a été favorable. Nous en avions 2: master et visa. Aucun problème à signaler. Pour le reste du cash (facile à renouveler dans les distributeurs), des dollars (pris presque partout où il y a une activité touristique) et quelques travellers (pris directement seulement dans quelques endroits).
Petits trucs: Nous avons fait des pré-réservations par internet sans payer, confirmées 2 jours avant notre arrivée et tout s'est bien passé. Par crainte des vols, nous nous étions créé une boîte courriel spéciale avec les copies de nos papiers et billets d'avion. Il est très facile et pas trop cher de faire nettoyer ses vêtements partout, alors vous pouvez alléger les sacs…
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié ce voyage, les guatémaltèques ni très chaleureux, ni rejetant. Jamais nous ne nous sommes senti en insécurité, mais nous n'avions rien d'ostentatoire et nous avons pris très très peu de photos de personnes.
- A propose des ruines: J'ai pas encore décidé lesquelles voir, il y en a trop dans ce coin. Je préférerais en voir des différentes, au lieu de disons (disons une grandiose, une dans la jungle et une avec des stèles gravées) au lieu des voir toutes toutes. J'ai entendu dire que les stèles il y en avait a Puerto Barrios, mais cest un peu loin a l'est... il y en a til dans d'autres sites?
(Mexico City : on est pas très musées)
Le cout de la vie est ce que c'est vraiment supérieur au Mexique?
Qu'est ce que tu dis de cet itinéraire? (sans le Belize)
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1895064;search_string=guatemala%20itineraire;
Tu as certainement remarqué qu'il y a des points communs entre les 2 circuits.
J'ai proposé une fin tranquille: plage, plongée farniente avec l'idée qu'après 1 mois de vacances, on va repartir vers chez soi, le travail... donc un peu de soleil avant pourrait être un plus.
Il y a un AR inutile dans ce circuit comme d'abord Antigua puis Atitlan puis retour vers Antigua (j'éliminerai Guatemala city)...
Maintenant à vous de bâtir le vôtre en fonction de vos goûts et envies.
Vraiment dommage d'aller au Mexique et de ne pas voir au moins 1 musée et si il y en a un à voir en AmCentrale, c'est bien celui-là (sur tous ceux que j'ai vu) !!!
Pour moi, le Mexique, c'est d'abord les sites archéo, les musées et l'architecture... Bien sûr, il y a d'autres choses à voir et à faire, mais elles viennent souvent entre les premières ou en plus des premières.
Mes recommandations en matière de sites, si il faut réduire à 4, car au Mexique il y en a plein d'autres:
Grandiose: Teotihuacan
Jungle: Tikal au Guatémala ou Coba au Yucatan
Géographie splendide: Tulum
Stèles: Uxmal
Tu vas être en pleine saison touristique, pour le Yucatan au Mexique et donc c'est la période la plus chère pour y aller. Globalement, à l'époque de notre voyage (et je suppose encore maintenant) le Guatémala était moins cher.
J'ai cherché et cherché et comparé et évalué toutes les possibilités... et puis je regarde au circuit que je me suis fixé et il ressemble beaucoup a celui que tu me proposais... tu en dis quoi?
(Les numéros a côté n'indiquent pas le nombre de jours, ce que l'ordre dans lequel on veut les faire.) En tout on a 31 jours pour réaliser cela. Tu en penses quoi?
merci!!MexicoOaxaca: Puerto Escondido:: village de surfeurs San Cristóbal de Las Casasfrontière Mexique-GuatemalaLac atitlan :: canot Antigua:: rando Volcan PacayaCoban Lanquin et Semuc Champey :: grottes et paradisTikal :: jungle, animaux et ruinesfrontière Guatemala-Belize Belize :: plongée frontière Belize-Mexique Chetumal vol vers MexicoMexico :: Tehotihuacan
L'important, c'est de préparer son voyage en fonction de ses envies et de ses goûts et ainsi de créér son voyage.
Juste un point:
Pourquoi repartir de Chetumal ? C'est une grande ville avec peu d'intérêts touristiques.
Tu pourrais, peut-être, gagner du temps en rejoignant Mexico depuis le Belize. Seul intérêt de passer par Chetumal un éventuel coût moindre des vols.
