Bonjour Est il si difficile que cela de conduire au Guatemala ; nous sommes 2 couples et nous partirons en janvier 2020 nous avons conduit à Cuba au Mexique et au Costa Rica sans pb Trajets envisagés arrivée avion Guatemala City prendre un shuttle pour Antigua puis panjachel et Lac atitlan et chichitenango puis quetzaltenango et environ huehuetenango dodos Santos et les villages de chancol kebab et acul Peut on continuer vers Coban ou faut il revenir prendre une plus grande route vers Guatemala City mais cela allonge sérieusement les km pour aller à lanquin semuc champ ey puis el remate et Tikal avant de rentrer par Rio dulce et Copan Merci pour vos réponses

Nous envisageons de partir 1 mois en Janvier 2020 au Guatemala , nous sommes un couple de 70 ans et aimons prendre les transports locaux , Je lis beaucoup de choses sur la sécurité au Guatemala et ça m'inquiète un peu .Merci de m'aider un peu dans la préparation de mon voyage.

hi there,

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

Hello,

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

Thanks for your help

Hi,

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.

Thanks for your answers.

Claire

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, I’m planning to visit Panama in January 2026—we’re seniors. I found a tour: *Discovery of Panama with an extension to Santa Clara*. Has anyone here done this tour? What do you think? Thanks for your feedback!

Hi there,

After a lot of hesitation about our Central America destination (trip in July), we finally decided on Panama.

For this country, we're looking for info to fine-tune our itinerary.

To avoid spending entire days in the car, does anyone have any firsthand experiences or suggestions for towns or villages to stop at: Between Panama City and Valle de Anton? Between Valle de Anton and Pedasí (Santiago, Parita, Chitré)? Between Pedasí (or another nearby village) and Santa Catalina? Is Isla Cébaco worth the detour? (How do you get there?) Is there another departure point for Coiba (other than Santa Catalina)? Between Santa Catalina and David (is Boca Chica worth the detour?) Between David and Boquete? Between Boquete and Bocas del Toro?

Also, we’ve seen that Panama is known for its waterfalls, some of which look stunning—like Cascada Macho de Monte and La Silampa.

Do you know of any waterfalls that are easy to access (we’re traveling with a child) and don’t require hours of hiking?

Thanks in advance if you can help! (Of course, we’re researching everywhere, but nothing beats real-life experiences.) :)

Hi there,

We’re heading to Panama from January 29 to February 13 as a couple, and I’m unsure about the order and duration of the stops. Here’s what I have in mind:

2 days in San Blas

2 days in Santa Fe (it’s either that or Boquete, but I think I’d prefer Santa Fe)

4 days in the Bocas del Toro archipelago

3 days in Panama City and surroundings

2 days in Valle de Antón? Not sure if it’s really worth it

1 "flexible" day

What do you think?

We’re also debating whether to take a direct flight to Bocas first, then rent a car to gradually make our way back to Panama City and do San Blas at the end—or do the opposite: start with San Blas, rent a car, and finish with the domestic flight from Bocas back to Panama City.

Any specific tips?

Thanks so much for your help! 😊

Hi everyone, Planning a trip to Panama... Itinerary still in the works... I’d love to hear your thoughts on this 3-week plan for February/March 2025: Day 1: arrive in PC in the late afternoon Day 2-3: PC Day 4-5-6: Valle de Anton Day 7-8-9: Santa Catalina Day 10-11-12: Boquete Day 13-14-15: Boca Chica Day 16-17: Santa Fe Day 18-19: Gamboa Day 20: PC Day 21: flight back to France at 2:00 PM Thanks for your feedback

Hi everyone, We’re spending a few days in Chichicastenango at Hotel Giron (highly recommend!). We’ll be wandering around the cemetery, the central park, and Pascual Abaj. Any other suggestions that don’t involve too much travel time? Thanks!

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Guatemala in a few days, and the most recent posts are starting to get a bit old... Would anyone have more up-to-date info on whether it’s better to exchange euros rather than dollars? Do we still need crisp bills no matter the currency? Thanks, and great to be back on VF! !

Bonjour,

Est-ce qu'il y a des bus entre El Remate à Sayaxché? Si oui, où dormir à Sayaxché?

Merci d'avance.

Merci à tous ceux qui auront des infos à me donner, pour un éventuel voyage en mars 2020, 15 jours, pour ma meilleure amie et moi-même (nous avons fait plusieurs fois Cuba et le Mexique et cherchons une nouvelle destination en Amérique Centrale - ou Sud- qui ne nous revienne pas trop cher et nous permette de profiter de la nature, de la faune, et d'une ambiance sympa). Nous voyageons sans agence, en bus, et dormons avec plaisir chez l'habitant, quand c'est possible. Merci encore!

