Preparing our 6-week independent trip to Guatemala

Hello,

Our tickets are booked from mid-January to the end of February 2019—we’re heading to Central America for the first time! We’re getting ready by learning Spanish, checking out blogs, and we’ve got the Lonely Planet guide. We’re not exactly 20 anymore (not even close to 3x 20...), but we’ve got a bit of travel experience under our belts, mostly in Asia so far.

Six weeks might seem like an unusual length for Guatemala, but it gives us time to explore all the country’s most iconic spots and even dip into both coasts. Since we’ve got the time, I’m looking for ideas that aren’t as covered in the guides, and I’d love to hear about your experiences—you’ve all discovered this country before us. I’ve already read a ton of posts on this forum, by the way. We love everything this country has to offer: nature, culture, and meeting people. As for trekking, though, our age (and while we’re still in shape) means we’re sticking to lighter adventures.

Our plan is to travel using local transport, but we’re not looking to make things harder than they need to be.

For now, our route would start in Antigua and head to the Pacific coast: Monterrico, then back to Copán and the Atlantic coast (Livingston, Río Dulce, etc.), El Remate, Tikal, Sayaxché, Cobán, Semuc Champey, Nebaj, Quetzaltenango, and finally ending at Lake Atitlán.

Some of the places I’m interested in seem tricky to connect, and I could really use your insights. According to the LP, there are agencies in every town that could help us get from, say, Antigua to Copán (Honduras) or from Copán to Río Dulce? We’re open to breaking up the tougher routes with stops along the way.

Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!

Hi Anr,

I’m reaching out to you again...

Looking at your itinerary, I’m surprised Todos Santos Cuchumatán isn’t on the list... No point going there during the week. Market day is Saturday, and especially for the men’s traditional clothing—one of the most beautiful, like in Sololá... In the Lonely Planet, there’s the address of two local guides who offer tours like hikes, cultural discovery, etc... Preferably, go with this one—cheaper, friendlier, more welcoming, and he’s the most popular... You can contact him by email: https://fr-fr.facebook.com/rigoberto.pablocruz1

todossantoscuchumatan.weebly.com Or when you arrive, he can be reached through a shop on the main street—a souvenir and traditional clothing store... The owner speaks a little French, if I remember correctly...

Nebaj—I didn’t have time to go there, but it’s mainly a destination for hiking. I met two fellow backpackers in Todos Santos who confirmed that...

Best, Jérôme

Thanks Jérôme, I’m still in the early stages of planning this route, but you’re right—I hadn’t really considered that destination near Huehuetenango. In the Lonely Planet guide, it’s only mentioned for the Day of the Dead. Anyway, I’m taking good note of your message and the links. This is exactly the kind of advice I’m hoping for.

Hello, So, the tickets are booked from mid-January to the end of February 2019. We’re heading to Central America for the first time. We’re preparing by learning Spanish, checking out blogs, and we’ve got the LP guide. We’re far from being 20 years old—more like over 3 times that... We’re starting to get some travel experience, but so far it’s mostly been in Asia. Six weeks seems like an unusual length of time for Guatemala. It gives us the chance to visit all the country’s most iconic spots and explore both coasts. Since we’ve got the time, I’m looking for ideas that aren’t as covered in the guides, and I’d love to hear about your experiences if you’ve already discovered this country. Just so you know, I’ve already read a lot of posts on this forum. We love everything this country has to offer—nature, culture, and meeting people. As for trekking, though we’re in good shape, our age means we’re sticking to lighter adventures. The plan is to travel using local transport, but we’re not looking to make things harder than they need to be. For now, the route would start from Antigua to the Pacific coast: Monterrico, then back to Copán and the Atlantic coast—Livingston, Río Dulce, etc.—El Remate, Tikal, Sayaxché, Cobán, Semuc Champey, Nebaj, Quetzaltenango, and finish at Lake Atitlán. Some of the places I’m interested in seem tricky to connect, and I’d love to hear about your experiences. According to the LP guide, there are agencies in every town that could help us get from, say, Antigua to Copán, Honduras, or from Copán to Río Dulce? Knowing we can break up the harder routes with stops along the way. Thanks in advance for your tips and advice.

Hello,

We’re in the same boat as you and planning to go to Guatemala in February. Are you happy with your itinerary, and did you end up changing it? We’re around the same age and are thinking of renting a motorcycle instead of taking the bus (we’re used to it). Do you have a little recap of your adventure? Thanks