Pour le reste, il y a un peu de tout ce que cette région peut offrir: mer, montagne, ruines, paysages, activités...
Je continue à voter en faveur d'une visite du musée anthropologique de Mexico...
salut,
j'ai deja vu ton itineraire, je pense que au Mexique
tu dois connaitre une de ses villes coloniales, je te conseille Queretaro, c'est super!
et pas loin du Mexico. Par contre, je te conseille de aller 3 semaines au Mexique et une semaine au Guate, parce que c'est plus grande le Mexique, si tu veux voir le paisages avec Cactus, ca c'est au nord du pays, a Zacatecas, Jalisco etc.
Bon voyage!
Premier post aujourd'hui! Je cherche la destination pour mon voyage de noces. J'ai deja limité ma recherche aux pays suivants: le Cambodge le Laos la malaisie…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Mexique · 8 replies
Mon amoureux et moi voulons essayer notre premier tout inclu même si on s'était jurés de ne jamais faire ce type de voyage... Nous avons choisi le mexique pour…
Voyager à petits prix › Costa Rica / Panama / Argentine · 5 replies
Nous sommes un couple de backpackers de 23 ans. Nous prévoyons visiter l'Amérique latine en janvier 2015. Nous aimerions connaitre vos destinations coup de…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Mexique / Cuba / République Dominicaine · 12 replies
Voilà, je ne sais pas trop par où commencer, puisque j'ignore ma destination pour le moment... L'année dernières nous sommes allés à Ste-Lucie, dans les…
Amérique Centrale › Belize / Panama / Nicaragua · 4 replies
Je commence tout juste à préparer mon prochain voyage, et il me faut commencer par la destination! Je fais donc appel à ceux qui connaissent ces pays pour me…
Hello,
We're planning 15 days in Chiapas. We already spent 3 weeks in the Yucatán 4 years ago.
What would you recommend in Chiapas? Our idea is to rent a car so we can move around freely—there’ll be two of us.
Thanks for your tips on great places to stay, restaurants, and sights to visit!
In 2024, I spent two months solo in El Salvador. While I’m still putting together my travel journal on Myatlas, here’s a quick recap.
It’s a country where it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
SAFETY:
For a long time, the country was considered one of the most dangerous in the world because of the "maras," ultra-violent gangs. But today, I think it’s the safest country in Latin America.
BUDGET:
For French tourists, the country is very affordable, especially in the less touristy regions.
TRANSPORT:
I got around everywhere by local bus.
Local buses go everywhere and run all the time. For me, it’s the best way to travel in El Salvador—you’re fully immersed, moving at the pace of the locals, and interacting with Salvadorans who are eager to connect with travelers.
I saw all sorts of things on those buses—I’ve got dozens of stories!
PEOPLE:
I’m used to traveling all over Latin America, and for me, Salvadorans are the warmest and most welcoming. Everywhere you go, people say, "Welcome to El Salvador!"
The connections and long conversations with locals were my favorite part of the trip.
TOURIST CROWDS:
The country isn’t well-known among European tourists, but Americans and Quebecers visit. Overall, it’s still pretty low-key, especially compared to other Central American countries. That said, tourism has been growing since security improved significantly.
WHAT I LOVED ❤️
-Suchitoto, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Central America.
-The volcanoes—there are so many! Santa Ana is the most touristy.
-The lakes—also plentiful. Coatepeque is the most famous, but there are lots of lagoons too.
-The mountainous regions, where the cooler weather is a nice break: La Palma, Perquín, Cerro El Pital, etc.
-The charming villages along the Ruta de las Flores, especially Nahuizalco with its nighttime atmosphere and food stalls. Juayúa and others are great too.
-The conversations with people who lived through the horrors of the civil war in Perquín and Cinquera. I met one of them by chance while waiting for a bus.
For surfers, El Salvador is a paradise, with world-famous beaches.
WHAT I LIKED LESS:
I loved almost everything, but I found the archaeological sites a bit underwhelming. Joyabaj de Cerén is billed as the "Pompeii of El Salvador," which is a stretch (though it *is* a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value).