Bonjour, je pars normalement au Panama en janvier rejoindre des amis sur place. Si quelqu'un à des infos générales à me donner, des sites à voir, les choses à éviter, les gens, l'ambiance du pays... se serait sympa🙂 Olivier

J'ai vu sur le site que la poste semble fonctionner difficilement depuis le passage du public au privé (en 2017 ?...) Les choses se sont elles améliorées depuis ?.... J'ai, quantité de neveux et nièces, famille et amis qui attendent les cartes postales du bout du monde que j'envoie lors de mes voyages…. Les voyageurs qui sont partis fin 2018 ou en 2019 ont ils rencontré ce problème ? et, si oui, y a t'il une méthode pour y pallier (envoi d'une poste ou d'un lieu bien précis). Si la situation perdure, puis-je envisager l'achat de cartes au Guatemala, que je posterai au Honduras (je devrais y passer 2 jours pour visiter Copán…). Merci pour vos informations.

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.

Looking forward to exchanging tips with you!

Joëlle

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

Hi there,

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:

https://www.myatlas.com/borboleta/guatemala-deux-mois-au-pays-de-la-couleur

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!

For an upcoming trip to Panama, we contacted the Tout Panama network, which requires a (real) credit card for the rental companies it acts as an intermediary for—something that’s rare and apparently not so easy to get in France. I’ve posted another question about where to find a credit card in France, but that’s a different topic.

Usually, we do our research directly on forums and especially Google Maps. We scan all the listed rental agencies and scrutinize the reviews. Very often, we come across local agencies with excellent ratings. So we avoid the big brands, which always find a way to scam you.

But for the first time, I can’t find anything that inspires confidence. On the contrary, in Panama City, all of them have terrible ratings (scams, delayed charges, etc.).

My question: are there any travelers who can recommend reliable agencies (possibly with contact details if they’re companies) that might accept debit cards?

Thanks so much in advance,

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Panama and have a general question, because it seems that debit cards are systematically refused there.

Are there any credit cards available in France that I can use for travel without restrictions, especially for renting cars abroad?

I’d appreciate any useful info: bank names, how to sign up, specific requirements, guarantees, how much to put in the account, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

I have a few questions about Panama. I’ve heard that it’s possible to travel from Panama to the San Blas Islands.

1- Does anyone have information about small plane transport to the islands? I understand it’s possible to fly to one of the main islands, but there might also be other drop-off points for visiting more remote islands. We’re traveling with kids and would prefer to avoid a 5 AM wake-up and a mountain car ride if possible.

2- Regarding our route through the country: we’ve noted the issues with renting a car. We’ve seen that a common itinerary is to fly directly to Bocas del Toro afterward, then return in stages by bus or rental car.

We imagine taking the bus would be really long and tiring (especially with a child). If we rent a car all the way to the west of the country, do you have any recommendations? (e.g., options to rent there and drop it off at the airport or in Panama City, names of local agencies?)

Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Panama in the summer of 2026 (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 9 and 6).

Here’s my first draft for the itinerary. Could you give me some advice, please?

Day 1: Panama City + night 1 Day 2: Departure for the San Blas Islands (I don’t have a transfer company yet and I’m hesitant to drive there myself in an SUV) + 1 or 2 nights depending on the price Day 3 (or 4): Return to Panama City + departure for Isla Grande (maybe too much in one day, so maybe an extra night in Panama City and leave the next day for Isla Grande) For Isla Grande, should I go through Portobelo? Day 3 or 4: Isla Grande + night Day 4 or 5: From Isla Grande to Lake Gatun for an Embera immersion (I haven’t checked the travel time yet) + night Day 5 or 6: Departure from Lake Gatun to El Valle de Antón + 2 or 3 nights Day 7 or max Day 9: Head to the Gulf of Chiriquí and Boca Chica + 2 or 3 nights? Day 9 or max Day 12: Boquete + 2 nights Day 11 or 14: Bocas del Toro (one of the surrounding islands) + 2 nights Day 13 or 16: Return to Panama City by plane the day before the international flight. I don’t have all 21 nights planned yet, but there are still some details to work out with your help ;)

Also, is it possible to rent a car in Panama City and drop it off at the Bocas del Toro airport? (I think so...) Finally, what are the steps for driving back from Bocas del Toro to Panama City (to avoid the domestic flight)?

Thanks in advance!

A fantastic trip, dominated by the Altiplano, volcanoes, and especially the Mayan people!