I’ve been reading some really conflicting info about the best ways and advantages of exchanging euros for Mexican pesos. For those with recent experience, could you shed some light? Is exchanging at the airport currency exchange offices more worthwhile? Other advice suggests that withdrawing with an international bank card is the best option. Thanks for sharing your experiences on this!
Philippe
I’m heading to Guatemala for 18 days in August with my 11-year-old and I’m wondering if renting a car makes sense—not so much because of the road conditions, but because I’d like to spend about 3 days in Livingston. Since it’s only accessible by boat, I’d have to leave the car in Río Dulce. Maybe possible at a hotel, but that means paying for a rental for 3 days without using it...
Same issue for Semuc Champey—it’s only reachable by 4x4, and I won’t be renting that type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone traveled from Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Cobán (to explore the caves and waterfalls in the area)?
According to Google Maps, it’s a 6-hour, 44-minute drive... so whether by car or minibus, it’s *really* long (same for Cobán-Flores later).
Are there any interesting stops along the way where I could spend a night? And if I’m not renting a car, is it possible to take two private shuttles for this route?
Hi,
We’re planning a trip to Mexico this summer (loop through Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche). We’re thinking of using public transport or possibly renting a car. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a lot of recommendations. Are these states safe for solo travelers? Are there any precautions we should take or areas to avoid?
Thanks,
Hi everyone, I’m planning to go to Panama in December and I’d like to know which city is closest to the Panama-Costa Rica border—and just across the border in Costa Rica—to buy the cheapest bus ticket? Just so I have proof of onward travel when I take my flight, thanks.
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
Hi,
For those who’ve tried it, are Uber or similar services (if available—could you also let me know the names of local equivalents?) reliable and safe?
Thanks in advance.
Philippe
I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips.
I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize.
We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days.
So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Marilyne
Good evening,
We’re planning a long stay in Panama and Costa Rica (one of the perks of being retired), and I’m having a bit of trouble preparing for this trip.
I’ll start with Panama first, then move on to Costa Rica with my questions.
I’ll share my initial ideas a bit randomly—my partner is a bird enthusiast and photographer, so we’ll take our time in certain spots.
1) Late arrival in Panama City
2-3-4-5) Exploring the city—the canal, Gamboa Rainforest, Gatun Lake, Pipeline Road, and Soberanía National Park.
6-7: We’re thinking of heading to the San Blas Islands for 2 nights.
8: Return to Panama City
9-10-11: Renting a car to go to El Valle de Antón for 3 nights.
12-13-14: Heading to the Azuero Peninsula for 3 nights.
15-16-17: We’d love to visit Coiba Island, but it seems tricky to fit into our itinerary.
18-19-20: Boquete and Volcán Barú for 3 nights.
21: Drive to Almirante and head to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
22-23: 2 nights there.
24: Return, drop off the car, and cross the border on foot at Sixaola.
If any of you can help, thank you so much!
Christiane
Hi there! We’ve decided to head to Panama this summer and would love to do a road trip with a rental car—there are four of us, and our kids are 20 and 23. Do you have any recommendations on must-see spots and things to avoid? Any great tips for accommodation, restaurants, or activities? Thanks so much for your help
Hello,
We’re heading to Playa del Carmen for two weeks in August with our 4-year-old child.
We’ve seen that you can visit places like Tulum or Cozumel on your own using colectivos. For Coba, we’re hesitant to go alone because we’d like to see the cenotes and the Mayan village.
But we’d prefer to find a French-speaking agency that guarantees small-group tours, especially for Sian Ka’an.
We’d rather avoid the "mimi tours" even though they’re recommended by a lot of people and the *Guide du Routard*, based on the reviews we’ve read.
I’m interested in the agency Muuch Ximbal, which seems to offer slightly different outings. There’s also H and L Tours or Delphine Fautré’s agency (though the last two don’t list excursion prices). We also found Promomaya, but apparently, they don’t have an on-site agency.
Do you have any tips or other agencies to recommend?
We’d also like to swim with dolphins but outside of the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks. Do you know of other ways to swim with them, maybe even in the open sea???
I’ve also seen that it’s possible to swim with whale sharks—is this doable with a 4-year-old who doesn’t like putting her head underwater yet? Have any of you done it? This excursion is quite expensive, and I’d be okay with swimming with them, but just sailing on a boat without being able to see them would be disappointing.