Our route: Antigua – San Lucas de Toliman (Lake Atitlán) – Chichicastenango – Sayaxché – El Remate – Flores – Río Dulce – Livingston – Antigua I won’t describe our trip in detail but will highlight a few points that go beyond the usual routes and really won us over. In Antigua, it’s easy to take a chicken bus from the bus station next to the central market in the eastern part of the city to visit nearby villages. We went to Santa María de Jesús on a Sunday without seeing any other Westerners. We got lost in its colorful market, ate at a *comedor* with local dishes we didn’t find anywhere else, and were surrounded by incredibly welcoming Mayans. Several villages around Lake Atitlán are well-covered by travelers and guides like *Routard* and *Lonely Planet*, but if you want to stay somewhere more authentic, I recommend San Lucas de Toliman (we stayed at *Casa Qatzil*—great place!). It’s in the southeast of the lake, with a market on Tuesdays and Fridays, a central square full of locals (more of those super-friendly Mayans!), and the option to visit other villages by *lancha* (boat) for the day. A walk toward the lake lets you pass by the washhouses, and there are hikes accessible by *pick-up* (shared transport), like the twin volcanoes Tolimán and Atitlán or Cerro del Oro (less challenging!). We loved visiting Santa Catarina Palopó—get lost in its maze of steep alleys, admiring the blue facades with their characteristic paintings. There are direct *chicken bus* connections to Chichicastenango in 1.5 hours. Cheap and convenient, though a bit bumpy! Chichicastenango is famous for its market, described as the largest in Central America, on Thursdays and Sundays. A flood of tourists arrives between 10 AM and 1 PM, shuttled in by organized buses from Lake Atitlán and Antigua. But if you have time, stay overnight the day before and enjoy the market before 10 AM or in the afternoon. This little town (more of those welcoming Mayans!) is worth lingering in for a day or two to visit the cemetery, extraordinarily colorful and a site of Mayan rituals. Also take time to go to *Plaza Baktun*, a site considered sacred in Mayan culture where religious ceremonies take place around seven sculptures several meters tall. The ruins of Aguateca are barely excavated (most structures are still covered in vegetation) and are only accessible by boat, traveling up a tributary of the Río de la Pasión to the sound of howler monkeys and birdsong (1.5 hours from Sayaxché). We felt like we got a sense of daily life in the ancient city—not just its religious dimension—with its ravine for sheltering women and children during attacks, its cliff, and defensive walls. Alone with our *lancha* driver, who acted as our guide in the barely cleared jungle, this site doesn’t overlap with Tikal at all—the vibe is completely different. We stayed in El Remate instead of Flores to visit Yaxhá and Tikal, at *Posada Ixchel* (great place!). This quiet little town lets you stroll along the lake and hike in *Cerro Cahui*, a protected biotope leading to a viewpoint. Plus, it’s on the way to the sites, saving 45 minutes per trip.

Feel free to ask me questions about the places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!

Bonjour,

Je souhaiterai connaître les possibilités pour envoyer des colis depuis le Guatémala (et/ou éventuellement le Mexique puisque cela semble beaucoup moins cher). J'ai compris qu'il n'y avait plus de poste publique au Gautémala et les seules simulations que j'ai réussies à faire (DHL) m'ont vraiment donné des tarifs hors de prix, alors s'il y a des gens qui ont fait l'expérience d'envois ou qui sur place arrivent à avoir des renseignements fiables, je suis intéressé par les possibilités, les tarifs ou autres renseignements utiles sur le sujet.

Et idem du Mexique où nous ferons une incursion !

Merci à tou(te)s d'avance pour ces renseignements précieux !

Bonjour, Un forumeur pourrait-il nous communiquer un contact mail ou téléphone de la Posada El Arco à Chichicastenango ? Si nous n'arrivons pas à les joindre ou si le prix est hors de notre budget prévisionnel, nous réserverons à l’hôtel Chalet (c'est pour une nuit). Merci d'avance pour votre aide

Bonjour, Alors voilà j'ai lu dans différents guides et différents témoignages que si on achetait son billet d'entrée à Tikal après 15h il était daté du lendemain et permettait donc de faire une "seconde" visite le jour suivant.

Mais dans d'autres guides ils n'en parlent plus et j'ai lu sur un blog que ce n'était plus vrai, alors j'aurais souhaité avoir des infos à jour si quelqu'un pouvait me confirmer ce serait super.

Merci d'avance à tou-te-s

Bonjour, je pars au mois de mars au guatemala et j aurai besoin de conseils de la communauté sur le sens de mon itineraire et également sur la région des hautes les plus intéressantes : Mon itin��raire de 3 semaines : Antigua, lac atltitan (San Marcos la laguna, San pedro la laguna) chichicastenango, nebaj, semuc champey, livingston, Rio dolce, flores, Tikal, retour guatemala city, J hésite de rajouter Quetzaltenango et huehuetenango ou alors todos Santos cuchumatan quand pensez vous ? Le sens de mon circuit vous paraît il logique ? Ou alors je recourcies le guatemala pour rajouter le belize

Bonjour a tous je prépare un voyage de 15j au guatemala et au belize Voila mon idée mais je doute qu elle soit bonne J aimerais faire J1 antigua J2 lago atitlan J3 un volcan J4 chichicastenango , De la partir a flores ( en empruntant un bus de nuit si la liaison existe ) J6 j7 profiter de flores et tikal A j7 un des voyageurs repartirait en avion interne de flores a ciudad pour prendre son avion le lendemain et nous continuerions vers le belize pour flaner la deuxieme semaine et prendre notre a avion a j14 du belize. Pensez vous que cet itineraire est approprié. Merci de votre aide