PS: Our Spanish isn’t very good.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22.
We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short.
So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day
- Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover:
Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22.
Actually, I have a few questions:
Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough?
We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it.
Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market.
We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day?
We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees.
We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive.
Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost.
Thanks so much for your help!
Annick
My partner and I would like to travel to Mexico during the Christmas holidays. We’re well aware that this is a peak tourist season, but it’s the only time of year when we can take a long trip (over two weeks) due to work commitments.
We’re looking to avoid overly touristy areas and travel independently (renting a car). We want to explore Mexico’s history, take our time, and enjoy nature and the sea.
I’ve never been to Mexico before, and I’m considering the following regions (not all of them, of course): Yucatán (outside Quintana Roo), Baja California, Oaxaca, or Chiapas.
I’ve more or less ruled out Chiapas for safety reasons (even though the nature there looks amazing), and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the other regions. From experience, I know that even in highly touristy areas, you can often find quieter spots with good planning and by avoiding the main hotspots. For example, we were in Thailand last year during the same period, and aside from 2-3 places, we had a very peaceful trip—sometimes even being the only Westerners around. Would the same be true for Yucatán or Baja California?
Do you have any recommendations for nice, less touristy spots? What are your thoughts on the regions I mentioned?
Thanks so much for your help, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi there,
We’ve had to change our plans, so we’re heading to Guatemala from October 16 to 25, 2025 (in just 6 days 😱 😊😕), with two kids aged 8 and 10. No time difference for us.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Morning: Arrival in Guatemala City at 9 AM. Drive to Antigua (1-hour shuttle) / Afternoon: Stroll around Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 2: Explore Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 3: Visit the area around Antigua OR hike a volcano (Acatenango?) / Night: Antigua
Day 4: Drive to Chichicastenango for the big market (how many hours?) / Afternoon: Iximche ruins? Or the hanging bridges at Atitlán Reserve? Or spend the day in Chichicastenango / Night: Panajachel
Day 5: A day by boat visiting villages around the lake and checking out local crafts (which villages to pick?), Night: Panajachel
Day 6: Drive to Flores with 1 stop? Should we go to Semuc Champey? (how many hours?), Night: ??
Day 7: Drive to Flores (how many hours?), Night: Flores
Day 8: Yaxha (1.5-hour drive each way with a driver), Night: Flores
Day 9: Day trip to Tikal, Night: Flores
Day 10:: Flight from Flores to Guatemala City, then departure at 4:30 PM
About hiking a volcano, I’ve read mixed reviews. Some say it’s easy, others say it’s tough.
Is there a kid-friendly hike where we could see lava from a volcano? Is it only visible at night? Do we *have* to sleep at the top and come down the next day?
I’ve heard of people doing it with 2-year-olds by carrying them, and others using horses—but I guess the horses don’t go all the way up? Seeing a real volcano would be amazing! I think it’d be a memorable experience for the kids. It’d be so cool to say, "We did that as a family!" But maybe it’s way too hard and a bad idea...
I’m struggling to find reliable info on travel times:
- How long is the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, please?
I’ve read shuttles leave at 7 AM and arrive at the market by 8:30 AM, but I’ve also seen people say it’s a 4-hour trip 😕.
Are the times on Google Maps reliable?
A blog mentioned visiting Chichicastenango’s market in the morning and Iximché in the afternoon. That seems like a lot of driving, especially after leaving Antigua in the morning. What should we do in the afternoon instead?
Days 6 and 7: The trip from Panajachel to Flores. Any advice on taking an overnight bus?
Should we go during the day with a stop at Semuc Champey? Or fly and spend the extra day somewhere else?
Day 8: Is a full day at Yaxha too much?
Thanks so much for your help—it’s *so* valuable with such short notice! 😅 😅 😅 THANK YOU
PS: If you have recommendations for private drivers, shuttle services, or any firsthand experience, I’d love to hear it!
Hi, a friend will be in Panama at an all-inclusive resort and was wondering if it's worth visiting the Canal in a single day, and also which attractions shouldn't be missed.
Is it better to choose a package deal? What's the recommended mode of transport for this trip?
Thanks
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Hi there, after my trip to Nicaragua in January, I’m planning to visit Honduras and El Salvador during the same journey. Can anyone tell me where to cross the border from Nicaragua to Honduras by bus? Is it doable? Safe? And most importantly, what’s a good route to take and what’s worth seeing in Honduras in a safe way?
Is it better to travel with a group (through an agency) or is solo travel no problem?
P.S.: And for El Salvador, same question—what’s a good route and what’s generally worth seeing? Is it better to start in the south (El Salvador) and then head north to Honduras before continuing to Guatemala, or...?
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t.
No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto
- The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul
- The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán
- Antigua, very touristy but beautiful
- Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
We’re planning a 15-day family trip in February 2026 (with 3 teens). We’ll be visiting friends who live in Puebla. Initially, I was thinking of the Yucatán, but after reading up on it, I don’t think it’s the right fit for us (too crowded, too touristy).
So, we’re leaning toward something like this:
- Mexico City: 2 days (Teotihuacán + city)
- Puebla: 3 days
- Tehuacán: 2 days (to break up the trip—is this a good choice? Is there enough to do for 2 days?)
- Oaxaca: 3 days (Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, city/tours)
- Pacific Coast: 4 days (snorkeling, excursions)
Does this seem balanced? We’d like to end on the coast for some relaxation, ocean time, and fun for the kids. I’ve seen lots of excursions offered along the coast but can’t decide where to stay. Puerto Escondido? Huatulco? The beaches seem better for snorkeling in Huatulco, but I’ve read mixed things, and it’s farther away. What do you think?
For transportation, is this doable by bus? I’m struggling to find a decent bus between Tehuacán and Oaxaca (overnight schedules), and I’m not sure how to get around the coast. Also, how do we handle luggage between cities? We usually rent a car.
Finally, I’d love feedback on the Pacific Coast excursions—I get the feeling some are worth it and others aren’t. Is bioluminescence really magical? Are dolphin-watching tours ethical and not too "factory-like"? (We skipped them in Quebec and just watched whales from shore.) Can you see sea turtles up close?
Hi everyone,
There’s not much info out there on Nicaragua in general, which is why I posted my questions here on the forum... but didn’t get many answers since it’s tough to find any anyway.
It’s a stunning country, but my experience was mixed.
There are areas with very few tourists (which is exactly what we were looking for), but as a result, there’s almost no way to get around (unless you walk, and even that’s not easy or always possible) and no real tourist infrastructure.
Finding info is nearly impossible—there’s practically nothing, so it’s hard to know what you’ll find in a given place, whether it’s worth taking a 12-hour bus ride across the country, only to turn around 48 hours later.
The easy and pleasant spots: Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur and the Pacific beaches, León, and the Corn Islands. These are the places mentioned in guidebooks (the rest is jungle to the east, not many roads south of the lake, and no boats on the lake either—except for the Rivas-Ometepe connection). Venturing off the beaten path is really tough.
The Caribbean coast: aside from the Corn Islands (which are very touristy but not easy to reach by ferry from Bluefields), or if you want to take a flight with La Costeña, book in advance—there are often very few seats! The rest isn’t particularly satisfying, especially Pearl Lagoon, where swimming isn’t possible due to unsafe water. Don’t expect a postcard-perfect setting. But everything’s worth it if you have the time...
Buses: there are plenty, and they’re super cheap—but be warned, they stop everywhere, take forever, and are loud (though kind of charming in a vintage way). Too many buses can ruin a trip.
Lodges: affordable on a small budget, except in Managua and along the entire Caribbean coast! For example, beaches like El Tránsito (which is gorgeous) charge at least $50 or $60 per night for a basic room. Good to know.
In Matagalpa, we tried to rent a motorcycle to get around—impossible. I asked everywhere, but there was no way. So we cut our stay short because once you’ve explored Selva Negra, there’s not much else to do (an 8-hour bus ride to see a waterfall? No thanks). These might seem like small details, but they really matter when you want to enjoy where you are and discover nice spots—you end up stuck.
Bring plenty of mosquito spray + oral antihistamines: mosquitoes and bites are a *serious* nuisance. (I got over 200 bites in one go during a trip to a humid tropical forest, even though I was covered and protected.)
All in all, it’s an adventurous, exploratory trip. The people are great, and we never felt unsafe (even though some travelers have had *really* bad experiences). I thought there’d be a carnival since it was the right time of year—nothing. No dancing, not festive at all (compared to Brazil, for example, it’s the complete opposite).
We saw animals, but no toucans, for example!
For a beautiful, pristine, and well-organized trip, everyone agrees—go to Costa Rica, but be prepared to pay a lot more. Nicaragua is something else entirely. For surfers, though, it’s amazing! Personally, I love watching fish in clear, calm waters, hiking in nature, and swimming—I think I picked the wrong destination, but I’m glad I got to experience this totally wild side of Central America! :-)
Here’s our itinerary for 15 days in Guatemala.
Does it seem logical in terms of distances to avoid overly long trips? If not, which stop should we cut?
- Antigua
- Atitlán
- Lanquín
- Río Dulce
- El Remate – Flores
- Guatemala City
Could you help me estimate the approximate travel time for these routes by tourist bus or shuttle?
- Atitlán – Lanquín
- Lanquín – Río Dulce
- Río Dulce – El Remate
- Flores – Guatemala City
Hi everyone,
I’m so happy 🙂 to be traveling again after 5 years without a trip. I’m heading back to Costa Rica for 18 days from December 12th to 30th with a friend. We’re doing San José-Sarapiquí (2 nights), then Sarapiquí-Tortuguero (3 nights), then from Tortuguero heading to the Cahuita and Puerto Viejo area. We’ll spend about ten days in that region, then make a 2-day stop somewhere before flying back out of San José.
From what I’ve read on this blog, Puerto Viejo seems like the "rasta," party-friendly spot, which is honestly the kind of place I tend to avoid—too touristy. I’m looking for places surrounded by beautiful nature. I’ve already spent several weeks in Drake Bay (in 2019 and 10 years before that) and loved it. My friend also wants to visit the Bri Bri.
Could you recommend some authentic spots in this southern Caribbean area? Your favorite places—whether it’s sights to see, accommodations, or even your favorite little restaurants 😛?
What’s the most authentic way to visit the Bri Bri? What’s your take on that?
And finally, what beautiful stop would you recommend before heading back to San José?
A huge thank you to everyone!
Have a great day,
Zineb
We’d like to do a tour to Yaxchilan and Bonampak from Palenque, but it seems there are tons of travel agencies offering this tour. We’ve also read about a lot of disappointments... any recommendations?
Hi,
I’m heading to Cancun next January and I’m looking for a rental car.
I’m overwhelmed by all these cheap offers from sites like Booking, Carigami, and others...
Some reviews mention extra insurance fees that had to be paid on the spot.
I’d love to hear about your experiences—what company did you use? Were you charged any additional costs?
A lot of ads redirect to Touracancun, but they don’t seem trustworthy to me.
Thanks for your feedback!
My son is finishing up a year of working holiday in Canada soon. His plan is to take a bus from Montreal to Florida on 10/26, stay there for a few days, then fly to Cancun, Mexico. From there, he doesn’t have a precise plan yet, except to head down to Panama if the security situation in the countries he’ll cross allows it. Then, in March 2026, he’ll take a flight to Martinique, where he’d like to either find a sailboat (as crew) for the return transatlantic crossing (option 1) or do a sailing internship that includes the crossing (option 2).
So my questions are:
- Will he be able to re-enter Mexico without an exit date or proof of a flight back to Belgium? Would being able to prove his return by sailboat with a specific date (option 2, the sailing internship) make things easier?
- Are there any countries to avoid between Mexico and Panama? He’s traveling backpacker-style on a small budget.
Hi everyone, absolute travel lovers after our 20 trips to the USA, we’ve decided to head to Mexico in February (flight already booked: Nice to Cancun on February 20th, returning on the evening of March 1st).
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things:
- **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island?
- **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend?
- **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car.
Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour.
Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum.
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view).
Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.
End the day at Playa Paraíso.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal.
Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.
Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen.
Evening on 5th Avenue.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino).
Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min).
Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos.
Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport.
Return rental car. Return flight.
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among:
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Holbox
- Valladolid
- Tulum
- Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
